Tim_M
1385
Great post: a worthy series of sports cars
And not just in the current generation. Even as far back as 1965, fuel injection, 4x independent suspension, and discs were available. There have been many highlights since 1953, and most of the drawbacks can be traced to a commitment by GM to keep the Vette's base price within a dream's reach for a guy or gal who might save and prioritize to make it come true. And the current generation car has the fewest compromises yet.
A starting price of $90,000 US could stem any complaints about interior choices or OHV engine architecture, but then it wouldn't really be the same car. Perhaps the most intriguing rumor has been talk that the new mid-engined Corvette will become the flagship model of a Corvette model family including the traditional front-engined car as the volume model.
Compromises were made at points in the 60+ year timeline, but that's true of all cars that make it to a half-century's age without letup (e.g., 996 Porsches, 380 SL, Mustang IIs). But hey, doubt and distain are the reason that the 2009-2013 ZR1 is becoming a $55,000 used car with 638 horsepower, structural carbon fiber, and Ferrari Enzo carbon ceramic brakes. If you're thinking pre-owned Vette, that's the place to look right now. The 2009-2010s are approaching the end of their depreciation curves.
Even the fuel economy and cargo space of most modern Vettes are standouts... having determined that my road bike can fit in most post-1997 Vette cargo areas with the wheel removed!
Finally, and for motorsports fans, the Vette has a competition history that spans the spectrum from parking lot SCCA Solo I autocross to LeMans victories. Not too many supercars and ultra cars actually take to the track or are constructed to make this possible (Pagani, Bugatti, Koenigsegg, looking at you guys).
Best,
Tim
Chevrolet Corvette - the sports car gear heads love to hate
Very few cars that are as popular as the Corvette garner as much hatemail. Maybe because it does sports car things so well at such an affordable price? Because of the demographics of an overwhelming portion of its driver / owners? Fun fact: many Corvettes...
Great post: a worthy series of sports cars
And not just in the current generation. Even as far back as 1965, fuel injection, 4x independent suspension, and discs were available. There have been many highlights since 1953, and most of the drawbacks can be traced to a commitment by GM to keep the Ve...
Beautiful response, thank you!
Hi, Tim, I dont have enough actual ownership or seat time to comment at that level, so I didnt. Thank you so much for providing the substance to my superficial introduction, bravo! As I noted, I am often SORELY tempted...and those prices on pre-owned ZR1....
Hmm... Your next car Tim?
Or how about a 2006 Mercedes E55 AMG. Still a fast car, mostly reliable, not great steering, brake by wire brakes (but 8 piston calipers) with no feel, and a slightly harsh suspension; but a nice engine that generates 476 hp and 516 lb/ft of torque! Of co...
The new corvette is a sharp looking car...
many times I see one on-coming or catching up, I always thought it's a prancing horse I have never driven one, any version, but paper specs look great. Reviews from car sites always complaint a little on these American cars interior, well you get what you...
Interesting perspective.
I spend a lot of time and road miles with exotic cars and exotic car owners. The Prius and Corvette are the most reviled cars among my car buddies (I dont join in with that slagging, by the way) Always left me scratching my head, not to mention making me ...
I can understand the Prius part because it's quite true.
I have noticed many (again relative) Prius owners like to dash, changes lanes and drive fast. Both my "boss" and I often notice that and we will comment, "See how that Prius driving?" Well, maybe it's just the electric response of the car. Corvette? No, i...
Prius driving styles
Interesting observations about Prius driving... Back when Prius relatively they were mostly hyper miling and driven VERY slowly and (overly) conservatively. Maybe that has changed because now second and third owners are taking advantage of the instant tor...
That’s something I will never completely understand...
Of course they both have a slightly lower importance in Europe but not a better standing. The Corvette - in most countries - is immediately linked to the red light district, which is a shame. The Prius is generally reviled, even more scorn being heaped on...
Interesting post, TM.
More to say later. Not enough time for anything more than a photograph of my own garage queen right now! ...
Okay, some quick thoughts.
One way to categorize Chevrolet’s Corvette is to think of it as the ROLEX of supercars. It is not at all rare — there are a helluva lot of them out there. Those who own them often flaunt them, sometimes obnoxiously, but also cherish them. Elitists who don...
427 Tri-Power! Sh-dooby!! . . .
. . . a General that can make this Mopar fan green with envy ;-) . . .
Somebody say "Corvette?"
Here's mine. Let's just say it's work in progress ; ) Chassis sent to Florida for spa treatment, including full disassembly, sandblast and powder coat. Everything seen here is powder coated, not painted. Any takers on the model? ...
4-wheel discs mean post ‘65; no transaxle means before ‘97
Somewhere in the middle then ... Mike
Mike's guess is not only as good as mine, but probably better! [nt]
Love poweder coating by the way... More info?
1970 Corvette "Stingray" 350/300HP (Base model coupe)
First photo is after years of driving, including college and right before I took it off the road and completely dismantled it. This is a mock-up of a '71 that modified in PhotoShop to look like my car when it's finished. ...
Do it Thomas!!
It was very nice meeting you in NY. As a fellow Lambo enthusiast I can tell you that the current generation Corvette is a great car at any price. I have the current generation Z06 and it is one of the most exciting modern cars out there today! I traded in...
More and more the "it wants to kill me" quotient is more and more
Important to me... Hi! C7 Z06 offers tremendous value for money and I've never been a fan of the Porsche Turbos, especially the last few generations, because they've gotten too cushy... Thanks for your comments! TM
Coincidentally I watched a show from The Grand Tour yesterday
And they said something like the following: it is like that girl you went home with after too many drinks. That night it is all perfect, but the next morning you think: Oh no! What have I done??