There's no single definitive "why" for that specific sales number, as it's a result of many interacting factors. However, some key contributing elements likely include:
* The economy: The early 1980s saw a period of economic recovery following a recession, influencing consumer spending on discretionary items like sports cars. However, the recovery wasn't fully robust, so sales might not have been higher.
* Competition: The Corvette faced competition from other American muscle cars and sports cars, as well as imports, impacting its market share.
* Vehicle characteristics: The 1983 Corvette, while iconic, wasn't necessarily a revolutionary model. Its features and performance likely played a role in attracting or deterring buyers.
* Marketing and advertising: Chevrolet's marketing campaign influenced how many people were aware of and interested in purchasing the Corvette.
* Pricing: The price of the Corvette relative to its competitors and the average consumer's purchasing power influenced sales.
In short, the 1983 Corvette sales figure is a complex outcome of various economic, competitive, and product-specific factors. Pinpointing one single reason is impossible.