I finally pulled the Corvette out of the garage today. It’s a 2002 coupe. I bought it used in October of 2004. At the time, it had 73k miles. It now has 95k miles. That’s not really what is important here.
I don’t recall the year, but I remember being shocked when my dad called to let me know he just bought a 1987 Corvette convertible. You see, my dad usually researches everything he buys… almost to a fault. Consumer reports is his friend. This, however, felt like a spur of the moment purchase.
At the time, I looked at it as more of a toy for him. This was the 3rd convertible that he’s owned that I’m aware of. (Previous convertibles are ’63 Corvair and an ’88 Mustang LX.) He always liked to take me out for a ride when I was home. I’ll admit that it was fun, but I still thought it was just a toy.
That all changed on Mother’s Day of 2004. I remember this vividly. We just finished washing his Vette. (After everything my parents have done for me, I don’t mind pitching in now and then… even when I’m back home to relax.) Dad looked at the weather radar on the computer. “We have about an hour before the rain moves in,” he said. I thought it was just going to be another ride. That was fine by me because it was something we did together. As I approached the car, he flipped me the keys. I didn’t say anything. I just jumped in the drivers seat.
I can’t remember what he said exactly, I just remember the intent was to take the car out somewhere I could open it up. I pulled on to I-65 South from US 30 on the south side of Merrillville, IN. The top was down and the wind was blowing through the cabin. I was keeping it around 65 because there were a few semis and a couple of cars between us and a patch of open road.
About 2 miles later, I was able to weave through the traffic. For a split second I thought I should ask first… naaahhhh. I put my foot to the floor and sunk into the seat. I looked down at the dash and in no time flat it shot to 100. My heart was pounding. My grip on the wheel tightened. That was pure joy. I looked over at my dad with a big grin on my face. “What took you so long?” was all he said. We spent the rest of the drive talking about music, the Cubs, or something that wasn’t really important I’m sure.
I will never forget that feeling. It was at that moment that I learned two things.
- I finally understood why Corvette owner have such a passion for their hobby.
- I had to have one.
It wasn’t until now that I realized that it really wasn’t about the car…
