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Because they're fast and Corvette ownership runs in the family.
The Corvette I own now was purchased from my dad and it was the fourth one he has owned since he started when he was 18. The first car I came home in after I was born was a red C4.
Had a massive heart attack in 2010 lost a large portion of my heart function and diagnosed with COPD while in the hospital from the heart attack. After recovery found I don't have the stamina to ride my Harley. Wife and I have been riding for over 30 years so not being able to ride was a hard pill to swallow. Sold the bike and went on the hunt for a Vette. The C5 has always been my favorite body style. We are now retracing our bike trips in the Corvette. We have been coast to coast on the bike so we have plenty of miles to look forward to. Different than the bike but we are having a great time. Guess it was time to close one chapter and start another. Picture is in the Rocky Mountains in Colorado.
Its part of my dna . For me its an addiction . I've had one since i was 19 years old, how old am i? Well do you remember howdy doody or the little rascals? Cisco kid,lone ranger.......
Happy for the OP and his wife. Glad to hear things are looking up and well for the both of you. Congratulations
As for others who have encountered health issues, happy to hear things are looking up for you and that our C5s contribute to our happiness.
I enjoy mine too and drive it as often as I can. My Ultra Scooter is a joy too. American legends yes! Yet I must admit between everything going on everyday its hard enjoying them as much as I wish I could. LOl my greatest blessing my little guy (4th grader) baseball, basketball, my parents are elderly, walleye fishing trips, Ranger boat, four cars total six vehicles and on occasional lady date here and there, watering the flowers sure its very hard to do everything...
Its part of my dna . For me its an addiction . I've had one since i was 19 years old, how old am i? Well do you remember howdy doody or the little rascals? Cisco kid,lone ranger.......
My brother -in-law kind of set the bug in me and the wife. He has 4 of them. 3 C3's and a C4. She was in a bad car accident in '99 and went thru about 6 months of rehab. Been on meds for that ever since too. Then about 6 years after that she was diagnosed with breast cancer. We have been dealing with that and a few more surgeries because of that ever since. She is pretty healthy at this point but back in 2006 I said what the hell and bought her a '95 triple black C4. She really loved that one. A year after that I bought the '98 Grape Ape. Had them both for a year and then sold the black '95 and have been down to the one since. She still tells people that I sold "HER" car and she wants me to get her another one someday and I probably will. So I guess the reason we drive one is to make life just a little bit more fun while we still can.
OP - You and your wife are taking life in a great way. Everyone should follow your mindset. Way to go and good luck with everything that comes your way.
Back in the seventies I had two used 1969 C3's. My co workers thought I was rich. They went out and bought their brand new Olds Cutlass's and Chryslers which were almost worthless four years later and the old Vettes were selling for more than I paid for them after the brakes and tires were worn out. Beside the performance thing they were just cool to drive. I got away from them during the late seventies because they had no power and didn't perform. I borrowed a C4 with an automatic and got rubber in second gear and figured I needed to look at them again. Bought and 85 with the 4+3 and was impressed. Later got an 02 vert and was pleased to see they still perform with great gas mileage. For me it's all about performance. value and bang for the buck. Take a nice C5 and add a bunch of expensive aftermarket crap to it and the equasion fails. I never wanted to invest $20 or 30k in a $14000 car so my vert remains unmolested and holds value for the next owner should I find the need for a c7 some day in the future. Uh O?
Certainly can relate to the OP medical concerns after my gal of 30 years did 19 weeks of chemo and 33 radiation treatments. She likes the 02 vert I got for her!
St. Jude Donor '03-'04-'05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16-'17-'18-'19-
'20-'21-'22-'23-'24
NCM Sinkhole Donor
CI 5, 8 & 11 Veteran
I drive one because I've wanted one since I was a kid. At age 31, was finally able to afford one and now on my 9th Vette, I can't imagine not having one in the garage.
My dad had a number of them... He had a '54 C1 when it wasn't worth anything, two C3s (68 and 69 Convertibles) 3 C4s (87 and 95 convertible, 85 coupe with a hallway body kit). My uncle also had a C2 (65 convertible). So I guess it was kinda in the family. In reality I was looking for something that I could drive half of the year and enjoy my drive to work and back, since that seems that's all I do is work. I always liked the C5 since they came out and thought I found the right one when I got mine, which it was far from right but I made do. The C5 was also priced right. My other choices were a Porsche 968 which was 9 years older and cost just as much, or a Maserati Spyder which was comparably priced. The only problem is those were impossible or impractical to fix yourself due to either knowledge or parts availability.
I absolutely love the look of the late C3 (80-82), but to get one the way I want it would take a lot of time, effort and money. The C6 while a solid performer just didn't click with me. I'd totally consider a new C7 but I kinda like that mine's imperfect, don't worry so much because of that.
On a side note, I always tell my dad that he can't take his money with him when he's gone. He might be considering a Polaris Slingshot for a new toy.
All of you have great reasons for adopting your four wheeled pets. And interestingly enough the impact on your lives are also diverse and interesting. I got bit when I was in the Navy back in "64". One of my friends was selling his "61" "270" and I had to have it. That love affair lasted for a year only. My father had no sense of humor when it came to paying him back for the purchase. After all, $1500 was a huge amount of money. My sister ended up with it before he sold it. The love affair never went away. Early this year I finally talked my wife into taking the plunge again. 49 years between Corvettes and I finally feel whole again. I adopted a "99" Torch with a black interior in very good condition. Luckily my credit habits have changed since the old days but I'll never forget that "61".
My 04 Z is my 4th Corvette. When I bought it nearly 9 years ago, I never dreamed it would be transitioned to nearly (driven on public roads only to go to an event) a track only car. It provides the absolute best bang for the buck on the road course. I've had a number of Porsche owners in the car at an event and they're amazed at its performance. Not only during acceleration but also the mechanical grip.
I can relate. My new (waiting on delivery) personalized plate is "JUSTCUZ"
And I can relate to the decision to own a 'vette because health issues are a wakeup. I had open heart surgery in 2000. Shortly thereafter I bought a Honda Shadow 1100 and then a Goldwing and began long distance motorcycle riding (e.g. 48 states in 10 days). About 5 years ago I decided it was time to add a 'vette to my toys (always wanted one). My wife is much more comfortable in the Z06 and I drive around with a perma-grin on my face.
It is soooo cool, that for so many, the vette was and is a DREAM car. Your stories give me hope and encourage me.......that in this day and age... with such a selfish, sick society......there are still some amazing human beings out there that (get it) they have goals... work hard.... and mark things off their bucket list......all the while pushing, struggling thru the stumbling blocks that life puts in their way.....
The corvette community is awesome.....different colors, shapes, options, mods, mileage, condition and reasons..........we love them, hate them, drive them, stand in the garage and stare at them.....show them off...tinker with them....polish them.. and share them.
You guys and gals are the best.....thanks for your support, knowledge, and the gift of sharing.....keep'em coming.
The corvette community is awesome.....different colors, shapes, options, mods, mileage, condition and reasons..........we love them, hate them, drive them, stand in the garage and stare at them.....show them off...tinker with them....polish them.. and share them.
You guys and gals are the best.....thanks for your support, knowledge, and the gift of sharing.....keep'em coming.
10-10-2014, 09:38 PM
and Corvette ownership runs in the family. 
