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So the local car wash joint does the low budget detail job on my car (they do a pretty good job for about $70 or so) and the car looks great. Then I realize I need to fill er up so I drive a mile or two over to this giant convenience store gas station place that's pretty crowded on weekends. As I'm pumping gas I realize everybody there is staring at my car. They're all smiling, waving, giving me a thumbs up, etc. It's just so cool. Americans LOVE Corvettes. Particularly shiny, clean, late model RED Corvettes (I'm not sure why they make the other colors, don't blame me).
Anyway, it's one of the coolest things sometimes about owning the car. Now part of me never liked the whole red Corvette idea because while I love how the car looks, it's SO flashy. I don't like being noticed. But with these cars, sometimes that can be the best part. It was like it made everybody's day at this place a little happier, it made me feel good, hell, it makes us ALL feel good, and part of that is it's one of the cooler things about America over the past 50+ years.
I always felt that way about Corvettes and I used to give the thumbs up to owners, it's fun to get them now that I'm an owner. God Bless America and God Bless Corvettes, the owners and the Corvette lovers.
Took my C7 out to get a car wash this evening, brought it back home, finished drying it off, then took my Porsche 911 Turbo (991) out to the same car wash, brought it home and finished drying it off.
I can confirm for you, America (at least Midwest America) loves Corvettes. Everyone smiles and waves. Porsche 911’s, not so much... frowns, fingers, generally disapproving looks.
I’m the same guy, same curteious driver. So I know it’s all THEIR problem and not mine.
Those who know, know, and they really admire the Turbo. But on the whole, a different experiance between driving the two. I have had a couple of rude old guys come up on me before with the Vette though, one was unhappy I have one as a young-looking guy. “Did your daddy buy that for you?!” I mean, who says that sort of thing?
I think in the Porsche I look like an attorney so everyone keeps their distance. The Vette is apparently a very approachable car, everyone wants to chat. I only get approached in the Porsche Turbo by others who own a 911. Not any other Porsche’s, just 911’s.
I’m a massive introvert, so l’ll have to remember this and drive the Porsche when I’m in a lousy mood and drive the Vette when I’m having a better day.
Although driving either of these generally puts me in a good mood.
^^^ I agree to the extent that many newish Porsche drivers do seem to look like lawyers or doctors. I'll give you that one. I wouldn't worry as much as you seem to about what others may think about you when driving your Porsche.
The Corvette doesn't seem to have as much Porsche-thought surrounding it.
Last edited by Steve Garrett; 04-29-2018 at 11:12 PM.
I agree to the extent that many newish Porsche drivers do seem to look like lawyers or doctors. I'll give you that one. I wouldn't worry as much as you seem to about what others may think about you when driving your Porsche.
The Corvette doesn't seem to have as much Porsche-thought surrounding it.
oh, I don’t worry about what others think at all, was merely contributing to the thread that I’ve noticed people DO seem to really love Corvettes. I was using my little example here just cause I’ve noticed the contrast between the two cars/experiences, and that contrast supported the OP’s premise.
My last car was a clean 2011 Mustang GT and in seven years, I would get a "thumbs up" or "nice car!" maybe once a month or more... Since buying my WGG 'vette in December, I have surpassed the "attaboy total" for the entire 7 years of Mustang ownership.. I think it's partially the love affair with Corvettes, and I also think it's that the car has stunning looks. Every 'stang since 2005 has a very strong family resemblance, while the C7 is only four model years old, with much smaller overall production. I still get asked "What kind of car IS that!?"
WGG gets its share of love, too
My last car was a clean 2011 Mustang GT and in seven years, I would get a "thumbs up" or "nice car!" maybe once a month or more... Since buying my WGG 'vette in December, I have surpassed the "attaboy total" for the entire 7 years of Mustang ownership.. I think it's partially the love affair with Corvettes, and I also think it's that the car has stunning looks and every 'stang has a very strong family resemblance since 2005, while the C7 is only four model years old, with much smaller overall production. I still get asked "What kind of car IS that!?"
WGG gets its share of love, too
Even the priciest, fanciest Mustang (the Shelby) can't match the Corvette's Merican Exotic styling, and THAT's what turns all those heads and makes people smile in my view.
Never ceases to amaze me the number of thumbs up and looks these cars generate.
As others have pointed out, many years ago, I was the kid looking at a Corvette and saying dad we need one. Dad would laugh and say you don't understand money and needs yet.
At 15 years old I bet my dad I would have a Corvette by the time I was 25, before I was to old to enjoy one. It was a $500.00 bet, which he had to pay up when I bought my first one at 24 years old. A 4 year old 1980. I have owned at least one Corvette ever since. Sold the 80 two years ago.
Its been a love of mine since as far back as I can remember and still is.
I have wanted a Vette for a long time, and finally pulled the trigger on a new 17. When I walk out into the garage, I still have to pinch myself to make sure that I'm not dreaming when I see that yellow car sitting there. Even my grand kids, when I drove it to see them a short while ago, thought it was cool (they are 4 and 6). They call it the "banana car".
I am pretty much an introvert, but like it when I see another Vette and give a wave, and get one back. Not sure about the rest of America, but I'm happy as I can be.
Corvettes do seem to make people feel good. I've gotten my share of thumbs ups and compliments but never a negative comment or gesture. I've seen little children point at me as I drive by and that is priceless. Ya know, if you can turn a kids head with a stylish car then you've got a winner. I've seen plenty of ladies my age, senior, admire my car and compliment it. I'll tell them "Its a chick magnet, and I can see its working on you!" That always brings a smile to their faces. The best "nice car" compliment ever came from a Lambo driver I ran across in the Tennessee mountains.
This generation vette has captured the attention of America once again. If not the world. Throwback days to C2 generation owners driving their new Sting Rays.
This generation vette has captured the attention of America once again. If not the world. Throwback days to C2 generation owners driving their new Sting Rays.
I turned 60 six months ago, I think I qualify as a throwback.
Getting thumbs up from other sports car drivers is always nice but I enjoy the excitement from little kids the most.
Although I do enjoy every conversation with those that want to know, the kids are the best. I always ask them if they would like to sit in the car. I've had a 100% take rate on that question.
I turned 60 six months ago, I think I qualify as a throwback.
71.5 for me. One year out of HS I had my first vette. 63 SWC re-painted in then current Nassau Blue. Had it for less than 6 months when Uncle Sam wanted me to stay at his hotels for a couple of years. I complied but Sam refused to take over payments on that used Sting Ray. When we went our separate ways I immediately bought another SWC. This time in then current (but again re-painted) 67 Goodwood Green w/the 67 BB stinger hood. 2 more SWC's followed in red (one stock red and the other in re-paint Porsche Red). And tons of other vettes.
It's the same feeling and the same public response as back in the 60's.
04-29-2018, 06:28 PM
Corvettes make America a happier place
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This generation vette has captured the attention of America once again. If not the world. Throwback days to C2 generation owners driving their new Sting Rays. 
