Earlier last week I was heading to work and this young kid on his bike was riding down the sidewalk on the other side of the road. He's staring at my Vette and when we pass each other he gives me a huge wave and smile. I looked over and nodded to him. It feels really good when a young kid does something like this. I could remember riding on my bike when I was his age waving to Corvettes like that. When the driver would wave back I felt like I was an owner, too. I'd ride off on my bike pretending I was driving a Corvette. Moments like this imprints a dream for kids, and maybe the ambition to achieve that dream will follow as it has for me.

So today I was at the gym and had parked my vette close to the entry door. I was talking to someone and noticed a young teenager (I'd give him 14 tops) takes out his cell phone, walks around to get a good angle, and takes a picture of my Vette. He was walking away with what looked like to be his younger brother, and they were both smiling while looking at the picture he took on his cell phone. So as I was leaving a few minutes later I noticed they were sitting at the steps of the local movie theater. They noticed my Vette, so as I was leaving I gave it some gas through 1st. Maybe they have the Corvette bug, too.

I can get caught up in little problems my Vette has, what mods I'm thinking about doing, or even hardships through life; but it's moments like this that reminds me that I lived an important dream as a child. That dream was to in a position to own an american sports car icon in Corvette. To the future Corvette enthusiasts!



EDIT: Changed the last word from 'owner' to 'enthusiast'

 

Unfortunately for me I have a few bad memories as a kid with "snotty ***" corvette owners who just didn't get it. Sort of let me alone kid and you'll never be able to afford one type of attitudes. Must have been those "status" owners and not true enthusiasts. Luckily it did not deter me from owning the best american sports car ever built. Every chance I get to answer a kids question or let them look at the car and take pictures of it I jump at it! Just last night I was stopping to pick up a quick bite to eat and I decided to take the Z for a nice little ride. Two kids are hanging out in the parking lot and as soon as I get out of the car they both tell me how nice it was. I took the opportunity and spent 10 minutes talking with them, answering thier questions and explaining about the car. I consider it my duty, and as long as they are respectfull and interested in the car, I will contiue to strike up conversations with them! I guess I'm a real enthusiast and not one of those "snotty status" owners!

 

It's great to see the kids get involved! I was a car nut a soon as I could push my Hot Wheels around the kitchen floor.

My youngest daughter is the next! Here she is the day we got our new Z06 before her first ride. She was so excited she could hardly stand still for a pic. Problem is, she only likes it when you go fast!

 

The first day I got my Vette and was driving around a bunch of kids were selling lemonade on a corner. The shouted at me to stop and said they wanted to take a picture. I said ok, so about 5 of them line up on the side of the Vette and then one of the kids takes out his cell phone and snaps the shot. I bet they made my day more then it made theirs.

 

Neat story.

 

yes i no what u mean , last nite i went to my sons house and there were kids playin on the street, one asked what kind of car i was driving , then came over to look inside ,he asked me if it was fast, then looked at my speed gage and call over to his freinds that it was very fast, they all came over for a look, i love this car,
jimmy

 

I have had numerous instances when kids have given me a thumbs up or have yelled "nice car". I make sure I acknowldge them with a wave and a smile. (I remember what it was like 40 years ago when I was the young kid) A couple of weeks ago, I was at my brother-in-laws and noticed a young boy (age 10?) across the street pointing at my car and talking to his dad. I walked over to say hi and after his dad told me the young man just loved corvettes and asked him if it would be all aright if I took him for a ride around the block. the boy was so excited how could the father say no. So off we went and after we got back, the rest of the afternoon I kept noticing the boy wearing a big smile, talking to just about every neighbor on the street and pointing to the car. I guess I made his day.

Even those adults that are still kids inside get a kick when they are offered the keys for a ride around the neighborhood (with me in the passenger seat of course).

 

Very good story! It amazes me that the kids love our cars also! Maybe they want one when they get older!

 

On a single day last week, I had just parked my '02 coupe and an older gentleman (at least 70+) complimented me on the car and said that he'd always wanted one. Later that day, I pulled up to a store and several school girls yelled out, "nice car!" I said thanks and, trying to be humble, added that "It's just a car..." They said, "yeah, but it's a Corvette!!"

At a car show I took part in last month, a 12 year old kid was looking at the engine bay and for some reason was holding the hood as if to help support it. My first inclincation was to go over and tell him to let go, but quickly changed my mood and went to just talk to him about the car. He knew a lot about the Corvette and we had a great conversation. I did, however, mention later that most "Vette" owners would appreciate him not touching their cars. Neat kid.

I've found that it must be the nature of little kids to touch everything they like...my 'vette is like a magnet for kids' hands 9 and under. That speed shine really comes in handy.

 

I jump at the opportunity to talk about the car to young and old. To see a young kids eyes light up when they see the engine, sit in the car, etc is priceless.

 

Great stories all of them! As much as I tell my wife I bought the car 'purely' for how it moves me, the truth is that the perma-grin kicks into overdrive everytime someone waves or yells out 'cool car' and since every guy in my neighborhood got to drive my car the first week I had it I can say that sharing something great always makes it even greater.

 

What a wonderful smile. You are a fortunate "family" man!

MB

 

I have a 2nd grade son who brings his friends out to look at the 04 when I pick him up from school and they all seem to have goo goo eyes over it.
I can't even start the car with out my son running from where ever and saying where are we going.

I always give a wave and smile when kids glare at my car.

They are in fact the next gen of Corvette owners.

 

Matt69-ZO6 Great pic!

I get the same reaction from kids... My daughter would rather sit in (or be in) the vette than any other car...

 

Shortly after Chip Miller passed away I read an article in one of the Vette magazines giving a tribute to him. It talked about how approachable he was (I vividly remember meeting him last summer at Carlisle and I can attest to this) and how he would always take time to talk about the legend of the Corvette, as well as to promote it. The article, as I recall, encouraged the reader, to take time to pass on the tradition, like Chip would have done, pointing out that in many cases people (young and old alike) are curious (and manytimes shy in asking) about the car that stole our hearts. The article stayed fresh in my mind, and this year at the Fun Display at Carlisle when several families with young children came by to ask about my car, I offered to the parents that it would be O.K. with me if they wanted to get a picture with their child behind the wheel. It was great. I don't know who was more excited, the kids or their parents. It felt good to see the smiles on everyone's faces.

 

I think that almost everyone who sees the C-5 live and in person is thinking the same thing, its just that kids know how to speak the truth. They aren't worried about their image if they compliment the car. When ever anyone praises my Vette I just thank them and tell them that with them wholeheartedly.