Nuts & Bolts Page
The Small Club with the Big Heart! Giving back to the Community...
■ Cameron's Smile ~ Make A Wish Foundation
■ Bailey Stager
■ Headstone purchased for Member Dean Ward's brother's grave-site.
■ Hospice
■ Bethany Center of Piqua, Ohio
■ Friends of the Farm, Johnston's Farm, Piqua, Ohio
■ Kidney Foundation via NCCC
■ Spina Befida via NCCC
Information furnished by MVCC Treasurer
■ Bailey Stager
■ Headstone purchased for Member Dean Ward's brother's grave-site.
■ Hospice
■ Bethany Center of Piqua, Ohio
■ Friends of the Farm, Johnston's Farm, Piqua, Ohio
■ Kidney Foundation via NCCC
■ Spina Befida via NCCC
Information furnished by MVCC Treasurer
Corvette Museum - Vets N Vettes: November 3rd - 5th, 2016
Individual taking delivery of his new Corvette Z06 at the Corvette Museum during the Vets N Vettes weekend!
November 2016 President's Message November 3rd, 2016

Insurance Report:
On Oct.1, 2016, I provided an overview on Who is Covered? in our five NCCC Inc. insurance policies.
This report is the second half of the information covering What is Covered?
The following information is for informational purposes and not intended to override any language or coverages within the current NCCC policies. All insurance coverages are subject to the terms and conditions of the current policies.
What is Covered?
* Trailers, vehicles, tents, and awnings used as part of the operation of the event are covered.
* Food items sold by the Host Club or a group from the Hosting Club or Clubs, if it is not for profit. i.e. proceeds are used for charity.
* Timing lights & reflectors at both the start & finish lines are covered under the following conditions:
1. Timing equipment is rented by the Host Club for their specific event.
2. There is an invoice showing the amount paid for the rental of this timing equipment.
What is Not Covered?
* Trailers, vehicles, tents, and awnings used for personal use during and event.
* Timing equipment that is used but not rented with an invoice, is considered being used for personal use.
* Pylons, tools, club trailers for hauling materials, etc. to the event are considered as being used for personal use.
* Club trailers being towed to and from the event are covered by the person’s vehicle insurance who is towing the vehicle.
* Injury or damages cause by your dog you bring to an event.
* Go-Pro units or transponders, cameras, recorders, etc.
* If your club sponsors an individual or organization either by identifying you are sponsoring them and/or putting your club logo on their property. Highly recommended not to do this!
* Injury or damages caused by remote control type equipment, such as, drone, airplane, etc.
* Club or personal items placed in remote storage facilities.
* Personal damages caused by someone saying something about you, pictures, or videos put on social media, like Facebook, Twitter, etc.
In summary: Both the Oct & Nov Reports are to provide a brief overview of coverages with our policies so a member has an opportunity to better understand how they are protected. The FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) provided under the Insurance Section on the NCCC Website provides more in-depth information.
Many believe our insurance is aimed at the competition or racers side of the organization. It is not. The insurance is designed for the protection of the non-racer. Keep in mind: When the racer is competing, they are within controlled environments with strict safety rules under our NCCC Competition
Manual.
Those many members who are driving in drive-outs, caravans, plus car shows, etc. are not in controlled environments. They are among the general public with all the unknown risks that could happen. You have your personal automobile coverage which is typically $250,000 with a $250.00 or
$500.00 deductible.
As a member of NCCC you now have $5M protection in addition. That’s the benefit!
Jack Wilson
NCCC Business Manager
On Oct.1, 2016, I provided an overview on Who is Covered? in our five NCCC Inc. insurance policies.
This report is the second half of the information covering What is Covered?
The following information is for informational purposes and not intended to override any language or coverages within the current NCCC policies. All insurance coverages are subject to the terms and conditions of the current policies.
What is Covered?
* Trailers, vehicles, tents, and awnings used as part of the operation of the event are covered.
* Food items sold by the Host Club or a group from the Hosting Club or Clubs, if it is not for profit. i.e. proceeds are used for charity.
* Timing lights & reflectors at both the start & finish lines are covered under the following conditions:
1. Timing equipment is rented by the Host Club for their specific event.
2. There is an invoice showing the amount paid for the rental of this timing equipment.
What is Not Covered?
* Trailers, vehicles, tents, and awnings used for personal use during and event.
* Timing equipment that is used but not rented with an invoice, is considered being used for personal use.
* Pylons, tools, club trailers for hauling materials, etc. to the event are considered as being used for personal use.
* Club trailers being towed to and from the event are covered by the person’s vehicle insurance who is towing the vehicle.
* Injury or damages cause by your dog you bring to an event.
* Go-Pro units or transponders, cameras, recorders, etc.
* If your club sponsors an individual or organization either by identifying you are sponsoring them and/or putting your club logo on their property. Highly recommended not to do this!
* Injury or damages caused by remote control type equipment, such as, drone, airplane, etc.
* Club or personal items placed in remote storage facilities.
* Personal damages caused by someone saying something about you, pictures, or videos put on social media, like Facebook, Twitter, etc.
In summary: Both the Oct & Nov Reports are to provide a brief overview of coverages with our policies so a member has an opportunity to better understand how they are protected. The FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) provided under the Insurance Section on the NCCC Website provides more in-depth information.
Many believe our insurance is aimed at the competition or racers side of the organization. It is not. The insurance is designed for the protection of the non-racer. Keep in mind: When the racer is competing, they are within controlled environments with strict safety rules under our NCCC Competition
Manual.
Those many members who are driving in drive-outs, caravans, plus car shows, etc. are not in controlled environments. They are among the general public with all the unknown risks that could happen. You have your personal automobile coverage which is typically $250,000 with a $250.00 or
$500.00 deductible.
As a member of NCCC you now have $5M protection in addition. That’s the benefit!
Jack Wilson
NCCC Business Manager
Only 11 visits on September 12th with 40 unique visits on September 18th, 2016!
Celebrating Veterans: September 22nd, 2016

November 3-5, 2016 is our annual celebration of veterans - Vets 'n Vettes presented by Mobil 1. Thursday's activities focus on showing appreciation to those who have served as well as members of the Warrior Transition Battalion from Fort Knox with laps and rides in Corvettes at the NCM Motorsports Park, Museum and Plant tours, and a recognition lunch presented by Don Franklin Chevrolet, Buick, GMC of Somerset, KY.
Other activities include a meet 'n greet with dinner at the local VFW, road tours, poker run, banquet and participation in the Bowling Green Veteran's Day Parade.
Registration is only $20.
Other activities include a meet 'n greet with dinner at the local VFW, road tours, poker run, banquet and participation in the Bowling Green Veteran's Day Parade.
Registration is only $20.
MVCC Member Jim Asbury Attends; Corvettes at Carlisle 2016 August 26th, 2016
AUGUST 2016 PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE August 1st, 2016

The 2016 NCCC Annual Corvette Convention in Omaha ended on July 22nd. If you attended, I know you will agree with me that it was a wonderful week of fun with great events, tours, parties, and NCCC members from all over the country. I can’t wait until NCCC returns to Omaha again in the future. Thank you Cornhuskers Corvette Club. This week has been and continues to be the place to come and see your NCCC family every year.
On September 10th at the NCCC Governors’ Meeting in St Louis, NCCC Officer Positions are open for nominations again for a two year term. The terms for the offices of President, VP of Membership, Treasurer, Director of Public Relations, and Sergeant at Arms end in December. I encourage you to get involved in the workings of NCCC. You won’t regret it and the rewards of helping so others can enjoy NCCC are never ending.
NCCC’s new raffle program got off to a great start at the Bloomington Gold Corvette show in June. The Charity Committee was also selling tickets at the Omaha Convention for a certificate toward a new Corvette. Don’t wait to buy a ticket as they may all be gone prior to the drawing at the November Governors’ Meeting in St. Louis. You can buy your tickets on line on the NCCC web site at corvettesnccc.org. Proceeds go to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
This month I have asked Denny Luther, Director of Public Relations, to write an article about what is happening in the PR department. I think you will find his article very informative and very valuable as a member of NCCC.
Remember that all the Officers of NCCC, National, Regional, and Club Governors are here to help with any questions you may have. This month the NCCC Grants and Hardship Program had three hardship requests for NCCC members that lost their homes in a tornado. The NCCC Scholarship Program also awarded 15 Scholarships to NCCC families at the Omaha Convention. NCCC is a family, and family is always here to help if we can.
Be safe and remember that today is the first day of the rest of your life.
Dave Heinemann
President NCCC
On September 10th at the NCCC Governors’ Meeting in St Louis, NCCC Officer Positions are open for nominations again for a two year term. The terms for the offices of President, VP of Membership, Treasurer, Director of Public Relations, and Sergeant at Arms end in December. I encourage you to get involved in the workings of NCCC. You won’t regret it and the rewards of helping so others can enjoy NCCC are never ending.
NCCC’s new raffle program got off to a great start at the Bloomington Gold Corvette show in June. The Charity Committee was also selling tickets at the Omaha Convention for a certificate toward a new Corvette. Don’t wait to buy a ticket as they may all be gone prior to the drawing at the November Governors’ Meeting in St. Louis. You can buy your tickets on line on the NCCC web site at corvettesnccc.org. Proceeds go to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
This month I have asked Denny Luther, Director of Public Relations, to write an article about what is happening in the PR department. I think you will find his article very informative and very valuable as a member of NCCC.
Remember that all the Officers of NCCC, National, Regional, and Club Governors are here to help with any questions you may have. This month the NCCC Grants and Hardship Program had three hardship requests for NCCC members that lost their homes in a tornado. The NCCC Scholarship Program also awarded 15 Scholarships to NCCC families at the Omaha Convention. NCCC is a family, and family is always here to help if we can.
Be safe and remember that today is the first day of the rest of your life.
Dave Heinemann
President NCCC
43 Unique visits on July 24th with the low being 12 visits on July 27th!
Blast From The Past! July 18th, 2010The Stillwater Car Show ~ Englewood, Ohio:
Members of the MVCC traveled together to attend the Stillwater Benefit Car Show. Shown is Cindy and Tom Lillicrap's Ferrari, Chris and Dean Ward's 1998 C5 in Nassau Blue Metallic, and Casper Shahan's Light Carmine Red Metallic 1997. |
The 1954 Kaiser Darrin is Your Classic Corvette Alternative by Zach Doell

Mention the words “classic American two-seater” and most minds will immediately recall the shapely Chevrolet Corvette and the iconic Ford Thunderbird. Both cars have lived long and storied lives. Both names are forever engrained in American car culture.
But there was another American two-seater, albeit a short-lived one, that arrived on the scene at around the same time—the Kaiser Darrin. Though often times forgotten, the Darrin actually debuted in 1952, predating the reveal of the ’53 Chevrolet Corvette by a few months. Its production was to be a short run, though despite this, its story is nevertheless an important one.
The Kaiser Darrin—officially the “Kaiser Darrin 161”—was born in 1954 to Kaiser Motors (née Kaiser-Frazer), which had been one of the breakout stars in the U.S. automotive industry following World War II. While the Big Three had restarted production of pre-war cars in 1945, Kaiser had made an auspicious start with new models and stylish designs.
By the early 1950s however, over-production of vehicles and a resurgence from the Big Three cast serious doubts on Kaiser’s health. In a bid to reclaim some of its lost flair, Kaiser turned to California designer and coachbuilder Howard “Dutch” Darrin and requested a special two-seat roadster be designed. His eponymous creation is what you see above, and it presented an impactful front end, smooth body lines, and a then-radical fiberglass body. The doors? Those “pocket doors” slide into the front of the car…not out.
Production of the Kaiser Darrin began in late 1953 (the Corvette did beat it to the production punch), but with a number of corporate issues underfoot and an original price tag of $3,655—the Darrin was slow to sell. Some would say it was simply “slow” altogether. Though the fiberglass sportster only weighed 2,175 pounds, its locomotion was tasked on a 90 horsepower Willys six-cylinder and three-speed manual. By comparison, the ’53 Chevrolet Corvette wielded 150 horsepower out of the gate.
Sadly the Darrin’s future was sealed by the time it went on sale and as a result only 435 were sold in 1954. Kaiser’s U.S. passenger vehicle production ended a year later in 1955. Interestingly, after the Darrin was put on ice, Howard Darrin bought up 50 of the remaining unsold cars and ended up selling them through his own California dealership through 1957, many of which were supercharged and tuned-up.
Expectedly this tiny allotment of original cars makes these quite uncommon on today’s market, and recently values have shot up. Hagerty Insurance values average Kaiser Darrin examples at around $103,000. Fancy one?
But there was another American two-seater, albeit a short-lived one, that arrived on the scene at around the same time—the Kaiser Darrin. Though often times forgotten, the Darrin actually debuted in 1952, predating the reveal of the ’53 Chevrolet Corvette by a few months. Its production was to be a short run, though despite this, its story is nevertheless an important one.
The Kaiser Darrin—officially the “Kaiser Darrin 161”—was born in 1954 to Kaiser Motors (née Kaiser-Frazer), which had been one of the breakout stars in the U.S. automotive industry following World War II. While the Big Three had restarted production of pre-war cars in 1945, Kaiser had made an auspicious start with new models and stylish designs.
By the early 1950s however, over-production of vehicles and a resurgence from the Big Three cast serious doubts on Kaiser’s health. In a bid to reclaim some of its lost flair, Kaiser turned to California designer and coachbuilder Howard “Dutch” Darrin and requested a special two-seat roadster be designed. His eponymous creation is what you see above, and it presented an impactful front end, smooth body lines, and a then-radical fiberglass body. The doors? Those “pocket doors” slide into the front of the car…not out.
Production of the Kaiser Darrin began in late 1953 (the Corvette did beat it to the production punch), but with a number of corporate issues underfoot and an original price tag of $3,655—the Darrin was slow to sell. Some would say it was simply “slow” altogether. Though the fiberglass sportster only weighed 2,175 pounds, its locomotion was tasked on a 90 horsepower Willys six-cylinder and three-speed manual. By comparison, the ’53 Chevrolet Corvette wielded 150 horsepower out of the gate.
Sadly the Darrin’s future was sealed by the time it went on sale and as a result only 435 were sold in 1954. Kaiser’s U.S. passenger vehicle production ended a year later in 1955. Interestingly, after the Darrin was put on ice, Howard Darrin bought up 50 of the remaining unsold cars and ended up selling them through his own California dealership through 1957, many of which were supercharged and tuned-up.
Expectedly this tiny allotment of original cars makes these quite uncommon on today’s market, and recently values have shot up. Hagerty Insurance values average Kaiser Darrin examples at around $103,000. Fancy one?
National Council of Corvette Clubs, Inc. ~ July NCCC President's Message July 1st, 2016

Summer is in full swing and members are involved having fun everywhere. This past week Michele Cantelmo, the new Director of Charity, Debbie Lindsey, the Director of Sponsorship, Dale Samuelson VP of Competition, and I spend four days with our better halves’ at the Bloomington Gold Corvette Show (BGS) in Indy. Great weather and a great place to kick off the new NCCC raffle program and a the new charity raising funds for St. Jude’s Children Research Hospital in Memphis, TN. NCCC member Guy Larsen and owner of the BGS, gave NCCC a great location and passes for all the workers who helped selling raffle tickets and working the Autocross which also was a huge success each day. Attendees at the show were lining up for a ride in a race car and also trying out their own skills driving their own car on the course. Thank you to the clubs and members of the Indiana Region for hosting this fun annual event. I see this last weekend in June in Indy growing each year for NCCC.
The Omaha NCCC Annual Convention is just three weeks away as I write this. There is still the opportunity to attend convention on a day pass. I encourage you to try to go at least one or two days to see what convention is all about and how much fun you can have with and without your Corvette. Convention is open to every NCCC member to attend.
The new 2017 Corvettes are back on line and being produced at the plant in Bowling Green, KY. The new Grand Sport should be the hottest car on the production line this year. Chevrolet and Corvette just keep getting better and better each year. Make sure you plan on Convention in BG in August 2017 to see how the Corvette is made with a plant tour. You will not regret it. Again, NCCC Conventions are for all NCCC members.
This year is the 25th Anniversary for the Future Corvette Owners Association (FCOA).
Attached to my post is a report from Pat Kelly, FCOA Director. Pat has headed up this program for many years giving of time and effort raising funds and sending to all FCOA members’ packets each year full of fun stuff relating to the Corvette hobby. Over 5000 young members have joined for a onetime fee of $10 birth up to age 16. FCOA is the place to get young people interested in the hobby of cars and to ensure they want and like the Corvette in the future. Read Pat’s article and support FCOA whenever you can. FCOA is funded by financial support from NCCC clubs and NCCC members.
Have a fun and exciting summer with your club, its members, and the Corvette. Remember, we came for the cars, but we stay for the people. NCCC has some of the best members in the world. Get to know them, you won’t regret it. Drive fast and BE SAFE!!!
Dave Heinemann
President NCCC
The Omaha NCCC Annual Convention is just three weeks away as I write this. There is still the opportunity to attend convention on a day pass. I encourage you to try to go at least one or two days to see what convention is all about and how much fun you can have with and without your Corvette. Convention is open to every NCCC member to attend.
The new 2017 Corvettes are back on line and being produced at the plant in Bowling Green, KY. The new Grand Sport should be the hottest car on the production line this year. Chevrolet and Corvette just keep getting better and better each year. Make sure you plan on Convention in BG in August 2017 to see how the Corvette is made with a plant tour. You will not regret it. Again, NCCC Conventions are for all NCCC members.
This year is the 25th Anniversary for the Future Corvette Owners Association (FCOA).
Attached to my post is a report from Pat Kelly, FCOA Director. Pat has headed up this program for many years giving of time and effort raising funds and sending to all FCOA members’ packets each year full of fun stuff relating to the Corvette hobby. Over 5000 young members have joined for a onetime fee of $10 birth up to age 16. FCOA is the place to get young people interested in the hobby of cars and to ensure they want and like the Corvette in the future. Read Pat’s article and support FCOA whenever you can. FCOA is funded by financial support from NCCC clubs and NCCC members.
Have a fun and exciting summer with your club, its members, and the Corvette. Remember, we came for the cars, but we stay for the people. NCCC has some of the best members in the world. Get to know them, you won’t regret it. Drive fast and BE SAFE!!!
Dave Heinemann
President NCCC
Corvette Celebrates 63 Years of Production: June 30th, 2016

The Corvette has been produced for seven generations over the past 63 years. Known throughout the world as “America’s Sports Car,” the Corvette embodies the concept of innovation. On June 30, 1953, the first Corvette came off the assembly line. In 2008, the United States House of Representatives passed a resolution that June 30th would annually be known as “National Corvette Day.” That’s right, a whole day devoted to America’s sports car.
The Corvette has been produced for seven generations over the past 63 years. Known throughout the world as “America’s Sports Car,” the Corvette embodies the concept of innovation. On June 30, 1953, the first Corvette came off the assembly line. In 2008, the United States House of Representatives passed a resolution that June 30th would annually be known as “National Corvette Day.” That’s right, a whole day devoted to America’s sports car.
Below is the actual text from the resolution.
“H. Res. 970
In the House of Representatives, U. S., June 26, 2008.
Whereas the Chevrolet Corvette is America’s first sports car;
Whereas the first production Corvette rolled off a Flint, Michigan, assembly line on June 30, 1953;
Whereas the Corvette is now manufactured in Bowling Green, Kentucky;
Whereas the Corvette is the most widely respected production sports car in United States history;
Whereas the Corvette is truly a symbol of American pride;
Whereas General Motors is celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2008; and
Whereas the 30th of June would be an appropriate day to designate as `National Corvette Day’:
Now, therefore, be it Resolved, That the United States House of Representatives supports the designation of a `National Corvette Day’ to honor the Chevrolet Corvette.”
To help mark this year’s “National Corvette Day” here’s a brief glance at the history of the Corvette.
At the beginning of the 1950s, Harley J. Earl, General Motors’ designer, developed an idea. Earl dreamed of an American sports car that would sell for around the same price as a mainstream American sedan. Inspired by the great European sports cars of the time, Earl wished to create an American sports car that would be able to hold its own against the foreign competition. He became aware of the increasing popularity of European sports cars in America, and he hoped to build a comparable sports car in the United States. In 1953 Earl introduced the Corvette as his latest “dream car.” The Corvette was only intended to be a part of General Motors’ traveling display, located at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York City. However, the Corvette was an instant hit. From the moment the prototype Corvette was put onto display, the history of “America’s sports car” was set into motion. With its fiberglass body and sleek design, the Corvette was met with thousands of interested potential buyers at the New York show.
With such popularity at the GM Motorama show, just a few months later the Corvette was launched into production in Flint, Michigan. On June 30th, 1953, the first Corvette rolled off the assembly line. The first 300 models of Corvette were built in Flint in 1953. Each of these Corvettes were Polo White roadsters with red interiors, and black canvas tops. These early models were designed to open from the inside, and the exteriors lacked door handles. Two options were offered in the original 300 Corvettes: a signal seeking AM radio and a heater. Although these were listed as options, every 1953 Corvette came furnished with both the heater and a radio.
In 1954 the Corvette production moved from Flint, Michigan to St, Louis, Missouri. It was here that mass production of the Corvette would begin. With the introduction of Chevrolet’s first V-8 engine in 1955, through the influence of GM engineer Zora Duntov, the car’s performance greatly improved. The increase in performance helped bridge the gap from cruiser into the high performance sports car that the Corvette is known to be today. So important were Duntov’s contributions during the beginning of the Corvette’s history that he is often credited with the nickname “Father of the Corvette.” By the mid-1960s, the Corvette had secured its reputation as America’s favorite sports car.
In 1981 GM transferred production of the Corvette from St. Louis to Bowling Green, Kentucky. Originally a Chrysler air-conditioning unit factory, the facility was completely refurbished into a modern automotive facility. Since then, the facility has doubled in size, and Bowling Green has remained the exclusive home of the Corvette for over 30 years.
The Corvette has been produced for seven generations over the past 63 years. Known throughout the world as “America’s Sports Car,” the Corvette embodies the concept of innovation. On June 30, 1953, the first Corvette came off the assembly line. In 2008, the United States House of Representatives passed a resolution that June 30th would annually be known as “National Corvette Day.” That’s right, a whole day devoted to America’s sports car.
Below is the actual text from the resolution.
“H. Res. 970
In the House of Representatives, U. S., June 26, 2008.
Whereas the Chevrolet Corvette is America’s first sports car;
Whereas the first production Corvette rolled off a Flint, Michigan, assembly line on June 30, 1953;
Whereas the Corvette is now manufactured in Bowling Green, Kentucky;
Whereas the Corvette is the most widely respected production sports car in United States history;
Whereas the Corvette is truly a symbol of American pride;
Whereas General Motors is celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2008; and
Whereas the 30th of June would be an appropriate day to designate as `National Corvette Day’:
Now, therefore, be it Resolved, That the United States House of Representatives supports the designation of a `National Corvette Day’ to honor the Chevrolet Corvette.”
To help mark this year’s “National Corvette Day” here’s a brief glance at the history of the Corvette.
At the beginning of the 1950s, Harley J. Earl, General Motors’ designer, developed an idea. Earl dreamed of an American sports car that would sell for around the same price as a mainstream American sedan. Inspired by the great European sports cars of the time, Earl wished to create an American sports car that would be able to hold its own against the foreign competition. He became aware of the increasing popularity of European sports cars in America, and he hoped to build a comparable sports car in the United States. In 1953 Earl introduced the Corvette as his latest “dream car.” The Corvette was only intended to be a part of General Motors’ traveling display, located at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York City. However, the Corvette was an instant hit. From the moment the prototype Corvette was put onto display, the history of “America’s sports car” was set into motion. With its fiberglass body and sleek design, the Corvette was met with thousands of interested potential buyers at the New York show.
With such popularity at the GM Motorama show, just a few months later the Corvette was launched into production in Flint, Michigan. On June 30th, 1953, the first Corvette rolled off the assembly line. The first 300 models of Corvette were built in Flint in 1953. Each of these Corvettes were Polo White roadsters with red interiors, and black canvas tops. These early models were designed to open from the inside, and the exteriors lacked door handles. Two options were offered in the original 300 Corvettes: a signal seeking AM radio and a heater. Although these were listed as options, every 1953 Corvette came furnished with both the heater and a radio.
In 1954 the Corvette production moved from Flint, Michigan to St, Louis, Missouri. It was here that mass production of the Corvette would begin. With the introduction of Chevrolet’s first V-8 engine in 1955, through the influence of GM engineer Zora Duntov, the car’s performance greatly improved. The increase in performance helped bridge the gap from cruiser into the high performance sports car that the Corvette is known to be today. So important were Duntov’s contributions during the beginning of the Corvette’s history that he is often credited with the nickname “Father of the Corvette.” By the mid-1960s, the Corvette had secured its reputation as America’s favorite sports car.
In 1981 GM transferred production of the Corvette from St. Louis to Bowling Green, Kentucky. Originally a Chrysler air-conditioning unit factory, the facility was completely refurbished into a modern automotive facility. Since then, the facility has doubled in size, and Bowling Green has remained the exclusive home of the Corvette for over 30 years.
June visits to the MVCC Website: 61 unique visits on June 21st with only 13 visits on June 23rd and 25th, 2016
Corvette Cruise-in: Treasure Island - Troy, Ohio June 26th, 2016
Found! Local Barn Find. Question is, would you restore it or drive it "as is"?
Please share with us, your thoughts and opinion as to what you would do with this Roadster: [email protected] Sorry, Not For Sale
$700 Corvette Posted On Craigslist Turned Out To Be Worth Millions! May 31st, 2016
The seller had no clue what he was sitting on. by Jay Traugott
It may have looked like an early C1 Corvette but it turned out to be much, much more than that. Too bad the guy from the Tampa Bay, Florida area who first posted it for sale about five years ago on Craigslist only priced it at $700. Big mistake. It was the No. 1 Cunningham Corvette. Here’s what his ad claimed (typos included): "SERIAL # X53L on documented 1953 pre-production Corvette Frame. We believe this to be a 1953 Pontiac prototype that was to assume the name Longoria?
Info received to date indicates that Zagato designed and PIininfarina constructed the body for GM in late 52. Might anyone have knowledge of some former FISHER BODY executive that could assist in further identifying this automobile?"
Clearly this guy had no clue what he had. The No. 1 Cunningham Corvette is the most sought-after Corvette ever built, and is worth millions of dollars. The Cunningham Corvette, of which three were built, is a 1960 model year C1 made into race cars by Briggs Cunningham. All three raced at Le Mans that year, but only car # 3 finished, and it won its class. But then the cars were turned back into street cars and were sold. They disappeared for years. Number 3 was found first and restored. Number 2 was found in a California junkyard, but is now on display (and restored) at the Petersen Automotive Museum. Number 1, according to a Fox News report, has been positively identified and is now owned by an Indiana car dealer.No word on how much the guy ended up paying for it, but a full restoration is planned, which will cost more than $500,000 and will take at least a year. After that it’s expected the owner will sell it, asking somewhere from $3 million to $7 million, if not more. So, the lesson here is that if you plan to sell something on Craigslist, or any other online platform, do your homework first. Who knows? You could be missing out on millions.
It may have looked like an early C1 Corvette but it turned out to be much, much more than that. Too bad the guy from the Tampa Bay, Florida area who first posted it for sale about five years ago on Craigslist only priced it at $700. Big mistake. It was the No. 1 Cunningham Corvette. Here’s what his ad claimed (typos included): "SERIAL # X53L on documented 1953 pre-production Corvette Frame. We believe this to be a 1953 Pontiac prototype that was to assume the name Longoria?
Info received to date indicates that Zagato designed and PIininfarina constructed the body for GM in late 52. Might anyone have knowledge of some former FISHER BODY executive that could assist in further identifying this automobile?"
Clearly this guy had no clue what he had. The No. 1 Cunningham Corvette is the most sought-after Corvette ever built, and is worth millions of dollars. The Cunningham Corvette, of which three were built, is a 1960 model year C1 made into race cars by Briggs Cunningham. All three raced at Le Mans that year, but only car # 3 finished, and it won its class. But then the cars were turned back into street cars and were sold. They disappeared for years. Number 3 was found first and restored. Number 2 was found in a California junkyard, but is now on display (and restored) at the Petersen Automotive Museum. Number 1, according to a Fox News report, has been positively identified and is now owned by an Indiana car dealer.No word on how much the guy ended up paying for it, but a full restoration is planned, which will cost more than $500,000 and will take at least a year. After that it’s expected the owner will sell it, asking somewhere from $3 million to $7 million, if not more. So, the lesson here is that if you plan to sell something on Craigslist, or any other online platform, do your homework first. Who knows? You could be missing out on millions.
80 Unique visits on May 8th! 69 Unique visists on May 22nd! Only 9 visits on May 11th...
2017 NCCC CONVENTION BACK ON TRACK AGAIN May 22nd, 2016

April 23rd at the NCCC second quarter Governor’s meeting in St. Louis it was announced that the 2017 NCCC Convention was cancelled. NCCC had some bumps in the road and a road block, but I want everyone to know that the road has been repaired and the NCCC 2017 Convention is back on the road ready for everyone to head to Bowling Green, KY for the 58th annual party of Corvette events and fun. The location is the home of the Corvette, the Corvette Assembly Plant, the National Corvette Museum, and the new Motor Sports Park, and all there for NCCC to see, play, and have fun. Check the NCCC Website for the latest updates.
The Chair people Richard Yanko and Deb Murphy are working on the event for next year. The official announcement from Richard and Deb is below.
Thank you everyone for being patient while the details were worked out. All is good!
Dave Heinemann
President NCCC
The Chair people Richard Yanko and Deb Murphy are working on the event for next year. The official announcement from Richard and Deb is below.
Thank you everyone for being patient while the details were worked out. All is good!
Dave Heinemann
President NCCC
Bud's Corvette Car Show and Cruise-in May 7th, 2016
MVCC Members, Ruth Meyers and Chris Ward assisted with the Raising of the Flag at Bud's 26th Annual Corvette Car Show and Cruise-in! Each year, Bud's Chevrolet in St. Marys, Ohio draws 500+ Corvettes to their event. One of the traditions each year is the 10:00AM raising of the flag! The show is free to all that wish to attend and includes a road rally around Lake St. Marys / Celina Reservoir. The lake has 52 miles of shore line, much of which is readily accessible to the public. It is approximately nine miles long and three miles wide. Also known as, Grand Lake, a favorite spot for thousands of vacationists from Ohio and neighboring states, came into being as a reservoir to supply water for the Miami and Erie canal. It was started in 1837 and completed in 1845 at a cost of approximately $600,000. The 17,500 acre reservoir was for many years the largest artificial body of water in the world,* until the building of Hoover Dam. Congratulations Chris and Ruthie! |
NCCC PRESIDENT'S MAY 2016 REPORT May 1st, 2016

There is a saying that April showers bring May flowers. I believe in this saying with all the rain in April we had and all the flowers blooming in May.Returning from the April Governors meeting in St Louis on April 23rd there are some exciting things I want to share with all the members of NCCC.
The new Director of Charity is Michele Cantelmo from the East Region. I look forward to working with Michele as we start this new adventure for charity. At this meeting a vote was taken on a new NCCC Charity and St. Jude took the majority of the votes. St. Jude will receive NCCC’s support from the new raffle program of $50 tickets with a limit of 2000 tickets. The first sale of tickets will be at the Bloomington Gold Corvette Show in June at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. There also will be an Autocross event at Bloomington Gold hosted by NCCC for those who want to try their skills with their Corvette. The next venue to sell tickets for St. Jude will be at the NCCC Convention in Omaha, followed in August at the Carlisle Show. The raffle prize is a certificate valued at $54,000 for a new Corvette or a cash offer of $40,000. Find your best deal at a Chevy dealer near you and NCCC pays $54,000 toward the purchase of your new Corvette. Hard to beat that deal!
March 2016 I sent out the first letter by email to as many members that NCCC had email addresses in the NCCC data base. The letter was very well received by everyone who received it. Over 550 members responded to me that it was nice to hear about everything happening in the organization. Many NCCC members heard second hand about the letter, appointing a new Charity Director at the April meeting and starting a new charity to support, and wanted to know why they did not receive the email.
9800 emails were sent out to members with around 780 bouncing back not deliverable. Since the letter in March, over 500 members have corrected or given their Governor the correct email to receive future communications from NCCC. It is important for every member to contact your club Governor and check to make sure they have your correct mailing and email addresses. You do not want to miss out on all the good and exciting things happening to NCCC in the future.
Last month Jack Wilson, NCCC Business Manager, included with my message a letter about the NCCC insurance that we all benefit from. Every month one of the NCCC Officers will include something about their position as an officer. This month Dale Samuelson, Vice President of Competition, has written a report about the NCCC Competition Program. Look forward to more and more information about NCCC in the future from all the NCCC Officers that serve all the members.
Thank you everyone for all the support you have shown me and all the Officers of National Council of Corvette Clubs. We are here to serve YOU!
Dave Heinemann
President NCCC
The new Director of Charity is Michele Cantelmo from the East Region. I look forward to working with Michele as we start this new adventure for charity. At this meeting a vote was taken on a new NCCC Charity and St. Jude took the majority of the votes. St. Jude will receive NCCC’s support from the new raffle program of $50 tickets with a limit of 2000 tickets. The first sale of tickets will be at the Bloomington Gold Corvette Show in June at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. There also will be an Autocross event at Bloomington Gold hosted by NCCC for those who want to try their skills with their Corvette. The next venue to sell tickets for St. Jude will be at the NCCC Convention in Omaha, followed in August at the Carlisle Show. The raffle prize is a certificate valued at $54,000 for a new Corvette or a cash offer of $40,000. Find your best deal at a Chevy dealer near you and NCCC pays $54,000 toward the purchase of your new Corvette. Hard to beat that deal!
March 2016 I sent out the first letter by email to as many members that NCCC had email addresses in the NCCC data base. The letter was very well received by everyone who received it. Over 550 members responded to me that it was nice to hear about everything happening in the organization. Many NCCC members heard second hand about the letter, appointing a new Charity Director at the April meeting and starting a new charity to support, and wanted to know why they did not receive the email.
9800 emails were sent out to members with around 780 bouncing back not deliverable. Since the letter in March, over 500 members have corrected or given their Governor the correct email to receive future communications from NCCC. It is important for every member to contact your club Governor and check to make sure they have your correct mailing and email addresses. You do not want to miss out on all the good and exciting things happening to NCCC in the future.
Last month Jack Wilson, NCCC Business Manager, included with my message a letter about the NCCC insurance that we all benefit from. Every month one of the NCCC Officers will include something about their position as an officer. This month Dale Samuelson, Vice President of Competition, has written a report about the NCCC Competition Program. Look forward to more and more information about NCCC in the future from all the NCCC Officers that serve all the members.
Thank you everyone for all the support you have shown me and all the Officers of National Council of Corvette Clubs. We are here to serve YOU!
Dave Heinemann
President NCCC
NCCC V.P. of Competition Message

Spring is here and across the country Corvette events of all types are taking place. NCCC clubs sanction (host) events of various types including concourse (judged car show), rally, and various types of speed events. The one thing that these events have in common is having fun with your Corvette and with people who all have a similar interest. If you have not tried one of these events, make it a point to do so – you might really enjoy it. I have personally been active at one level or another for the last 35 plus years and I can tell you this is one of the greatest groups of people you will ever find. After the event you might find yourself having dinner and fellowship at a local restaurant or maybe at a tailgate party. It’s amazing how the fiercest competitors can share good times at the end of the day!
We can only host these events because of our insurance and this insurance is only affordable in part because of our excellent claims record. Safety is a key factor and is the responsibility of us all. Whether you are an event chair, a worker, entrant, or spectator, if you see something that looks unsafe – say something. We want to be doing these same events for a long, long time.
Your Competition Committee is responsible for the competition program and the competition program rulebook. We are currently working on revisions and changes to take place in 2017 and 2018. This is a huge task undertaken by your RCD’s who give freely of their time. Take a moment to give them your feedback and also say thank you. These are volunteers who do their best to insure that you have a fair and enjoyable program.
Over the past many years, I’ve belonged to a bunch of different clubs and organizations. I have never stayed in any other hobby or organization as long as I have with NCCC. I am convinced that this is because of you, the NCCC members. I’ve never had the privilege of working with and having fun with such a great group of people! You are the best and I hope I have the opportunity to meet you at a competitive event this year.
Dale Samuelson
NCCC VP of Competition
We can only host these events because of our insurance and this insurance is only affordable in part because of our excellent claims record. Safety is a key factor and is the responsibility of us all. Whether you are an event chair, a worker, entrant, or spectator, if you see something that looks unsafe – say something. We want to be doing these same events for a long, long time.
Your Competition Committee is responsible for the competition program and the competition program rulebook. We are currently working on revisions and changes to take place in 2017 and 2018. This is a huge task undertaken by your RCD’s who give freely of their time. Take a moment to give them your feedback and also say thank you. These are volunteers who do their best to insure that you have a fair and enjoyable program.
Over the past many years, I’ve belonged to a bunch of different clubs and organizations. I have never stayed in any other hobby or organization as long as I have with NCCC. I am convinced that this is because of you, the NCCC members. I’ve never had the privilege of working with and having fun with such a great group of people! You are the best and I hope I have the opportunity to meet you at a competitive event this year.
Dale Samuelson
NCCC VP of Competition
23 Unique Visitors on April 12th and April 19th and 22 visits on April 28th, 2016
April 21st, 2016
The artist known as Prince has died ... He was 57. Prince's body was discovered at his Paisley Park compound in Minnesota early Thursday morning. Multiple sources connected to the singer confirmed he had passed. An emergency dispatch call came in for a "male down, not breathing." One of Prince's iconic hits was "Little Red Corvette". We all know the song actually had nothing to do with our beloved, Corvette. But that is the nice thing about music, we can interpret a song anyway we wish.... How many of us have driven just a bit faster down the interstate with "Little Red Corvette' blaring on our Corvette's car radios? |
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MVCC President Drawn to the Dark Side: April 7th, 2016
NCCC President's April Message: April 1st, 2016

Something new was discovered at the Board of Governors meeting in St. Louis on February 27th, 2016. Over the years many members have selected to “opt out” of receiving anything from NCCC sponsors that might be offered to our members. In December of 2015 one sponsor sent to members who had NOT “opted out” a really nice 2016 calendar with pictures of many NCCC members, clubs, and Corvettes. “Ecklers” have offered to repeat with a 2017 calendar. The membership address data base has been reset so that everyone will receive the 2017 calendar this winter. If for some reason you do not wish to receive this item or any other sponsor items that might be sent to our membership, please contact your club Governor who can “opt” you out.
In 2015 NCCC decided to stop our charity support of National Kidney Foundation. At the April 23rd Governors meeting a vote will be taken to decide between three charities which one to support going forward with the NCCC raffle program to win a certificate for a new Corvette or cash. The three charities are Shriners Hospital for Children, St. Jude Research Hospital, and Lions Club International. All three are very well known charities and do much to help others. I also will be appointing a new Director of Charity at the April meeting. If you are interested in this position, please fill out the application on the Web Site under “Officers---Appointed Officers---Director of Charity” and summit to me by April 15th, 2016. The Elected NCCC board can then review all the applications and present to the Governors a new Director.
Starting this month I have asked NCCC Business Manager Jack Wilson to write an article about the NCCC Insurance Program and all the benefits and protection NCCC receives. NCCC Vice President of Competition Dale Samuelson will write a report next month as the competition program gets under way for 2016. Look for a new report from every Elected Officer each month throughout the year.
Thank you all for being members of NCCC. This is your club, your organization, and you all make it the great club it is. If ever there is something of a concern, please contact me or one of the officers. We are here to serve YOU!
Dave Heinemann
President
National Council of Corvette Clubs, Inc.
In 2015 NCCC decided to stop our charity support of National Kidney Foundation. At the April 23rd Governors meeting a vote will be taken to decide between three charities which one to support going forward with the NCCC raffle program to win a certificate for a new Corvette or cash. The three charities are Shriners Hospital for Children, St. Jude Research Hospital, and Lions Club International. All three are very well known charities and do much to help others. I also will be appointing a new Director of Charity at the April meeting. If you are interested in this position, please fill out the application on the Web Site under “Officers---Appointed Officers---Director of Charity” and summit to me by April 15th, 2016. The Elected NCCC board can then review all the applications and present to the Governors a new Director.
Starting this month I have asked NCCC Business Manager Jack Wilson to write an article about the NCCC Insurance Program and all the benefits and protection NCCC receives. NCCC Vice President of Competition Dale Samuelson will write a report next month as the competition program gets under way for 2016. Look for a new report from every Elected Officer each month throughout the year.
Thank you all for being members of NCCC. This is your club, your organization, and you all make it the great club it is. If ever there is something of a concern, please contact me or one of the officers. We are here to serve YOU!
Dave Heinemann
President
National Council of Corvette Clubs, Inc.
The MVCC website had 58 unique visitors on March 29th, 2016
Fight NCM Motorsports Park Closing by Signing the Petition March 26th, 2016

Laura Gilbert of Bowling Green, Kentucky, has drafted an online petition that can be signed by NCM supporters worldwide to help illustrate how important the National Corvette Museum and the track are to the Bowling Green community and its economy. In an interview with the Bowling Green Daily News Gilbert stated, “The folks at NCM have lent a hand and we started the petition. It’s really important people understand what the NCM means for Bowling Green. We have a lot of support here in Bowling Green but, honestly, a lot from the folks all over. These are people who love coming here and spend money here.”
The petition will allow folks who may not be local to the area to show their support after the City-County Planning Commission of Warren County announced that it will table its decision in order to flesh out more information, and before Warren District Judge John Brown makes his decision regarding NCM’s appeal. The appeal reads:
We support the NCM Motorsports Park and want it to be successful as long as the neighbors’ ability to enjoy their homes and properties is not adversely affected. Therefore, we support the park’s request for an Amended Detailed Development Plan from the City-County Planning Commission to develop noise abatement structures to further protect neighbors. Moreover, we believe that the National Corvette Museum and NCM Motorsports Park are assets to the community as demonstrated by the $35 million in economic benefits they generate for the City of Bowling Green. We applaud their efforts to serve as a good corporate citizen and neighbor, and urge the favorable consideration of their application.
To sign the petition, please follow this link: http://www.supportncm.com/petition/.
Motorsports park ordered to stop events until meets noise standards
- By KATIE BRANDENBURG
The National Corvette Museum Motorsports Park today was issued a notice of violation by the City-County Planning Commission in response to complaints from neighbors about noise.
The notice, issued this morning prior to a meeting of neighbors at the park on Grimes Road, calls for all building construction and event-related activities to cease within 24 hours. It states the property is out of compliance with the Warren County Joint Zoning Ordinance.
Planning commission staff report they delivered the NOV this morning, but as of press time Wendell Strode, executive director of the National Corvette Museum, had not seen the document.
The notice calls for the motor sports park to comply with adopted binding elements for the property and conditions of approval of the detailed development plan approved for the property, including installation of a noise abatement structure.
Neighbors in recent weeks complained about the noise created by the park, including at a planning commission meeting two weeks ago.
The notice also calls for a detailed construction site plan compliance summary that verifies all existing buildings along with other structures and a site summary including seating capacity, the control tower under construction and all planned meeting spaces within seven days of the NOV being issued.
Within 30 days of the notice, a detailed construction outline and timeline must be issued to comply with binding elements and the detailed development plan approved for the development, including a noise abatement structure.
It should be verified to the planning commission the site is in compliance with adopted binding elements and conditions of approval for the site’s detailed development plans within 90 days of the notice being issued.
An event is scheduled for July 10 at the park. “10/10ths Motorsports was conceived out of pure passion for the sport, and we have implemented that passion into every aspect of our operation. We welcome drivers of all skill levels, from the 1st timer to the experienced racer. We have a group that fits you just right,” the park’s website states.
The park opened in time for the museum’s anniversary in September and had a ribbon-cutting ceremony mid-month that drew Gov. Steve Beshear.
The Motorsports Park completes what Beshear called a “Corvette trifecta” that includes the General Motors Bowling Green Assembly Plant and the Corvette museum.
“There can be no doubting the lure of the track as a tourist attraction – speed,” Beshear said.
The park was constructed with millions of dollars from private donors, but included a $400,000 special projects tourism grant from the Bowling Green Area Convention and Visitors Bureau. Those grants are approved for projects that will bring additional visitors to stay in the county’s motel rooms.
The notice, issued this morning prior to a meeting of neighbors at the park on Grimes Road, calls for all building construction and event-related activities to cease within 24 hours. It states the property is out of compliance with the Warren County Joint Zoning Ordinance.
Planning commission staff report they delivered the NOV this morning, but as of press time Wendell Strode, executive director of the National Corvette Museum, had not seen the document.
The notice calls for the motor sports park to comply with adopted binding elements for the property and conditions of approval of the detailed development plan approved for the property, including installation of a noise abatement structure.
Neighbors in recent weeks complained about the noise created by the park, including at a planning commission meeting two weeks ago.
The notice also calls for a detailed construction site plan compliance summary that verifies all existing buildings along with other structures and a site summary including seating capacity, the control tower under construction and all planned meeting spaces within seven days of the NOV being issued.
Within 30 days of the notice, a detailed construction outline and timeline must be issued to comply with binding elements and the detailed development plan approved for the development, including a noise abatement structure.
It should be verified to the planning commission the site is in compliance with adopted binding elements and conditions of approval for the site’s detailed development plans within 90 days of the notice being issued.
An event is scheduled for July 10 at the park. “10/10ths Motorsports was conceived out of pure passion for the sport, and we have implemented that passion into every aspect of our operation. We welcome drivers of all skill levels, from the 1st timer to the experienced racer. We have a group that fits you just right,” the park’s website states.
The park opened in time for the museum’s anniversary in September and had a ribbon-cutting ceremony mid-month that drew Gov. Steve Beshear.
The Motorsports Park completes what Beshear called a “Corvette trifecta” that includes the General Motors Bowling Green Assembly Plant and the Corvette museum.
“There can be no doubting the lure of the track as a tourist attraction – speed,” Beshear said.
The park was constructed with millions of dollars from private donors, but included a $400,000 special projects tourism grant from the Bowling Green Area Convention and Visitors Bureau. Those grants are approved for projects that will bring additional visitors to stay in the county’s motel rooms.
March 24th, 2016

NCCC Members;
Registration increase for the 2016 NCCC Convention is approaching with a price increase on May 1st for those who register late.
As an incentive to get registered prior to the increase, NCCC is going to award two (2) free convention packages worth $380.
Please read message from the 2016 NCCC Convention Director Gene Gau.
Thank you in advance for registering and see you all in Omaha this summer.
Dave Heinemann
President NCCC

“Have I got news for you”
There is still room for you and your better half to register for the 2016 Corvette Convention in Omaha Ne. The tours are not quite full, neither are the hotels and the race track can hold more cars, so come on down July 17, 2016 and join us for a fun week.
To sweeten the pot, we will be drawing a name at the April 23rd Governors meeting in Saint Louis, from all the people who have registered by April 20, 2016. The winner will receive a free registration to the convention for two. You do not need to be present to win.
We have planned to “knock your socks off” at our convention, so go on line and register, so you’ll be able to enjoy our hospitality. Did I mention cold beer? We look forward to seeing you “ROAR INTO OMAHA”.
Your convention directors,
Gene Gau & Jerry Koraleski
There is still room for you and your better half to register for the 2016 Corvette Convention in Omaha Ne. The tours are not quite full, neither are the hotels and the race track can hold more cars, so come on down July 17, 2016 and join us for a fun week.
To sweeten the pot, we will be drawing a name at the April 23rd Governors meeting in Saint Louis, from all the people who have registered by April 20, 2016. The winner will receive a free registration to the convention for two. You do not need to be present to win.
We have planned to “knock your socks off” at our convention, so go on line and register, so you’ll be able to enjoy our hospitality. Did I mention cold beer? We look forward to seeing you “ROAR INTO OMAHA”.
Your convention directors,
Gene Gau & Jerry Koraleski
2017 Grand Sport
By Chad Kirchner - March 1, 2016
If the C7 Corvette Stingray is a bit too cold, but you find the Z06 a bit too hot, Chevrolet has the perfect solution for you; the 2017 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport. Debuting in Geneva, it gives you all of the goodies you want from the Z06, without the bonkers engine.
Under the hood of the Grand Sport is the same LT1 V8 making 460 horsepower from the regular Corvette, but gives you all the goodies from the Z51 standard. That means you get dry-sump lubrication, the performance exhaust, and Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires.
Under the hood of the Grand Sport is the same LT1 V8 making 460 horsepower from the regular Corvette, but gives you all the goodies from the Z51 standard. That means you get dry-sump lubrication, the performance exhaust, and Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires.
Here’s Another Strong Argument for a Mid-Engine Corvette
By Detroit Steel - February 19, 2016
There’s a growing contention of car buffs weighing in on why Chevrolet really needs to build a mid-engine Corvette. And it goes far beyond just competing against the new Ford GT, which has dominated a lot of the discussion to date.
In a recent Car Buzz post, Joel Patel contends Chevy should produce the car to compete with brands the likes of Porsche and Ferrari, so that Corvette can finally garner the respect it deserves in the world of supercars. Patel spends a lot of time in the piece praising the C7 Z06 for its performance and interior features. But he contends the car still lacks the kind of appeal a mid-engine model would bring to the American nameplate.
In all honesty, Patel’s story doesn’t add a whole lot more to the argument for the much-buzzed-about mid-engine Corvette. But paired with this hot photo of what the mid-engine model might look like, Patel’s post certainly helps fuel the argument to build the Corvette.
In a recent Car Buzz post, Joel Patel contends Chevy should produce the car to compete with brands the likes of Porsche and Ferrari, so that Corvette can finally garner the respect it deserves in the world of supercars. Patel spends a lot of time in the piece praising the C7 Z06 for its performance and interior features. But he contends the car still lacks the kind of appeal a mid-engine model would bring to the American nameplate.
In all honesty, Patel’s story doesn’t add a whole lot more to the argument for the much-buzzed-about mid-engine Corvette. But paired with this hot photo of what the mid-engine model might look like, Patel’s post certainly helps fuel the argument to build the Corvette.
The Love of the Corvette, being passed from one generation to the next!
February 21st had 44 unique visitors and February 28th had 46 visits. The least number of visits came on February 17th and March 1st, each with only ten visits.
February 15th, 2016 - Ohio WintersWe always know two things for certain about winters here in Ohio: It's going to snow and it's going to be cold. But, how much snow will we get and how cold will it get?
El Nino is a big factor in how our winter weather goes. El Nino's pattern suggests below-normal snowfall here in Ohio. It also suggests a near-normal or slightly above-normal temperature pattern in the Buckeye State. Most Corvette Owners place their beloved cars into storage during the winter months. Many have heated storage, car covers and use moth balls to denture rodents. Sadly, some owners do not have these options. Leaving their cars exposed to the elements. Question is, what do you do? |
February 12th, 2016Sinkhole Anniversary:
Eight valuable Corvettes at Bowling Green, Kentucky's National Corvette Museum fell victim to a 40-foot-wide, 20-foot-deep sinkhole that opened up in the facility's yellow Sky Dome wing. The museum unofficially estimated the sinkhole caused millions of dollars in damage. Here's the museum's list of cars that went down the hole: -- a 1962 "Black Corvette" -- a 1984 PPG pace car -- a 2009 ZR1 "Blue Devil" -- the 1992 white "1 Millionth Corvette" -- a 1993 ruby red "40th Anniversary Corvette" -- a 1993 ZR-1 Spyder -- a 2001 Mallett Hammer Z06 Corvette -- the 2009 white "1.5 Millionth Corvette" |
In January, on the 14th of January the MVCC Site had 29 unique visits. With only seven visits on the 17th.
January 17th, 2016

On this day in 1953, a prototype Chevrolet Corvette sports car makes its debut at General Motors’ (GM) Motorama auto show at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in New York City. The Corvette, named for a fast type of naval warship, would eventually become an iconic American muscle car and remains in production today.
In the early 1950s, Harley Earl (1893-1969), the influential head designer for GM, then the world’s largest automaker, became interested in developing a two-seat sports car. At the time, European automakers dominated the sports car market. Following the debut of the Corvette prototype at the Motorama show in January 1953, the first production Corvette was completed at a Flint, Michigan, plant on June 30, 1953. The car featured an all-fiberglass body, a white exterior and red interior, a relatively unremarkable 150-horsepower engine and a starting price tag of around $3,500 (not including taxes or an optional AM radio and heater). In an effort to give the Corvette an air of exclusivity, GM initially marketed the car to invitation-only VIP customers. This plan met with less-than-desirable results, as only a portion of the 300 Corvettes built that first year were sold. GM dropped the VIP policy the following year; however, Corvette sales continued to disappoint. In 1954, GM built around 3,600 of the 10,000 Corvettes it had planned, with almost a third of those cars remaining unsold by the start of 1955.
There was talk within GM of discontinuing the Corvette; however, GM rival Ford launched the sporty two-seat Thunderbird convertible in 1955 and the car quickly became a hit. GM didn’t want to discontinue the Corvette and look like a failure next to its Big Three competitor, so the car remained in production and performance enhancements were made. That same year, a Belgian-born, Russian-raised designer named Zora Arkus-Duntov became head engineer for Corvette and put the car on a course that would transform it into a legend. Duntov had applied to work at GM after seeing the Corvette prototype at the 1953 Motorama show. According to The New York Times: “Once hired, he pushed through the decision to turn the Corvette into a high-performance sports car with a succession of more powerful engines. Chevrolet offered a 195-horsepower engine on the 1955 Corvette, a 240-horsepower engine on the 1956 Corvette and a 283-horsepower engine on the 1957 model.” During the second half of the 1950s, Corvettes began setting speed records on the racing circuit. The car also got a publicity boost when it was featured on the TV show “Route 66,” which launched in 1960 and followed the story of two young men driving around America in a Corvette, looking for adventure.
In 1977, the 500,000th Corvette was built. Two years later, according to the Times, yearly Corvette production peaked at 53,807. In 1992, the 1-milllionth Corvette came off the assembly line in Bowling Green, Kentucky; the 1.5-millionth Corvette followed in 2009.
In the early 1950s, Harley Earl (1893-1969), the influential head designer for GM, then the world’s largest automaker, became interested in developing a two-seat sports car. At the time, European automakers dominated the sports car market. Following the debut of the Corvette prototype at the Motorama show in January 1953, the first production Corvette was completed at a Flint, Michigan, plant on June 30, 1953. The car featured an all-fiberglass body, a white exterior and red interior, a relatively unremarkable 150-horsepower engine and a starting price tag of around $3,500 (not including taxes or an optional AM radio and heater). In an effort to give the Corvette an air of exclusivity, GM initially marketed the car to invitation-only VIP customers. This plan met with less-than-desirable results, as only a portion of the 300 Corvettes built that first year were sold. GM dropped the VIP policy the following year; however, Corvette sales continued to disappoint. In 1954, GM built around 3,600 of the 10,000 Corvettes it had planned, with almost a third of those cars remaining unsold by the start of 1955.
There was talk within GM of discontinuing the Corvette; however, GM rival Ford launched the sporty two-seat Thunderbird convertible in 1955 and the car quickly became a hit. GM didn’t want to discontinue the Corvette and look like a failure next to its Big Three competitor, so the car remained in production and performance enhancements were made. That same year, a Belgian-born, Russian-raised designer named Zora Arkus-Duntov became head engineer for Corvette and put the car on a course that would transform it into a legend. Duntov had applied to work at GM after seeing the Corvette prototype at the 1953 Motorama show. According to The New York Times: “Once hired, he pushed through the decision to turn the Corvette into a high-performance sports car with a succession of more powerful engines. Chevrolet offered a 195-horsepower engine on the 1955 Corvette, a 240-horsepower engine on the 1956 Corvette and a 283-horsepower engine on the 1957 model.” During the second half of the 1950s, Corvettes began setting speed records on the racing circuit. The car also got a publicity boost when it was featured on the TV show “Route 66,” which launched in 1960 and followed the story of two young men driving around America in a Corvette, looking for adventure.
In 1977, the 500,000th Corvette was built. Two years later, according to the Times, yearly Corvette production peaked at 53,807. In 1992, the 1-milllionth Corvette came off the assembly line in Bowling Green, Kentucky; the 1.5-millionth Corvette followed in 2009.
For the month of December 33 unique visits was the high and 6 unique visits the low for December 2015.
Is Your Corvette Ready For Winter? November 12th, 2015
C5 Corvette Woes: What to Do When Your A4 Cable Breaks
Corvette Forum By Justin Banner - November 4, 2015
As your C5 ages, plastic parts break more and more as they are exposed to oils, sunlight, corrosion, or any number of deteriorating issues. Most of those plastic parts are a non-issue, but one of the most difficult and frustrating relates to the automatic shift cable. If that breaks, you can’t shift your Corvette from park, which can cause issues when you need it towed or just want to move it out of the way. However, there is a solution to make your C5 mobile in this time of need.
First, no, the solution I’m talking about does not involve replacing your A4 transmission with a 6-speed. You can still shift your transmission from park to neutral at the transmission using your hands or, worst case, a pair of pliers. However, it requires you to get under the car. The A4 is just a transaxle version of the 4L60E, the bell housing and tail housings are what really separate it from a normal rear-wheel-drive 4L60E. This is good because many of the parts interchange or are located in the same places.
You will need to lift the C5 into the air so that you can get under it. Before you begin chock a front wheel so it won’t roll away and place a jack under it on a lifting point on the driver’s side. Once it’s up and you’ve secured it with a jackstand, look around the driver’s side of the transmission near the bellhousing and you’ll see a black box with a lever bolted to it where your cable connects up, if it didn’t break there. That is your shift selector lever and the box with the electrical connectors tells the ECU what gear it’s in.
From here, you’ll need to move the selector to Neutral. This is where your pliers will come in handy if you can’t move it with your hand, but it shouldn’t be hard. The lockout that opens when you push down on the brake is in the lever and not here. Now, if it broke when you were in park you’ll move the lever counter-clockwise two clicks just like you would on a standard 4L60E. If you were in drive, you’ll move it clockwise once. Once you’ve done that you should be in neutral, but if the rear wheels don’t move freely (if you have both wheels in the air), then move the lever slightly more in the direction you turned it to ensure you had it properly engaged. Once the wheels turn you can move the car.
First, no, the solution I’m talking about does not involve replacing your A4 transmission with a 6-speed. You can still shift your transmission from park to neutral at the transmission using your hands or, worst case, a pair of pliers. However, it requires you to get under the car. The A4 is just a transaxle version of the 4L60E, the bell housing and tail housings are what really separate it from a normal rear-wheel-drive 4L60E. This is good because many of the parts interchange or are located in the same places.
You will need to lift the C5 into the air so that you can get under it. Before you begin chock a front wheel so it won’t roll away and place a jack under it on a lifting point on the driver’s side. Once it’s up and you’ve secured it with a jackstand, look around the driver’s side of the transmission near the bellhousing and you’ll see a black box with a lever bolted to it where your cable connects up, if it didn’t break there. That is your shift selector lever and the box with the electrical connectors tells the ECU what gear it’s in.
From here, you’ll need to move the selector to Neutral. This is where your pliers will come in handy if you can’t move it with your hand, but it shouldn’t be hard. The lockout that opens when you push down on the brake is in the lever and not here. Now, if it broke when you were in park you’ll move the lever counter-clockwise two clicks just like you would on a standard 4L60E. If you were in drive, you’ll move it clockwise once. Once you’ve done that you should be in neutral, but if the rear wheels don’t move freely (if you have both wheels in the air), then move the lever slightly more in the direction you turned it to ensure you had it properly engaged. Once the wheels turn you can move the car.
Update: On Jim's Project Corvette: Owner - Jim Asbury November 4th, 2015
Jim writes: This is the car I purchase several years ago to fix up and have been working feverishly to finish. Will post graphics that will be completed today. I've got about 8-10 more hours of interior detail small things to do the car is driving and race ready. I guess its about time to find something new to work on.
Vintage Memories:When did you buy your first Corvette? What was your year of choice? How many Corvettes have you owned over the years and how many do you currently own? Are you the original owner?
We at MVCC would love to hear your story of ownership! And, with your permission, we might even post your story here on our Website! Write us at: [email protected] |
October visits to the Miami Valley Corvette Website: 226 total site views, with 79 unique visits!
October 27th, 2015

The new Chevrolet Corvette Z06 is a brilliant car. It brakes like hitting a wall, it turns like a rabbit on PCP, and it’s lightning-quick. Or at least it is for some. For Motor Trend, however, the Z06 is a bit of a mystery. Why? Because the last two times the magazine tested the car, in both instances there were significant problems (e.g. water pump and rear caster misalignment). The latest incident happened at this year’s Best Driver’s Car Competition where the Z06 actually received a DNF.
According to Motor Trend, “It didn’t work. The damn Z06 retarded spark by 8 degrees, and the 1.7-liter TVS supercharger refused to make boost. Chevrolet came up with a ‘bad gas’ theory, but Big Nasty got filled at the same Chevron stations as everyone else, and even swallowed 8 gallons of 101 octane to wake the supercharger. No luck. What we have here is a failure to compete. What a pity.”
The C7 Z06 has had its teething problems, one of which happens to be engines grenading themselves after only a few hundred miles. Most believe this is down to Chevy’s engineers over-clocking the 1.7-liter supercharger, and we tend to agree with this theory. The 1.7 is just not a robust enough blower, and has a tendency to overheat and sap power.
What we don’t know, though, is what the heck happened with this particular Z06. We find it highly suspect that Chevy’s engineers blamed it on bad gas. What makes that statement even more suspicious, though, is that the Cadillac CTS-V, complete with the same motor, still managed to get its lap in without problems, and on the same gas.
So here’s the question. What went wrong, and is it just indicative of the new Z06?
Summer Project: Owned by - Casper Shahan
Spring breakdown, turned into a summer project, as it was unknown why this 1993 C4 just stopped while travelling down the interstate. The first thought was the ignition module. Various other "solutions" were attempted. In the end, the Opti was replaced and thus far, the Corvette has been running normal. It recently completed a 200+ road trip with no hiccups! Prior to the road trip, new tires were also part of the upgrade!
September visits to the Miami Valley Corvette Club Website: 12 unique visitors was the daily low with 53 unique visits was the daily high!
June 14th had the most unique visits for the month, with 59 viewers on that date! June 10th recorded only 6 visitors.
Milestone 1992 Corvette is on the road to recovery: After the Sinkhole Trauma
A Million Pieces by: Barry Kluczyk June 11th, 2015

It was a scene out of a horror flick, missing only the zombies crawling up from the depths. On Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2014, at 5:44 a.m., National Corvette Museum personnel received a notification from their security company about the burglar alarm going off in the Skydome area of the museum. When everyone convened on the scene, they were shocked to discover a sinkhole had opened up beneath the Skydome and literally swallowed eight vehicles.
Security camera footage showing the Skydome floor’s collapse has been viewed more than 8.5 million times on YouTube.
One of the cars to go down the hole was the 1-millionth production Corvette, a white 1992 convertible with a black top and red interior – just like the first production Corvette. It enjoyed a brief, but well-deserved moment in the spotlight after it rolled off the assembly line on July 2, 1992. A ceremony there included chief engineer Dave McLellan, who retired that year, and even Zora Arkus-Duntov himself posed for publicity photos with the milestone C4. Along with the dignitaries on hand, the workers signed the car as it moved down the assembly line.
Ironically, the car had led a pampered life in the museum for years and the natural disaster that sent it tumbling occurred barely a mile from the assembly line. Despite suffering significant damage, particularly to the windshield frame, the 1-millionth Corvette was one of three cars deemed repairable after they were extricated from the 60-foot-wide, 30-foot-deep sinkhole. The others included the 2009 ZR1 prototype known as the “Blue Devil” and a 1962 model.
The “Blue Devil” was the least-damaged of the eight and Chevrolet had it back to its pre-sinkhole form last fall. The 1962 Corvette’s restoration is ongoing and being overseen by the National Corvette Museum.
Unfortunately, the condition of the other five sinkhole cars – a 1993 ZR-1 Spyder show car, a 1984 PPG Pace Car, a 1993 40th Anniversary car, a 2001 Mallet “Hammer” Corvette and the 1.5-millionth Corvette (a 2009 model) – were damaged beyond repair. A restoration on any of them would require a foundation on which to begin, but these cars were basically shredded in the giant, natural Kentucky rock tumbler. They’ll remain part of sinkhole-themed display at the National Corvette Museum, as the Skydome section has undergone its own restoration.
As for the 1-millionth car, Chevrolet sent it to Detroit for restoration by the elite Mechanical Assembly group. Located inside the Design Center within the GM Tech Center – the Fort Knox of automotive facilities – the group has traditionally been responsible for building everything from Indy pace cars to one-off concepts. In fact, during a briefing about the restoration’s progress, Ed Welburn, GM’s global head of design, related an anecdote about Mechanical Assembly department’s historical significance.
“When I was a young designer here, under Bill Mitchell’s tutelage, there was a sign on the door that simply said, ‘Do not enter without Mr. Mitchell’s permission,’” said Welburn. “The couple of times I had that permission were special and I knew it.”
Security camera footage showing the Skydome floor’s collapse has been viewed more than 8.5 million times on YouTube.
One of the cars to go down the hole was the 1-millionth production Corvette, a white 1992 convertible with a black top and red interior – just like the first production Corvette. It enjoyed a brief, but well-deserved moment in the spotlight after it rolled off the assembly line on July 2, 1992. A ceremony there included chief engineer Dave McLellan, who retired that year, and even Zora Arkus-Duntov himself posed for publicity photos with the milestone C4. Along with the dignitaries on hand, the workers signed the car as it moved down the assembly line.
Ironically, the car had led a pampered life in the museum for years and the natural disaster that sent it tumbling occurred barely a mile from the assembly line. Despite suffering significant damage, particularly to the windshield frame, the 1-millionth Corvette was one of three cars deemed repairable after they were extricated from the 60-foot-wide, 30-foot-deep sinkhole. The others included the 2009 ZR1 prototype known as the “Blue Devil” and a 1962 model.
The “Blue Devil” was the least-damaged of the eight and Chevrolet had it back to its pre-sinkhole form last fall. The 1962 Corvette’s restoration is ongoing and being overseen by the National Corvette Museum.
Unfortunately, the condition of the other five sinkhole cars – a 1993 ZR-1 Spyder show car, a 1984 PPG Pace Car, a 1993 40th Anniversary car, a 2001 Mallet “Hammer” Corvette and the 1.5-millionth Corvette (a 2009 model) – were damaged beyond repair. A restoration on any of them would require a foundation on which to begin, but these cars were basically shredded in the giant, natural Kentucky rock tumbler. They’ll remain part of sinkhole-themed display at the National Corvette Museum, as the Skydome section has undergone its own restoration.
As for the 1-millionth car, Chevrolet sent it to Detroit for restoration by the elite Mechanical Assembly group. Located inside the Design Center within the GM Tech Center – the Fort Knox of automotive facilities – the group has traditionally been responsible for building everything from Indy pace cars to one-off concepts. In fact, during a briefing about the restoration’s progress, Ed Welburn, GM’s global head of design, related an anecdote about Mechanical Assembly department’s historical significance.
“When I was a young designer here, under Bill Mitchell’s tutelage, there was a sign on the door that simply said, ‘Do not enter without Mr. Mitchell’s permission,’” said Welburn. “The couple of times I had that permission were special and I knew it.”
WWW.MiamiValleyCorvettes.weebly.com May Visits in Review: June 7th, 2015
The most unique visits was on June 6th with 55 visits! Least visits in a day were on May 21st & May 26th with only 12 unique visits on both of those days.
Sneak Peak! Owned by - Jim Asbury
June 1st, 2015: Update on Jim's process....
May 25th, 2015: Club member, Jim Asbury, is in the process of re-doing his 1987 Corvette! Watch for future updates!
Red, Black, and Blue: 2016 Corvette and Z06 Offer New Design Packages
April 24, 2015 at 3:45 pm by Joe Lorio | Photography by Michael Simari, Felix Salazar, and the Manufacturer
For 2016, Chevrolet is helping design-challenged Corvette Stingray and Z06 buyers choose cool, coordinated interior and exterior colors with three new design packages: Spice Red, Jet Black Suede, and Twilight Blue. Red, white, and blue might’ve been more patriotic, but we think red, black, and blue definitely look better.
For the Stingray, all three also include a rear spoiler and require ordering a 3LT model as well as Magnetic Ride Control (which no longer requires the Z51 package, although this bundle is compatible); Z06 versions are available for the 3LZ trim level. Both coupes and convertibles can be thus outfitted. From there, the breakdowns are as follows:
For the Stingray, all three also include a rear spoiler and require ordering a 3LT model as well as Magnetic Ride Control (which no longer requires the Z51 package, although this bundle is compatible); Z06 versions are available for the 3LZ trim level. Both coupes and convertibles can be thus outfitted. From there, the breakdowns are as follows:
Spice Red Design Package
This one combines a Spice Red interior and (on convertibles) a matching red top, and it also has red brake calipers. Arctic White, Blade Silver, Shark Gray, and new Long Beach Red Metallic Tintcoat (dark red) are the available exterior paints. Stingray versions get polished “Motorsport” wheels, while the Z06 gets a pearl-nickel-finish “Blade” wheel and chrome exterior badges.
This one combines a Spice Red interior and (on convertibles) a matching red top, and it also has red brake calipers. Arctic White, Blade Silver, Shark Gray, and new Long Beach Red Metallic Tintcoat (dark red) are the available exterior paints. Stingray versions get polished “Motorsport” wheels, while the Z06 gets a pearl-nickel-finish “Blade” wheel and chrome exterior badges.
Jet Black Suede Design Package
The JBSD features black sueded microfiber upholstery and sueded microfiber on the steering wheel and shift knob. Convertibles get a black top. Can be ordered in the following exterior colors: Black (naturally), Arctic White, Blade Silver, and Torch Red. Includes black wheels with a red stripe as well as red brake calipers. Additionally, the hood vent is done in satin black, and a glossy black trim panel is fitted to the interior. Stingray models also get “Carbon Flash” badging.
The JBSD features black sueded microfiber upholstery and sueded microfiber on the steering wheel and shift knob. Convertibles get a black top. Can be ordered in the following exterior colors: Black (naturally), Arctic White, Blade Silver, and Torch Red. Includes black wheels with a red stripe as well as red brake calipers. Additionally, the hood vent is done in satin black, and a glossy black trim panel is fitted to the interior. Stingray models also get “Carbon Flash” badging.
Twilight Blue Design Package
This has nothing to do with awful tween fiction. Instead, you get a dark blue interior and a blue top (on convertibles), as well as your choice of Night Race Blue, Arctic White, Shark Gray, or Blade Silver paint. The wheel fitments for the Stingray and Z06 models are the same as with the Spice Red cars, and buyers get their choice of gray or black brake calipers. The vents on every car—there are many more on the Z06, obviously—are rendered in Shark Gray, while Stingrays get chrome badging. A red, white, and blue tri-color stripe package is optional.
The design packages are coming online as part of a host of equipment changes visited upon the C7 for 2016, which includes the wicked C7.R Edition Z06.
This has nothing to do with awful tween fiction. Instead, you get a dark blue interior and a blue top (on convertibles), as well as your choice of Night Race Blue, Arctic White, Shark Gray, or Blade Silver paint. The wheel fitments for the Stingray and Z06 models are the same as with the Spice Red cars, and buyers get their choice of gray or black brake calipers. The vents on every car—there are many more on the Z06, obviously—are rendered in Shark Gray, while Stingrays get chrome badging. A red, white, and blue tri-color stripe package is optional.
- Instrumented Test: 2015 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Convertible Automatic
- Watch the 2015 Corvette Z06 Absolutely Destroy Virginia International Raceway
- Chevrolet Corvette Full Coverage: News, Photos, Specs, Reviews, and More
The design packages are coming online as part of a host of equipment changes visited upon the C7 for 2016, which includes the wicked C7.R Edition Z06.
WWW.MiamiValleyCorvettes.weebly.com April Visits in Review: April 28th, 2015
60 visits on April 9th! The lowest day for visits was April 18th, 2015 with only 7 visits.
Chief Engineer Tadge Juechter Says He Knows Nothing About A Mid-Engine Corvette:
by John Coyle March 20th, 2015
The mid-engine Corvette.For the better part of four decades, the automotive world has been lousy with chatter about a world-beating, more exotic, more "European," version of Chevrolet's iconic sports car that's just around the corner. The mid-engine Corvette is the zombie of automotive rumors, in that no matter how many times it's put down, death never comes—because you can't exactly shoot a rumor in the head.
But that didn't stop Corvette Chief Engineer Tadge Juechter from trying recently.
As World Car Fans reported, when asked about renewed mid-engined Corvette speculation on John McElroy's Autoline After Hours, Juechter denied knowledge, stating: "I'll have to check that out, because I know no such car exists."
He also cited an at-this-point familiar script—which CorvetteForum transcribed—as to why the Corvette shouldn't go mid-engine:
"Mid-engine requires a lot of compromises. You look at the elite race programs around the world; they’re all mid-engine. So... if all you care [about] is purely performance, then it makes sense to put the engine in the back. If you’re still talking about a car that can be used as a daily driver, long-distance tourer as well, handle benignly on the track, and have accessible performance, there’s a whole lot of other things that come into what is the optimum."
Now, it's worth noting that the latest round of rumors is more robust than we've previously seen, due mostly to spy shots—which circulated early this year—of General Motors Company [NYSE:GM] testing a mid-engine platform, and GM's June 2014 filing to trademark the name "Zora."
Zora Arkus-Duntov, as enthusiasts surely remember, is known as the "father of the Corvette," and was a leading proponent of moving America's Sports Car motor amidships.
Couple those two developments? And it starts to smell like Chevrolet is actually up to something—though it might not actually be a Corvette. While GM has historically resisted the idea of releasing a car which can outshine the Corvette, it's happened before—see the Buick GNX—so a project akin to Ford's spotlight-stealing GT could be in the cards. And Zora would be a natural name for the vehicle, Corvette or not.
That said, misdirection is part of the game, and Juechter is hardly obligated to reveal everything he knows about future product simply because a veteran journalist asked him about it.
So in our eyes, the rumor of a mid-engine Corvette is currently as alive—and dead—as ever. Stay tuned.
But that didn't stop Corvette Chief Engineer Tadge Juechter from trying recently.
As World Car Fans reported, when asked about renewed mid-engined Corvette speculation on John McElroy's Autoline After Hours, Juechter denied knowledge, stating: "I'll have to check that out, because I know no such car exists."
He also cited an at-this-point familiar script—which CorvetteForum transcribed—as to why the Corvette shouldn't go mid-engine:
"Mid-engine requires a lot of compromises. You look at the elite race programs around the world; they’re all mid-engine. So... if all you care [about] is purely performance, then it makes sense to put the engine in the back. If you’re still talking about a car that can be used as a daily driver, long-distance tourer as well, handle benignly on the track, and have accessible performance, there’s a whole lot of other things that come into what is the optimum."
Now, it's worth noting that the latest round of rumors is more robust than we've previously seen, due mostly to spy shots—which circulated early this year—of General Motors Company [NYSE:GM] testing a mid-engine platform, and GM's June 2014 filing to trademark the name "Zora."
Zora Arkus-Duntov, as enthusiasts surely remember, is known as the "father of the Corvette," and was a leading proponent of moving America's Sports Car motor amidships.
Couple those two developments? And it starts to smell like Chevrolet is actually up to something—though it might not actually be a Corvette. While GM has historically resisted the idea of releasing a car which can outshine the Corvette, it's happened before—see the Buick GNX—so a project akin to Ford's spotlight-stealing GT could be in the cards. And Zora would be a natural name for the vehicle, Corvette or not.
That said, misdirection is part of the game, and Juechter is hardly obligated to reveal everything he knows about future product simply because a veteran journalist asked him about it.
So in our eyes, the rumor of a mid-engine Corvette is currently as alive—and dead—as ever. Stay tuned.
Check out: http://www.corvetteblogger.com/
Mid-Engined Chevrolet Corvette Spied; Is It The Zora?
BY: Viknesh Vijayenthiran January 9th, 2015
It looks like all the rumors are about to prove true: a very early test mule for what appears to be a large mid-engined car has been spotted testing near a General Motors Company [NYSE:GM] facility in the U.S.
Several images posted on Car and Driver show the test mule whose body has been composed from several vehicles, including a Holden Commodore Ute for the front and rear sections and what looks like the current C7 Corvette’s mid-section. Of course, hidden behind the two-seat cabin is likely to be a V-8 powerplant.
The test mule’s sighting comes just months after new rumors emerged suggesting that the next-generation Corvette, the C8, would be moving to a mid-engine platform. But while the C8 isn’t due until the end of the decade, a car riding on its platform may appear much sooner than that.
We’re talking about a successor for the Corvette ZR1, which reports suggest may be launched as early as the 2017 model year and sport a price tag of around $150,000. This means that while it’s technically a C8, the ZR1 successor will be sold alongside the current C7 Corvette for its first years on the market. Eventually, the C7 Corvette will be replaced by the new C8 Corvette, with all the variants being based on the mid-engine platform. Yes, even the base ‘Vette.
The reason for the platform’s quick gestation is because GM reportedly started working on a mid-engine Corvette prior to its bankruptcy in 2009, and current Corvette chief engineer Tadge Juechter is said to be one of the key people involved in the original project. We also hear that the basis for the new platform will be the C7 Corvette’s aluminum spaceframe structure rather than a completely all-new design.
Several images posted on Car and Driver show the test mule whose body has been composed from several vehicles, including a Holden Commodore Ute for the front and rear sections and what looks like the current C7 Corvette’s mid-section. Of course, hidden behind the two-seat cabin is likely to be a V-8 powerplant.
The test mule’s sighting comes just months after new rumors emerged suggesting that the next-generation Corvette, the C8, would be moving to a mid-engine platform. But while the C8 isn’t due until the end of the decade, a car riding on its platform may appear much sooner than that.
We’re talking about a successor for the Corvette ZR1, which reports suggest may be launched as early as the 2017 model year and sport a price tag of around $150,000. This means that while it’s technically a C8, the ZR1 successor will be sold alongside the current C7 Corvette for its first years on the market. Eventually, the C7 Corvette will be replaced by the new C8 Corvette, with all the variants being based on the mid-engine platform. Yes, even the base ‘Vette.
The reason for the platform’s quick gestation is because GM reportedly started working on a mid-engine Corvette prior to its bankruptcy in 2009, and current Corvette chief engineer Tadge Juechter is said to be one of the key people involved in the original project. We also hear that the basis for the new platform will be the C7 Corvette’s aluminum spaceframe structure rather than a completely all-new design.

Happy 40th Birthday!
Miami Valley Corvette Club 1974 -2014
( Late December 1973 )
Miami Valley Corvette Club 1974 -2014
( Late December 1973 )
Museum Board Finalizes Decision on Sinkhole, Great 8 Corvettes: August 30th, 2014
The National Corvette Museum Board of Directors held their quarterly meeting and finalized plans for repair of the Museum’s Skydome building, and the eight Corvettes affected by the February 12, 2014 sinkhole collapse.
After careful review of additional information and revised plans with price quotes from the construction company, the board voted to completely fill in the sinkhole. “We really wanted to preserve a portion of the hole so that guests for years to come could see a little bit of what it was like, but after receiving more detailed pricing, the cost outweighs the benefit,” said Museum Executive Director Wendell Strode. “At the June board meeting, the information available at that time indicated a cost of around $500,000 more to keep the hole, but after incorporating additional safety features and vapor barriers for humidity control, the price tag rose to $1 million more than the cost to put the Skydome back how it was.” Keeping even a portion of the sinkhole would require 35 foot retaining walls to be built inside of the sinkhole, additional micro piling, visible steel beams running through the hole, and soil nailing. All of these additional structural features are to ensure the safety of the sinkhole and prevent cracking and breaking of the sides in the future, which could result in stability issues, but take away from the natural look of the original sinkhole. The board also considered future maintenance issues that could arise if the hole was kept and the possibility that the hole wouldn’t look like a naturally occurring sinkhole any longer. “The interest in our new attraction has been phenomenal so we do plan to leave it ‘as-is’ through our Vets ‘n Vettes event November 6-8, 2014, after which time we will begin the process of remediating and filling the hole,” Strode added. Chevrolet and the National Corvette Museum will restore three of the Corvettes that were damaged when they were swallowed up by the sinkhole. Chevrolet will restore the 2009 Corvette ZR1 prototype, known as the Blue Devil, and the 1-millionth Corvette produced – a white 1992 convertible. The GM Heritage Center will oversee this process. In addition, the restoration of the 1962 Corvette will be funded by Chevrolet, but will be handled by the National Corvette Museum. A restoration shop has not yet been determined. The remaining five cars were determined to be too badly damaged to warrant restoration. They will remain in their as-recovered state to preserve the historical significance of the cars and what happened on February 12, 2014. They will become part of a future display at the Museum. In total, General Motors will provide nearly $250,000 in support to help the Museum recover from the sinkhole. The National Corvette Museum celebrates its 20th anniversary this weekend as it welcomes the Corvette enthusiasts nationwide who have helped expand and support the non-profit Museum. “Our goal was to help the National Corvette Museum recover from a terrible natural disaster by restoring all eight cars,” said Mark Reuss, GM Executive Vice President, Global Product Development. “However, as the cars were recovered, it became clear that restoration would be impractical because so little was left to repair. And, frankly, there is some historical value in leaving those cars to be viewed as they are.” It’s a sentiment echoed by Corvette enthusiasts from around the globe. “There has been an outpouring of messages from enthusiasts the world over, asking us not to restore all of the cars,” said Wendell Strode, executive director for the National Corvette Museum. “For Corvette enthusiasts, the damage to the cars is part of their history, and part narrative of the National Corvette Museum. Restoring them all would negate the significance of what happened.” Timelines for the start and projected completion dates for the three Corvettes’ restorations have not been established. They will be announced later. Sinkhole summaryOn Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2014, at 5:44 a.m., National Corvette Museum (NCM) personnel received a notification from their security company about motion detectors going off in the Skydome area of the museum. When those personnel arrived on site, a sinkhole was discovered, eventually measuring about 45 feet wide, 60 feet long and up to 30 feet deep. Security camera footage showing the Skydome floor’s collapse has been viewed nearly 8.3 million times on YouTube. The sinkhole swallowed eight historic Corvettes – two on loan from GM and six owned by the museum:
On March 3, the 2009 Blue Devil was the first car recovered and despite significant damage was started and driven out of the Skydome. The 1.5-millionth Corvette and Mallett Corvette were the last cars pulled from the sinkhole, on April 3 and April 9, respectively – after workers were initially unable to find them amid the collapsed earth. All eight cars were placed in a special display, fueling a nearly 70-percent jump in museum visitor traffic in the months after the sinkhole appeared. Construction is expected to take approximately 6 months to complete. The Museum will remain open during the process, and the work in the Skydome will be viewable via a Plexiglas wall. The Museum plans to create a meaningful sinkhole exhibit within the Skydome, featuring the cars involved, 3D interactive images of the sinkhole, videos, photos and more. The Museum is located at I-65, exit 28 in Bowling Green, KY - just one hour north of Nashville, TN and less than two hours south of Louisville, KY. Open daily, 8am-5pm CT, admission to the Museum is $10 for adults, $8 for seniors age 65 and over, $5 for kids age 6-16 and children age 5 and under are free. Access to view the sinkhole is included with regular admission. Guests who enter the Skydome to view the sinkhole must be age 8 or older. For more information on the Museum, visit their website at www.corvettemuseum.org or call 800-538-3883. |
News from this year's 2014 National Corvette Convention: Aug. 30th, 2014
MVCC Members Sheryl and Jim Asbury reported they had a wonderful time at this year's convention. Jim finished 8th out of 10 in the Low Speed Event and 30th out of 63 in the Poker Rally.
MVCC Club would like to extend congratulations to the following Clubs, who placed in this year's MCCC Website Contest:
First Place: Cowtown Corvettes http://www.cowtownvettes.org/
Second Place: Route 66 Corvettes http://www.route66corvetteclub.com/
Third Place: Nashville Corvette Club http://nashvillecorvetteclub.com/
MVCC Club would like to extend congratulations to the following Clubs, who placed in this year's MCCC Website Contest:
First Place: Cowtown Corvettes http://www.cowtownvettes.org/
Second Place: Route 66 Corvettes http://www.route66corvetteclub.com/
Third Place: Nashville Corvette Club http://nashvillecorvetteclub.com/
The Corvette Museum is keeping the sinkhole! When life gives you lemons, turn them into a lucrative revenue stream. |
By Alex Nunez June 26, 2014 / Photos by National Corvette Museum via YouTube
The sinkhole that consumed eight rare Corvettes in the National Corvette Museum back in February has proven to be a boon to the facility. Non-stop media coverage made the site a national story, and as a result, the sinkhole itself is now such a draw that the museum's simply going to keep part of it as a "semi-permanent" exhibit. The museum's sinkhole will be reinforced with a retaining wall to stabilize the site and keep it safe. The beauty of this is the "semi-permanent" nature of the exhibit itself. If interest drops off to a point where it's no longer beneficial to keep the hole, the Museum can fill it in and return the Skydome area to its pre-sinkhole state, anyway. I'm glad they're retaining the sinkhole as an exhibit, presumably with some of the damaged-beyond-recovery cars that it munched back in February. The Corvette Museum is about preserving and sharing the history of the nameplate. The sinkhole is very much a part of that history now. |
RAFFLE FEATURES 1989 CORVETTE June 10th, 2014
GREENVILLE, OHIO – The Greenville Schools Foundation is proud to bring you its 2014 fundraiser.
If you thought the Harley- Davidson that was raffled was cool, wait until you see this sweet ride! Their 1989 Nassau Blue Corvette is being restored from top to bottom and is in final assembly. Look for them at the Miami Valley Corvette Club Car Show on June 14 at Johnston Farm in Piqua and at the Rolling 50’s Car Club Show at the fairgrounds on June 15. Tickets are $5 each, five tickets for $20 and 30 tickets for $100. The drawing will be held on Oct. 18 at the Greenville’s Got Talent Show at the Memorial Hall in Greenville. You do not need to be present to win.
They hope to see you this summer. Look for them at The Gathering at the Garst and at their booth at the Great Darke County Fair. Remember, all funds they raise go to support local school children’s classroom and educational needs.
The 1989 Corvette offered by the Greenville Schools Foundation has been restored from top to bottom.
GREENVILLE, OHIO – The Greenville Schools Foundation is proud to bring you its 2014 fundraiser.
If you thought the Harley- Davidson that was raffled was cool, wait until you see this sweet ride! Their 1989 Nassau Blue Corvette is being restored from top to bottom and is in final assembly. Look for them at the Miami Valley Corvette Club Car Show on June 14 at Johnston Farm in Piqua and at the Rolling 50’s Car Club Show at the fairgrounds on June 15. Tickets are $5 each, five tickets for $20 and 30 tickets for $100. The drawing will be held on Oct. 18 at the Greenville’s Got Talent Show at the Memorial Hall in Greenville. You do not need to be present to win.
They hope to see you this summer. Look for them at The Gathering at the Garst and at their booth at the Great Darke County Fair. Remember, all funds they raise go to support local school children’s classroom and educational needs.
The 1989 Corvette offered by the Greenville Schools Foundation has been restored from top to bottom.

April 30th, 2014 Corvette Wins Long Beach Story by: Story Larry Jewett
Corvette Racing claimed the first victory for the seventh generation Corvette C7.R in dominant fashion in the GT Le Mans (GTLM) class at the Grand Prix of Long Beach. Taking the victory were the 2013 American Le Mans Series GT champions Jan Magnussen and Antonio Garcia. The victory on the 1.968-mile circuit was the fifth GT category win for Corvette at Long Beach in eight years and the first win for the newest generation Corvette in its first season of competition.
Corvette Racing claimed the first victory for the seventh generation Corvette C7.R in dominant fashion in the GT Le Mans (GTLM) class at the Grand Prix of Long Beach. Taking the victory were the 2013 American Le Mans Series GT champions Jan Magnussen and Antonio Garcia. The victory on the 1.968-mile circuit was the fifth GT category win for Corvette at Long Beach in eight years and the first win for the newest generation Corvette in its first season of competition.

April 23rd, 2014 Lingenfelter Performance Engineering. Brighton, Michigan.
Lingenfelter will hold its "2014 Collection Open House" on Saturday, April 26, with local charities to benefit. Admission is free,
Attendees are encouraged to donate to two local charities: Gleaners Community Food Bank, which helps people in southeastern Michigan, and The Bottomless Toy Chest, which delivers art projects, crafts and interactive games to hospitalized pediatric cancer patients. The event takes place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Lingenfelter Motorsports,
819 Lochlin Drive in Brighton, Michigan.
Lingenfelter will hold its "2014 Collection Open House" on Saturday, April 26, with local charities to benefit. Admission is free,
Attendees are encouraged to donate to two local charities: Gleaners Community Food Bank, which helps people in southeastern Michigan, and The Bottomless Toy Chest, which delivers art projects, crafts and interactive games to hospitalized pediatric cancer patients. The event takes place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Lingenfelter Motorsports,
819 Lochlin Drive in Brighton, Michigan.

April 17th, 2014 National Corvette Museum
On February 12, 2014, Lynda Patterson began getting phone calls and texts from friends and family about a sinkhole that opened up at the National Corvette Museum. She watched on television as the news broke showing video and still images of the cars that had fallen. Her heart sank as she locked right in on the 40th Anniversary Corvette sticking tail up from the debris. As the owner of a 40th Anniversary Corvette herself, it was almost like looking at her own car.
“It was quite a shock,” Lynda said. “Seeing that other Ruby in the hole made me think that maybe I should give ours to the Museum soon. Almost twenty years ago my husband Mike and I designated that our Ruby would go to the National Corvette Museum anyway. He died in 2012 after being diagnosed with a brain tumor a year earlier.” Thinking that he’d approve of giving the car to the Museum earlier instead of later, she made the call and asked if they wanted it. “The people at the Museum were very excited about having her. It made me feel good that the people there would be taking care of her.”
This wasn’t easy to do. When she showed up on April 17, 2014 to make it official, she had to fight back happy tears, often losing as she was overcome with emotion. “This is bitter-sweet. I’m so glad she’s coming here and will be enjoyed by so many.”
The Patterson’s bought the car 22 years ago. They had seen it in the showroom of Bob Smith Chevrolet and Lynda instantly fell in love with it. “I asked Mike what he thought about it it and he said, ‘If you want it, get it and take it home.’” They had a 1991 black Corvette at the time that Mike called his “Batmobile” but he was fine with trading it in on the beautiful new Vette.
They enjoyed Corvette events in it, including a gathering of 40th Anniversary Corvettes a few years ago at the Museum. Getting teary eyed Lynda says, “Some people may not get why I’d be so emotional about it, but it is more than a car… it is memories.”
On February 12, 2014, Lynda Patterson began getting phone calls and texts from friends and family about a sinkhole that opened up at the National Corvette Museum. She watched on television as the news broke showing video and still images of the cars that had fallen. Her heart sank as she locked right in on the 40th Anniversary Corvette sticking tail up from the debris. As the owner of a 40th Anniversary Corvette herself, it was almost like looking at her own car.
“It was quite a shock,” Lynda said. “Seeing that other Ruby in the hole made me think that maybe I should give ours to the Museum soon. Almost twenty years ago my husband Mike and I designated that our Ruby would go to the National Corvette Museum anyway. He died in 2012 after being diagnosed with a brain tumor a year earlier.” Thinking that he’d approve of giving the car to the Museum earlier instead of later, she made the call and asked if they wanted it. “The people at the Museum were very excited about having her. It made me feel good that the people there would be taking care of her.”
This wasn’t easy to do. When she showed up on April 17, 2014 to make it official, she had to fight back happy tears, often losing as she was overcome with emotion. “This is bitter-sweet. I’m so glad she’s coming here and will be enjoyed by so many.”
The Patterson’s bought the car 22 years ago. They had seen it in the showroom of Bob Smith Chevrolet and Lynda instantly fell in love with it. “I asked Mike what he thought about it it and he said, ‘If you want it, get it and take it home.’” They had a 1991 black Corvette at the time that Mike called his “Batmobile” but he was fine with trading it in on the beautiful new Vette.
They enjoyed Corvette events in it, including a gathering of 40th Anniversary Corvettes a few years ago at the Museum. Getting teary eyed Lynda says, “Some people may not get why I’d be so emotional about it, but it is more than a car… it is memories.”

April 12th, 2014 Rick Hendrick pays $ 1 Million Dollars for the 1st 2015 Z06 Corvette Stingray
As expected, the championship NASCAR team owner and Chevrolet dealer came to the 12th annual Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach Collector Car Auction, where late Saturday afternoon he bought VIN No. 1 of the 2015 Corvette Z06 Stingray for $1 million, all of which will go to the Karmanos Cancer Institute, one of Chevrolet's favorite charities.
In what can only be described as a classic Barrett-Jackson moment, Hendrick ponied up the big bucks for the car he wanted. Last year, he paid $1 million each at two Barrett-Jackson auctions for the first 2014 Corvette coupe and convertible.
As expected, the championship NASCAR team owner and Chevrolet dealer came to the 12th annual Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach Collector Car Auction, where late Saturday afternoon he bought VIN No. 1 of the 2015 Corvette Z06 Stingray for $1 million, all of which will go to the Karmanos Cancer Institute, one of Chevrolet's favorite charities.
In what can only be described as a classic Barrett-Jackson moment, Hendrick ponied up the big bucks for the car he wanted. Last year, he paid $1 million each at two Barrett-Jackson auctions for the first 2014 Corvette coupe and convertible.

The $1 million purchase is the top sale of the auction thus far.
Hendrick, who has an enormous collection of Corvettes and GM muscle cars, is very active in supporting various cancer research endeavors, in part because he suffered from chronic myelogenous leukemia, a disease with a high mortality rate. But thanks to aggressive and experimental treatment, he survived.
"This is an easy one for me, because we do a lot with the cancer folks," Hendrick said. "My life's been spared by research."

Z06 By Manuel Carrillo III
Z06 fans: now you can have your cake and eat it, too. GM has released images of the 2015 Corvette Z06 Convertible. I think it is as beautiful as it is fast.
You’re looking at the most powerful convertible Chevrolet has ever built, and probably the most fun way to mess up your hair. When the 2015 Corvette Z06 Coupe was introduced in Detroit in January, we went nuts because we’re pretty certain the C7 Z06 will elevate the high water mark of Corvette performance. As stiff as the aluminum structure is in the C7, I think a convertible makes sense. Almost 186,000 computational hours went into the development of the Corvette’s frame … translation: GM put a lot of thought into the C7 Corvette’s structure, so rest assured, this car’s got backbone. “The aluminum structure is 20 percent stiffer than the previous, fixed-roof Z06,” the GM press release says. The Z06 is going to be a great-handling convertible.
Chevrolet still quotes this car as having “at least 625 horsepower, and 635 pound-feet of torque,” but determining from the plaque in the picture below, it looks as though the Z06 will officially have 625 horsepower, and 635 pound-feet of torque. "Click on the Corvette Forum image" to be directed to the original article and additional pictures.
Z06 fans: now you can have your cake and eat it, too. GM has released images of the 2015 Corvette Z06 Convertible. I think it is as beautiful as it is fast.
You’re looking at the most powerful convertible Chevrolet has ever built, and probably the most fun way to mess up your hair. When the 2015 Corvette Z06 Coupe was introduced in Detroit in January, we went nuts because we’re pretty certain the C7 Z06 will elevate the high water mark of Corvette performance. As stiff as the aluminum structure is in the C7, I think a convertible makes sense. Almost 186,000 computational hours went into the development of the Corvette’s frame … translation: GM put a lot of thought into the C7 Corvette’s structure, so rest assured, this car’s got backbone. “The aluminum structure is 20 percent stiffer than the previous, fixed-roof Z06,” the GM press release says. The Z06 is going to be a great-handling convertible.
Chevrolet still quotes this car as having “at least 625 horsepower, and 635 pound-feet of torque,” but determining from the plaque in the picture below, it looks as though the Z06 will officially have 625 horsepower, and 635 pound-feet of torque. "Click on the Corvette Forum image" to be directed to the original article and additional pictures.
Update: Sink Hole at the Corvette Museum

Three of the eight Corvettes that fell into a sinkhole that developed in the Skydome of the National Corvette Museum on February 12 have been recovered. The first to be retrieved on Monday, March 3 was the 2009 ZR1 prototype, nicknamed the "Blue Devil." Damage to the car was minimal. The second car removed was the Ruby Red 1993 40th Anniversary Coupe. It suffered more severe damage than the ZR1. The third, a black 1962, was removed on March 5, and appears to have only minor body damage.
April 2nd, 2014 Update:
Construction crews at the National Corvette Museum spent nearly a week removing the jagged edges of the broken concrete floor that protruded out over the sinkhole that formed underneath the Skydome on February 12. They were then hoisted out by cranes after they were cut into smaller pieces.
Now, crews have begun to remove dirt and other debris in the search for the remaining cars still buried under the rubble of the floor’s collapse. The rear end of the ZR1 Spyder was partially exposed after the last car (the PPG Pace Car, the fifth one recovered) was removed on March 6, but the rest of the Spyder is still buried nose down. To prevent further damage while excavation work proceeded, it was covered with a tarp and then sand.
On Friday, March 28, crews began excavating where they believed the 1,500,000th Corvette was buried. Work progressed slowly, but steadily as they probed a number of areas in an effort to find it. Late in the day, workers signaled they had found the car, and marked it with a stake.
A temporary wooden railing has now been installed around the sinkhole, with other areas roped off with caution tape to allow equipment in and out.
Earlier, the distinctive red spire, which lost part of its foundation when the sinkhole collapsed, was stabilized with micropilings – long steel shafts filled with low mobility grout that reach down to solid rock. Braces were welded to the shaft and then connected to the spire with 18 bolts per brace in a number of locations. The braces were then encased in concrete, and will be just below the surface of the finished floor.
Micropiling was also done around the outside of the Skydome.
April 2nd, 2014 Update:
Construction crews at the National Corvette Museum spent nearly a week removing the jagged edges of the broken concrete floor that protruded out over the sinkhole that formed underneath the Skydome on February 12. They were then hoisted out by cranes after they were cut into smaller pieces.
Now, crews have begun to remove dirt and other debris in the search for the remaining cars still buried under the rubble of the floor’s collapse. The rear end of the ZR1 Spyder was partially exposed after the last car (the PPG Pace Car, the fifth one recovered) was removed on March 6, but the rest of the Spyder is still buried nose down. To prevent further damage while excavation work proceeded, it was covered with a tarp and then sand.
On Friday, March 28, crews began excavating where they believed the 1,500,000th Corvette was buried. Work progressed slowly, but steadily as they probed a number of areas in an effort to find it. Late in the day, workers signaled they had found the car, and marked it with a stake.
A temporary wooden railing has now been installed around the sinkhole, with other areas roped off with caution tape to allow equipment in and out.
Earlier, the distinctive red spire, which lost part of its foundation when the sinkhole collapsed, was stabilized with micropilings – long steel shafts filled with low mobility grout that reach down to solid rock. Braces were welded to the shaft and then connected to the spire with 18 bolts per brace in a number of locations. The braces were then encased in concrete, and will be just below the surface of the finished floor.
Micropiling was also done around the outside of the Skydome.
Larry Jewett - February 14, 2014 05:04 PM
While nobody was hurt in yesterday’s sinkhole collapse beneath the Skydome at the National Corvette Museum in Bowling Green, Kentucky, it appears from photos and videos that at least six of the eight Corvettes that fell into the sinkhole suffered significant damages.
The sinkhole, which opened up at 5:40 a.m., is reported to be 40 feet in diameter and up to 30 feet deep, and the structural engineer that the museum called in determined that the perimeter of the Skydome is stable. Nobody was in the museum at the time the sinkhole formed, and the museum has yet to announce whether the cars can even be retrieved.
Of the 80 or so cars on display in the museum, about 30 were in the 140-foot diameter Skydome. Corvette Museum staff were able to remove the rest of the cars in the Skydome not swallowed by the sinkhole later in the day.
According to the museum, the cars damaged in the event include a 1993 ZR-1 Spyder and a 2009 ZR1 “Blue Devil,” both on loan from General Motors, along with a 1962 Corvette; a 1984 PPG Pace Car; a 1992 “1 Millionth” Corvette; a 1993 40th Anniversary Corvette; a 2001 Mallett Hammer Z06 Corvette; and a 2009 “1.5 Millionth” Corvette, all owned by the museum itself. No cars on loan from individuals were damaged in the incident. From videos and photos supplied by the museum, the 1984 Pace Car and the 2001 Mallett Hammer were swallowed up entirely, while only a wedge of the rear fender of the 1993 ZR-1 Spyder remained above the debris. The 2009 1.5 Millionth car appears crushed under a slab of concrete, while the Millionth and the 40th Anniversary cars appear to have suffered at least blown-out glass and other body damages. The 1962 Corvette has a cracked windshield and torn front fender, while the Blue Devil appears to have ridden out the collapse without any damages.
According to information supplied by the museum, the Tuxedo Black 1962 Corvette was donated by David Donoho of Zionsville, Indiana, the car’s only owner; the bright orange 1984 Corvette was on permanent loan from PPG Industries and was on display when the museum opened in September 1994 (and features a 450-hp, 401-cu.in. Katech-modified V-8 engine backed by a T-5 five-speed transmission); the white millionth Corvette (VIN 1G1YY33PXN5119134) features a 5.7-liter LT1 and four-speed automatic; the maroon 40th anniversary Corvette (#14768) was donated by Hill and Karen Clark of Bay Village, Ohio; the red Mallett Z06 (#009) features a 700-hp LSX V-8, was clocked at 178 MPH in a top-speed event, and was donated by Kevin and Linda Helmintoller of Land O’Lakes, Florida; and the white 1.5 millionth Corvette (VIN 1G1YY36W295114471) features the Z51 Performance Package, 430hp 6.2-liter V-8, and six-speed automatic transmission.
The black ZR-1 Spyder was built as a show car with unique bodywork and chopped windshield and made its debut at the 1991 North American International Auto Show. The Blue Devil, meanwhile (experimental VIN 1G1YY26EX850022EX), was originally built as a 2008 Z06, then converted a year later into a pre-production ZR1 that was used for Chevrolet’s press photos and served as a sister car to 23EX, which famously lapped the Nürburgring in a record 7 minutes, 26.4 seconds. A GM spokesman told the Los Angeles Times that the two cars on loan to the museum were worth about $1 million each, while Greg Wallace, manager of GM’s Heritage Center, told the New York Times that GM will repair its two Corvettes so that “you’ll never know they were damaged.”
The Skydome, completed in 1994, was to celebrate its 20th anniversary in 2014. The sinkhole reported this morning is the first such event on the museum property, which is located in a region of the state full of underground caves and notorious for its sinkholes.
One car in the Skydome that was not damaged was the only remaining 1983 Corvette, which has reportedly been removed from the Skydome.
To help the National Corvette Museum recover from the massive sinkhole that opened under the facility, Chevrolet will oversee restoration of the Corvettes damaged. General Motors Design in Warren, Michigan, will lead the project. “The vehicles at the National Corvette Museum are some of the most significant in automotive history,” said Mark Reuss, executive vice president of General Motors Global Product Development. “There can only be one 1-millionth Corvette ever built. We want to ensure as many of the damaged cars are restored as possible so fans from around the world can enjoy them when the Museum reopens.”
Ed Welburn, vice president of GM Global Design, will oversee the restoration.
When the cars are recovered, they will be shipped to the Mechanical Assembly facility, a small specialty shop within GM Design, where the best restoration approach will be determined. Mechanical Assembly has been part of GM Design since the 1930s, and today maintains and restores many of the vehicles in the GM Heritage Collection and GM’s historic concept cars. The National Corvette Museum is independently owned and supported solely by charitable donations from enthusiasts. It is currently accepting donations on its website to assist in refurbishing the facility. Donations are tax-deductible.
While nobody was hurt in yesterday’s sinkhole collapse beneath the Skydome at the National Corvette Museum in Bowling Green, Kentucky, it appears from photos and videos that at least six of the eight Corvettes that fell into the sinkhole suffered significant damages.
The sinkhole, which opened up at 5:40 a.m., is reported to be 40 feet in diameter and up to 30 feet deep, and the structural engineer that the museum called in determined that the perimeter of the Skydome is stable. Nobody was in the museum at the time the sinkhole formed, and the museum has yet to announce whether the cars can even be retrieved.
Of the 80 or so cars on display in the museum, about 30 were in the 140-foot diameter Skydome. Corvette Museum staff were able to remove the rest of the cars in the Skydome not swallowed by the sinkhole later in the day.
According to the museum, the cars damaged in the event include a 1993 ZR-1 Spyder and a 2009 ZR1 “Blue Devil,” both on loan from General Motors, along with a 1962 Corvette; a 1984 PPG Pace Car; a 1992 “1 Millionth” Corvette; a 1993 40th Anniversary Corvette; a 2001 Mallett Hammer Z06 Corvette; and a 2009 “1.5 Millionth” Corvette, all owned by the museum itself. No cars on loan from individuals were damaged in the incident. From videos and photos supplied by the museum, the 1984 Pace Car and the 2001 Mallett Hammer were swallowed up entirely, while only a wedge of the rear fender of the 1993 ZR-1 Spyder remained above the debris. The 2009 1.5 Millionth car appears crushed under a slab of concrete, while the Millionth and the 40th Anniversary cars appear to have suffered at least blown-out glass and other body damages. The 1962 Corvette has a cracked windshield and torn front fender, while the Blue Devil appears to have ridden out the collapse without any damages.
According to information supplied by the museum, the Tuxedo Black 1962 Corvette was donated by David Donoho of Zionsville, Indiana, the car’s only owner; the bright orange 1984 Corvette was on permanent loan from PPG Industries and was on display when the museum opened in September 1994 (and features a 450-hp, 401-cu.in. Katech-modified V-8 engine backed by a T-5 five-speed transmission); the white millionth Corvette (VIN 1G1YY33PXN5119134) features a 5.7-liter LT1 and four-speed automatic; the maroon 40th anniversary Corvette (#14768) was donated by Hill and Karen Clark of Bay Village, Ohio; the red Mallett Z06 (#009) features a 700-hp LSX V-8, was clocked at 178 MPH in a top-speed event, and was donated by Kevin and Linda Helmintoller of Land O’Lakes, Florida; and the white 1.5 millionth Corvette (VIN 1G1YY36W295114471) features the Z51 Performance Package, 430hp 6.2-liter V-8, and six-speed automatic transmission.
The black ZR-1 Spyder was built as a show car with unique bodywork and chopped windshield and made its debut at the 1991 North American International Auto Show. The Blue Devil, meanwhile (experimental VIN 1G1YY26EX850022EX), was originally built as a 2008 Z06, then converted a year later into a pre-production ZR1 that was used for Chevrolet’s press photos and served as a sister car to 23EX, which famously lapped the Nürburgring in a record 7 minutes, 26.4 seconds. A GM spokesman told the Los Angeles Times that the two cars on loan to the museum were worth about $1 million each, while Greg Wallace, manager of GM’s Heritage Center, told the New York Times that GM will repair its two Corvettes so that “you’ll never know they were damaged.”
The Skydome, completed in 1994, was to celebrate its 20th anniversary in 2014. The sinkhole reported this morning is the first such event on the museum property, which is located in a region of the state full of underground caves and notorious for its sinkholes.
One car in the Skydome that was not damaged was the only remaining 1983 Corvette, which has reportedly been removed from the Skydome.
To help the National Corvette Museum recover from the massive sinkhole that opened under the facility, Chevrolet will oversee restoration of the Corvettes damaged. General Motors Design in Warren, Michigan, will lead the project. “The vehicles at the National Corvette Museum are some of the most significant in automotive history,” said Mark Reuss, executive vice president of General Motors Global Product Development. “There can only be one 1-millionth Corvette ever built. We want to ensure as many of the damaged cars are restored as possible so fans from around the world can enjoy them when the Museum reopens.”
Ed Welburn, vice president of GM Global Design, will oversee the restoration.
When the cars are recovered, they will be shipped to the Mechanical Assembly facility, a small specialty shop within GM Design, where the best restoration approach will be determined. Mechanical Assembly has been part of GM Design since the 1930s, and today maintains and restores many of the vehicles in the GM Heritage Collection and GM’s historic concept cars. The National Corvette Museum is independently owned and supported solely by charitable donations from enthusiasts. It is currently accepting donations on its website to assist in refurbishing the facility. Donations are tax-deductible.

On Thursday, February 13, 2014: the Museum held a press conference to update everyone on the game plan for the sinkhole. Mike Murphy, CEO of Scott, Murphy & Daniel Construction, shared that sinkholes are very common for this area, but that what is not common is for one to swallow eight Corvettes. He stated that it is repairable and the building foundation and structure is in good condition.
The plans for moving forward include securing the sinkhole and surrounding areas so that even if the Museum were to experience future sinkholes nearby it would not affect the Museum. It will take 2-3 weeks to stabilize and secure the area (the red spire, the walls of the sinkhole), after which the process of vehicle recovery will begin. The team will be making sure the sinkhole is safe and that no further damage will occur before starting vehicle recover.
The vehicle recovery process is anticipated to take 4-6 days to retrieve the vehicles. After that, they will replace the earth and floor system.
"We have a good plan and it takes action tomorrow [Friday]," stated Mike. He added that they don't foresee any problems, and that they have accomplished a lot in the past 24 hours.
Museum Executive Director Wendell Strode added their confidence in the process being complete in time for the National Corvette Museum's 20th Anniversary Celebration August 27-30 and the Grand Opening of the NCM Motorsports Park.
The plans for moving forward include securing the sinkhole and surrounding areas so that even if the Museum were to experience future sinkholes nearby it would not affect the Museum. It will take 2-3 weeks to stabilize and secure the area (the red spire, the walls of the sinkhole), after which the process of vehicle recovery will begin. The team will be making sure the sinkhole is safe and that no further damage will occur before starting vehicle recover.
The vehicle recovery process is anticipated to take 4-6 days to retrieve the vehicles. After that, they will replace the earth and floor system.
"We have a good plan and it takes action tomorrow [Friday]," stated Mike. He added that they don't foresee any problems, and that they have accomplished a lot in the past 24 hours.
Museum Executive Director Wendell Strode added their confidence in the process being complete in time for the National Corvette Museum's 20th Anniversary Celebration August 27-30 and the Grand Opening of the NCM Motorsports Park.

Museum cars damaged in sinkhole collapse will be shipped to Warren Michigan.
DETROIT – To help the National Corvette Museum recover from the massive sink hole, Chevrolet will be overseeing restoration of the Corvettes damaged. The process will be managed by General Motors Design in Warren, Mich.
“The vehicles at the National Corvette Museum are some of the most significant in automotive history,” said Mark Reuss, executive vice president of General Motors Global Product Development. “There can only be one 1-millionth Corvette ever built. We want to ensure as many of the damaged cars are restored as possible so fans from around the world can enjoy them when the Museum reopens.”
The restoration will be overseen by Ed Welburn, vice president of GM Global Design.
When the cars are recovered, they will be shipped to the Mechanical Assembly facility, a small specialty shop within GM Design, where the best restoration approach will be determined. Mechanical Assembly has been part of GM Design since the 1930s, and today maintains and restores many of the vehicles in the GM Heritage Collection and GM’s historic concept cars.
Links to photos, videos and information related to the sinkhole are available on the Museum's website at www.corvettemuseum.org. For the latest updates visit the Museum’s Facebook Fan page at www.facebook.com/corvettemuseum.
DETROIT – To help the National Corvette Museum recover from the massive sink hole, Chevrolet will be overseeing restoration of the Corvettes damaged. The process will be managed by General Motors Design in Warren, Mich.
“The vehicles at the National Corvette Museum are some of the most significant in automotive history,” said Mark Reuss, executive vice president of General Motors Global Product Development. “There can only be one 1-millionth Corvette ever built. We want to ensure as many of the damaged cars are restored as possible so fans from around the world can enjoy them when the Museum reopens.”
The restoration will be overseen by Ed Welburn, vice president of GM Global Design.
When the cars are recovered, they will be shipped to the Mechanical Assembly facility, a small specialty shop within GM Design, where the best restoration approach will be determined. Mechanical Assembly has been part of GM Design since the 1930s, and today maintains and restores many of the vehicles in the GM Heritage Collection and GM’s historic concept cars.
Links to photos, videos and information related to the sinkhole are available on the Museum's website at www.corvettemuseum.org. For the latest updates visit the Museum’s Facebook Fan page at www.facebook.com/corvettemuseum.
Sinkhole Corvettes are currently on display at the Corvette Museum:
The pictures below were taken by ~ Eddie & Jennifer Noble
Pre-Sinkhole Pictures: by Casper

Neil Armstrong Corvette By Detroit Steel
When it comes to a car that speaks to the Corvette’s legacy in America in a unique way, this might be one of the coolest I’ve come across in a while.
This one-of-a-kind classic, which was on display at the Kennedy Space Center yesterday, is a 1967 Sting Ray once owned by astronaut Neil Armstrong … you know, the first person to walk on the moon. Yeah, this car is kind of a big deal.
The Corvette, which has piqued the interest of the National Corvette Museum, is now the prized possession of Florida resident Joe Crosby, according to a Florida Today news report.
Crosby, a retired county Sheriff, bought the car in 2012 from an unnamed owner in Georgia. He initially planned to put the Corvette back on the market, but decided to restore and preserve it after an initial offering on eBay soared up to $250,000. "Click on the Corvette Forum image" to be directed to the original article and see pictures of the car.
Neil Alden Armstrong was an American astronaut and the first person to walk on the Moon. He was also an aerospace engineer, naval aviator, test pilot, and university professor. Born: August 5th, 1930 in Auglaize County, Ohio. Died: August 25th, 2012 http://www.armstrongmuseum.org/
Please visit: The Armstrong Air & Space Museum 500 Apollo Drive Wapakoneta, Ohio
When it comes to a car that speaks to the Corvette’s legacy in America in a unique way, this might be one of the coolest I’ve come across in a while.
This one-of-a-kind classic, which was on display at the Kennedy Space Center yesterday, is a 1967 Sting Ray once owned by astronaut Neil Armstrong … you know, the first person to walk on the moon. Yeah, this car is kind of a big deal.
The Corvette, which has piqued the interest of the National Corvette Museum, is now the prized possession of Florida resident Joe Crosby, according to a Florida Today news report.
Crosby, a retired county Sheriff, bought the car in 2012 from an unnamed owner in Georgia. He initially planned to put the Corvette back on the market, but decided to restore and preserve it after an initial offering on eBay soared up to $250,000. "Click on the Corvette Forum image" to be directed to the original article and see pictures of the car.
Neil Alden Armstrong was an American astronaut and the first person to walk on the Moon. He was also an aerospace engineer, naval aviator, test pilot, and university professor. Born: August 5th, 1930 in Auglaize County, Ohio. Died: August 25th, 2012 http://www.armstrongmuseum.org/
Please visit: The Armstrong Air & Space Museum 500 Apollo Drive Wapakoneta, Ohio

Robert "Bob" J. Stevens:
Sidney, Ohio — Robert J. Stevens, 68, of Sidney, passed away Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2014, at 3:02 p.m. at Wilson Memorial Hospital.
He was born on July 25, 1945. in Detroit, Mich., the son of the late Jay and Louise Stevens.
On August 15, 1970, Robert married his wife Dahlia, who survives along with two daughters, Mrs Joshua (Sandra) Smith, of Mattoon, Ill., and Julie Stevens, of Troy, Mich., and grandchildren, Charis, Maria, Constance, Merlin, Bonaventura and Digna Smith. Also surviving is one sister, Carol Stevens of Commerce Township, Mich.
He was a U.S. Army Vietnam veteran. He retired from Amos Press as an editor for Cars and Parts, MoPar, and Corvette Magazines. Robert was also a member of the First Presbyterian Church where funeral services were held Saturday, Jan. 4, 2014, at 11 a.m. with the Rev. Diana Circelli whom officiated. Burial took place at Roseland Park Cemetery, Berkley, Mich.
Robert was an avid vintage car collector and was a member of the Champaign County Cruisers, AACA, Shelby County Historical Society, and was a former softball coach for the IUTIS Club Softball Program, the Sidney Electric Softball League, the Shelby County Church League, and the Shelby County Co-ed League. He will be greatly missed by friends and the Automotive Community.
Sidney, Ohio — Robert J. Stevens, 68, of Sidney, passed away Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2014, at 3:02 p.m. at Wilson Memorial Hospital.
He was born on July 25, 1945. in Detroit, Mich., the son of the late Jay and Louise Stevens.
On August 15, 1970, Robert married his wife Dahlia, who survives along with two daughters, Mrs Joshua (Sandra) Smith, of Mattoon, Ill., and Julie Stevens, of Troy, Mich., and grandchildren, Charis, Maria, Constance, Merlin, Bonaventura and Digna Smith. Also surviving is one sister, Carol Stevens of Commerce Township, Mich.
He was a U.S. Army Vietnam veteran. He retired from Amos Press as an editor for Cars and Parts, MoPar, and Corvette Magazines. Robert was also a member of the First Presbyterian Church where funeral services were held Saturday, Jan. 4, 2014, at 11 a.m. with the Rev. Diana Circelli whom officiated. Burial took place at Roseland Park Cemetery, Berkley, Mich.
Robert was an avid vintage car collector and was a member of the Champaign County Cruisers, AACA, Shelby County Historical Society, and was a former softball coach for the IUTIS Club Softball Program, the Sidney Electric Softball League, the Shelby County Church League, and the Shelby County Co-ed League. He will be greatly missed by friends and the Automotive Community.
Driver's Choice Award
MotorWeek gave the Corvette Stingray its 2014 Drivers' Choice Award during the Chicago Auto Show. The Stingray was recognized by MotorWeek host, executive producer and creator John Davis. Davis stressed that the award looks at factors that matter most to consumers - price, practicality, performance and fuel efficiency.

The 1953 - 1955 Corvette: You have to give Chevrolet credit for striving for authenticity when they introduced their new sports car in 1953, but perhaps including a leaky roof, snap-in plastic windows, no exterior door handles or locks, and an underpowered six-cylinder engine was taking things just a little bit too far.
As we all know, the Corvette would quickly go on to much bigger and better things, with the latest model universally regarded as one of the best performance cars on the planet.
1953-’55
The first Corvettes, now often referred to as “roadsters”, were developed to give Chevrolet an entry into the import-dominated sports car market segment that had begun to develop in the United States after WWII. The first cars were literally rushed into production after debuting to rave reviews at the 1953 GM Motorama at the Waldorf Astoria. All 300 of the 1953 models were essentially hand assembled in the back of a garage in Flint, Michigan.
As we all know, the Corvette would quickly go on to much bigger and better things, with the latest model universally regarded as one of the best performance cars on the planet.
1953-’55
The first Corvettes, now often referred to as “roadsters”, were developed to give Chevrolet an entry into the import-dominated sports car market segment that had begun to develop in the United States after WWII. The first cars were literally rushed into production after debuting to rave reviews at the 1953 GM Motorama at the Waldorf Astoria. All 300 of the 1953 models were essentially hand assembled in the back of a garage in Flint, Michigan.

For 1954, production “soared” to 3,640 when production moved to a real factory in St. Louis. The car’s shortcomings, such as the lack of creature comforts, sketchy build quality, modest performance, and relatively high price, conspired to keep demand low, resulting in nearly half of the 1954 models remaining unsold at year end.
The guys running Chevrolet were neither stupid nor asleep at the wheel. They did what they could to make the Corvette more attractive to buyers, starting by replacing the Blue Flame six-cylinder with a V-8 for 1955 and finally offering a manual transmission in addition to the standard two-speed Powerglide automatic. Production dropped to 700 units, as Chevrolet scaled back in advance of the introduction of the substantially re-designed and improved 1956 model.
A VIN for 1953-’55 models doesn’t tell you a whole lot more than the year of manufacture. The first digit will be an “E” (Corvette); the next two are the year (53, 54, or 55); and the fourth is the assembly plant (F in 1953 and S for 1954 and 1955). The next six numbers are the sequential build number. 1955 VINs are preceded with the letter “V” for V-8 models (a few six cylinder carryovers were built in early 1955).
The guys running Chevrolet were neither stupid nor asleep at the wheel. They did what they could to make the Corvette more attractive to buyers, starting by replacing the Blue Flame six-cylinder with a V-8 for 1955 and finally offering a manual transmission in addition to the standard two-speed Powerglide automatic. Production dropped to 700 units, as Chevrolet scaled back in advance of the introduction of the substantially re-designed and improved 1956 model.
A VIN for 1953-’55 models doesn’t tell you a whole lot more than the year of manufacture. The first digit will be an “E” (Corvette); the next two are the year (53, 54, or 55); and the fourth is the assembly plant (F in 1953 and S for 1954 and 1955). The next six numbers are the sequential build number. 1955 VINs are preceded with the letter “V” for V-8 models (a few six cylinder carryovers were built in early 1955).

As you expect given their rarity, Corvette roadsters are quite expensive. The 1953 models are the most sought after and cars in good condition are bringing in the $135,000 to $150,000 range with truly excellent examples pushing $250,000. The 1954 models, over 10 times more common, top out around $100,000, with nice cars settling in the $55,000 to $60,000 range. The 1955s, which have the benefit of lower numbers and a V-8 engine, can bring $140,000 to $150,000 if they are perfect. Most good quality cars hover in the $80,000 to $85,000 range. So, even the candidate shown above has a great possibility for a complete restoration!
Chevrolet Raises Prices on Corvette... Because It Can By: Cars and Parts Newsletter
Want a new Vette? It’s going to cost you more. Why? Because Chevy thinks you’ll be willing to pay for it. “Pricing for the 2014 Corvette has been increased due to demand,” said GM spokesman Michael Albano. The hike of $2000 on both coupe and convertible models, which now cost $53,995 and $57,995, took effect on new orders taken after March 1, though Albano said that customers who placed their orders before March 1 will not be subject to the new pricing, even if they haven’t taken delivery yet.
The price of the Z51 performance package, which brings 19-inch front/20-inch rear wheels, larger brakes, performance suspension, sticky summer tires, and more, also went up by $1200, to $4000.
Interest in America’s most iconic sports car has always been high, but the Vette has been particularly hot since the C7 hit the road last fall, easily earning a spot on our 2014 10Best list. Even at the new higher price, though, the Corvette Stingray is a relative performance bargain, as evidenced by its comparison-test win over the Porsche 911 Carrera S.
March 10, 2014 at 1:24 pm by Steve Siler | Photos Below furnished by Club President, Stephen Knouff
The price of the Z51 performance package, which brings 19-inch front/20-inch rear wheels, larger brakes, performance suspension, sticky summer tires, and more, also went up by $1200, to $4000.
Interest in America’s most iconic sports car has always been high, but the Vette has been particularly hot since the C7 hit the road last fall, easily earning a spot on our 2014 10Best list. Even at the new higher price, though, the Corvette Stingray is a relative performance bargain, as evidenced by its comparison-test win over the Porsche 911 Carrera S.
March 10, 2014 at 1:24 pm by Steve Siler | Photos Below furnished by Club President, Stephen Knouff