Is 80 too old?
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 13
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Is 80 too old?
My pops beat me to the punch and just purchased his first Corvette. Ordered a 2016 1LT from Classic in Sugarland, TX. It's a stripper with the A8 as the only option but I'm thrilled for him. At 80 years old I have safety concerns, but at that age, what do you tell someone who wants to reward themselves for years of hard work? He was able to join my credit union and use my affiliation as a LEO to get a price of $54,222. I'll probably end up with the car at some point but the thought of him accidentally hurting himself makes me quite nervous.
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Dec 12, 2015, 03:53 PM
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2004
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From: Big Red Ne
My pops beat me to the punch and just purchased his first Corvette. Ordered a 2016 1LT from Classic in Sugarland, TX. It's a stripper with the A8 as the only option but I'm thrilled for him. At 80 years old I have safety concerns, but at that age, what do you tell someone who wants to reward themselves for years of hard work? He was able to join my credit union and use my affiliation as a LEO to get a price of $54,222. I'll probably end up with the car at some point but the thought of him accidentally hurting himself makes me quite nervous.
2. If he wants to play with toys, so be it and embrace the opportunity with him.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 16,253
Likes: 1,657
From: Arizona
80? He's just a child.
An 84 year old guy bought an A8 Arctic White Z06 2LZ locally about 3 weeks ago. Funny thing is the woman sales rep figured me for it first but I passed. Sat on the lot for about 2 more weeks and this nice old man snatched it up. I was there when it sold so I congratulated him. Shook his old frail hand and his first words were "Thank you. My wife is gonna kill me." Hahahahahahaha
Told him "You only live once." Haha
An 84 year old guy bought an A8 Arctic White Z06 2LZ locally about 3 weeks ago. Funny thing is the woman sales rep figured me for it first but I passed. Sat on the lot for about 2 more weeks and this nice old man snatched it up. I was there when it sold so I congratulated him. Shook his old frail hand and his first words were "Thank you. My wife is gonna kill me." Hahahahahahaha
Told him "You only live once." Haha
Last edited by Steve Garrett; Dec 13, 2015 at 03:03 PM. Reason: No need to quote the OP, especially when you're the next poster.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 1999
Posts: 2,886
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From: Scottsdale AZ
St. Jude Donor '11
If in good health, mentally at least, why not!! Couple club members pushing that, and they are having a blast.
Not a Corvette, but my 86 year old Mom decided she wanted a MINI. She was coming out of a 350 HP Dodge Hemi, so when I explained the engine choices, she had to have the 180 HP "S."
Congrats to your Dad!
Not a Corvette, but my 86 year old Mom decided she wanted a MINI. She was coming out of a 350 HP Dodge Hemi, so when I explained the engine choices, she had to have the 180 HP "S."
Congrats to your Dad!
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 1,157
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From: Central Jersey
I'm 70 and use Paul Newman as my inspiration. If he was able to drive competitively into his 80's, then I should at least be able to participate in local HPDE's without embarrassing myself.
Of course few of us have the genes or the financial resources of Paul Newman. But It does give me hope.
Of course few of us have the genes or the financial resources of Paul Newman. But It does give me hope.
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 30,055
Likes: 351
From: Big Red Ne
My pops beat me to the punch and just purchased his first Corvette. Ordered a 2016 1LT from Classic in Sugarland, TX. It's a stripper with the A8 as the only option but I'm thrilled for him. At 80 years old I have safety concerns, but at that age, what do you tell someone who wants to reward themselves for years of hard work? He was able to join my credit union and use my affiliation as a LEO to get a price of $54,222. I'll probably end up with the car at some point but the thought of him accidentally hurting himself makes me quite nervous.
2. If he wants to play with toys, so be it and embrace the opportunity with him.
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As long as he can still drive without endangering others, good for him for getting such a fine, fun car. Hope he has many years to enjoy it.
Racer
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 310
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From: Brentwood CA
Too Old?
I'm only 73 with my C7. Have had Corvettes continuously for the last 55 years. My theory is that if you can physically get in and especially get out of one without assistance from passerby's, you are young enough to own one.
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2015
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From: Williamsburg VA
I'm 70 and use Paul Newman as my inspiration. If he was able to drive competitively into his 80's, then I should at least be able to participate in local HPDE's without embarrassing myself.
Of course few of us have the genes or the financial resources of Paul Newman. But It does give me hope.
Of course few of us have the genes or the financial resources of Paul Newman. But It does give me hope.
I just did the same thing at age 65.
Second, I don't know if it got noticed on this forum but Paul Newman's last drive, just a week or two before be passed away, was at Lime Rock in his highly modded / racing Corvette. I believe the owners gave him the track time.
I don't know which generation it was.
Last edited by mtaxman; Dec 12, 2015 at 04:25 PM.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2007
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From: cookeville tennessee
Plus get him to take you out in it and show YOU the rope's. Then get him to let you take it out on the town a few times.
Drifting
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From: Mechanicsburg PA
Central PA Events Coordinator
St. Jude Donor '12-'13
God bless you gents able to share these Corvettes with your Dads... these are precious times!
(Lost my dad years before his death due to a mental decline... before buying mine)
(Lost my dad years before his death due to a mental decline... before buying mine)
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2007
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From: cookeville tennessee
First off - 80 isn't too old - congrats to the gent who just bought his first vette.
I just did the same thing at age 65.
Second, I don't know if it got noticed on this forum but Paul Newman's last drive, just a week or two before be passed away, was at Lime Rock in his highly modded / racing Corvette. I believe the owners gave him the track time.
I don't know which generation it was.
I just did the same thing at age 65.
Second, I don't know if it got noticed on this forum but Paul Newman's last drive, just a week or two before be passed away, was at Lime Rock in his highly modded / racing Corvette. I believe the owners gave him the track time.
I don't know which generation it was.
Only as old as you feel I say. Crap I will be 66 in Feb also every car I have has had mod's in some way. Over this winter are next winter will sure put a blower on the c7.
Team Owner
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From: cookeville tennessee
HOOK-EM HORNS
Joined: Aug 2006
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From: Port Aransas, Texas Tx
St. Jude Donor '08
Turning 69 next birthday...3 week old C7 gets Super Charger with upgrade, meth, headers, catch can, Billy Boats and tune....starting Monday morning. First vette 1971 big block in 1973.
Last edited by TEXASRANGER; Dec 12, 2015 at 04:46 PM.
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 13
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Thanks for all the positive quotes. I've been a member on here for some time now (non owner), and just when I get tired of reading some of the bs and pompous replies, you guys show up.
Thanks again.
I'll tell my father about the wave. He has no clue. Lol
Intermediate
Joined: May 2012
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Good for your father and totally respect his actions. My Dad is 83 and when my car arrives, my first visit will be to his house and hand him the keys. Should be a funny moment when he asks me..... "how do I start the car"?...... He has been a loyal GM guy all his life and not even born in North America.....