When Did It Happen For You?
I think most of us who are true lovers of the Corvette, have all experienced that defining moment when we decided that someday we would own one; that moment when we thought, “This is my dream car.”
That particular moment happened to me at a very early age when I was a child living with my parents in Venice Beach, California. I was 6 years old at the time when my dad’s friend Bobby George stopped by our house one afternoon with his brand new 1966 Corvette coupe.
I remember it vividly, and knowing Corvettes now like I didn’t know then, it was Mosport Green with knock off wheels and polished side pipes. The sound of that big block roaring through the side exhaust was earth shaking; and I was thrilled to be offered a ride! As I climbed in and nestled myself into the rich black leather bucket seat, I noticed the split dash cascading like a waterfall into the console divider, very much like the cockpit of what I imagined as the Caped Crusader’s Batmobile. Once I buckled myself in, I suspected this would be the beginning of a long love affair with America’s favorite sports car.
When it was fired up, I could feel the pulse of the engine pounding in my chest…or maybe it was my heart racing with excitement! Either way, I was about to experience something quite special. However, every time Bobby G. blipped the gas pedal, he had a ridiculous grin on his face that left me wondering if he was intending to do something dumb enough that would cause me to wet my pants!
As we pulled away and headed towards Washington Boulevard, I could tell that this beast was like a race horse struggling to keep its modest pace; chomping at the bit to show us what she was made of. It didn’t take long however. In just a few short blocks, we came upon our first unsuspecting victim; some guy in a Chevelle SS - Yeah, he thought he was hot stuff. Sure it was cool car, but it was no Stingray.
Suddenly as the light turns green, we’re launched! Engines screaming and tires blazing in a cloud of smoke! I’m reaching for something to hang on to and all I can grab is air! We hit second gear and we must have had at least a car length on the “SS” and we’re pulling away. Third gear, and the other guy is dusted! It ended quickly, but it was such an adrenalin rush. It was the most awesome experience I could have imagined.
I’ll never forget that sunny day in Venice when a friend’s Mosport Green Stingray inspired a little boy to hold on to a passion that would last a life time. Years later, I’ve had the pleasure of owning several Corvettes and fortunate enough to be the owner of Surf City Corvettes. Yes, dreams do come true!
John Parker
President/CEO
Surf City Corvettes