7 Times the Corvette Showed Its Patriotism
1. The 2016 C7.R
The new C7.R has been updated numerous times and is now boasting about the land it calls home to the world it will race against. A new stars and stripes livery has been added right behind the front wheels along with the testament to pushing forward, "Made in America."
Team Corvette Racing has only one American driver but the patriotism is so strong with the car that Danish driver Magnussen stated that he is loving the additions. Beyond the application of the livery, other additions have been new winglets, a larger rear diffuser, and a further rear location for the wing that adds to a menacing stance.
2. The 1963 Corvette Stingray
Recently, Jerry Seinfeld took a 63 Stingray over to the White House for his "Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee" web series. He and President Obama take a short walk through the garden, chit-chatting about life at the White House and their mutual love of cars. Seinfeld then presents the Corvette to the President, remarking, "I thought, the coolest car — American made — for the coolest guy to ever hold this office." Obama gets behind the wheel and pilots the classic car about the grounds, stating that he is fulfilling "a childhood dream."
3. The Carlisle Corvette American Flag
In 2015, a total of 156 Corvettes came together at Carlisle club to put on an awe-inspiring display. There were 13 alternating rows of red and white, with 35 Corvettes making up the blue of the top corner and white balloons for stars making up the automotive flag. A row of silver Corvettes came out to line the flag and make up a "pole," and a couple of gold 'Vettes take the place of the Eagles that rest on the pole (for all the sticklers for details).
4. The Captain America C7
What's more American than Captain America himself and the Black Widow riding in an all-black C7 Stingray near the U.S. Capitol?! GM's general director personally suggested to Marvel that Ms. Johansson drive the sports car in order to create a subtle, sleek, yet pop culture shaking introduction of the C7 to the world. This also set off a partnership between the Marvel Cinematic Universe and GM that we may get to see explored down the line in other films.
5. Astronaut's Choice
In the 1960s, astronauts paired themselves with the closest thing they could get to the velocity of a space shuttle: the Corvette. Alan Shepard drove a 1957 Corvette daily to training for what would become a historic space race trip. In appreciation to Shepard, GM presented him with a brand new 1962 Corvette. This started a tradition of astronauts and Corvette that was solidified even further when special lease deals were set up for space explorers. This led to the Apollo crew being sighted all around Florida in Corvettes mildly customized to their tastes.
6. Sebring Sweeps
In 2015, Corvette Racing denied Porsche a consecutive win at Twelve Hours of Sebring in the final hour with a hat trick nonetheless. The Corvette Team won not only at Sebring but also at Rolex 24 at Daytona which made them the only ones to EVER win Rolex and Sebring in the same season since 2000.
7. Parades
The Corvette stands for something that is unequivocally good and right with our country. That it's assembled by blue collar men and women of our nation who take pride in what they do. That a car can become a canvas that many Americans use to display their love for their country's products. A halo car that is used time and time again to hoist those who we are proud of in celebrations, and motor them down main streets to the cheering of their fellow people. The Corvette is the perfect car for a parade and for the spirit of our great nation. It is powerful without ever needing to utter a single growl and gentle without ever seeming weak.
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