Wide availability of ice cream in the late 19th century led to new creations. In 1874, the American soda fountain shop and the profession of the soda jerk emerged with the invention of the ice cream soda.
10 most valuable Corvettes. With a new Corvette being revealed at the Detroit auto show, here are past 'Vettes that are the most valuable today. 1963 Grand Sport. The 1963 Grand Sport only barely qualifies as a production car but, going for between six and eight million dollars, it definitely qualifies as valuable.
Variety is creating a greater opportunity for profitability. Corvette is struggling -- last year was its worst sales year in about 50 years. Sure, the recession smacked Corvette sales, but the days of 30,000-plus annual sales may be long gone. Most Corvette buyers are in their 50s, and older -- not the kind of demographic any automaker is comfortable with.