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"HOME OF THE LONGEST RUNNING ANNUAL CORVETTE EVENT ON THE PLANET"
ESTABLISHED 1963 FEBRUARY 2013
2013 EVENTS
MARCH 2, 2013 SATURDAY - BLOSSOM DAY CAR SHOW SANGER, CA - LEE DELAP 559-284-8606
APRIL 13, 2013 SATURDAY: CYSTIC FIBROSIS GREAT STRIDES 8:30 AM - JONATHAN BAKER 559-803-2910
MAY 4 - 5, 2013 SATURDAY & SUNDAY - RELAY FOR LIFE - JON DEVOE 559-760-6047
MAY 3 – 5, 2013 5 TH ANNUAL MONTEREY PENINSULA CORVETTE CRUISE : WWW.MONTEREYCORVETTES.COM
MAY 10 - 12, 2013 - FRIDAY - SUNDAY - AMERICAN LEMANS AT LAGUNA SECA - RON MILLER 559-974-2616
JULY 12 – 14, 2013 – 2013 CORVETTE WEEKEND - SOUTHERN OREGON CORVETTE ASSOCIATION – FOR FLYER
& REGISTRATION FORMS GO TO: WWW.SOVETTE.COM
AUGUST 16 - 18, 2013 FRIDAY - SUNDAY - THE ROLEX MONTEREY MOTORSPORTS REUNION -
ALLEN TEIXEIRA FOR INFO 559-449-1505
TAHOE 45 - SEPTEMBER 5 - 8, 2013 SILVER LEGACY - RENO, NV
FLYER & SIGN-UP SHEET @ WWW.CORVETTESOFFRESNO.COM

Tahoe 45
CORVETTES OF FRESNO CELEBRATES 50 YEARS AS A CLUB
AND THE 45th ANNIVERSARY OF OUR TAHOE TOUR
September 5-8, 2013
Silver Legacy Resort Hotel & Casino - Reno, Nevada
(COVERED SECURE PARKING ON LEVEL 4 OF THE SELF PARKING GARAGE)
Registration: Forms available on the website: www.corvettesoffresno.com
also released via e-mail - jim.agar@att.net
Registration must be Received by August 15, 2013
How Much: $190.00 per couple, $125.00 singles
EARLY BIRD DRAWING
ALL PAID REGISTRATIONS POSTMARKED BY MAY 1, 2013 WILL BE
ENTERED IN A DRAWING FOR A CHANCE TO WIN $100.00 CASH!
Highlights
Welcome Social Thursday Night
Caravan to Lake Tahoe for a Gondola Ride to Heavenly Valley & Lunch
(not included in registration fee)
Slot Tournament $10.00pp - Friday Afternoon
Catch a Rising Star Comedy Show - Friday Night (some parts may be objectionable)
Poker Run (extra hands $5.00) – Saturday Morning
Shine & Show – Saturday Morning
Lake Tahoe Cruise on M.S. Dixie - Saturday Afternoon
Awards Dinner at Silver Legacy - Saturday Night
PLEASE NOTE - DRESS CODE FOR AWARDS DINNER IS SMART CASUAL
www.corvettesoffresno.com for Additional Details & Updates
All Net proceeds from Tahoe 45 will be donated to Charity
Accommodations
Silver Legacy Hotel & Casino: (800) 687- 8733 Use the Group Code 913CORV
Room Rates: Thursday $74.00 Friday & Saturday $119.00
Buffet Breakfast for 2 each Day is Included!
Register now so you don’t miss out on the 45th Tahoe Tour
Register by August 15, 2013 for Room Rate Guarantee & avoid late fee of $20.

CORVETTES OF FRESNO, INC
Is a non-profit organization formed by those
owners who are proud to drive America’s only
true sports car
THE CORVETTE
Our club meetings are held at 7:00 pm on the
third Tuesday of the month at the American
Legion Hall located at 3509 N. First Street,
(North of Shields on the S/W corner of First
Street & Dayton), Fresno.
If you are an interested Corvette owner, we
invite you to attend.
The one time initiation fee is $30.00 and
covers the cost of your Corvettes of Fresno
window sticker, membership directory, club
by-laws, nametag and many other goodies.
The annual dues are $95.00 per year per
couple, or $77.00 per year per individual.
COF BOARD MEETING NOTICE
CORVETTES OF FRESNO BOARD
MEETINGS ARE HELD THE FIRST
TUESDAY OF EACH MONTH AT
DENNY'S ON THE CORNER OF
BLACKSTONE & HERNDON
START TIME IS 6:30 PM - EVERYONE
IS WELCOME
July 2nd, 1992 marks the day
when the one millionth
Corvette, a white convertible,
rolled off the assembly line.
1992 saw the rebirth of the
legendary LT1 small block
engine as a 300 hp motor
with reverse flow cooling and
two valves per cylinder.
CORVETTES OF FRESNO, INC
2013 OFFICERS
President: Ron Miller
E-mail: president@corvettesoffresno.com
Phone: 559- 974-2616
Vice Pres.: Bert Sherman
E-mail: events@corvettesoffresno.com
Phone: 559-439-9699
Secretary: Kelly Holder
E-mail: secretary@corvettesoffresno.com
Phone: 559-907-5479
Treasurer: Larry Minnich
E-mail: treasurer@corvettesoffresno.com
Phone: 559-449-3331
Membership: Harry Bellow
E-mail: membership@corvettesoffresno.com
Phone: 559-761-6696
Webmaster: Frank Stafford
E-mail: webmaster@corvettesoffresno.com
Phone: 559-324-0518
Newsletter: Jim Agar
E-mail: jim.agar@att.net
Phone: 559-297-2200
WSCC Representative: Allen Teixeira
E-mail: representative@corvettesoffresno.com
Phone: 559-449-1505
Sunshine Person: Sharon Minnich
E-mail: saminnich@yahoo.com
Phone: 559-449-3331
FIBERGLASS FOREVER IS A MONTHLY
PUBLICATION.
PLEASE SUBMIT ARTICLES NO LATER THAN
THE THIRD FRIDAY OF EACH MONTH VIA
EMAIL TO:
newsletter@corvettesoffresno.com

W
Just got back from my vacation to Hawaii. Thanks to all of the board members
that took over my duties while I was gone. A special “Thank You” to Bert
Sherman for running the General and Board Meeting in my absence. Congrats
to all of the members that received a perfect attendance award.
I can't believe how things happen when you are gone. My name was drawn for
the name tag drawing for the first time and it was the first time that I have
ever missed a meeting. I guess that is a lesson to all of us on attendance.
We are still conducting our search for a meeting place for the Board Meetings.
If you have any suggestions please tell someone on the Board.
We have some great runs coming up this year. Please think ahead and make
your reservations early. I hope more of you come with me to Laguna Seca this
year. Several of us have already made reservations at the Laurel Inn in
Salinas. Contact me if you have any questions.
Well, that is all for now.
See you on the runs.
Your humble President. Ron Miller

Membership
Harry reported that as of the 2013 Calendar Year COF has 96 members and 75 cars.
Members & Guests
Total attendance: 55 - 49 Members & 6 Guests - Clay & Lan Mumby
Richard Beatie - Walt Shocomb & Tom & Teresa Ochoa.
Nametag drawing
Ron Miller's Name was drawn, He was not present.
Next Months Drawing will be for $30.00
Remember to wear your nametag at the meeting for a chance to win.
Club Directories and Updates
The 2013 electronic copy of the club membership directory is available online at
www.corvettesoffresno.com (contact Frank Stafford for the new access info)
FEBRUARY ANNIVERSARIES
FRANK & JANIE STAFFORD 1 - LlOYD & GWEN COX 10
RICK & MELANIE SARKISIAN 18 - ROGER & VALERIE MERRITT 24
FEBRUARY BIRTHDAYS
GENE FOX 1 - JOHN JOHNSON 5 - HARRY BELLOW 6 - DENNIS CHRISTIANSEN 9
GWEN COX 20 - FRANK STAFFORD 21 - KELLEY ASHLEY 21
FRANK CAETANO 25 - JANIE STAFFORD 29
HARRY BELLOW
MEMBERSHIP
50/25/25 DRAWING
WINNERS
JIM KELL
RICHARD BEATIE
EACH WON $46.00
HARRY BELLOW PRESENTED 100% GENERAL MEETING ATTENDANCE AWARDS:
LEFT TO RIGHT: JIM AGAR - DON DUKES - DEBBIE DUKES - NICK DILIDDO
KERRY DEHMEL - SHARON MINNICH - BERT SHERMAN - LARRY MINNICH

CORVETTES OF FRESNO - GENERAL MEETING MINUTES
January 15, 2013
CALL TO ORDER: President Ron Miller is on vacation. Bert Sherman called the meeting to order at 7:05
pm. Board Members present were, Bert Sherman, Kelly Holder, Harry Bellow, Jim Agar and Larry & Sharon
Minnich. WSCC Representative, Allen Teixeira, and ASCCC Representative, Lee Delap, were both present.
Pledge of alliance was shared.
SECRETARY IS REPORT: Minutes of the November 2012 meeting were published in the COF newsletter.
Motion to accept the minutes as published, but not read made by Billie Talley, seconded by Jackie Christani.
Motion carried.
October minutes are available upon request from Ron Miller.
TREASURER’S REPORT: Larry Minnich reported the accounts activity, General Account and the Tahoe 45
Account which is on file to be reviewed by members only. Motion was made to approve the Treasurer’s report
as read made by Dave Cavanaugh and seconded by Lynn Agar. Motion carried.
MEMBERSHIP: COF has a current membership count of 96 members and 75 corvettes. Harry Below
reported attendance at for this evening’s meeting: 49 members and 8 guests. Clay & Lan Mumby, Richard
Beatie, Walt Shocomb, Diane & Gary Huss and Tom & Teresa Ochoa. January birthdays and anniversaries
were acknowledged. All birthdays and anniversaries can be found in the COF 2013 Membership Directory
(which is now available). Perfect Attendance plaques were awarded to Jim Agar, Nick DiLiddo, Kerry Dehmel,
Jerry Clark (not present to receive), Sharon Minnich, Larry Minnich, Ron Miller (not present to receive), Don
Dukes, Debbie Dukes and Bert Sherman.
COMMUNICATIONS: Jim Agar announced this month’s newsletter was 20 pages printed and 40 on the web.
Friday is the submission deadline for the next newsletter. Tahoe 45 is pretty much finalized. Next meeting will
be held in May. A Christmas card was received from Minnesota club members which had their photo in front of
the COF Tahoe 44 banner. Jim presented a Special Addition Newsletter for the new release of the 2014
Corvette Stingray. Appreciated was expressed for Jim’s outstanding service and commitment to the Club.
WEBMASTER: Janie Stafford reported the C Drive had crashed and no reports are available. Frank Stafford
(not present) had backed up the files and is working on restoring the Drive.
ACTIVITIES: Please refer to the Calendar of Events in the club newsletter or on the Club website,
www.corvettesoffesno.com for more details and up to date information. Bert Sherman opened a brief discussion
on events.
• Billie Talley commented on 2012 Christmas Party stating there was 60+ in attendance. We all enjoyed
the live band and delicious food at Pardini’s. She thanked Liz Devoe for all her help with the
decorations, centerpieces and ornaments.
• A brief report was given by Bert Sherman on the Holiday Extravaganza run in December. We had 22
cars and 42 in attendance to the Melodrama. We are sorry Billie could not make it, but appreciate her
donation of Champaign. We also thank Terri & Dave Cavanaugh for graciously opening their home
serving lunch and thanks to Emil & Sue (non-members) for helping out. A special thanks also to Rotta
Winery for a great wine tasting presentation.
• Jim Agar spoke about Tahoe 45 reminding all about the $100 Early Bird Registration drawing for
payments received by the end of April 2013. Sponsors for plaque’s ($25) and raffle prizes needed.
Contact Jim to contribute.

• Nick DiLiddo gave us an update on the upcoming Ice Breaker Run on January 26 th & 27 th . This will be
the 18 th year COF has had this run. There are approximately 65 people attending. Fortino’s Winery has
waived the fees for Saturday’s wine tasting. The two groups of vets will be led by Steve Profera and
Frank Stafford. Don’t forget to get your blue tickets from Nick for the morning donuts & coffee
(especially if you have already paid).
• Jonathan Baker spoke about the Cystic Fibrosis Great Strides event being held Saturday, April 13, 2013
at Dry Creek Park. Flyers were handed out and are available from Jonathan to all interested parties.
• Jon Devoe briefly spoke about the upcoming American Cancer Society Walk for Life, May 4 th & 5 th , at
Kasner Middle School. A water bottle full of dimes is a great way to start fundraising contributions. See
Jon or Jonathan for further information. You can also visit relayforlife.org.
• Lee Dunlap reminds us of the Blossom Days Car Show in Sanger, March 2 nd . 60 Years of Corvette.
• Allen Teixeria mentioned Laguna Seca Event and the upcoming WSCC awards banquet on January 26 th .
There will be a flyer in the next Newsletter for Laguna Seca details.
• All were invited to submit ideas for runs and/or activities.
OLD BUSINESS: None.
NEW BUSINESS:
• Sharon made her Sunshine report in which the club sent a plant to Lynn Moore for her hip replacement.
Frank thanked the club on Lynn’s behalf. Sharon herself had surgery but did not wish a plant be given.
The Club wishes speedy recovery to both. Don reported that Gene Fox had a stroke last month.
• Jim Agar has gone over and beyond again offering 2013 COF Calendars. For $12 you can have a 2013
Calendar with your own Corvette’s picture in it. Contact Jim to order.
• ACCC Representative, Lee Delap, reported Legislation News and ACCC updates.
• Allen Teixeria asks that anyone who is not receiving Redline, WSCC’s newsletter, but would like to,
just let him know.
NAME TAG DRAWING: Kitty is $20.00. The winning chip was drawn for Ron Miller, who was not in
attendance. Kitty advances to $30.00 for the next meeting.
RAFFLE: 50/25/25 was held by Harry Below. Jim Kell and visitor Richard Beatie were the two lucky
winners of a whopping $46 each!
Motion was made to adjourn the meeting by Nick Diliddo and Janie Stafford 2 nd the motion.
The meeting adjourned at 8:15 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Kelly Holder
Secretary

MARCH 2, 2013 SATURDAY - BLOSSOM DAY CAR SHOW SANGER, CA - LEE DELAP 559-284-8606
MAY 3 – 5, 2013 5 TH ANNUAL MONTEREY PENINSULA CORVETTE CRUISE – FOR FLYER & REGISTRATION
FORMS GO TO: WWW.MONTEREYCORVETTES.COM
APRIL 13, 2013 SATURDAY: CYSTIC FIBROSIS GREAT STRIDES 8:30 AM - DRY CREEK PARK - 945 N CLOVIS AVE,
CLOVIS, CA (CORNER OF ALLUVIAL & CLOVIS AVE) JONATHAN BAKER 559-803-2910
MAY 4 - 5, 2013 SATURDAY & SUNDAY - RELAY FOR LIFE - JON DEVOE 559-760-6047
OR JONATHAN BAKER FOR INFO 559-803-2910
MAY 10 - 12, 2013 - FRIDAY - SUNDAY - AMERICAN LEMANS AT LAGUNA SECA - RON MILLER 559-974-2616
JULY 12 – 14, 2013 – 2013 CORVETTE WEEKEND SOUTHERN OREGON CORVETTE ASSOCIATION – FOR FLYER &
REGISTRATION FORMS GO TO: WWW.SOVETTE.COM
AUGUST 16 - 18, 2013 FRIDAY - SUNDAY - THE ROLEX MONTEREY MOTORSPORTS REUNION FEATURED
MARQUE: AMERICA’S SPORTS CAR ICON, THE CHEVROLET CORVETTE, WHICH WILL BE HONORED ON ITS
60TH ANNIVERSARY.
ALLEN TEIXEIRA FOR INFO 559-449-1505
2013 MARKS THE 50th ANNIVERSARY OF CORVETTES OF FRESNO
WE ALSO CELEBRATE THE 45th ANNIVERSARY OF OUR TAHOE TOUR
"THE LONGEST RUNNING ANNUAL CORVETTE EVENT ON THE PLANET"
THE TAHOE TOUR WILL BE HELD SEPTEMBER 5 - 8, 2013 AT THE
SILVER LEGACY RESORT - CASINO IN RENO, NEVADA
REGISTRATION IS $190.00 PER COUPLE
BERT SHERMAN
VP ACTIVITIES
COF GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING
OUR CLUB MEETINGS ARE HELD AT 7:00 PM ON THE THIRD TUESDAY OF
THE MONTH AT THE AMERICAN LEGION HALL LOCATED AT 3509 N. FIRST
STREET, (NORTH OF SHIELDS ON THE S/W CORNER OF FIRST STREET &
DAYTON), FRESNO, CA IF YOU ARE AN INTERESTED CORVETTE OWNER,
WE INVITE YOU TO ATTEND.
COF BOARD MEETING NOTICE
CORVETTES OF FRESNO BOARD MEETINGS ARE HELD THE FIRST TUESDAY
OF EACH MONTH AT DENNY'S ON THE CORNER OF BLACKSTONE &
HERNDON - START TIME IS 6:30 PM - EVERYONE IS WELCOME
THE NEXT TAHOE 45 PLANNING MEETING WILL TAKE PLACE
TUESDAY MAY 14, 2013 AT DENNY'S - ON THE CORNER OF
BLACKSTONE & HERNDON AT 7:00 PM ALL ARE WELCOME!

DECEMBER 15, 2012 - PICTURES BY ROLANDO MARTINEZ

DECEMBER 15, 2012 - PICTURES BY ROLANDO MARTINEZ

DECEMBER 15, 2012 - PICTURES BY ROLANDO MARTINEZ

CYSTIC FIBROSIS
GREAT STRIDES
WHEN: SATURDAY APRIL, 13 2013
8:30AM
WHERE: DRY CREEK PARK- 945 N CLOVIS AVE, CLOVIS CA
(CORNER OF ALLUVIAL AND CLOVIS AVE)
WHY: CYSTIC FIBROSIS IS AN
INHERITED CHRONIC DISEASE
THAT AFFECTS THE LUNGS AND
DIGESTIVE SYSTEM OF ABOUT
30,000 CHILDREN AND ADULTS
(70,000 WORLDWIDE). IN THE 1950's
FEW CHILDREN WITH CF LIVED
TO ATTEND ELEMENTARY SCHOOL.
TODAY WITH ADVANCES IN RESEACH
AND MEDICAL TRATMENTS, THEY
CAN NOW EXPECT TO LIVE LONGER.
FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT
CYSTIC FIBROSIS VISIT THIER WEBSITE AT CFF.ORG
SHORTLY AFTER THE WALK THERE WILL BE A RAFFLE, AND
A FREE LUNCH
COF MEMBERS LETS SHOW OUR SUPPORT TO FIND A CURE
FOR CYSTIC FIBROSIS. THERE WILL ALSO BE AN AREA
RESERVED TO PARK THE CARS
FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL JONATHAN AT 559-803-2910

CONTACT RON MILLER FOR ALL INFO & REGISTRATION DETAILS
559-974-2616

Corvette Corral Tickets on Sale for Rolex Monterey Motorsports
Reunion
The Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion,
August 16-18, will feature more than 500
authentic and historic race cars competing like
they once did. And making the event even more
thrilling is this year’s featured marque:
America’s sports car icon, the Chevrolet
Corvette, which will be honored on its 60th
anniversary.
Corvette owners will not want to miss the chance
to see their beloved marque racing, filling the Monterey Peninsula, as well as hundreds
participating in the Corvette Corral. There is a limited number of spaces available in the
Corvette Corral, so be sure to purchase your tickets online to ensure your place in history.
Please click here for tickets: http://www.mazdaraceway.com/get-tickets is the lead
organization of the Corvette Corral, in association with the National Corvette Museum.
Additionally, the National Corvette Museum and Western States Corvette Council are
planning a special 60th Anniversary Corvette dinner on Saturday, August 17, 2013. For
more information, please visit the National Corvette Museum site at:
http://www.corvettemuseum.org/registration/monterey/info.shtml
ALLEN TEIXEIRA
WSCC REP

The Legend Returns – Introducing the 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray
After years of planning, designing
and engineering, the 2014
Chevrolet Corvette Stingray made
its stunning debut tonight in
Detroit. For those who appreciate
the past, but look forward to the
future, this is your Corvette
Stingray – a finely tuned trifecta of
technology, design and
performance. A new Corvette
worthy of the Stingray’s name and
heritage.
This is the most powerful standard Corvette ever conceived. With an estimated 450 hp, 450 lb.-ft of torque
from its new generation 5 LT1 V8, it surpasses the C6′s base Corvette and the Grand Sport with specs like 0-
60 in under 4 seconds, 1G cornering and a 60-0 stopping distance that’s comparable to the Z06. The new
engine develops 50 lb-ft. more low-end torque, matching the C6′s LS7 V8 from 1,000-4,000 RPMs. Raceproven
aerodynamics will ensure the new Stingray cuts through the air while the breakthrough fuel saving
technologies are expected to make this the most fuel efficient Corvette ever.
The new Corvette Stingray features a seven-speed TREMEC manual transmission with Active Rev Matching.
Exclusive to Corvette, Active Rev Matching ensures the perfect shifts whether you’re up-shifting or downshifting.
Also available is a six-speed paddle-shift automatic transmission which has been optimized for the
new car. Both transmissions will use Active Fuel Management (AFM), another first for manual transmissions.
And for you automatic lovers, Launch Control is now available too!
Performance junkies will flock to the Stingray’s new optional Z51 package that offers an electronic limitedslip
differential (eLSD), dry sump oil system, integral brake, differential and transmission cooling as well as a
unique aero package for high speed stability.
Two new active exhaust systems which are less restrictive than the previous model are available on the new
Stingray. The four exhaust ports feature a larger 2.75 inch diameter openings than the 2.5 inch openings on
the C6. Both have butterfly valves that open for enhanced performance and sound. The standard system has a
13% improvement in airflow while the optional dual-mode system offers a 27% improvement in airflow.
The new Corvette will come standard with Brembo Brakes and 18/19″ wheels with Michelin Pilot Super Sport
run-flat tires. Both brakes and tires are upgraded when the Z51 package is ordered for even more
performance.
But performance is just one of the standards to judge the new Corvette Stingray.
Inside you’ll find a completely new handcrafted high-tech interior. The jet-fighter inspired cockpit features
luxurious Napa leather, micro suede, real aluminum and carbon fiber trim. Long gone are the often criticized
seats of the C6. Now customers will have two new seating options – Touring and Competition – that were
benchmarked against the best of the best: Porsche and Recaro.
Advance driver technologies include a five-position Drive Mode Selector that optimizes 12 different
configurations for the driving conditions in five settings: Weather, Eco, Tour, Sport and Track. Two 720p
high-def eight-inch screens and a configurable color heads up display provide the driver with the personalized
details – whether it be commuting long distances, across town or at the track.

An advanced infotainment system features Chevrolet MyLink and high-definition audio that can play your
favorite tunes through an available premium 10-speaker system which includes a base-box and two
subwoofers. You’ll find an additional USB port in the center console, a stand-alone audio input jack and an
SD card slot for providing seamless connectivity. Getting to your destinations is easier too with enhanced
OnStar featuring 3D navigation maps.
The driving experience is also enhanced by smaller 14.1 inch (360mm) diameter steering wheel that makes the
whole car feel smaller and more responsive to the driver. The steering system is now 5 times stiffer for a more
direct feel and the the turning radius shortened by 2 feet.
The 2014 Stingray is a revolutionary new Corvette with just two parts carried over from the previous
generation. It features a completely brand new aluminum frame structure that is 57% stiffer and 99 pounds
lighter than the current steel frame. And with the roof panel installed, it’s 60% stiffer than the frame on the
C6 Z06. Instead of the fully hydroformed frames of the C6 era, the C7′s frames feature 5 different aluminum
segments in various thickness to provide structural rigidity where it’s needed the most. The new frames will
be built in a brand new $52 million body shop inside the Bowling Green Assembly Plant and features a unique
laser welding process.
The C7′s new exterior features a bold departure from previous generations yet still remains true to the ideas
that make a Corvette a Corvette. Born in the wind tunnel and sculpted with data provided from the Corvette
Racing program – 2012′s GT class champions and the most successful racing program in the American Le
Mans Series – the new aerodynamics help balance front and rear grip for high-speed driving.
All Corvettes have a new grill and radiator for sucking in massive quantities of air. Hood vents reduce front
end lift while the front fender side coves vent air and reduces aerodynamic drag. One of the exciting new
features are the functional cooling vents that come with the automatic or the Z51 Performance Package that
channels air inside the chassis to cool the transmission fluid and the electronic limited slip differential. The air
is then expelled out the rear of the Stingray through vents in the taillight assemblies and vertical vents along
the rear.
Enhanced lighting is one of the signature elements of the new Corvette. On the front are indirect white LED
daytime running lights which are set in a black-chrome lamp housing that is more vertically oriented than the
C6.
Perhaps the most controversial aspect of the new Corvette are the rear taillight design. Gone are the standard
two circular taillights and in their place is are dual element taillights that house LEDs that are cast their light
inside against a reflector to create an even glow that gives the car a nighttime appearance unlike anything
else. And as mentioned before, functional aircraft-inspired vents on the outside of the housing release air from
the cooling of the available differential and transmission coolers.
“Stingray is one of the hallowed names in automotive history,” said Ed Welburn, GM vice president of global
design. “We knew we couldn’t use the Stingray name unless the new car truly lived up to the legacy. The
result is a new Corvette Stingray that breaks from tradition, while remaining instantly recognizable as a
Corvette the world over.”
“We believe the Corvette represents the future of modern performance cars because it delivers more power,
more driving excitement and better fuel efficiency,” said Tadge Juechter, Corvette chief engineer. “The result
is better performance by every measure. The 2014 Corvette delivers the fastest acceleration, the most
cornering grip, the most track capability, the best braking performance and what we expect to be the best fuel
economy ever for a standard Corvette.”
“The all-new Corvette Stingray is really three cars in one: It provides the comfort and functionality of a longdistance
GT car, the connectedness and infotainment of a daily driver and the acceleration, grip and braking
of a capable track car,” said Harlan Charles, product manager for Corvette.
The new 2014 Corvette Stingray Coupe goes on sale in the 3rd quarter of 2013.

Foxwood Enterprises
Collision Repair Specialists
Auto Body and Painting
92 E. San Jose - Fresno, Ca 93710 Robert, Eli
559-432-9051 – Fax 559-432-0673 or Ray
4605 N. Blythe – Fresno, Ca 93722
559-271-1610 – Fax 559-275-1605 Milton
www.foxwoodautobody.com
FOR A NOMINAL FEE YOU CAN ADVERTISE YOUR
BUSINESS ON OUR ADVERTISING PAGE, AND ON OUR
WEBSITE
CONTACT JIM AGAR AT:
newsletter@corvettesoffresno.com
ADVERTISING RATES:
COMMERCIAL CUSTOMERS:
$80.00 PER YEAR OR $15.00 PER MONTH
CLUB MEMBERS:
$60.00 PER YEAR OR $10.00 PER MONTH
CLARK CONSTRUCTION
559-906-0800
Don Dukes: Owner
1570 Menlo
Clovis, Ca 93611
clarkconstruction@aol.com
JERRY CLARK: OWNER
PLEASE SUPPORT ALL OUR FINE
ADVERTISERS
BE SURE TO TELL THEM YOU SAW THEIR
AD IN THE
"FIBERGLASS FOREVER"
CORVETTES OF FRESNO
NEWSLETTER
Shop: 559-297-0552
Cell: 559-908-9782
Fax: 559-297-1304
Our dealership has been family owned and operated since 1944. We started as a small service station in
downtown Clovis with only a handful of new and used vehicles for sale. In 1965, we moved to our current
location on Shaw Ave and Freeway 168, still in Clovis. From the early Hallowell Chevrolet days to Hedrick's, lots
of things have changed, except for our main goal:
“to provide a quality product and outstanding service to all our customers.”

Auto Body & Paint
(559) 299-0685 982 Barstow
Fax (559) 299-0902 Clovis, Ca. 93612
BEST UNIFORMS
BILLIE TALLEY, OWNER
HEADQUARTERS FOR YOUR OFFICIAL
"CORVETTES OF FRESNO" APPAREL
LAW ENFORCEMENT - POSTAL - FIRE
INDUSTRIAL - TUXEDOS
CUSTOM EMBROIDERY
5091 N. FRESNO #112 (559) 226-4235
FRESNO, CA 93710 FAX (559) 226-4280
Dr. G. Randall Forrester, DC.
875 W. Ashlan, Suite 101
Clovis, CA 93612
(559) 292-6191 * Fax 292-6193

“Vette Collections” Visits One of the World’s Largest in Europe
There are countless Corvette collections
around the country, as we’ve seen in Michael
Brown’s Vette Collections YouTube series.
But this latest collection Brown visited has
something that none of the ones we’ve seen so
far have – the title of the largest Corvette
collection in Europe. That’s right, one of the
biggest Corvette collectors actually lives in
Holland. Check out his impressive collection
spanning all six generations of America’s
favorite sports car in the latest episode of
Vette Collections above.
Owned by Andre Boer, this expansive collection is home to over 100 Corvettes ranging from early C1s to
C6s all grouped with their generations in mind. Among those in the collection are a noteworthy ‘67 black
roadster with a hardtop, red stinger hood, red interior and just 34,000 miles on the odometer. The first
big-block car Boer acquired, this particular car has won a number of awards and designations in its time
in the collection.
Boer also owns one of the very first C6 Z06 models to be made to European specifications and shipped to
the continent.
While Boer loves collecting Corvettes, he also enjoys working on them with his three sons. Together they
fix and restore Corvettes from the area and even sell some from their collection if they have double
models. Housed near the collection are warehouses filled with parts, accessories, and wheels for Corvette
projects, as well as wrecked and partially restored cars.
While Boer has practically every Corvette anyone could ask for, there is one, or maybe two that he
wouldn’t mind picking up. The first is an original 1953 Corvette while the other, we’re sure, is a Mako
Shark II like the one that inspired Boer’s collection in the first place.
We love our Corvettes here in the States but the love for this car goes beyond our American borders.
While Boer certainly has his place owning one of the largest Corvette collections in the world, chances are
there are other unique Corvette collections in other unexpected places.
GM Buys Back 200 Million Shares From U.S. Government
Back in 2009, General Motors and Chrysler received tens of billions of
dollars from the U.S. government and taxpayers in a bid to keep the
ailing automakers afloat. This gave the government a controlling interest
in General Motors, and has led to GM being called (often by the haters)
“Government Motors”, much to new GM’s chagrin.
But after more than three years, GM has announced that it will begin
buying back the stock shares owned by the government at a premium
price. Today marks the beginning of the end of “Government Motors” as
GM announced it intends to spend $5.5 billion to buy back 200 million
shares from taxpayers.

This is the first step in GM’s plans to buy back all of the shares held by the U.S. government within the
next 12 to 15 months. The buyback will reduce the government’s ownership in GM from approximately
19%, and GM will pay the U.S. treasury $27.50 per share, a 7.9% premium over the price of GM’s stock
price this morning.
This is good news to be sure, and there are other benefits as well…at least for GM’s executives. Once the
buyback is complete, the government will remove certain restraints placed on management, such as
disallowing the purchase of private jets and executive bonuses. That should make some of the top brass
plenty happy indeed, and hopefully this is the beginning of the end of the “Government Motors” stigma.
Stolen C4 With Dealer Stickers Still Intact Recovered 23 Years Later
Collector Corvettes are not that hard to come by – just
check the listings for Barrett-Jackson or Mecum
auctions if you don’t believe us. But it’s not too often
that you come across a collector car like the one that
Southern California’s Corky Rice recently got his
hands on, according to the LA Times. A standard 1989
C4 convertible from the factory, this seemingly lessthan-collector
vehicle may, in fact, be one of the lowestmileage
“new” C4 Corvettes in existence. But that’s
just where the story begins. In fact, the car was stolen
some 23 years ago and stashed all this time before
recently being discovered with the dealership stickers
still on it.
Every now and again you’ll see a story about a long-lost stolen car recovered in excellent shape decades
later. This car has a similar story, but the fact that it has just 67 miles on the odometer and dealer
stickers still intact makes this Corvette one heck of a find.
Back in 1989, the bright red C4 was delivered to what was the C&M Chevrolet dealership in San Diego at
the time. Perched on the new sales lot, the car didn’t stay long, however, being stolen right from the lot
and driven to a storage unit where it was locked away.
Known only by a recent Irish immigrant, at the time, and the men who pushed for him to steal the car,
the Corvette remained in the storage locker for 23 years.
It was only after the rent on the storage unit increased to over $300 a month last summer that the car was
finally revealed. After he stopped paying for the unit and contacted his attorney, the man who hid the car
for so many years (who has not been identified) confessed his crime. Having the knowledge that the
locker would soon be liquidated, the man’s attorney contacted the San Diego Police Department to
inform them of the whereabouts of the car. Given the circumstances, the man’s cooperation with police
and the time that had lapsed since the crime, the man was not charged.
San Diego Police Detective Andrew Spear quickly made his way to the self-storage facility, finding that
the lock on the unit had already been cut. What he found inside was the bright red C4 under layers of
dust and sitting on four flat tires. Remarkably, the dealership stickers were still on the car, and using a
tow driver’s air compressor, Spear found the tires would hold air. The car was towed away, as it had no
keys with it, and was sold to a specialist in repossessed vehicles. It was from this person that Rice
acquired the car.

Now cleaned up, recharged and as good as factory new, Rice is trying to sell the Corvette on eBay in an
auction that closes on Sunday. As of the evening of Friday December 21st, the highest bid for the car sits
at $23,200. If Rice doesn’t get the price he wants, he told the LA Times that he’ll take it to auction in
January.
A truly remarkable find, this otherwise run-of-the-mill C4 Corvette has quite the history associated with
it. Chances are, and as the bids trickling into eBay currently show, this Corvette could go for close to
what a brand new C4 Corvette would have gone for back in 1989.
How the C7 Corvette Prototype Made It Into Gran Turismo 5
Ever since the C7 Corvette has been mentioned, we’ve
heard how General Motors and Chevrolet wanted to
appeal to a younger audience with the car as it heads
into more than 60 years of production.
That premise has carried over to the final stages before
the seventh generation is unveiled to the public on Jan.
13, 2013 in Detroit.
Clay Dean, global director of advanced design at GM,
recently explained the background behind Chevrolet’s
decision to work with a game designer and allow the
use of a camouflaged C7 in a game before the real car is even available to drive.
Dean explained that the decision comes after several years of market research to find out what drivers
between 15 and 30 are excited about driving. The result of that study was seven concept cars, including
two that were shown at the LA Auto Show recently.
“To learn what a younger audience 15 to 30 thinks has been fascinating,” Dean said, “and what we found
not surprisingly is that one of the first places they get exposed to an automobile are in games like we see
right behind us. They spend a lot of time online, they spend a tremendous amount of time on computers.
It’s a very natural place for them to be, and certain games resonate very highly.”
That work on the concept cars led to a unique partnership between a game designer and a car
manufacturer.
The designers of Gran Turismo 5 have long been social friends of General Motors officials in California.
“We know them very well,” Dean said, “and over the last few years, we’ve talked to them about projects
and opportunities to work together. And we’ve never found anything that really worked until the new
Corvette.”
Mark Reuss, president of General Motors North America, said at the auto show that 2013 promises to be
a big one for GM, with the launch of 13 new models next year, including the Silverado, Impala, and
Corvette.
“All I can tell you right now is that the new Corvette will offer an entirely new driving experience, one
that’s refined and redefined from the car that you know today as the Corvette,” Reuss said. “There are
just a handful of engineers authorized to drive the Corvette test vehicles on our proving grounds, and you
can tell right away which ones they are – they’re the ones wearing the permanent smiles!”

The camouflaged Corvette C7 as part of the Gran Turismo 5 game is available now for download.
“This is the first time the game’s designers have worked with the car manufacturer to deliver an
authentic driving experience before a car ever gets to production,” Reuss said. “It’s a great opportunity
for customers, enthusiasts, and gamers alike.”
Reuss introduced Kazunori Yamauchi, president of Polyphony Digital and a professional race car driver,
who designed the game.
“It’s not often that we invite someone from outside our company to get up close and personal with a
vehicle before it’s revealed,” Reuss said, “but we wanted to do something special with the new Corvette
and you are the guy to do it.”
Yamauchi said he was honored to be one of the first test drivers of the C7. “Its handling, speed, styling,
and refinement are a perfect with Gran Turismo,” he said. “I hope all Gran Turismo players will enjoy
test driving the new Corvette as I did.”
2014 Camaro to get the Corvette Z06′s LS7 V8 Engine?
We know that for the 2014 model year, the high performance LS
engines are going bye-bye for Corvette and in their place will be
the new Generation 5 LT1 V8s. But that doesn’t mean GM is
going to stop building the LS7 and LS9 engines for other
applications. Thanks to some sleuthing at Camaro5.com, it does
look like Chevrolet is planning on using the 505 hp LS7 engine for
the 2014 Camaro.
The LS7 engine is now showing up on the GM dealer VIN cards
for the 2014 model year as engine code “E” in the Camaro’s 2014
VIN
Of course, this has got the Camaro guys all fired up and many are hoping that this is a sign that Chevy
will bring back the Z/28 model.
Mike Yager to be Inducted Into the Bloomington Gold Great Hall
Back in 1974 when he borrowed $500 and started selling
Corvette items like owner’s manuals and T-shirts out of
the trunk of a borrowed car at swap meets and Corvette
shows, Mike Yager could never dream 38 years later
he’d be the Chief Cheerleader of the wildly successful
Mid America Motorworks.
But it’s no dream.
In fact, at the prestigious Bloomington Gold in
Champaign, Illinois from June 28-30, 2013, Yager will be
inducted into the Bloomington Gold Great Hall, the most
prestigious recognition of people and cars in Corvette’s
history.

It’s only fitting since Yager has been there to watch the Corvette hobby grow and thrive over the past 38
years. He says he’s just honored to have been along for the ride.
“The Great Hall is a shining example of what the Corvette hobby means to so many people, and it is truly
an honor to be listed among the names of so many people who I admire and respect,” Yager said. “I feel
blessed every day to be a part of the Corvette community, not just through Mid America Motorworks,
but also as an enthusiast, owner and collector.”
From those humble beginnings as a 24-year-old, Yager has used his enthusiastic passion for Corvettes to
build a powerhouse company in the Corvette community, but not just in offering parts, books, clothing,
and other items pertaining to America’s Sports Car.
Yager definitely lives up to his title as Chief Cheerleader for Mid America.
Each year, thousands of enthusiasts come together at Mid America Motorworks’ corporate campus to
share their passion at annual Funfest celebrations for Corvettes. 2013 marks the 20th Annual Corvette
Funfest as well as celebrations leading up to Mid America Motorworks’ 40th year in business. Mid
America Motorworks has become a trusted source for quality autotainment, encompassing all aspects of
the Corvette and now Air-Cooled VW hobbies. Regular events and an endless array of new hard parts,
accessories and lifestyle items encourage enthusiasts to “pursue their passion” at Mid America
Motorworks.
Bloomington Gold, the longest running national Corvette show, established the Great Hall in 2010 to
honor 50 of the most influential people and Corvettes over a five year period as chosen by the Great Hall
Selection Panel. At the conclusion of 2014, the exclusive list of 50 Pioneers and 50 of the world’s Premier
Corvettes will be complete. Yager’s CERV-I, considered one of the most notable Corvette platform
vehicles ever developed by legendary Corvette Chief Engineer, Zora Arkus-Duntov, was inducted into
the Great Hall at Bloomington Gold in 2012.
Yager will be joined in 2013 by fellow inductees Mike Antonick, Zora Arkus-Duntov, Bloomington Gold,
Reeves Callaway, Carlisle Productions, Chip Miller, Bill Mitchell, Jim Perkins, and Dr. Dick Thompson.
Significant cars to be inducted include 1957 Fuel Injection, 1961 Gulf Racer, 1962 327 CID, 1963 Grand
Sport, 1965 First Big Block, 1967 L88 Daytona Racer, 1987 Escort Series Racer, Callaway Corvette, C5
Z06, and C6 ZR1.
Survivor 1963 Z06 Corvette Heading to Mecum Kissimmee
Here’s another rare Corvette taking part in the
January auction frenzy next month. This rare red on
black 1963 Corvette Z06 out of collector Rick Davis’
stable is one of the 199 built that year and will
traverse Mecum’s red carpet Saturday January 26th
around 2:40pm eastern time. It’s completely
unrestored and has claimed Bloomington Gold and
Survivor awards as well as claiming NCRS Top
Flight and Chevy Vettefest honors.
J
ust 199 Corvettes had RPO Z06 on the options list in
1963. Far less than that are known today and they
carry a healthy six-figure price tag with them. Z06′s
were factory racecars. They were equipped with heavy duty brakes and suspension, the 360hp fuel
injected 327CI engine, and a 4 speed transmission. A 36 gallon fuel tank was available for a portion of the
production run. The option package added $1,818.14 to the base Corvette price of $4,252.

This matching number Riverside Red Z06 is being offered as Lot S128 at Mecum’s monster Kissimmee
auction in Florida next month. It’s documented with the dealer invoice and receipts back to 1963. It
starred in the 2001 GM Corvette Z06 relaunch brochure and spent its first 43 years with one owner.
Most of 2000 and 2001 were spent living inside the National Corvette Museum. The nifty white racing
stripe and chromed wheel covers were affixed by the first owner shortly after taking delivery from Jack
Schwartz Chevrolet in Elizabeth, Illinois on August 14, 1963.
Kansas City Couple’s 1967 Corvette is a Former Chevy Engineering Test Car
Corvette enthusiasts know you can’t
take it with you, so you might as well
enjoy it now.
Take John and Brenda Cianciolo, for
example.
Back in 1978, after they had just
bought a house and paid as much down
as they could, they had just $312 sitting
in the bank.
That didn’t stop the couple from
buying a 1966 GTO like the one Brenda
had driven in high school when the opportunity arose, however.
“A friend called and said he knew about a ’66 GTO convertible that had been tapped in the back and
needed some work,” John explains. “He said we could get the car for $300. I thought, ‘How can I tell my
wife about it when we only have $312 in the bank?’”
But the next night, over supper, John told Brenda about the GTO. “She perked up and said, ‘Here’s how
I look at it. Whether we have $312 or $12, we’re broke anyway, so just buy the car.’ ”
They followed her advice, fixed up the GTO and three years later made enough profit to buy a 1958
Corvette that they’ve been in the process of restoring for years but hope to have completed by 2014 in
time for the National Corvette Restorers Society convention in Kansas City.
That’s not only the Corvette the couple has owned, though. They’ve had a ’61, ’65, ’67, and ’72 and
currently have a ’67 with an interesting history behind it.
They bought the very nice black convertible four years ago that had already been through a frame-off
restoration and had earned a prestigious Top Flight Award from NCRS in 2002.
The Cianciolos found out after it was built, the car was sent to Chevrolet Engineering Division in
Warren, Mich., for research and development. John believes engineers added the tilt/tele wheel there to
work out any problems for future 1967 models.
One of only 815 black Corvettes that year, and one of only a few with the saddle tan interior, the car still
has its original drivetrain and has only gone about 4,000 miles since being restored.

Entombed 1954 Corvette to be Auctioned at Mecum Kissimmee
Milk. Turkey Bacon. Pork Rinds. Beer. Grocery
stores stock nearly all of our daily necessities. One
such store, however, in Brunswick, Maine also
happened to house a 1954 Corvette with 2,300
miles on the odometer for over 25 years. The car,
now known as the Entombed Corvette, is being
offered for sale at Mecum’s 2013 Kissimmee event
next month in central Florida.
The “Entombed” Corvette was bought new in
1954 by Richard Sampson who owned a chain of
33 grocery stores. He drove the car until 1959 at
which time he visited a then under construction
retailer in Brunswick, Maine. He promptly directed the builders to enclose the white on red, 6 cylinder
car in a “tomb” inside the store.
Initially his will stated that it was to be left there until the year 2000. Prior to his death in 1969 he voided
that clause and the car was eventually unearthed in 1986 after an ownership change at the property. The
once gleaming Polo White paint had yellowed and blistered after all those years in isolation. Ironically,
the bias play tires still held their decades old air while the chrome, convertible top, and interior all
remained in remarkably good shape.
Sampson’s daughter, Cynthia, was present at the rescue and took the car to her Daytona Beach, Florida
home and stored it, naturally, in her living room for the next decade before selling it to a Corvette
collector.
The car made its public debut at the 1996 Bloomington Gold Special Collection where it was shown in
Richard Sampson’s honor. Cynthia Sampson, his daughter, was in attendance that June weekend.
New Viper Loses To Corvette ZR1, SRT Boss Calls BS
Chrysler resurrected the Viper as the halo car
for a new sub-brand called simply “SRT”, and
there was much rejoicing. A brand known for its
over-the-top performance cars needs an overthe-top
spokesman, and SRT has that thanks to
the oft-outspoken Ralph Gilles. Unafraid to
speak his mind, Gilles has taken on all comers,
though he may have bit off more than he can
chew with his latest outburst.
After Motor Trend’s Johnny Lieberman posted
a story declaring that the Corvette ZR1 had beaten the new SRT Viper GTS in virtually every respect,
Gilles took to Twitter to express his displeasure…even going so far as to say that many drivers “fear” the
Viper. But is this really the case?

At least on paper, both the Viper GTS and Corvette ZR1 are nearly identical. The Corvette ZR1 boasts
638 horsepower and 604 ft-lbs of torque to the Viper’s 640 horsepower and 600 ft-lbs of torque. Both cars
posted identical 0-60 times and 0-100 times (3.4 and 7.3 seconds respectively) and have similar power-toweight
ratios.
Yet somehow, the Corvette ZR1 beat out the Viper GTS by more than 2 seconds around Laguna Seca.
While the Viper posted a 1:35.77 around Laguna, the ZR1 managed to complete the same lap in 1:33.6.
With two-time Daytona 24 Hour winner Randy Pobst at
the wheel both times, it is hard to make the case that
Motor Trend flubbed the numbers.
Still, Gilles took to Twitter, declaring that many drivers
“needlessly fear” the Viper, even though the SRT boss
says the new snake is a much tamer beast. Suffice to say,
we think a few more laps, perhaps with a few different
drivers, might be required to settle this issue once and
for all. What say you readers? Is this a case of sour
apples, or is the ZR1 simply a superior car?
A Collection of Vintage Corvettes Visits Jay Leno’s Garage
We can all take a trip down Memory Lane with “car
guy” Jay Leno of The Tonight Show and Ed Welburn,
vice president of design for General Motors, during an
episode of Jay Leno’s Garage.
With Corvettes definitely in the news these days
because of the impending unveiling of the C7, GM
decided to throw a little fuel on the fire and send four
of their most important cars in the General Motors
Heritage Center collection to Leno’s garage for The
Tonight Show host to drool over.
And drool he does.
“I wish you could leave them!” Leno tells Welburn.
First up on the video is a 1953 Corvette, one of just 300 ever built. Though primitive in many ways
compared to future Corvettes, Leno and Welburn both agree that the fiberglass car was a trendsetter
and that its styling has aged well. Welburn even says in some he likes the car’s design better now than 15
or 20 years ago. “There’s something that’s very pure and very clean,” he says.
While the ’53 was a pet project of Harley Earl’s, Welburn wonders if he could have even fit in the small
Corvette since he was such a big man.
Next, we see a special 1958 model, which is actually the boss’s car – for now. GM Chairman Dan Akerson
will be auctioning it off at Barrett-Jackson in January to raise money for the Habitat for Humanity
chapter in Detroit.

Then we come upon what Leno considers one of the most valuable cars in GM’s collection – the iconic
1959 Corvette Sting Ray race car that inspired the mid-year design from 1963-67 (and influenced every
Corvette since, even the C7, according to Welburn). He says one of the first things he did after taking
over design was to have the car restored, though the interior where Dick Thompson sat behind the wheel
remains just as it was.
And speaking of steering wheels, Jay had to remove the Sting Ray’s just to climb into the car and crank it
up to reveal some rumbling that is just sheer music to a Corvette fan’s ears.
We all may have seen photos of this car for years, but here we finally have a chance to hear it run! “Talk
about a piece of history!” Jay yells.
The Stingray has an illustrious history, winning the SCCA national championship in 1960, and Elvis even
drove it in his movie, Clambake.
Finally, Jay gets a look at another icon in the Corvette world – a red 1963 Split Window Coupe that
features knockoff wheels and fuel injection. Leno recounts the story of a friend who actually went to
great expense back in the day to have his ’63 split removed to make it look like a ’64. Whoops!
As the video ends, Leno, with Welburn beside him, drives off in Akerson’s 1958.
“What’s cooler than stealing the boss’s car?” Leno cracks. “Let’s see what two four-barrels sound like.
All right!”
A Scale Visions Birthday Tribute to Zora Arkus Duntov
Master model builder Don Theune shares his touching encounter with Corvette maestro,
Zora Arkus-Duntov
Forward: Zora Arkus-Duntov was born on December 25, 1909
and would have been 103. Zora often joked that he had the
birthday curse being born on Christmas Day. When you are a
kid and your birthday is on Christmas you tend to not get double
gifts. But Duntov made up for any toy deficiency as a child after
he took over the Corvette program. Arguably, no one had more
fun playing with Corvettes inside Chevrolet than Duntov. Not
only did he design and develop the go-fast parts we all came to
know and love, but he usually did his own track testing. What’a
lucky guy! Here’s our Happy Birthday tribute to Zora Arkus-
Duntov and a big THANKS to Don Theune.
Don Theune, owner/artist of Scale Visions, experienced a
turning point in his career at the 1993 Corvettes at Carlisle Show. Don finally got to meet two of his
Corvette heroes, Zora Arkus-Duntov & Larry Shinoda. Zora was presented with one of Don’s most cherished
possessions from his collection, his 1/25 scale 1963 Grand Sport Corvette #004. This was Don’s first model of
#004 Grand Sport, and was blessed with the signatures of Zora and Elfi Duntov and Larry Shinoda.
Duntov signed the roof of the Grand Sport model and as he was signing it, he noticed the mini copy of the
Dave Friedman’s book, “Grand Sport Corvette.” Zora pointed to the rear window and said to his wife, Elfi, (
in his Russian accent) “Elfi, look the book”, she laughed. Shortly after, Don ran into Duntov at the luncheon
and asked him, “What would you like me to build for you ?” Zora held up three fingers and said in his deep
Russian accent, “Tree Coupes,” then held up two fingers and said, “And two Roadsters.” Keep in mind that in

1993 the 1963 Grand Sport model kits were not yet available, so Don’s cars were created from a total of five
stock 1963 AMT Corvette kits. To fulfill Duntov’s request for ”tree coupes… two roadsters” Theune had his
work cut out for him!
Don’s Scale Visions business was gaining national attention by the mid-’90s and since the Duntov order
for five models didn’t have a hard deadline, it took Theune two years to complete the cars. The Grand
Sport Corvettes had not yet been exhaustively researched and cataloged as they are today. At 1995 Corvettes at
Carlisle, Don presented Zora with the #001 Penske Roadster. The other 4 units still required a few small
finishing touches.
When Zora took delivery of his Grand Sport
model at the Corvettes at Carlisle luncheon, he
had a sparkle in his eyes and looked like a kid at
Christmas. Theune even made a little figurine of
Zora in the model’s display case. Don was lucky
enough, to have this moment captured on film by
Chip Miller. Don explained to Duntov that the
remaining four Grand Sports would be done in time
for Zora’s birthday, December 25. Don recalls, “I
was almost in tears, seeing that ole’ guy so happy.”
Theune headed home from that years Corvettes at
Carlisle and commenced completing the remaining
Grand Sports.
Late in November 1995, Don called Elfi Duntov to inform her that the models were done and that he was
sending them the next day. In her own unique European accent she said, “You better send them Over Night,
we’re leaving for Aruba in two days.” Don put the pedal to the metal and with help from USPS Shipping
Center, packaged up a huge box with four Scale Vision Grand Sport Corvettes and LOTS of packing peanuts.
The next day Don called the Duntov’s residence and Elfi answered the phone.
“Hello.”
“Hey there Elfi, this is Don, I wanted to make sure Zora received his birthday present.”
Elfi replied, “Yes…” (she sounded a little irritated, but continued) “I wished you hadn’t sent them today!”
Don asked, ” Why… what’s wrong ?”
“We’re leaving for Aruba tomorrow and there are peanuts all over the house! Zora hasn’t packed, all he’s doing
is playing with those damn cars!”
I asked if I could speak with Zora and she yelled “Zora , pick up the phone.”
Zora picked up the phone , “Ya?”
Don asked, “Zora what do you think?”
Zora replied, “Very nice!”
Elfi got back on the phone, “OK Don, gotta go. Zora GO PACK!” Click! End of call.
Theune recalls, “A tear came to my eye. What can I say.”
A few months later , Don received a call from National Corvette Museum’s Dan Gale. “Don, I thought
you’d want to hear this from me, before you read it on line, Zora passed today.” Reflecting back, Don says, “I
had very mixed emotions about Zora’s passing. I was grateful that I got to know him a little, yet deeply
saddened that he was gone.

In June 1996, I attended the Duntov tribute at the National Corvette Museum where I presented Elfi and the
museum a Scale Vision piece of history, the Penske #001 Grand Sport Roadster with a mini figurine of Zora. I
kept in touch with Elfi for many years after that, giving her surprise call’s on Mothers Day, Valentines Day, etc.
Sending gifts of cassette tapes of old German beer drinking songs, and other various classics from her time, as well
as VHS tape of archived footage of many interviews, race footage, that included Zora. During one of my many
conversations with Elfi, she mentioned how much joy my Grand Sport gift had brought to Zora and that he said it
was one of the best gifts he’s received in many years.”
In 2008 when Elfi passed, Zora’s biographer Jerry Burton informed Theune that the five car set of Grand
Sports that he’d created for Zora as a birthday present had been bestowed to the General Motors Heritage Center,
along with other personal effects of the Duntov’s. Theune’s comment, “I am Honored!” Nuff said!
Zora was kind enough to gift to Don a small supply of signed plaques. Don’s promise to Zora was, “Only on
the Good Stuff.” A few of the signed plaques accompanied Don’s donations of the #001 to #005 Grand Sports
models to the Corvettes at Carlisle Benefit Auction. The remaining Zora-signed plaque’s will accompany a very
limited production projects and significant pieces to-be-determined and set to debut at the 2013 Corvettes at Carlisle
Show.
The Grand Sport legend continues as Scale Visions is presently accepting private commissions on the 2010-
2013 Corvette Grand Sport Coupes and Convertibles. For more information on Scale Visions models, visit
www.ScaleVisions.com, or you can connect directly with the master model builder himself, Don Theune, at
Scalevisions@aol.com. If you plan to attend the 2013 Corvettes at Carlisle Show, visit Don’s booth in Building T,
across the room from the “Chip’s Choice” Corvettes.
Side Bar: Don Theune’s John Mecum Conversation
While diligently researching the Grand Sport, I placed call’s to as many individuals connected with the cars as I
could, including, Bill Tower, Delmo Johnson, and John Mecom. The most interesting of all conversations was with
John Mecom. John’s secretary returned my call and said, ” Mr. Mecom is on line for you.” I thought yea, sure. This
must be a buddy messing with me.
The next thing I hear is an older man’s voice that said, “Hello this is John Mecom.” I said, “Hey there John, thanks
for returning my call, I was wondering if you could tell me which of the Nassau Grand Sport cars had the white
stripe on the front?” The phone went silent and I hear a stern, ” I’m a very busy man, is that what you called me for?
(OOPS!) I swiftly apologized and explained that I thought I was being pranked by a wise guy pal. After smoothing
over our bumpy start, John explained that the correct color on all the Nassau cars was a 1960 Cadillac “Pelham Blue
” because Johnson Chevrolet had a left over supply of paint. Another very interesting fact Mecum shared was that
initially there were six titles (Pink Slips) written up for what was then called the “1962 Corvette Lightweights.”
Ed – This interesting detail about the “six titles” has been pointed out before and misconstrued to mean that there
were SIX Grand Sport Corvettes built. Not the case. When the ‘63 Corvette Sting Ray was close to being complete
and ready for production in early ‘62, Duntov was well aware of Shelby’s ultra lightweight Cobras. Wanting to take
the Fords head on, Duntov convinced Chevrolet general manager, Bunkie Knudsen to approve a plan to initially
build 125 lightweight Corvettes based on the new Sting Ray for FIA homologation to race against the Cobras. The
plan also called for as many as 1,000 lightweight Corvettes to be built and sold through Chevrolet dealers.
Although six titles may well have been written, only five cars and various parts were built. Some of those proposed
extra parts included a double-overhead-cam and hemi head small-block Chevy engine, along with an all-aluminum
small-block. The hemi and DOHC engines were only mocked up for photography, where as the 377 all-aluminum
engine was actually built and tested. One of a dozen or so all-aluminum SBCs survives and is on display at the
Simeone Museum in Philadelphia. Initially, the cars were just called “Lightweight Corvettes. It was only shortly
before the cars were completed that the “Grand Sport” moniker was applied to the cars.

A Moment of Reflection on the State of the Automobile & the Enthusiast
As car enthusiasts let’s take a few moments to reflect on the state of the automobile and what has become
an avocation for most of us as we close out 2012 and
enter 2013. Simply, we find ourselves surrounded by
the fastest, best handling and most technically
advanced performance cars ever produced. No doubt
about it. For those of you whining over the “muscle
car” era of the sixties and early seventies get over it,
you’re showing your age! If you don’t know it, this is
the real “muscle car” era and we should all realize it
and be thankful for it.
If you are not convinced, show me one car from the
sixties that can outperform a Corvette Z06 or a
Camaro ZL1. And if you still aren’t convinced how great things are as we closeout 2012, think back to
the late seventies and eighties and the only cars available to us then. You do remember how Lee Iacocca
saved Chrysler with the “K car” and the minivans don’t you? Exciting times. I don’t think so. You must
remember when the “hottest” performance cars’ speedometers topped out at 85 MPH and a car with 200
HP was considered to be a performance car? Looking back, yes even to the “muscle car” era of the
sixties, was there any production car produced that could compare in performance and build quality to
the performance car of the last few years? If there was, I‘d like to know what it is. Simply put we are
witnessing the greatest performance era of the automobile, bar none. And for that I can say “Lucky me!”
If that isn’t enough, we also find ourselves
inundated, almost overcome with car-related
activities of every type. This past summer in
Michigan I commented to another “car guy”,
during a Friday night gathering of FBody owners
on Woodward Avenue, that I could participate in
a “cruise” event every night of the week
throughout the summer if I wanted. In addition to
nightly cruises there were car shows and special
events weekly. Some of them, major events such
as two of the largest, lengthy and legendary auto
events in the country, The Woodward Dream
Cruise and Flint’s Back to the Bricks® Car show
and the supporting events which go on ten days
prior to the official date. It is almost inconceivable but these two events run concurrently, only an hour’s
drive between the two, and together they draw over a million people! A million people turned out to
either watch or be a part of the events in some form or other.
Michigan does not have a lock on the number and quality of auto-related activities going on. Every major
metropolitan area has numerous events and activities available for the enthusiast throughout the
weather-friendly months. If you don’t believe that then just go into any regional section of a forum and
check out events. I recently put together a “Snowbird Calendar of Cruises and Events for Corvette Clubs
in Arizona”. Just like in Michigan, I can find a cruise event to go to almost every night between October
and May. On Saturdays I can make it an “all day Corvette marathon”; Corvettes and Caffeine® starting
at 8 in the morning until about 11, then a Corvette club luncheon from 11:30 until 1:30 and then off to
the Scottsdale Pavillions for the oldest cruise-in in the country from 3 until about 9 or 10 at night.

Like Phoenix, in every metro market you’ll find an event that you can enjoy and participate in: car
shows, cruise-ins, autocrosses, races, rallies, drive and dines, tech lectures, parades, power tours, and the
list goes on. One of the Corvette Clubs in Phoenix has the motto, “If you’re not having fun it’s not our
fault!” and that pretty much sums it up and applies to what events are available in most metro markets.
Never have there been so many events for the automobile fanatic. And once again I say, “Lucky me!”
Even when you can’t get your car out of the garage
because the snow is too deep, don’t despair! There
are other auto-related venues you can enjoy without
leaving the comfort of your home. The most obvious
is TV. There are some of you old enough to
remember when there were no automobile or
motorsports programs on TV. Hard to imagine, but
in the fifties the only TV coverage pertaining to
automobiles were the advertisements for the “Big
Three” US auto manufacturers. Except for some
local TV coverage around Indianapolis during the
Indianapolis 500 there was no racing of any type to
be found on TV. Automobile racing and motorsports didn’t debut on TV until the sixties. No NASCAR,
no Formula 1, no American LeMans, no Indy car (USAC), no SCCA Runoffs, no Dirt Track racing, no
Drag Racing. You get the point.
It was not until the early sixties that auto racing made its debut on national TV. I remember my
excitement when I found out that the Grand Prix of Monaco was actually going to be shown on network
TV in 1962. For the first time in my twelve years I was able to see a Formula 1 car actually racing. Before
that I could only read about, look at pictures, and dream of them. It wasn’t until the seventies before
national TV networks realized the motorsports “golden goose” had just started to lay the “golden egg” of
TV coverage.
Today there are at least two cable TV networks devoted to nothing but the automobile. In addition every
major race is also broadcast on either network or cable TV. If you have cable, dish or direct TV you can
watch several automobile programs any given hour of the day. Every conceivable type of motorsports is
covered from mud racing to rock crawling. It is hard to find an hour of the day during the racing season
when you can’t find something on TV about NASCAR. Today every major event in Formula 1, Indy Car,
NHRA plus a plethora of European and Australian racing is covered in depth.
In addition to the motorsports coverage, over the
past decade TV has discovered that there is a huge
market for reality based automobile and motorcycle
programs. “American Chopper” just ended their
ten year run. We can watch Chip Foose building
another “Riddler Award” car, or Wayne Carini
chasing another classic car and losing money on his
latest auction recommendation. We can watch Ryan
on “West Coast Customs” build a custom Camaro
for Rascal Flatts. SPEED®, formerly Speedvision®,
discovered covering the Barrett Jackson® auctions
on national TV was also big business. Then
Velocity® TV jumped on the bandwagon broadcasting Mecum® auctions. Now each of their several
auction events is covered in depth. Mecum’s Kissimmee auction and Barrett-Jackson’s Scottsdale auction
will each be televised over forty hours, many of those hours broadcast “live”. Never before has there been
so much coverage of automobile events of every type. And as an enthusiast I say, “Lucky me!”

But of course, if you are reading this you know that we have another source of automobile entertainment,
the internet. This is the largest source of every type of automobile information available. It would be
impossible to go into all of the different type of sites and information available to us 24/7. It will suffice to
say, you can virtually find out any type of information you need on your car, or any car for that matter,
from “how to” technical information to production information and specs. History, production
information, and specifications for virtually any production car ever produced are available at a
moment’s request. There are sites to decipher a VIN and even report how rare or unique a particular car
may be. You want to know how many C5, Speedway White with Red/Black interior, Z06′s were
produced, you can quickly find out that there were only 137 produced and only in 2001. You want to
know the right performance cam to install in your LS2, the best clutch set up for racing, how to install
twin turbos on your LT4 or anything at all, it is all there, a click away. You can watch thousands of
“YouTube®” videos on absolutely any and everything auto related. And finally let’s not forget the
“forums”, where you can share automotive ideas and thoughts with others of similar interests. And as an
automobile aficionado I say, “Lucky me!”
As the checkered flag comes down on 2012 you have to be aware that performance is alive and well, like
never before. The ZR1 Corvette, like the one that just beat the Viper at Laguna Seca is only one of
several testaments to that. Throughout the automotive industry outstanding performance cars are being
built and each year the bar gets raised a little higher. Certainly the new Viper is a contender and Ford’s
new GT500 looks like it will be some serious competition to the new Corvette as well. No longer when
someone in a Mustang pulls up next to us can we take it for granted that they will be sucking our exhaust
fumes. And all this is not only okay, it’s great! It signifies just what I have been saying: the performance
automobile is thriving like never before.
Just a few years after the entire US auto industry almost went “belly up”, we have been rewarded with
cars that were almost unimaginable thirty years ago. Who could conceive that we would be driving street
legal production Corvettes that could top 170 MPH? And when GM declared bankruptcy who of us did
not worry that we may never be able to drive another new Corvette, much less an entire new generation
of Corvettes. The very fact that through the
most adverse times in the company’s history,
the engineers and designers at GM were able
to not only keep the dream alive but to
produce an entire new generation of Corvettes
touted to be the best ever. That remains to be
seen. There are several “naysayers” out there
criticizing the C7 which the pundits have
never even seen, much less driven, but my bet
is that GM will deliver us the best Corvette
ever, in every respect.
Regardless though, whether the C7 first year
car has 450 HP or 475 HP, we still live in the
most exciting times in automotive history. We
not only have the best cars, we have more
venues to enjoy them, more exposure to motorsports and activities of all types. We have more
information at our fingertips to fix, upgrade, customize, restore and simply enjoy our cars. As the green
flag is waved for the start of 2013, the Golden Age of the Automobile is upon us and the hobby.
That’s something I would have not thought possible twenty five or even five years ago. We are living it, a
part of it. And as an enthusiast I can say, “I’m damn lucky!”

Vietnam Veteran Lends His Corvette to a High School Shop Class
Going to school every day is a cool ride
these days for the automotive technology
students at Trenton High School in
Michigan.
They’re in the second year of restoring
this yellow 1980 Corvette.
The students began work on the car
during the 2011-12 school year after
owner Jim Schneider, a 68-year-old
Vietnam veteran, decided the Corvette
would be better used as an instructional
tool, rather than wasting away at his home.
Schneider’s nephew, Michael Doyle, is principal at the high school and casually mentioned to his
uncle that they didn’t have money to buy a project car they wanted to use in the auto tech class.
Schneider, a Vietnam vet, quickly offered his Corvette.
It’s a win-win situation. One day, Schneider will get a nicely restored car back in his garage, and
students will have the memories of a lifetime working on the vintage ‘Vette.
“I really appreciate what they are doing,” Schneider said.
Driving the Corvette when it’s done “will be like being a kid again,” he said. “I’ll take care of it
for a while.”
First, though, the students have a lot of work left. While the car looks pretty decent in the photos,
it needs much attention – to the engine, interior, exterior, etc., etc.
“Every single part on this (project) is a struggle,” automotive technology instructor Bryan
Monaco said. “The engine was seized. It took us two weeks to take the tires off.”
Schneider says the students can work on the car as long as necessary. He is footing the bill for the
parts required, and Monaco says there will be a lot of them.
For example, the gas tank had a hole the size of a golf ball, Monaco said. “We tracked down a
tank at a Corvette shop in Illinois.”
The efforts are worth it, though.
“It’s neat for the kids because they get to work on a Corvette,” Doyle said.

Family Looses 1965 Corvette In Mechanic’s Lien Scam
If you’re like most folks, you’ve never
heard of mechanic’s liens.
But mechanic’s liens were in the news
last month in Indianapolis, Indiana as
federal prosecutors released details of
a racket there that used mechanic’s
liens to steal cars from banks and
others who had ownership interest in
the vehicles.
Liens are often placed against cars
when a person owes back taxes or
child support, but those liens and any bank liens from finance companies are erased when a mechanic’s
lien is placed on a car.
Prosecutors say that a business called Mechanic’s Liens Plus has been operating the scam in Indianapolis
and they have charged the owner of the business and his daughter, along with a Bureau of Motor
Vehicles insider who helped with the scheme.
Apparently, people would pay $1,000 to Mechanic’s Liens Plus to file fake paperwork to enforce a
mechanic’s lien on cars, enabling the drivers to escape making payments that they owed on the cars.
One woman told the ABC TV affiliate in Indianapolis that the scheme cost her family a classic 1965
Corvette that their late father had owned. A dishonest mechanic, she says, used Mechanic’s Liens Plus to
take the car away from her family after they had paid him $13,000 to fix it.
Prosecutors say they may be filing action to recover some of the 272 vehicles that were apparently issued
fraudulent new titles in the scam.
“These are not victimless crimes. Far from it,” says U.S. Attorney Joe Hogsett. “These individuals were
responsible for operating their own personal BMV on the streets of Indianapolis.”
The BMV employee is accused of providing the information about the legitimate lien-holders through her
access to the BMV computer systems that allowed for hundreds of vehicles to be taken away from those
banks and others with ownership interest.
Hogsett told the TV station that the scam also caused legitimate liens to simply go away for such things as
paying child support or taxes that are owed to the State of Indiana. He said others used the business to
avoid the other liens that would have required paying child support or taxes.
Even if the drivers who hired the business are not charged with a crime, Assistant U.S. Attorney Zach
Myers, the lead prosecutor on the case, said a forfeiture action could be filed in civil court since the cars
were kept by the drivers through a fraudulent enterprise.

I was talking to a friend the other day
about the impending end of the C6
Corvette. We theorized where that last
2013 Corvette would turn up. What
auction it may show up at, whose collection
it could end up in, and what it options it
would have. Coincidentally a new thread
popped up on Corvette Forum last month
inquiring as to the location of the last C3
Corvette. As it turns out, that’s the only
“last” Corvette we can’t account for. We
know where the last C1, C2, C4, and C5′s
are, but where is 1982 Corvette VIN
25407?
Where’s the Last C3 Corvette?
The third generation of Corvettes was produced between 1968 and 1982. In that time a total of 542,861
Corvettes left the St. Louis and Bowling Green assembly plants. The final year of C3 production ran long
due to delays in the new C4 program and ultimately ended in early 1983. The 1982 model year was
relatively uneventful outside of the special Collector Edition model which was the first Corvette with a
price tag north of $20,000. All cars were powered by the new Crossfire fuel injected motor which was
backed to a 4-speed automatic transmission. Road and Track tested a 1982 Corvette in November of that
year and produced a lackluster 0-60 sprint of 7.9 seconds and 0.826g on the skid pad. ¼ mile time was
16.1s @ 84.5mph. Compare those figures to a modern C6!
As each Corvette iteration ends, the focus tends to fall on the last car of that particular run. We did some
digging and it turns out that we know where all of the other “last” Corvettes are except the last C3
Corvette. Where is 1982 Corvette VIN 25407?
With that in mind, here’s where the other “last” Corvettes ended up:
The Last C1: According to the C1 Registry, 1962 Corvette VIN 14531 currently lives in
Washington where it’s been with its current owner since 1965.

The Last C2: 1967 Corvette VIN 22940 is possibly the most publicized Corvette of all time
thanks to ProTeam Corvette. It was the subject of an extensive restoration and TV series
on SPEED and then sold at Barrett-Jackson in 2007 for $660,000 including commissions
to an Arizona Collector.
The Last C4: The final 4th generation Corvette lives in Mid America Motorworks’ My
Garage collection where it has been since new. Mike Yager lobbied GM to sell him the
white C4 which was built on June 21st, 1996.

The Last C5: The final C5 wears VIN 34064 and spent most of its life in the Bob
McDorman collection until late 2010 when it sold for $45,100 including commissions. It
currently has 13 miles on the odometer. You’ve got another chance to score this ride at
Mecum’s Kissimmee auction coming up next month in Florida.
We assume that the last C6 has already been spoken for and will show up at the National
Corvette Museum, one of the major auctions houses, or in a collection belonging to some
savvy collector.
That just leaves the last C3? Know where it’s at?
Chevrolet Introduces New Global Tagline – “Find New Roads”
With the seventh-generation
Corvette due to be unveiled
Sunday and more than 20
other vehicle launches planned
globally in 2013, General
Motors announced today that it will also begin a new Chevrolet advertising campaign next month.
That means the end of the road for the “Chevy Runs Deep” slogan, which debuted in 2010 and was met
by some with indifference because they thought it was confusing and hard to translate into some
languages. Our non-scientific poll, however, showed the overwhelming majority of the visitors to
Corvetteblogger.com liked the slogan.
Regardless, with so many new models being launched in the coming months, the new slogan – “Find New
Roads” – no doubt is very appropro.
Alan Batey, vice president, U.S. Sales, Service and Global Marketing, believes the time is right for the
new campaign and slogan.

“We are continuing to grow globally, especially in key emerging markets,” Batey said, “and Find New
Roads will help us drive even more consistency – both internally with our employees and externally with
customers.”
Indeed, the company will be hoping to continue a positive trend that has seen Chevrolet sales grow about
38 percent since the launch of the mid-size Cruze sedan, the brand’s first truly global vehicle, in 2009.
Find New Roads will carry the banner for the brand as it develops new products and technologies for sale
in more than 140 markets.
The new slogan summarizes Chevrolet’s commitment to align its engineering, design, and retail
operations behind a single vision and communications platform, GM said.
“Find New Roads embraces the spirit of ingenuity that has been in Chevrolet’s DNA since the beginning
and it will continue to guide every aspect of our business moving forward,” said Mary Barra, senior vice
president of Global Product Development. “We have sold Chevrolets around the world for almost a
century, but this is the first time we have aligned behind one global vision. As we develop new products
our designers and engineers will be empowered to find smarter solutions to address customer needs and
make their lives better.”
GM CEO Dan Akerson told The Wall Street Journal that the Find New Roads tag line “offers a challenge
to people, which will give the tag line longer legs.” He said: “It will also mean different things to different
people because the car represents different things to different people.”
In addition to driving internal consistency for Chevrolet, Find New Roads also will be used in advertising
around the world, beginning in the United States this quarter.
“Find New Roads will enable the whole company to rally around a consistent theme for the brand, and at
the same time serve as an external message that works in all markets,” said Batey. “The theme has
meaning in mature markets like the U.S. as well as emerging markets like Russia and India, where the
potential for continued growth is the greatest.”
Court Rules Vintage Corvette Belongs to Last Buyer
“Let the buyer beware” recently took an unusual turn in
Indiana. Maybe now it should read “Let the original buyer
beware.”
Last week, we reported a story about federal prosecutors in
Indianapolis, Ind., releasing details of a racket there that
allegedly used mechanic’s liens to steal cars from banks and
others who had ownership interest in the vehicles.
Prosecutors say a business known as Mechanic’s Liens Plus
has been operating the scam in Indianapolis and they charged the owner of the business and his
daughter, along with a Bureau of Motor Vehicles insider who helped with the scheme. Apparently, people
would pay $1,000 to Mechanic’s Liens Plus to file fake paperwork to enforce a mechanic’s lien on cars,
enabling the drivers to escape making payments that they owed on the cars.
One of those cases involved a 1965 Corvette that James N. and Stephanie L. Brinkley bought in 2005. A
year later, they contracted with Michael Haluska to restore the car, but the two parties eventually had a
falling-out over Haluska’s work and the amount of money they still owed him.

Haluska went on to hire Mechanic’s Liens Plus to file a lien on the Brinkleys’ Corvette. After sending a
notice by certified mail (to James Brinkley’s father’s address) that warned the car would be sold at
auction if charges of $7,400 were not paid by a specified date, Haluska in fact bought the car at auction
for $100. He then posted the car on eBay Motors and sold it to a man named Donald Gindelberger for
$25,100. Gindelberger, who did not review county records before the purchase, received a title with
Haluska listed as the owner.
The Brinkleys had won a court injunction ordering Haluska not to transfer title or deliver the signed title
to the vehicle to any third party but it proved to be to no avail. After the sale, they argued that
Gindelberger was not “a bona fide purchaser for value without notice” because he had notice of their
lawsuit against Haluska.
But the Indiana Court of Appeals rejected the Brinkleys’ argument and now has ruled that Gindelberger
was indeed a good faith purchaser for value and will get to keep the car. The court said that Gindelberger
was not required to search pending litigation records prior to purchasing a vehicle.
Edmunds Dynos the 2012 Corvette ZR1 and the 2013 SRT Viper GTS
We already told you that the folks over at
Edmunds.com recently matched a 2012 Corvette ZR1
against the new 2013 SRT Viper GTS in one of their
Burnout Super Tests.
The Corvette dominated that competition, laying
down a record-setting black stripe of more than 514
feet, nearly 100 feet longer than the Viper managed.
Now, Edmunds decided to take the 2013 Viper to the
MD Automotive Dynojet chassis dyno to see what it
could do.
Well, the Viper did put up some impressive numbers,
compared to ordinary cars, but when it went up against the extraordinary ZR1, well, let’s just say the
King is still the King.
On the dyno, the Viper used its massive 8.4-liter pushrod V10 to send its torque rising steadily to a
maximum of 528 lb-ft at 5,100 rpm. It reached its maximum horsepower of 558 just before the abrupt
6,400-rpm fuel cut. We couldn’t find the exact numbers for the Corvette, but from the accompanying
chart, it appears that the ZR1’s horsepower was still climbing to nearly 600 as the rpm’s headed toward
7,000.
But this is one of those cases where the peak numbers
definitely don’t tell the whole story, says Edmunds,
which adds, “Though the Viper enjoys 2.2 liters more
displacement, it just can’t ingest as much air as the
ZR1′s blower heaves through its valves.”
That makes for a big difference in torque through the
midrange between the two supercars. For example, at
3,600 rpm, the ZR1 was producing 85 lb-ft more torque
than the Viper.

“Vette Collections” Visits Massive Car Collection – at Walmart?
When it comes to car collections, rarity
and size are always major factors. But
when it comes to the Corvette collection
on the latest episode of Michael
Brown’s Vette Collections, those aren’t
the only things that set this latest array
of cars apart – it’s also where they’re
located.
Housed in a 100,000 square foot facility
that used to be an old Walmart, Rick
Treworgy’s car collection is
astonishing. Containing mostly iconic
GM vehicles, the number of cars in the collection runs well into the 200 range. And while this number
might make you think that most just sit, Treworgy enjoys them all, keeping them in driving order and
ready to hit the road at any time.
If this sounds familiar, that’s because we took our first look at this massive collection back in February of
2012 for our sister publication, Street Legal TV.
So what started Treworgy’s knack for collecting GMs? Well, he admits that his dad’s passion for Fords
had something to do with it, but to him, GMs were just easier to work on, easier to get more power out of
and easier to trade parts for. So, what started out as a mere dream turned into this massive warehouse of
GM vehicles, thanks especially to Treworgy’s long career in commercial real estate.
Among the GM models on the showroom floor (yes, this facility is open to the public) are a number of
Corvettes ranging from C1s to C6s. In fact, Treworgy owns at least one Corvette of every model year
from 1954 to 1975, as well as plenty of more modern Corvette models.
Now, if you’ve ever visited this collection, known as Rick Treworgy’s Muscle Car City in Punta Gorda,
Florida, chances are that you’ve seen many of these cars, but as Michael Brown points out, you probably
haven’t seen them all. With an ever-changing inventory and new acquisitions all the time, new additions
to the collections are always popping up. That’s because Treworgy knows that if you don’t buy it when
you see it, chances are it won’t be there the
next time you go looking for it.
With over 200 cars, what more could an avid
car collector want? According to Treworgy,
he’s always looking for rare cars and has
made plenty of transactions for cars at local
car shows and events. In addition to the
massive car collection, Muscle Car City also
features a gift shop and vintage ‘60s style
diner where you can escape even further into
the great muscle car era. Not a bad way to
spend a day if you ask us.

The Legend Returns – Introducing the 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray
After years of planning, designing
and engineering, the 2014
Chevrolet Corvette Stingray made
its stunning debut tonight in
Detroit. For those who appreciate
the past, but look forward to the
future, this is your Corvette
Stingray – a finely tuned trifecta of
technology, design and
performance. A new Corvette
worthy of the Stingray’s name and
heritage.
This is the most powerful standard Corvette ever conceived. With an estimated 450 hp, 450 lb.-ft of torque
from its new generation 5 LT1 V8, it surpasses the C6′s base Corvette and the Grand Sport with specs like 0-
60 in under 4 seconds, 1G cornering and a 60-0 stopping distance that’s comparable to the Z06. The new
engine develops 50 lb-ft. more low-end torque, matching the C6′s LS7 V8 from 1,000-4,000 RPMs. Raceproven
aerodynamics will ensure the new Stingray cuts through the air while the breakthrough fuel saving
technologies are expected to make this the most fuel efficient Corvette ever.
The new Corvette Stingray features a seven-speed TREMEC manual transmission with Active Rev Matching.
Exclusive to Corvette, Active Rev Matching ensures the perfect shifts whether you’re up-shifting or downshifting.
Also available is a six-speed paddle-shift automatic transmission which has been optimized for the
new car. Both transmissions will use Active Fuel Management (AFM), another first for manual transmissions.
And for you automatic lovers, Launch Control is now available too!
Performance junkies will flock to the Stingray’s new optional Z51 package that offers an electronic limitedslip
differential (eLSD), dry sump oil system, integral brake, differential and transmission cooling as well as a
unique aero package for high speed stability.
Two new active exhaust systems which are less restrictive than the previous model are available on the new
Stingray. The four exhaust ports feature a larger 2.75 inch diameter openings than the 2.5 inch openings on
the C6. Both have butterfly valves that open for enhanced performance and sound. The standard system has a
13% improvement in airflow while the optional dual-mode system offers a 27% improvement in airflow.
The new Corvette will come standard with Brembo Brakes and 18/19″ wheels with Michelin Pilot Super Sport
run-flat tires. Both brakes and tires are upgraded when the Z51 package is ordered for even more
performance.
But performance is just one of the standards to judge the new Corvette Stingray.
Inside you’ll find a completely new handcrafted high-tech interior. The jet-fighter inspired cockpit features
luxurious Napa leather, micro suede, real aluminum and carbon fiber trim. Long gone are the often criticized
seats of the C6. Now customers will have two new seating options – Touring and Competition – that were
benchmarked against the best of the best: Porsche and Recaro.
Advance driver technologies include a five-position Drive Mode Selector that optimizes 12 different
configurations for the driving conditions in five settings: Weather, Eco, Tour, Sport and Track. Two 720p
high-def eight-inch screens and a configurable color heads up display provide the driver with the personalized
details – whether it be commuting long distances, across town or at the track.

An advanced infotainment system features Chevrolet MyLink and high-definition audio that can play your
favorite tunes through an available premium 10-speaker system which includes a base-box and two
subwoofers. You’ll find an additional USB port in the center console, a stand-alone audio input jack and an
SD card slot for providing seamless connectivity. Getting to your destinations is easier too with enhanced
OnStar featuring 3D navigation maps.
The driving experience is also enhanced by smaller 14.1 inch (360mm) diameter steering wheel that makes the
whole car feel smaller and more responsive to the driver. The steering system is now 5 times stiffer for a more
direct feel and the the turning radius shortened by 2 feet.
The 2014 Stingray is a revolutionary new Corvette with just two parts carried over from the previous
generation. It features a completely brand new aluminum frame structure that is 57% stiffer and 99 pounds
lighter than the current steel frame. And with the roof panel installed, it’s 60% stiffer than the frame on the
C6 Z06. Instead of the fully hydroformed frames of the C6 era, the C7′s frames feature 5 different aluminum
segments in various thickness to provide structural rigidity where it’s needed the most. The new frames will
be built in a brand new $52 million body shop inside the Bowling Green Assembly Plant and features a unique
laser welding process that was showcased in the CREATION video teaser.
The C7′s new exterior features a bold departure from previous generations yet still remains true to the ideas
that make a Corvette a Corvette. Born in the wind tunnel and sculpted with data provided from the Corvette
Racing program – 2012′s GT class champions and the most successful racing program in the American Le
Mans Series – the new aerodynamics help balance front and rear grip for high-speed driving.
All Corvettes have a new grill and radiator for sucking in massive quantities of air. Hood vents reduce front
end lift while the front fender side coves vent air and reduces aerodynamic drag. One of the exciting new
features are the functional cooling vents that come with the automatic or the Z51 Performance Package that
channels air inside the chassis to cool the transmission fluid and the electronic limited slip differential. The air
is then expelled out the rear of the Stingray through vents in the taillight assemblies and vertical vents along
the rear.
Enhanced lighting is one of the signature elements of the new Corvette. On the front are indirect white LED
daytime running lights which are set in a black-chrome lamp housing that is more vertically oriented than the
C6.
Perhaps the most controversial aspect of the new Corvette are the rear taillight design. Gone are the standard
two circular taillights and in their place is are dual element taillights that house LEDs that are cast their light
inside against a reflector to create an even glow that gives the car a nighttime appearance unlike anything
else. And as mentioned before, functional aircraft-inspired vents on the outside of the housing release air from
the cooling of the available differential and transmission coolers.
“Stingray is one of the hallowed names in automotive history,” said Ed Welburn, GM vice president of global
design. “We knew we couldn’t use the Stingray name unless the new car truly lived up to the legacy. The
result is a new Corvette Stingray that breaks from tradition, while remaining instantly recognizable as a
Corvette the world over.”
“We believe the Corvette represents the future of modern performance cars because it delivers more power,
more driving excitement and better fuel efficiency,” said Tadge Juechter, Corvette chief engineer. “The result
is better performance by every measure. The 2014 Corvette delivers the fastest acceleration, the most
cornering grip, the most track capability, the best braking performance and what we expect to be the best fuel
economy ever for a standard Corvette.”
“The all-new Corvette Stingray is really three cars in one: It provides the comfort and functionality of a longdistance
GT car, the connectedness and infotainment of a daily driver and the acceleration, grip and braking
of a capable track car,” said Harlan Charles, product manager for Corvette.
The new 2014 Corvette Stingray Coupe goes on sale in the 3rd quarter of 2013.

Return of the Stingray: The 2014 Chevrolet Corvette
DETROIT – Chevrolet is redefining modern performance with today’s debut of the all-new
Corvette Stingray. And only a Corvette with the perfect balance of technology, design and
performance can wear the iconic Stingray designation.
The 2014 Corvette Stingray is the most powerful standard model ever, with an estimated 450
horsepower (335 kW) and 450 lb.-ft. of torque (610 Nm). It is also the most capable standard
model ever, able to accelerate from 0-60 in less than four seconds and achieve more than 1g in
cornering grip. It is expected to be the most fuel-efficient Corvette, exceeding the EPAestimated
26 mpg of the current model.
“Like the ’63 Sting Ray, the best Corvettes embodied performance leadership, delivering
cutting-edge technologies, breathtaking design and awe-inspiring driving experiences,” said GM
North America President Mark Reuss. “The all-new Corvette goes farther than ever, thanks to
today’s advancements in design, technology and engineering.”
The all-new Corvette Stingray shares only two parts with the previous generation Corvette. It
incorporates an all-new frame structure and chassis, a new powertrain and supporting
technologies, as well as completely new exterior and interior designs. Highlights include:
An interior that includes real carbon fiber, aluminum and hand-wrapped leather
materials, two new seat choices – each featuring a lightweight magnesium frame for
exceptional support – and dual eight-inch configurable driver/infotainment screens
Advanced driver technologies, including a five-position Drive Mode Selector that tailors
12 vehicle attributes to the fit the driver’s environment and a new seven-speed manual
transmission with Active Rev Matching that anticipates gear selections and matches
engine speed for perfect shifts every time
An all-new 6.2L LT1 V-8 engine combines advanced technologies, including direct
injection, Active Fuel Management, continuously variable valve timing and an advanced
combustion system that delivers more power while using less fuel
Lightweight materials, including a carbon fiber hood and removable roof panel;
composite fenders, doors and rear quarter panels; carbon-nano composite underbody
panels and a new aluminum frame help shift weight rearward for an optimal 50/50 weight
balance that supports a world-class power-to-weight ratio
A sculptured exterior features advanced high-intensity discharge and light-emitting diode
lighting and racing-proven aerodynamics that balance low drag for efficiency and
performance elements for improved stability and track capability
Track-capable Z51 Performance Package including: an electronic limited-slip differential,
dry-sump oiling system, integral brake, differential and transmission cooling, as well as a
unique aero package that further improves high-speed stability.
“Stingray is one of the hallowed names in automotive history,” said Ed Welburn, GM vice
president of global design. “We knew we couldn’t use the Stingray name unless the new car
truly lived up to the legacy. The result is a new Corvette Stingray that breaks from tradition,
while remaining instantly recognizable as a Corvette the world over.”
The new Corvette Stingray will be built at GM’s Bowling Green, Ky., assembly plant, which
underwent a $131-million upgrade, including approximately $52 million for a new body shop to
manufacture the aluminum frame in-house for the first time.

“We believe the Corvette represents the future of modern performance cars because it delivers
more power, more driving excitement and better fuel efficiency,” said Tadge Juechter, Corvette
chief engineer. “The result is better performance by every measure. The 2014 Corvette delivers
the fastest acceleration, the most cornering grip, the most track capability, the best braking
performance and what we expect to be the best fuel economy ever for a standard Corvette.”
The 2014 Corvette Stingray coupe goes on sale in the third quarter of 2013.
Handcrafted, high-tech interior
Premium materials including genuine aluminum and available carbon fiber trim
More connected driving experience through the smaller-diameter steering wheel and two
new seat choices
Advanced technologies including standard dual, high-resolution information screens and
available color head-up display.
The new Corvette Stingray interior blends fine materials and craftsmanship with advanced
technologies that contribute to a more connected and more engaging driving experience, said
Helen Emsley, interior design director.
“Every feature and detail in the interior is designed to enhance the driver’s connection to the
Corvette,” Emsley said. “It starts with the fighter jet inspired wraparound cockpit; continues to
build with the smaller steering wheel, more supportive seats, and high-definition, configurable
screens, and is finished in gorgeous materials.”
The smaller, 14.1-inch-diameter (360 mm) steering wheel fosters a more direct, immediate feel
to directional inputs. The attention to the driver extends to the smallest details, including the flat,
precise stitching on the steering wheel designed to provide a smooth, consistent feel.
Precise and elegant stitching also is seen in the available Napa leather trim of the all-new seats.
Two seating choices will be offered: a GT seat for all-around comfort and a Competition Sport
seat with more aggressive side bolstering which provides greater support on the track.
The frame structure for both seats is made of magnesium for greater strength and less weight
than comparable steel frames. They’re also more rigid, contributing to the enhanced feeling of
support during performance driving.
Additional performance-enhancing details of the interior resulted from designers’ “field trips” to
GM’s Proving Ground in Milford, Mich., where high-performance driving experiences spurred the
design and implementation of several features, including a steel-reinforced grab bar on the
center console for the passenger and soft-touch materials on the edge of the console, where the
driver naturally braces during high-load cornering.
High-performance driving also influenced elements of the configurable display screens and
available head-up display, which vary depending on the driving mode, including the Track
display inspired by the C6.R.
The performance-supporting elements inside the new Corvette Stingray are complemented by
unprecedented attention to detail and build quality, including the sweeping arch motif over the
driver cockpit trim and the seamless transition of the line from the instrument panel to the door.
All models feature a fully-wrapped interior, where every surface is covered with premium, softtouch

materials. Available materials, depending on the trim level, include Napa leather,
aluminum, carbon fiber and micro-suede.
A blend of hand craftsmanship and machined precision is intended to ensure the fit, finish and
ambience of the cabin is first-rate. The leather-wrapped instrument panel, for example, features
hand-selected and hand-stretched materials for better grain matching with stitching performed
by robots that deliver perfect seams.
There’s even a micro-LED screen for the passenger’s climate control placed below the vent on
the on the dash away from the performance features on the instrument panel.
“To ensure the high quality of the interior, we spent time working on the line alongside the team
that builds the Corvette every day at Bowling Green Assembly Plant,” said Ryan Vaughan,
interior design manager. “And thanks to that collaboration between design, engineering and
manufacturing, we were able to make adjustments that allowed us to maintain the integrity of
the design, improve the assembly process and ultimately deliver what we believe to be a worldclass
interior.”
Driver-oriented technologies
Driver Mode Selector optimizes 12 vehicle attributes
Configurable screens and head-up display can be tailored to the driver’s preference
Central touch screen uses gesture-recognition technology.
At the core of the Corvette Stingray’s driver-focused technologies is the cockpit-mounted Driver
Mode Selector, which allows drivers to optimize the car for their driving preference and road
conditions via five settings: Weather, Eco, Tour, Sport and Track.
“The all-new Corvette Stingray is really three cars in one: It provides the comfort and
functionality of a long-distance GT car, the connectedness and infotainment of a daily driver and
the acceleration, grip and braking of a capable track car,” said Harlan Charles, product
manager.
“With the Driver Mode Selector, we wanted to give the driver an easy way to tailor virtually every
aspect of the car to fit their driving environment. The result is a more rewarding, more confident
experience, whether you’re commuting in a downpour or charging through the corkscrew at
Laguna Seca.”
The Driver Mode Selector is easy to use via a rotary knob near the shifter. The Tour mode is the
default setting for everyday driving; Weather mode is designed primarily for added confidence
while driving in rain and snow; Eco mode is for achieving optimal fuel economy; Sport mode is
for spirited road driving and Track mode is for track use.
“Early in the development process, we spent time on the track, driving Corvettes hard. That
experience shaped many parts of the interior, such as the instrument display in Track Mode,”
said Vaughn. “At 120 mph, you experience a sort of tunnel vision, as you concentrate on the
next turn. At that moment, you don’t need to know the next song playing on the radio.”
Twelve performance parameters are adjusted with the selection of each mode, including:

Gauge cluster configuration: The Tour, Eco and Weather modes feature displays for
trip data, audio and navigation; Sport mode shows classic, easy-to-read sports car
gauges; and Track mode’s configuration shows a gauge design based on the Corvette
Racing C6.R race car display with lap timer
ETC (Electronic Throttle Control): Adjusts the throttle input curve for the selected
mode for improved responsiveness
Paddle-shift automatic transmission: Adjusts shift comfort and shift points
Active Fuel Management: in normal mode, the LT1 engine uses V-8 power during
acceleration and V-4 power when coasting; in Eco mode the engine remains in V-4
mode to improve fuel economy until aggressive acceleration is needed
Exhaust (active exhaust system): The system adjusts the timing of the electronically
controlled exhaust valves to enhance audible feedback from the V-8 depending on the
drive mode
Electronic limited-slip differential (Z51): Adjusts the rate at which the limited slip
engages, to balance between steering response and stability in different driving
conditions; more aggressive performance in Sport and Track modes
Steering: Assist effort is adjusted in the modes to provide the driver with the correct
steering feel for the driving condition
Magnetic Ride Control: Adjusts shock damping based on road conditions, from
optimized comfort to performance driving
Launch control: Available in Sport and Track modes for manual and automatic
transmissions, providing maximum off-the-line acceleration
Active handling (StabiliTrak stability control): A “competitive” setting is available in
Sport and Track modes and is more suited for on-track conditions. It can also be
disabled, giving the driver complete control
Traction control: Weather mode tailors traction control and engine torque for driving in
inclement conditions
Performance Traction Management: Available in the Sport and Track modes and
offers five settings of torque reduction and brake intervention for track driving.
Three configurable displays, including a pair of eight-inch screens and color head-up display,
deliver personalized information and convey the different performance parameters of each drive
mode.
The two eight-inch screens offer excellent visibility in direct sunlight, with 650 cd/m2 of
brightness for the one integrated into the instrument cluster and 1,000 cd/m2 of brightness for
the one in the center stack, making it among the brightest screens in the industry. The screen in
the center stack also features touch-screen control with gesture recognition and can be lowered
to reveal a hidden storage that includes a USB input for device charging or uploads.
The Corvette Stingray delivers an advanced infotainment system, featuring Chevrolet MyLink

and high-definition radio, as well as enhanced OnStar with 3D navigation maps. An additional
USB port in the center console, a stand-alone audio input jack and an SD card slot provide
seamless connectivity.
An available premium 10-speaker audio system includes a bass box and two subwoofers – and
speakers with rare-earth magnets that deliver greater sound quality with reduced weight and
size.
Every line counts on Corvette Stingray’s functionally elegant exterior
Aerodynamic design integrates strategies from Corvette racing
Signature lighting includes distinctive frosted light-emitting diode daytime driving lights,
high-intensity discharge headlamps and indirect-LED taillamps
Carbon fiber hood and removable roof panel enhance front/rear weight balance
Corvette Stingray’s provocative exterior styling is as functional as it is elegant, said Ken
Parkinson, executive director of global design.
“Developing a new Corvette, while every designer’s dream, is not an easy task,” Parkinson said.
“The goal was a bold design statement that embraced the advanced technology of the car, while
enhancing its overall performance in everything from the wind tunnel to the track. The result is a
new Corvette Stingray – a fantastic car that breaks new ground yet remains true to the
fundamental elements that make a Corvette a Corvette.”
While no single detail is repeated from previous generations, the new Corvette Stingray include
the distinctive profile defined by a long dash-to-axle ratio and the greenhouse evoking the
canopy of a fighter jet with dual-element taillamps. To this foundation, designers built a form
vocabulary from two very different sources: aerospace and nature.
“For the new Corvette to be called a Stingray, it had to deliver an incredible, purposeful visual
impact – just as the original did in 1963,” said Tom Peters, exterior design director. “That visual
impact is evident in fighter jets and the Stingray animal itself. Their beauty comes from their
purpose, designed to cut through air or water as quickly and efficiently as possible. As with
aircraft and living forms, every transition on every surface of the Corvette Stingray serves a
purpose executed with beauty and proportion.”
Lighting is a signature element of the Corvette Stingray’s design and reinforces its high-tech
aesthetic. At the front, indirect white LED lamps form a distinctive daytime styling cue. They are
set in a black-chrome lamp housing with standard HID projector headlamps. The turn signals
feature edge-lit amber LED lighting.
All-new, dual-element taillamps represent the greatest departure from tradition and are among
the car’s most dramatic elements. The three-dimensional, sculpted lenses house innovative
indirect LED lighting. The state-of-the-art lighting uses hidden LED lamps that cast their light up
from the bottom of the housing into a reverse reflector, creating an even glow. LED lamps are
also used for the white backup lamps. The taillamps integrate functional aircraft-style air outlets
for the available differential and transmission coolers.
“From the front or rear, the signature lighting brings the new Corvette to life,” said Peters. “It
looks beautiful, sinister and more than a little intimidating. It gives the Corvette a nighttime

appearance unlike anything else on the street.”
When it comes to aerodynamics, the new Stingray is in a league of its own. Advanced
computer-aided modeling programs were employed to predict and track airflow over, under and
through the new Corvette’s body. Engineers and designers also relied on data gleaned from the
Corvette Racing program – the most successful program ever in the American Le Mans Series
and the 2012 GT class champion – to help balance front and rear grip for high-speed stability.
Many hours were spent in the wind tunnel hand-sculpting surfaces for aesthetics and
performance. Functional exterior elements include:
All models have a new grille/radiator arrangement and hood vents. Venting air out of the
hood reduces total front-end lift for improved steering response at high speeds
The front fender side coves also help vent underhood air pressure to reduce
aerodynamic drag
Models with the automatic transmission or Z51 Performance Package feature a
functional vent on driver’s left side directing air over a heat exchanger for the
transmission fluid and a similar arrangement on the passenger side that directs air
over a heat exchanger for the electronic limited slip differential
Airflow through the differential and transmission heat exchangers exit through the
aircraft-inspired taillamp vents and lower-rear fascia air outlets
The Z51 Performance Package also includes brake-cooling ducts, a unique rear spoiler
and additional air deflectors for enhanced track capability.
“Every square inch of the 2014 Corvette’s exterior is designed to enhance high-performance
driving,” said Kirk Bennion, exterior design manager. “The team delivered a great balance of low
drag for efficiency and performance elements for improved stability and track capability – all in a
sculpted design that excites in all the ways that a Corvette has for six decades.”
Engineered to race, built for the road
New aluminum frame structure is 57-percent stiffer and 99 pounds (45 kg) lighter than
the current steel frame
Innovative use of composite materials, including carbon fiber the hood and roof panels,
lightweight Sheet Molded Compound for the fenders, doors and rear quarter panels, and
carbon-nano composite for the underbody panels help reduce the weight of the body by
a 37 pounds (17 kg)
New LT1 V-8 uses advanced technologies to produce more power with less fuel and is
paired with an industry-exclusive seven-speed manual transmission with Active Rev
Matching for more precise up and down shifts.
The new Corvette Stingray takes advantage of lightweight materials, advanced manufacturing
techniques and technology transfer from the Corvette Racing program to produce an ideal 50/50
weight balance and to deliver a world-class power-to-weight ratio.

“Chevrolet has a long history of using racing to improve production cars, and nowhere is that
more evident than with Corvette,” said Jeuchter. “We continually apply technologies and
strategies developed for Corvette Racing directly to the production car. That influence can be
seen in virtually every aspect of the new Corvette Stingray, from the aerodynamic design to the
use of carbon fiber, to the cooling techniques and even in the brake system
The technologically advanced foundation is an all-new aluminum frame structure that is 57
percent stiffer and 99 pounds (45 kg) lighter. The greater torsional rigidity reduces unwanted
noise and improves ride and handling.
Compared to the previous generation, which used continuous hydroformed main frame rails with
a constant 2mm wall thickness, the new Corvette’s frame features main rails composed of five
customized aluminum segments, including aluminum extrusions at each end, a center main rail
section and hollow-cast nodes at the suspension interface points. Each segment is tuned –
varying in thickness from 2mm to 11mm – tailoring the gauge, shape and strength properties to
optimize the requirements for each frame section with minimal weight.
The frame is assembled at an all-new welding shop at the Bowling Green Assembly Plant using
a unique laser welding process in which a computer-controlled beam of high energy joins the
components with exceptional precision and tolerances of about 0.001-inch.
Supporting the frame’s greater strength and lower weight are complementing chassis elements,
including hollow-cast aluminum front and rear cradles that are approximately 25-percent lighter
and 20-percent stiffer than the solid cradles used on the previous structure.
The innovative use of materials includes a standard carbon fiber hood and roof panel, as well as
underbody panels created with carbon-nano composite technology, an advanced blend of
traditional composite material and carbon fiber, which allows lighter underbody panels without a
loss of strength or stiffness. Fenders, doors, rear quarter panels and the rear hatch panel are
made with lighter-density Sheet Molded Compound than the previous generation. Combined,
these materials save approximately 37 pounds (17 kg) versus the previous body structure.
The lightweight elements of the Stingray contribute to the ideal 50/50 weight balance. Combined
with its estimated 450 horsepower (335 kW), the new Corvette delivers a better power-to-weight
ratio than the Porsche 911 Carrera or Audi R8.
Those 450 horses are generated by an all-new LT1 6.2L Small Block V-8 engine, which
produces an estimated 450 lb.-ft. of torque (610 Nm). More importantly, it generates 50 lb.-ft.
more low-end torque than the previous 6.2L engine, matching the 7.0L LS7 engine from the
2013 Corvette Z06 from 1,000 to 4,000 rpm.
The engine’s performance comes from combining advanced technologies like direct injection,
Active Fuel Management and continuously variable valve timing with an advanced combustion
system. More than 10 million hours of computational analysis went into the new Small Block’s
design, including more than 6 million hours alone on the combustion system.
The LT1 is backed by a choice of active exhaust systems that are less restrictive than the
previous generation, due in part to an increase in diameter from 2.5 inches to 2.75 inches. The
standard system offers a 13-percent improvement in airflow and features a pair of butterfly
valves that contribute to greater refinement at cruising speeds when the engine is operating in
fuel-saving V-4 mode.
An available dual-mode active exhaust system offers a 27-percent improvement in airflow. It

features two additional valves that open to a lower-restriction path through the mufflers. When
open, these valves increase engine performance and produce a more powerful exhaust note.
The LT1 is mated to either a six-speed paddle-shift automatic transmission or an industryexclusive
TREMEC TR6070 seven-speed manual with Active Rev Matching. The Corvette
retains its distinctive rear transaxle layout for optimal weight balance.
The seven-speed manual incorporates rev-matching technology for upshifts and downshifts.
This driver-selectable feature can be easily engaged or disengaged via paddles on the steering
wheel. The seven-speed is used with a new dual-mass flywheel and dual-disc clutch, which
deliver greater shift quality and feel through lower inertia. The transmission with the Z51
Performance Package includes specific close-ratio gearing for more aggressive driving.
“Active Rev Matching makes the new Corvette easier and more fun to drive in performance
conditions,” said Jeuchter. “It anticipates the next gear selection and electronically ‘blips’ the
throttle to match engine speed for a seamless gear change.”
A six-speed Hydra-Matic 6L80 paddle-shift automatic is also available. It is optimized for use
with Active Fuel Management and features a lower-inertia torque converter for improved shift
quality and shift speeds. In addition, shift feel and shift points can be adjusted through the Driver
Mode Selector.
More direct, more connected driving feel
Third-generation Magnetic Ride Control for greater comfort and control
Electric power steering system tailors steering response and feel
Electronic limited-slip differential delivers optimal traction
The new Corvette Stingray’s chassis and suspension are designed to take advantage of the
lighter, stiffer structure. The reduced structural flex allowed engineers to more precisely tune the
suspension and steering for a more nimble and responsive driving experience.
“An important goal for the seventh-generation Corvette was to create a more intimate and
connected driving experience, said Mike Bailey, chassis vehicle system engineer. “Whether on
the open road or on the track, we wanted drivers to feel comfortable and confident behind the
wheel.”
While the Corvette Stingray retains the racing-proven short/long-arm suspension design, front
and rear, the components are all-new. Improvements to the suspension include hollow lower
control arms which save approximately nine pounds (4 kg) per vehicle and new aluminum rear
toe links which save 2.4 pounds (1.1 kg) over previous steel links.
The Corvette Stingray rides on new 18 x 8.5-inch front and 19 x 10-inch rear wheels, while
models with the Z51 Performance Package roll on 19 x 8.5-inch front and 20 x 10-inch rear
forged aluminum wheels. New Michelin Pilot Super Sport run-flat tires developed specifically for
the seventh-generation Corvette deliver comparable levels of grip than the wider tires of
previous models.
As a result, the track-oriented Corvette Stingray with the Z51 Performance Package is capable
of 1g in cornering acceleration – comparable to the 2013 Corvette Grand Sport. Significantly,
that is achieved with narrower and lighter wheels and tires. The reduced “footprint” reduces

olling resistance, steering effort and road noise, contributing to a more nimble feel, more
immediate steering response and greater touring comfort and efficiency.
Dimensionally, the new Corvette’s wheelbase is approximately an inch longer than the previous
generation, with front and rear tracks that are almost an inch wider. Those changes provide a
more stable feel, particularly at high speeds, while the turning radius is decreased by
approximately two feet for greater maneuverability in tight turns.
The Corvette Stingray features standard 35mm-piston Bilstein monotube shocks that connect to
dual-path aluminum shock mounts that separate the shock rod and shock body load paths. The
Z51 Performance Package comes with 45mm-piston Bilstein dampers for more aggressive body
control and track capability. Z51 is available with the third-generation Magnetic Ride Control,
which features a new twin-wire/dual-coil damper system that reacts 40 percent faster, enabling
improved ride comfort and body control.
The new electric power steering system offers variable ratios and variable effort to tailor
responsiveness and feel for each driving situation. It also delivers more precise control and
feedback to the driver, along with greater variability of effort for high-performance driving and
greater on-center sensitivity and linearity. Steering feel was further improved by increasing
steering column stiffness by 150 percent, increasing intermediate shaft torsional stiffness by 600
percent, and mounting the steering gear to the front cradle structure. As a result the steering
system is five times stiffer than the previous generation.
A smart electronic limited-slip differential (eLSD) is included in the Z51 Performance Package
and continuously makes the most of the torque split between the rear wheels. The system
features a hydraulically actuated clutch that can infinitely vary clutch engagement and can
respond from open to full engagement in tenths of a second. It shifts torque based on a unique
algorithm which factors in vehicle speed, steering input and throttle position to improve steering
feel, handling balance and traction.
“The electronic limited-slip differential transforms the Stingray by optimizing handling for the
driving situation,” said Mike Bailey, vehicle systems engineer, chassis. “By continuously
modulating the torque split between the rear wheels, the eLSD can improve traction
accelerating out of corner, improve stability on the highway and enhance steering turn-in and
responsiveness.”
The eLSD is fully integrated with StabiliTrak and Performance Traction Management systems.
Its calibrations vary among three modes, based on the Drive Mode Selector setting:
Mode 1 is the default setting for normal driving and emphasizes vehicle stability
Mode 2 is engaged when electronic stability control is turned off in the Sport or Track
Driver Modes. This calibration enables more nimble turn-in and traction while
accelerating out of a corner
Mode 3 is automatically selected when Performance Traction Management is engaged.
This calibration has the same function as Mode 2, but is fine-tuned to work with
Performance Traction Management.
Standard Brembo brakes, with four-piston fixed calipers derived from racing, deliver exceptional
stopping power on the street or track. System highlights include:

12.6-inch (320 mm) front rotors and 13.3-inch (338 mm) rear rotors are standard and
have 35 percent more swept area than previous-generation brakes. Consequently
stopping distance is improved 9 percent
Dual-cast, slotted 13.6-inch (345 mm) front rotors and 13.3-inch (338 mm) slotted rear
rotors are included with Z51 Performance Package. They have 6percent more swept
area than the previous-generation Grand Sport and are cooled front and rear for
improved track capability. Consequently stopping distance is improved 5 percent
All brake packages have fixed front and rear calipers are stiffer for more even pad wear,
reduced drag and improved modulation.
The Technologically Advanced 2014 Corvette Stingray
The 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray has
definitely come a long way since the EX-122
Corvette Prototype that was unveiled in New
York City almost 60 years ago.
High-tech features abound on the C7 Corvette,
but Chevrolet engineers are quick to point out
that the modern amenities on their newest
creation revealed today aren’t just technology
for the sake of having technology. They help the
car offer more performance, enhanced driving
experience, and more efficiency.
“The all-new Corvette Stingray is really three cars in one: It provides the comfort and functionality of a
long-distance GT car, the connectedness and infotainment of a daily driver and the acceleration, grip and
braking of a capable track car,” says Harlan Charles, product manager.
For example, the Driver Mode Selector allows the
driver to make every aspect of the car fit their own
driving environment. A rotary knob near the shifter
controls the DMS, which features five positions
(Tour, Weather, Eco, Sport, and Track) to control
12 vehicle attributes depending on the situation the
driver finds himself in.
“The result is a more rewarding, more confident
experience,” Charles says, “whether you’re
commuting in a downpour or charging through the
corkscrew at Laguna Seca.”
With each twist of the DMS, 12 performance categories are adjusted, including gauge cluster
configuration, electronic throttle control (for improved responsiveness), paddle-shift automatic
transmission, active fuel management (allowing either four cylinders or eight cylinders to be used for
improved fuel economy), active exhaust system, electronic limited-slip differential, steering assist effort,
magnetic ride control, launch control, active handling, traction control, and performance traction
management.

All this information is conveyed to the driver
through two eight-inch high-definition
screens that are among the brightest in the
industry to make for easy viewing during all
driving conditions.
Technology will also be used to produce an
ideal 50/50 weight balance and to deliver a
world-class power-to-weight ratio. That
includes a new aluminum frame that is 57
percent stiffer and 99 pounds lighter than
the C6 steel frame; innovative use of
composite materials that help cut the weight
of the car another 37 pounds; and of course the new LT1 V-8 that uses advanced technologies to produce
more power with less fuel.
There’s also an industry-exclusive seven-speed manual transmission with Active Rev Matching that
allows more precise up and down shifts. “Active Rev Matching makes the new Corvette easier and more
fun to drive in performance conditions,” Chief Engineer Tadge Jeuchter says. “It anticipates the next
gear selection and electronically ‘blips’ the throttle to match engine speed for a seamless gear change.”
An important goal for the seventh-generation Corvette was to create a more intimate and connected
driving experience, says Mike Bailey, chassis vehicle system engineer. “Whether on the open road or on
the track,” he says, “we wanted drivers to feel comfortable and confident behind the wheel.”
That includes the use of a new electric power
steering system that offers variable ratios and
variable effort to tailor responsiveness and feel
for each driving situation. The steering system is
five times stiffer than the previous generation
and delivers more precise control and feedback
to the driver.
The new smart electronic limited-slip
differential transforms the Stingray by
optimizing handling for the driving situation,
according to Bailey. “By continuously
modulating the torque split between the rear wheels, eLSD can improve traction accelerating out of
corner, improve stability on the highway, and enhance steering turn-in and responsiveness,” he says.
Of course, the Corvette isn’t always on the track. It’s just as comfortable on city streets or making a
commute to work, so the new Stingray features an advanced infotainment system, including Chevrolet
MyLink and high-definition radio, as well as enhanced OnStar with 3D navigation maps. Also featured
are an additional USB port in the center console, a stand-alone audio input jack, and an SD card slot. An
optional premium 10-speaker audio system includes a bass box and two subwoofers and speakers with
rare-earth magnets to offer greater sound quality with reduced weight and size.
The high-tech features even extend to the exterior of the car. For example, at the front, indirect white
LED lamps form a distinctive daytime styling cue, and the all-new, dual-element taillamps feature
innovative indirect LED lighting. This state-of-the-art lighting uses hidden LED lamps to create an even
glow at the back of the car, and the taillamps also feature functional aircraft-style air outlets for the
available differential and transmission coolers.

“From the front or rear, the signature lighting brings
the new Corvette to life,” said Tom Peters, exterior
design director. “It looks beautiful, sinister, and more
than a little intimidating. It gives the Corvette a
nighttime appearance unlike anything else on the
street.”
Indeed, add up all of these high-tech features, and it’s
probably safe to say there will be no car like the 2014
Corvette Stingray on any street in the world.
As Jeuchter says, “we believe the Corvette represents the future of modern performance cars because it
delivers more power, more driving excitement, and better fuel efficiency. The result is better
performance by every measure.”
Corvette Enters the World Stage 60 Years Ago Today
It was 60 years ago today that
thousands of American’s gathered
at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in
New York City to witness
Chevrolet’s first foray into the
world of sports cars. Dubbed the
Corvette, the two seat sports car
was an instant hit with the public
and GM rushed into production
the revolutionary fiberglassbodied
car six months later.
Celebrating that milestone today,
Chevrolet brought the newest
iteration of America’s sports car,
the 2014 Corvette Stingray, to
New York City where it will be
reunited with that original Motorama Corvette at the Waldorf Astoria.
The original Corvette featured an all-fiberglass body with a white exterior and red interior. Chevrolet
raided the parts bin of other cars and sourced a relatively unremarkable 150-horsepower straight-six
engine called the Blue Flame, which was mated to a two-speed Powerglide automatic.
While on display at the 1953 Motorama, the Corvette caught the attention of Belgium-born Zora Arkus-
Duntov. Zora was so taken with the Corvette and its potential that he wrote a letter to Chevrolet Chief
Engineer Ed Cole, which led to Zora being hired by GM as an assistant staff engineer. Zora would later
become the Corvette’s first Chief Engineer.
Over 1.4 million Americans would eventually see the Corvette in its tour across America as part of the
1953 Motorama show. It was eventually retired and returned to GM engineering where it was used as a
test mule. During this time it was painted red and received a new 265 ci V8 engine and it still retains that
engine today.

The original Motorama Corvette ended up in the hands of Russell Sanders, who at that time was in
charge of GM’s Experimental Division. Sanders drove the car for a few years and then sold it to Jack
Engle for $1,000 in 1959. Engle retained possession of EX-122 through the next four decades until his
death in 2001.
George Kerbeck, owner of Kerbeck Chevrolet bought the car and provided a no-expenses-spared
restoration to bring the car back to its original Motorama specs as possible, minus the Blue Flame engine.
When not on the show circuit, it can be seen at Kerbeck Corvette in Atlantic City.
Nearly 2 million Corvettes have been sold since it went on sale in 1953 and Corvette is the longestrunning,
continually produced sports car in the world.
Is this the 2014 Corvette Stingray Convertible?
Now that we’ve witnessed the reveal of the 2014
Corvette Stingray Coupe on 1.13.13 and soaked up a
few days of being around the new Corvette at NAIAS,
attention is turning once again to “future products”,
most namely, the 2014 Corvette Stingray Convertible.
The Auto Insider published these photos of what may
or may not be the Stingray Convertible and now
Chevrolet has issued several denials.
The images were posted originally by scale model
maker Maisto, whose website is featuring the 2014 Corvette Stingray Coupe. Images of the convertible
model are no longer available.
Michael Albano, Chevy’s Director of Communications told Jalopnik that these are “not” photos of the
new convertible model.
Corvette spokesperson Monte Doran gave an even more interesting answer to Popular Mechanics when
he didn’t deny the photo was a fake and instead saying that this was not an “official” photo released by
Chevrolet:
“What I can tell you is these are not official images released by Chevrolet PR. There’s a lot of speculation
out there about what the convertible might look like, but you’ll just have to wait until we release our own
images to see how close these might be.”
The 2014 Corvette Stingray Says Good Morning on the Today Show
After a busy couple of days in Detroit, the Torch
Red 2014 Corvette Stingray made its way
eastward to New York on Tuesday morning for a
guest appearance on NBC’s Today show. The
Stingray and Chief Engineer Tadge Juechter both
braved wet weather as the new car got yet another
introduction.

This was the first chance we’ve had to see the new C7 out on the streets. Host Matt Lauer became the
first non-GM person to drive the car as he piloted it a short distance down the soggy streets
surrounding Today’s studio before eventually stopping near their outdoor set. From there Tadge
talks about the new car and its various attributes. We also get a quick look at both of the 8” display
screens while they’re powered up.
One new tidbit we noticed in New York was that the C7 will not melt if it indeed gets wet. Take a
note prospective C7 buyers.
This next stop for this particular car is the Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale auction as it will represent the
C7 when 2014 Corvette VIN #1 is auctioned for charity.
GM Chairman/CEO Dan Akerson Raises $270,000 for Charity with Sale of 1958 Corvette
The 1958 Corvette owned by General
Motors Chairman and CEO Dan
Akerson raised $270,000 for charity
after it was sold Friday, January 18th
at Barrett-Jackson’s collector car
auction in Scottsdale. Purchasing the
Corvette was Chevrolet dealer and
NASCAR team owner Rick Hendrick.
Akerson donated the proceeds from
the auction to Habitat for Humanity
Detroit to help rebuild the
Morningside Commons
neighborhood.
The sale price of $270,000 was the top sale on Friday night and ties the top sale for the auction, which
coincidently, was another charity Corvette. Guy Fieri’s custom 2013 427 Convertible sold on
Thursday, January 17th for the same amount.
Akerson watched the sale of his Corvette from the Chevrolet display at the North American
International Auto Show. He was at NAIAS for the annual charity preview and the auction was
simulcast on the Chevrolet bow-tie. After the sale, Akerson was joined by Habitat for Humanity
Detroit’s Executive Director Vincent Tilford who posed with the ceremonial check.
The director of GM’s Heritage Center Greg Wallace was on hand at Barrett-Jackson to introduce
the Corvette. As the story goes, when Akerson became chairman and CEO of General Motors, he
turned to Wallace to help him find a classic Corvette. Wallace then found the 1958 Regal Turquoise
Corvette which Akerson purchased.

First Retail VIN 2014 Corvette Stingray Sells for $1.05 Million At Barrett-Jackson
CorvetteBlogger was the
first to tell you the 2014
Corvette Stingray Coupe
would be sold at Barrett-
Jackson and tonight the
red Stingray made its
auction debut at the
collector car auction in
Scottsdale. Offered by
General Motors is the first
Retail VIN #001 2014
Corvette Stingray and the
proceeds of the sale would
go to charity.
Introducing the Corvette
Stingray was General
Motor’s Vice President of
Global Design Ed Welburn
and Corvette’s Performance Marketing Manager John Fitzpatrick.
Rick Hendrick spoke with SpeedTV earlier in the day and confirmed that he wanted the Corvette, and
win it he did with a top bid of $1,050,000. He also spent $1,000,000 on the 1969 Owens/Corning L88
Corvette that appeared on the auction block just before the new Stingray, so that makes him our new
hero!
As the winning bidder, Hendrick will be able to pick and choose how to outfit his new Corvette, which
will be wearing VIN# 001. Welburn also offered to allow delivery to take place inside the Corvette design
studio, where the Stingray was created.
Proceeds of the sale will be donated to the College for Creative Studies, a four-year design school located
in the heart of Detroit, Michigan.
Welburn said of the College of Creative Studies:
“When you think about the desigers of this car. And the sculpters of this car. And the designers of all the
cars here at Barrett-Jackson. Where did they come from? Many of them came from the College of Creative
Studies in Detroit. One of the finest design schools, not only in America, but in the world and that’s where
the money is going to go to.”
The 2014 Corvette is expected to go on sale sometime in early third quarter 2013. MSRP has yet to be set
but Chevrolet says if you can afford the current C6 Coupe, you should be able to afford the new 2014 C7
Corvette.

How appropriate!
First C7 Corvette Press Kit Raises $4,300 for Charity
Guess who made the winning bid for the first
press kit for the 2014 Chevrolet Corvette
Stingray being auctioned off by General Motors
to raise money for the American Cancer
Society?
The Chamber of Commerce in Bowling Green,
Ky., where the new car will be assembled,
placed the high bid of $4,300 for the press kit
after an auction on eBay this week.
“The Corvette is part of our DNA in Bowling
Green,” said Ron Bunch, chamber president and CEO. “We’re internationally known for this icon of the
automotive world, and we’re excited to be owners of the first press kit.”
In all, 2,014 press kits were assembled for the media and invited guests and given out after the C7 was
unveiled to the public on Jan. 13. Chevrolet kept the No. 1 kit for the auction.
Not only was it the first kit produced, the box also features autographs from key folks like Corvette chief
engineer Tadge Jeuchter, GM design chief Ed Welburn, GM North America CEO Mark Reuss, and GM
product development chief Mary Barra.
Included in the impressively produced kit are a color booklet detailing the Corvette Stingray, a USB flash
drive with press release and photo files, and a desk paperweight with the Stingray emblem.
Chamber officials plan to show off the press kit at their office, which is just five miles west of the
Corvette assembly plant and the National Corvette Museum.
Spring Hill to Produce Body Parts for 2014 Corvette Stingray
More details about the 2014 Corvette
Stingray continue to come out in the
aftermath of the unveiling of the C7
in Detroit last Sunday.
The Tennessean newspaper in
Nashville is reporting that the
General Motors plant in Spring Hill
has been enlisted to help with
production of the Corvette for the
first time ever.
The Spring Hill plant will be
producing the front and rear fascias
for the seventh-generation car and then sending them to Bowling Green for final assembly, according to
spokesman Lee Ann Williams Maley.

These front and rear bumper sections will be manufactured in Spring Hill by injecting a plastic
composite material into special molds there. The plant already makes similar parts for the Chevrolet
Traverse crossover, which was assembled there until November 2009 when production moved to
Michigan. Spring Hill continues to be the assembly point for the Chevrolet Equinox crossover and fourcylinder
engines and other vehicle components.
Michael Herron, chairman of the United Auto Workers local at Spring Hill, says more workers will be
needed there for the new Corvette project but doesn’t know an exact number yet.
“Our team members are very excited about being a part of this exciting new vehicle for Chevrolet,”
Herron said. “To me, getting this work for Spring Hill speaks volumes about the quality we’ve achieved
in our injection-molding operation here.”
GM had previously announced a $131 million investment at Bowling Green, including $52 million for a
body shop to manufacture the new much lighter aluminum frame for the C7 using a new computercontrolled
laser welding process.
The C7 is scheduled to go on sale in the third quarter of 2013. Production of the 2013 model will shut
down in February, and work will begin to change over at the Bowling Green facility in preparation for
the 2014.
Yes, That is a Diesel-Powered 1978 Corvette
In the early 1980s, American automakers started
playing around with the idea of putting diesel engines
into their cars to meet increasing emissions and fuel
economy standards. Sounds familiar, doesn’t it?
Unfortunately, the half-assed efforts of American
automakers left a serious distaste for diesel cars
among the car buying public. These days though,
these old diesels are almost cool, in a weird sort of
way.
We’re not sure what the motivation behind this 1978
Corvette with a diesel engine is, but as you can see
and hear in this video, it is most definitely a diesel
engine under that two-tone silver hood. Judging from
appearances, it could be one of the worst diesel engines ever created, the Oldsmobile 350 diesel
conversion.
The Oldsmobile 350 diesel was a half-hearted attempt to turn the standard 350 engine into a diesel motor,
and, well, it was awful. But 30 years of advances in diesel technology have made these engines almost
acceptable, if you know what to fix (pretty much everything). Throwing a diesel 350 into a Corvette?
Well, while you won’t be going anywhere too fast, the gas mileage would probably be pretty astounding.
As for the rest of the car, there appears to be a CB radio and an abundance of gauges measuring whoknows-what.
The car itself looks pretty clean, well-restored, and cared for. But that engine? if you really
want a diesel Corvette, why not drop a more-modern (and powerful) Duramax diesel under the hood?
Now that’d be something worth the time and effort if you ask us.