De Javu
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 169
Likes: 5
From: Overland Park Ks.
I was 19. my first new vette was in 1969 a 350-350 ragtop 4-speed. looking out over those fenders day or night was great. I'm 56 now, have a 1999 vert. I still get a kick driving down the road looking over those fenders, but its a automatic. 
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 132
Likes: 0
From: NY
When I was a teenager I used to detail a neighbors brand new C3 , he would leave the keys and I would drive it to shady spot (a nearby underpass) to apply the wax, I got to know that beautiful white Vette real well that summer.
Back then I couldn't afford one of my own and I didn't even think about buying a Vette until the early 1990's after my friend let me drive his beloved '75 C3. It brought back memories and I finally bought a C4 in '99 and traded that for a C5 last summer.....
I'm still thinking about getting a C3 to keep my C5 company.
Back then I couldn't afford one of my own and I didn't even think about buying a Vette until the early 1990's after my friend let me drive his beloved '75 C3. It brought back memories and I finally bought a C4 in '99 and traded that for a C5 last summer.....
I'm still thinking about getting a C3 to keep my C5 company.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 3,469
Likes: 4
When I was in high school in the late 80's, my dad had a really well kept '75 that he was cool enough to let me run around in -- as long as I acted responsibly and took good care of the car. I'll never forget the feeling of driving that thing around on warm summer nights, T-tops off, with my GF or best buddy riding shotgun. I felt like the luckiest kid in town.
Fast Forward nearly 20 years and I get that same great feeling whenever I drive my 99... targa top off, the warm summer evening air…*and not only memories of the car and the times, but I also relish the fact that my dad trusted me and taught me how to respect and care for a Corvette. Half the time I drive my Corvette I think that it makes me something a little special, and the other half of the time it reminds me that I'm my Dad's son.
Fast Forward nearly 20 years and I get that same great feeling whenever I drive my 99... targa top off, the warm summer evening air…*and not only memories of the car and the times, but I also relish the fact that my dad trusted me and taught me how to respect and care for a Corvette. Half the time I drive my Corvette I think that it makes me something a little special, and the other half of the time it reminds me that I'm my Dad's son.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 2,385
Likes: 160
From: Orlando FL
That is a great story that brings back good memories. In 1966 I bought a used '66 red GTO (buddies car....he was going to Japan with the AF) with 4000 miles on it. I used to love the speed, wind (no AC), and looking over the hood with the small scoops. Couldn't afford a '66 Corvette so dreamed for years.....fast forward to 2004, 38 years later! Bought my first Corvette and now as a 60 year old I get the same feeling looking over the hood daily as when I was 21. Thanks for reminding me about the good days of the '60's!! 
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 866
Likes: 1
From: Bakersfield, Blown 402 Z06 Ca
These are some great stories and thanks for taking me back. I also always wanted a Vette when I was young. I would look at one as someone drove it down the street. At that time I had a 1965 Chevelle and though it wasn't a Vette but it was still a Chevy. I had the 327 full race and loved that car. I knew it wasn't the Vette that I always wanted but it sure would run. Now that I have my C5 I have never been happier and the wait was worth it. That's not to say that I don't also miss my 65 Chevelle. Thanks for taking me back to my younger days. I will own a Vette now until my last day. At that point I hope someone else will live the dream that I have always had.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 7,201
Likes: 0
From: DP(oh you know where) IL
St. Jude Donor '06
I had a 74 when i was 17 before and I loved driving that car. Cruising in it was the best. When it was time for a new car it just wasnt the same, I got a 2003 G35 6spd coupe, fun to drive and really comfy, but not the same as the 74. I test drove my car and thats all it was supposed to be was a test drive, I got out of the car and was ready to buy it and traded in the g35 and here i am, back to corvette at the age of 22. I felt like i did when i had my 74. But faster, I didnt realize how much i missed driving a v8 until i drove the z06. I dont think i will ever turn away from a vette EVER again. Have the 01 z06 almost 3 weeks now and im still giddy about it. Cruising around town and roadtrips are fun again.
Last edited by DPG; Aug 18, 2005 at 12:40 PM.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 10,187
Likes: 0
From: Western KY.
We didn't get our frist vette until I was 47.
Because kids and work the kids collage.
Back in 1978 my uncle had a 78 with the anniversary paint, I thought that was best looking car I had ever seen, so we found one just
like it, bought it, still got it Love it set and look at it alot and think back
to the time i frist saw one...........
Because kids and work the kids collage.
Back in 1978 my uncle had a 78 with the anniversary paint, I thought that was best looking car I had ever seen, so we found one just
like it, bought it, still got it Love it set and look at it alot and think back
to the time i frist saw one...........
Advanced
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 75
Likes: 0
From: Topsham Maine
I've still got mine
First vette was a '69 350/350 vert. It was in long term storage (7 years) while I was stationed overseas. It's been a long time coming back from the dead, but she's purring pretty good now. It was a present for my wifes birthday (her dream car...she had to have that before I could get a boat) and we've had her for almost 20 years. Just to darn much fun to drive!
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Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 393
Likes: 0
63 Vette
Originally Posted by DRKNGHT
Man, that's a great story! I too have noticed the continuity over the years, its' part of what makes our cars so wonderful and personal to us.
I still remember being on the playgound when a '63 split window cruised thru the school zone at 15 miles mph. You could have heard a pin drop, not a kid moved or talked. We just stared at that revoloutionary design, it had flip lights!
I knew then I just had to have one! I now own my second vette and am greatful for my good fortune.
I still remember being on the playgound when a '63 split window cruised thru the school zone at 15 miles mph. You could have heard a pin drop, not a kid moved or talked. We just stared at that revoloutionary design, it had flip lights!
I knew then I just had to have one! I now own my second vette and am greatful for my good fortune.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 393
Likes: 0
Too much fun
Originally Posted by 72 driver
I had to laugh when I read this post.... some very similar situations but some different experiences getting there. When I, too, was in my teens- 15, in this case, to be exact- I had a love of Vettes. It just so happened my father owned a yellow convertible '72 454 stingray- this was in the mid 80's. I absolutey loved that car! Welp, long story short, he and mom went out of town and I decided I needed to drive it- had to impress my little girlfriend at the time 
I had a blast! Got it up to 145 on the interstate !- and I DID impress the hell out of my friends and, of course, the all important GF when I drove up to whatever get-together that was going on. But, alas, on the way home, I put her into a ditch 
. Needles to say, that was the last time I drove a vette (and the last time I sat down for a long time!)...until recently. While only 20 years in my case, the experience is the same- sloping fenders and headlights, and the same great feel of a truly awesome vehicle propelling you down the road. Absolutley love it! And it's no coincidence that I chose 72 driver as my handle- in deference to the great vette that I managed to destroy, as well as to a great Boeing product.
I had a blast! Got it up to 145 on the interstate !- and I DID impress the hell out of my friends and, of course, the all important GF when I drove up to whatever get-together that was going on. But, alas, on the way home, I put her into a ditch . Needles to say, that was the last time I drove a vette (and the last time I sat down for a long time!)...until recently. While only 20 years in my case, the experience is the same- sloping fenders and headlights, and the same great feel of a truly awesome vehicle propelling you down the road. Absolutley love it! And it's no coincidence that I chose 72 driver as my handle- in deference to the great vette that I managed to destroy, as well as to a great Boeing product.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 393
Likes: 0
69 Vette Wow
Originally Posted by ben dover
I know exactly how you feel, my first new one was a '69 350 - 350 ragtop.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 2,549
Likes: 0
From: MDT
i'm in the late bloomer department. when i was a kid i remember watching a show called T.H.E. CATT which was short for Thomas Hewett Edward Catt who was a detective & who drove a 65 or 66 vette. years & miles later in my mid-40s, while we had 2 kids in college, we snagged an 87 torch red c4 coupe @ carlisle. had it 18 mos & sold it privately & made almost $2k. turned 50 & within a week, at the boss's (the mrs) urging no less, we got a 2000 sebring silver c5. we're loving every minute of it!!!! bub
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 393
Likes: 0
Wow 1955
Originally Posted by sxe60
I love Vette stories like that. It shows the Heritage that the Corvette has created. I got my first one in 1955 and have been a Vette enthusiast ever since.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 393
Likes: 0
Your Welcome my friend
Originally Posted by blacksedan87
I had to wait until I was almost 50 to get my first Vette, but I rode in a couple as a kid and later as an adult. I remember the first one I ever saw....a red '57 with white coves! 
I was hooked for life, and was determined to have one of my own one day. Well I finally found myself in a position to obtain one, and I've never looked back since. Now - I will NEVER be without a Vette Convertible until I take that long dirt nap.
Thanks for sharing your memories, and miles and miles of smiles to you!
I was hooked for life, and was determined to have one of my own one day. Well I finally found myself in a position to obtain one, and I've never looked back since. Now - I will NEVER be without a Vette Convertible until I take that long dirt nap.
Thanks for sharing your memories, and miles and miles of smiles to you!
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 393
Likes: 0
Like an Old song
Originally Posted by Evil Twin
I wish I could relate, however this is my first vette and I'm 31. It's cool to know that you're re-living your childhood years though 
Thanks for sharing that story with us!
Thanks for sharing that story with us! Its like that old song you hear on the radio. When you hear it you drift back to what you were doing or thinking at the time. Of course, there are some songs I would like to forget if you know what I mean.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 393
Likes: 0
Cool Stuff
Originally Posted by vert99
I was 19. my first new vette was in 1969 a 350-350 ragtop 4-speed. looking out over those fenders day or night was great. I'm 56 now, have a 1999 vert. I still get a kick driving down the road looking over those fenders, but its a automatic.
I have an automatic too. I am ok with it.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 393
Likes: 0
Cool Sentiments
Originally Posted by rcs128
When I was in high school in the late 80's, my dad had a really well kept '75 that he was cool enough to let me run around in -- as long as I acted responsibly and took good care of the car. I'll never forget the feeling of driving that thing around on warm summer nights, T-tops off, with my GF or best buddy riding shotgun. I felt like the luckiest kid in town.
Fast Forward nearly 20 years and I get that same great feeling whenever I drive my 99... targa top off, the warm summer evening air…*and not only memories of the car and the times, but I also relish the fact that my dad trusted me and taught me how to respect and care for a Corvette. Half the time I drive my Corvette I think that it makes me something a little special, and the other half of the time it reminds me that I'm my Dad's son.
Fast Forward nearly 20 years and I get that same great feeling whenever I drive my 99... targa top off, the warm summer evening air…*and not only memories of the car and the times, but I also relish the fact that my dad trusted me and taught me how to respect and care for a Corvette. Half the time I drive my Corvette I think that it makes me something a little special, and the other half of the time it reminds me that I'm my Dad's son.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 393
Likes: 0
Your Welcome my friend
Originally Posted by v.vet's C5
That is a great story that brings back good memories. In 1966 I bought a used '66 red GTO (buddies car....he was going to Japan with the AF) with 4000 miles on it. I used to love the speed, wind (no AC), and looking over the hood with the small scoops. Couldn't afford a '66 Corvette so dreamed for years.....fast forward to 2004, 38 years later! Bought my first Corvette and now as a 60 year old I get the same feeling looking over the hood daily as when I was 21. Thanks for reminding me about the good days of the '60's!!
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 393
Likes: 0
Your Welcome my friend
Originally Posted by gairno
These are some great stories and thanks for taking me back. I also always wanted a Vette when I was young. I would look at one as someone drove it down the street. At that time I had a 1965 Chevelle and though it wasn't a Vette but it was still a Chevy. I had the 327 full race and loved that car. I knew it wasn't the Vette that I always wanted but it sure would run. Now that I have my C5 I have never been happier and the wait was worth it. That's not to say that I don't also miss my 65 Chevelle. Thanks for taking me back to my younger days. I will own a Vette now until my last day. At that point I hope someone else will live the dream that I have always had.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 393
Likes: 0
I hear ya
Originally Posted by DPG
I had a 74 when i was 17 before and I loved driving that car. Cruising in it was the best. When it was time for a new car it just wasnt the same, I got a 2003 G35 6spd coupe, fun to drive and really comfy, but not the same as the 74. I test drove my car and thats all it was supposed to be was a test drive, I got out of the car and was ready to buy it and traded in the g35 and here i am, back to corvette at the age of 22. I felt like i did when i had my 74. But faster, I didnt realize how much i missed driving a v8 until i drove the z06. I dont think i will ever turn away from a vette EVER again. Have the 01 z06 almost 3 weeks now and im still giddy about it. Cruising around town and roadtrips are fun again.