When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
Is this the "Corvette Forum" or the "Corvette Bashing Forum?"
I'm glad that some people prefer the looks and style of the european cars that also cost much more money in some cases.
The chrome maybe an american thing but what's wrong with that?
I am trying not to be too sensitive here but the thread starts out about the fact that chrome is a 70's thing with a midlife crisis rep. and looks too flashy (or I quote, "Cheesy").
Then it migrates to how great and modern the new cars are in europe. I begin wondering to myself if I should stop reading the Corvette Bashing Forum all together?
That little badge on the GranSport can't be that bad.
Badges on the side of sports cars look out of place.
Chrome wheels on C6's (especially on red and black C6's) look good.
Painted, grey and black wheels look dull and dirty.
Chrome like GM supplies (see above) trumps all looks on the Vette imo and stays looking better easier and longer too. There isn't any color that chrome in moderation doesn't enhance.
I really don't think anyone here is "bashing" the Corvette. The mention of European cars came about when talking about chrome wheels, and I don't think anybody said they preferred them to American cars. I happen to like American cars, European cars, or just about anything that excites me. I like my '68 Camaro, I liked my BMW M3 (now gone) and I also like my new C6. I tend to be very open minded when it comes to my hobby, and I don't see a problem with that. I just don't care for chrome on my cars.
I do happen to be a member of other forums (some foreign, vintage, etc.), and have a wide range of interest in cars. It cracks me up when seeing how blinded some people are by brand loyalty and how defensive it can make them. This is not a personal attack on anybody in particular, just an observation made from being involved in different communities . I guess I shouldn't become a member of the Mopar forums
I stand by my words. Enjoy the Mopar forum. I'm going for a ride in my cheesy chrome vert. in sunny South Florida, still suffering from my mid-life crisis stigma. But I know that my car will be the envy of almost all who gaze at her.
I'm just sayin', how many other $50K+ sports cars do you see with chrome wheels? I think other manufacturers have realized they are outdated and have moved on. Maybe the blame is on the dealers for ordering so many of the "dealer stock" cars with those wheels. It is an easy way to add $$$ to the window sticker, and it adds the bling factor. This makes GM thinks they are a top seller, when I think a lot of people get them by default. I could be totally wrong here, just calling it as I see it working in the industry. It could also be the "older" average 'Vette buyer still digs chrome. Maybe GM is onto something, I don't know.
I've worked for a very successful German auto manufacturer for close to 10 years now, and I guess I just follow the cutting-edge mentality that comes with it. I love modern style and technology and apply it to any car I own or build. Chrome really isn't part of that, but to each their own, I suppose.
Andy
As others have said, chrome is as american as apple pie. Look back in history and you will see many american muscle cars over the years with chrome wheels. Look at the work from folks like Foose. When they do a restore on an american muscle car, chrome wheels most likely will be used.
I agree that chrome does not look good on the European cars and it is not their trend. But american cars are a different story in my mind, and I don't think we should avoid chrome because the Europeans do. If I wanted my car to look european instead of american muscle I wouldn't have bought a Vette.
One of the many reasons we drive Corvettes is to be noticed. If you don't like chrome, fine. But to suggest there shouldn't be any is just plain stupid. Corvette is a car that screams LOOK AT ME ! Chrome just adds another exclamation mark to the sentence thats all. To me not having chrome on a vette is like telling the wife or girlfriend " Hey honey get your best dress on because were doing the town tonight, but don't put any make-up on or wear those sexy pumps. Put your sneakers on instead " !