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It’s a Corvette Thing

Let’s take a look at some enthusiasts who make their cars a part of their personality and hold that specific model in high esteem. It’s a Corvette thing. 

Corvette Owners Seriously Love Their Cars 

Nobody purchases a Corvette on a whim. People that purchase a Corvette have always loved them. The Chevrolet Corvette is the longest running sports car nameplate in automotive history and with that comes a following like no other. Corvette owners are some of the most devout fans to a specific vehicle and they make sure that everybody knows it. Today we’re looking at all the quirks, trends, and special stuff that comes along with Corvette ownership. It’s a Corvette thing.

“RARE: ONE OF A KIND” 

2008 Chevrolet Corvette Indy 500 Pace Car Replica – carsforsale.com
2008 Chevrolet Corvette Indy 500 Pace Car Replica – carsforsale.com

One thing you’ll find out by talking to Corvette owners is how rare their specific Corvette is. Don’t get me wrong, there are some limited run models out there that get a boost in price due to rarity alone. Corvettes like the 24 Hours of Le Mans Commemorative Edition, Z06 Carbon Limited Edition, Grand Sport, the various Pace Car Editions, and a number of others are actually limited production models by Chevrolet. However, some owners will go as far to call their Corvette a “one of one” model based on the combination of the specific paint, upholstery, added options, and even down to the seat stitching from that specific year to claim its rarity. I’m glad these owners can feel pride knowing that their purchase is truly unique in their eyes, but it’s still your typical Corvette to the average passerby

Keep It Stock or They’re Ruined 

Heavily Modified 2013 Chevrolet Corvette – carsforsale.com
Heavily Modified 2013 Chevrolet Corvette – carsforsale.com

Corvette purists are all about keeping the sports car, no matter the generation, in factory shape. I get not wanting to see a classic like the C2 Corvette slammed with a wide body kit and eccentric paint job, but fans can’t dictate what another owner does to their Corvette. A bit of extra aero added and a set of new wheels can turn a base Corvette into a cooler looking ride.

I will however agree that there is a fine line for modifying a Corvette. Some of these owners make their car super tacky with airbrushed designs on the outside, in the engine bay, across the dashboard, and about anywhere else they can find to add a mural. There is also an interesting trend of cross-generation modifications to Corvettes that fall into that uncanny valley of design. C3 with C5 looks, C6 with C2 looks, C5 with C1 looks – the list of combinations keeps going and they’re all really odd.

Corvette Merchandise Everywhere 

Black Hills Corvette Classic - blackhillscorvetteclassic.com
Black Hills Corvette Classic - blackhillscorvetteclassic.com

It isn’t enough for Corvette owners to have a Corvette and be seen driving it around. These owners need you to know that they love their Corvette even when they aren’t next to it. Corvette branded merchandise is one of the largest car specific markets out there. There are Corvette shirts featuring the logo, all the various generations, a specific generation, and tons of other designs that scream “I own a Corvette”. It doesn’t stop at t-shirts though. There are hats, socks, jewelry, garage signs, scale models, glassware, books, and even furniture. I’m sure somebody out there has an entire house dedicated to the Corvette at this point with how much related merchandise there is out there.

Corvette Owner Clubs 

Corvette Club of America 60th Founders Day Picnic – vette-club.org
Corvette Club of America 60th Founders Day Picnic – vette-club.org

You join a special club when you purchase a Corvette, but there isn’t just one “Corvette Club”. There are literally hundreds of different clubs dedicated to this sports car and each one is ready for you to join as long as you own a Vette. You’ve got national chapters like the Corvette Club of America, the National Council of Corvette Clubs, the National Corvette Owners Association, and the National Corvette Restorers Society. Below that are the state chapters for every state, but it goes even deeper to the city level from there. Each of these various clubs host different club meetings, fundraising events, and Corvette gatherings. Plus, you can get additional club branded merchandise to represent your very own Corvette club.

Corvette Shows & Cruises 

Black Hills Corvette Classic - blackhillscorvetteclassic.com
Black Hills Corvette Classic - blackhillscorvetteclassic.com

Corvette owners love to flaunt their cars, so much so that they have dedicated car shows and cruises just for Corvettes. Each of the various aforementioned Corvette clubs put on their own specific events or come together to host major Corvette events. You’ve got Corvette shows like the Corvettes at Carlisle, the Big Cypress Corvette Classic, the Black Hills Corvette Classic, the Boardwalk Corvette Show in New Jersey, the various National Corvette Restorers Society Regional shows, and the big Corvette Club of America Car Show in Maryland. There are even international shows like the Gold Rush Corvette Nationals in Australia. It isn’t uncommon to find a Corvette with a trunk full of plaques and trophies on display from previous shows since every event has their own best in show, best restoration, crowd favorite, etc.

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Jesse McGraw

Jesse McGraw brings his life-long car obsession into his writing. A fun childhood that involved growing up around race tracks, working on a rusty ‘99 Dodge Dakota held together by zip ties, and collecting Hot Wheels developed into a strong appreciation for automotive history. If there is an old, obscure, or rare car, he wants to know about it. With a bachelor's degree in Web Development & Design from Dakota State University, Jesse can talk shop about car or computer specs, focusing on classic cars, imports, and car culture.

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