The new 2020 Corvette has finally reached production. But boy–has it been a bumpy ride.

The new model looks sleek and speedy. Running just under $60,000 when purchased new, it boasts 500 horsepower and a mid-mounted V8 engine. It comes fully loaded with all kinds of tech. This shiny new sports car has Apple Car Play and Android Auto. The rear-view mirror also acts as a display for a rear-view camera. An optional system tracks speed bumps using GPS and raises the car so as not to damage the front when you’re driving.

The aerodynamic design is aesthetic but functional too. Chevy built this car for life in the fast lane. It easily outperforms manual transmissions, operating on an automatic transmission that makes driving smooth and easy. But getting this puppy to production has been anything but smooth and easy.

The 2020 Corvette: Up Against the World

Chevy had hoped to have shipped the first round of pre-order cars to customers in December of 2019. But a strike at General Mills halted labor for months. Finally, the United Auto Workers came to a compromise with Chevy and production resumed.

–Only to be stopped nearly immediately by the COVID-19 pandemic. It seemed for a time that perhaps the 2020 model was just never going to properly make it to market. But recent reopening procedures bring hope that they might still be able to fulfill the early orders. Collectors and car-lovers may be determined to have a first-year model. But Chevy has good news for other interested parties: the 2021 model will be identical. Even its base price will remain the same.

Sometimes that which is hard-earned is better appreciated. The 2020 Corvette certainly faced obstacles but perhaps that just makes it all the more precious. Those with a first-year edition will have a doozy of a story to tell for years to come.