Corvette Blog

Examiner.com recently wrote an article, entitled “2010 Corvette Grand Sport is THE BEST car a celebrity won’t drive”. Hmm… why?

The article insures that the Grand Sport is “actually the ideal celebrity car – insane performance, great comfort and a host of gadgets, half century of street cred, and amazing aftermarket potential”. How come celebrities won’t drive it then?

Well according to Examiner.com, since the Hollywood celebrities have not truly adopted GM manufactured cars (excluding the Cadillac Escalade), this popularity of GM vehicles reflects back on our nation’s general population.

So, let’s say if Lindsay Lohan were to purchase a Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport – I, among others, would be more inclined to be like her and purchase the very same vehicle.

Umm…NOT! (I don’t entirely agree.)

What do you think this is the lingering reason why celebrities wouldn’t normally purchase a Corvette Grand Sport?

[ Examiner ]

Posted By Ryan In 2010 Corvette , Celebrity Corvettes , Corvette News , Corvette Reviews | 1 Comments Permalink

Though shipments of the Corvette ZR1 were said to be limited to over sea countries of the Middle East, the Royal Bahraini family will be the very first to receive the gorgeous sports car. The family is famous for their notoriety and wealth within the oil business. With oil as a main source of wealth and power there, General Motors may be stupid to NOT open their doors to Middle Eastern customers who are ready and willingly able to pay the price for a brand new 2009 ZR1.

So maybe Fadi Ghosn, Chief Marketing Officer at GM Middle East, had it all wrong when he said that, “This year, a limited number of vehicles will be available in the region…” What are your thoughts? Do you think the ZR1 has the potential to grow big overseas, especially within the regions of the Middle East?

[ AutoBlog ]
 

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Late-night comedian and car collector extraordinaire Jay Leno recently purchased his newest automobile baby… the 2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1! Leno claims to be a huge fan of all Corvette models. In fact, he has a portion of his garage solely dedicated to the Corvette! It is no surprise that he is proud to now own the most powerful vehicle manufactured by General Motors.

His new hot looking ride is coated in the new gray color coat protected over with a clear coat. The clear coating helps protect the paint from bleaching or cracking of the carbon fibers from the sun’s rays. This clear coat is estimated to cost nearly $60,000 per gallon! Wow!

Within the video link below, Leno gives a quick walk-around of the vehicle for all to view. It’s quite impressive to hear him explicitly point out every square inch of the vehicle, both outside and inside. Imagine the knowledge he carries with him over all his automobile babies! He then takes viewers for a short joy ride within the new ZR1.

Watch the video after the jump. No drooling allowed!

[ Jay Leno's Garage ]

Continue Reading Posted By Ryan In 2009 Corvette ZR1 , Celebrity Corvettes | 1 Comments Permalink

Keith from CorvetteBlogger reminded me that he had blogged about Mario Andretti's process of replacing his Z06 with a ZR1.  According to Keith, Mario is hoping to be the owner of car #500!

Another ZR1 buyer is Paul Teutul, Sr. of Orange County Choppers.  I hope he doesn't convert it into a cycle!  That would be some Corvette Convertible, wouldn't it?  Paul looks like he will enjoy the ZR1 just like it is, though, right?  See Paul's 2006 Z06 here, and his ZR1 past the jump.

Who are the other 350 or so who have bought them?

Continue Reading Posted By Bill Connell In 2009 Corvette ZR1 , Celebrity Corvettes , Corvette Enthusiasts | 1 Comments Permalink

What do all these people have in common?

Jay Leno, famous car guy and host of The Tonight Show

Racing legend Mario Andretti

James Brown, host of the NFL Today Show on CBS

Jimmie Johnson, NASCAR driver

Rick Hendrick, owner of Hendrick Motorsports

Joey Kramer, Aerosmith band member

NASCAR driver Jeff Gordon

Teri Hatcher, actress of Lois & Clark and Desperate Housewives fame

NASCAR driver Dale Earnhardt, Jr.

Ed Glazer, owner of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Manchester United

Todd Schnitt, radio host of the Schnitt Show in Florida

These are among the rich and famous who are lining up to buy their very own 2009 Corvette ZR1!  According to Corvette Quarterly, some have their rides already, while others are waiting.  Have you ordered yours yet?

Posted By Bill Connell In 2009 Corvette ZR1 , Celebrity Corvettes , Corvette Enthusiasts , Corvette Museum | 0 Comments Permalink

I don't know about you, but Criss Angel is one of my favorite magicians to watch.  While I've not had the joy of seeing his show in Las Vegas, his TV show speaks volumes as to his ability.  Some people aren't into his magic or magic in general, but either way, here's an opportunity to win a new C6. 

Chris is giving away what looks from the ad to be his Black Corvette Z06 with custom wheels.  The Luxor is running the contest to promote his "Believe" act running there.  While details are sketchy, we still thought we would share this with our readers.

Posted By Ryan In Celebrity Corvettes , Corvette Fun , Corvette News , Corvette Videos | 14 Comments Permalink

We reported back in February that Sharon Stone was putting up her mint 1974 Corvette Stingray at Elton John's Academy Awards extravaganza.

It was reported yesterday that successful F1 driver Kimi Raikkonen purchased the vehicle for some $313,000 (US) from an auction in Monaco a couple of months ago.  Now how the Stingray got from Stone to that charity auction, we don't know. 

What we do know is that he has only seen it once and never driven it.  In fact, he hasn't heard anything since he laid out the money!

"I haven't got it yet," he told the German magazine Auto Motor und Sport.

"Honestly, I don't even know where it is, whether I have to pick it up or if they are sending it to me."

"I didn't buy it because I really wanted it, but just for charity," he insists.  While that may be true, I don't think this $313,000 charity donation is going to kill his budget!  Still a bummer though that such a beautiful car is lost in translation.

[ Paddock Talk ]
Posted By Ryan In Celebrity Corvettes , Corvette News | 0 Comments Permalink

With this weekend being the weekend for the Oscars and all, why not a Corvette-related story to get us ready.

Sharon Stone is auctioning off her own 1974 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray as part of Elton John's Academy Awards extravaganza.  She reports the vehicle is in mint condition and that this was the way she wanted to sell it.

The Stingray would normally fetch around $40,000 (according to the article), but Stone hopes to raise 3x as much for Elton John's Aids Foundation.  Check out the site for more information on the auction and what else is being showcased.

[ Daily Mail ]

Posted By Ryan In Celebrity Corvettes , Corvette Fun | 0 Comments Permalink

Nothing says Future President like Corvette-owner.  In a story today we learn about the first cars of the 2008 Presidential Candidates.  Turns out, John McCain's first car was a 1958 Corvette!  If that doesn't give him an advantage I don't know what does.

Here's a quick list of the candidates first cars, and current cars in parenthasis.

• John McCain:  Chevy Corvette  (Now:  Cadillac CTS)
• Hillary Clinton:  Oldsmobile Cutlass  (Now:  Ford Hybrid)
• John Edwards:  Plymouth Duster  (Now:  Ford Escape)
• Barack Obama:  Ford Granada  (Now:  Chrysler 300C)
• Bill Richardson:  Ford Mustang  (Now:  Jeep Wrangler)
• Rudy Giuliani:  Used Dodge  (Now:  Doesn't drive...)
• Mike Huckabee:  Mercury Montego  (Now:  Chevy Tahoe)
• Mitt Romney:  Rambler Classic  (Now:  Ford Mustang)

Other candidates unknown, but for now, you have to admit the ball is in John McCain's court!

[ WOOD-TV ] Posted By Ryan In Celebrity Corvettes , Corvette Fun , Corvette News | 1 Comments Permalink

According to eBay Motors, Tim Allen has sold his 2006 Corvette Z06 with just 3256 miles on the odometer for a Buy It Now Price of just $60,000.  I'm sure that baby could have been auctioned for more at one of the big national auctions.  Don't you think?

A large number of photos of the car are available on the eBay Motors listing.

[ Other CorvetteBlogs on Celebrity Corvettes ]

Continue Reading Posted By Bill Connell In Celebrity Corvettes | 2 Comments Permalink

Autoblog broke the story Thursday that it appears that the C6RS Corvette revealed at the SEMA show this week will, indeed, be produced by Pratt & Miller.  Look for a pricetag just under $200,000 plus donor car.

[ Pratt & Miller ]

[ Previous CorvetteBlog ]

 

 

Continue Reading Posted By Bill Connell In Celebrity Corvettes , Corvette Equipment , Corvette News | 1 Comments Permalink

Chevy always associates itself with big name events.  The next event they will sponsor is the CMA's (Country Music Awards) on November 7th.

As part of the promotion for the event, and for Chevies in general, they are distributing over 3 million calendars in such publications as People, Country Weekly, CMA Close Up, NASCAR Illustrated and Progressive Farmer.  Fans will also be able to download the calendar online with behind the scenes photos.

The highlight in our opinion is Phil Vassar posing with a 2008 Velocity Yellow Corvette Z06 in front of an old gas station.  He has a new album coming out with a song called "My Chevrolet."  With that kind of song, of course he'd get the photo with the hottest car Chevy makes!

Check out the calendar in your favorite magazine or download it online at Chevy Nation.

[ Great American Country ]


Posted By Ryan In Celebrity Corvettes , Corvette Fun | 1 Comments Permalink

Everyone loves when the SEMA show comes up every year.  This year is no different, and the big event at the show will be Jay Leno's own ethanol (E85) powered Corvette Z06.

This particular eco-friendly Z06 will run on E85 and has a custom 500 cubic inch engine that gives it about 600 horsepower.

Leno is no stranger to loving cars or adapting them for the environment.  Last year he launched the EcoJet.

We'll have full coverage of the show and the Corvette's reveal.  The SEMA show runs from October 30th-November 2nd in Las Vegas and unfortunately, isn't open to just anyone.

[ ecorazzi ] Posted By Ryan In Celebrity Corvettes , Corvette Concept & Show Cars , Corvette Events | 1 Comments Permalink

Question: what two things do the following people have in common; Johnny Carson (see at right), Burt Reynolds, Ricky Van Shelton, John Mellencamp, Rosemary Clooney, Roy Orbison, and Dinah Shore?

First, they're all celebrities, known for their contributions in the world of entertainment.

Second, they were owners of a Corvette.

Second question: where is their famous Corvette today?

Easy!  They are all in the Bob McDorman Collection, in Canal Winchester, Ohio.  They were all available for viewing last weekend at the 34th Annual Bob McDorman Corvette and Classic Chevy Show.

Other photos follow the jump.

Continue Reading Posted By Bill Connell In Celebrity Corvettes , Corvette Events | 0 Comments Permalink

If you have read the Corvette Blog for very long, you know we love the National Corvette Museum, and you've probably read about the interesting (to say the least) connection between U.S. astronauts at Cape Canaveral / Cape Kennedy and the Chevrolet Corvette.

A new book captures that relationship with finesse.  Jay Barbree, NBC's veteran space correspondent, has authored Live From Cape Canaveral, an engaging behind-the-scenes look at the American space race.  A recent report at MSNBC.com includes great fun information about the astronauts in their Corvettes on the space coast highways and their "interaction" with the local police force.

 

 

 

 

 

Posted By Bill Connell In Celebrity Corvettes , Corvette Books , Corvette Fun , Corvette History | 0 Comments Permalink

This week's CorvetteBlog Video of the Week features one of my personal favorites in the racing field - Danica Patrick!  Danica is coming off her best finish ever at the Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix (where CorvetteBlog was glad to be present)!  In this video she test drives a Corvette Z06; mind you it's a 2007 model, not a 2008.

She didn't have as many positive things to say about it as one might hope, but then again, to each their own.  She does make valid comparisons to the Porsche and agrees that the Corvette is the superior vehicle.  Her take is interesting if nothing else, and as always, we invite you to comment and let us know what you think of her review.

[ Motor Trend Road Tests ]

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Cal Ripken was paraded around Camden Yards Tuesday night in a Machine Silver Metallic Corvette convertible as the Baltimore Orioles honored their newest member of the Baseball Hall of Fame. 

According the to the press release issued by Major League Baseball, Ripken, a 19-time All-Star and member of the vaunted 3,000-hit club, is best known for his all-time record of 2,632 consecutive games played.  His legacy has always gone way beyond the numbers, though, and on Sunday, he'll become the sixth player enshrined in the National Baseball Hall of Fame to have the Orioles on his official plaque.

"Orioles fans will never forget Cal's catch to close out the 1983 World Series," Peter Angelos, the chairman and chief executive officer of the Orioles, wrote.  "We will forever remember his 400th home run and his 3,000th hit.  And, of course, we will cherish those magical nights on Sept. 5 and 6, 1995, when the entire nation watched Cal tie and set the record for consecutive games played, helping to almost single-handedly revitalize baseball."

[ Corvette Showroom ]

[ Ripken Baseball ]

Posted By Bill Connell In Celebrity Corvettes , Corvette News | 0 Comments Permalink

Although Jay Leno doesn't mention Corvettes in his article "Hidden Treasures" in Popular Mechanics, the advice would likely work for classic Corvettes, too.  1951 Hudson Hornet collector Jay's advice:

"The best advice I can give is to find the oldest garage or gas station in your town.  Go talk to the owner.  Ask him if he has customers who haven't been in for a long time.  Do they have an interesting car?

"If you like old things, I recommend that you talk to old guys.  Seek them out.  They were all young guys once.  And a lot of them don't have any family left; they just want to see the love of their life, the car they were always going to restore — but never got around to — go to a good home."

The whole article can be found in the July 2007 print issue of Popular Mechanics, or on the web.

Posted By Bill Connell In Buying a Corvette , Celebrity Corvettes | 1 Comments Permalink

According to Krysten Oliphant for The Detroit News, "Golf is rarely associated with high-speed excitement and thrilling turns.  But players in the Buick Open experienced just that -- riding in high-speed sports cars with professional drivers -- Tuesday, at the General Motors Driving Experience at Waterford Hills Road Racing.

Vehicles used during the event included blue and yellow Chevrolet Corvette Z06s, a yellow race-ready Pontiac Solstice GXP, and an official 2007 Indianapolis 500 Corvette C6 Pace Car. 

Golfers who enjoyed the experience included Parker McLaughlin, Jason Gore, Frank Lickliter, and Jeff Gove .

[ Detroit News ]

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The massive Bloomington Gold Corvette Show is upon us!  Billed as "America's original Corvette show," Bloomington Gold is the place for all Corvette enthusiasts this week!  (Well, except for those at the race in Le Mans, France, of course).

The Pheasant Run Golf Course in St. Charles, Illinois (just west of Chicago) opens the gates Thursday morning.  The show runs through Sunday.

Over 3000 Corvettes are expected.  Hundreds of Corvette vendors will be present.  The best of the best will be there.  There's the auction.  There are certification programs.  There are classes.  Vehicles will be inducted into the Corvette Hall of Fame.  A fantastic good time to be had by all.  Hope to see you there!

[ Bloomington Gold ]

Posted By Bill Connell In Celebrity Corvettes , Classic Corvettes , Corvette Events , Corvette News , Vacationing in a Corvette | 2 Comments Permalink

With so much focus on presidential candidates by the press, it was only a matter of time before someone would discuss what the candidates drive.  The readers of Corvette Blog, no doubt, would like to know if any are driving Vettes.

The Detroit Free Press, in fact, reported the story today.  In an article discussing six Democrat and seven Republican candidates, only one was identified as a Corvette enthusiast.  And the winner: Joe Biden.  His 1967 Corvette was a wedding gift from his dad in the same year.

Congratulations, Mr. Biden, as our Corvette Enthusiast of the Day!

[ Detroit Free Press ]

Posted By Bill Connell In Celebrity Corvettes , Corvette Fun | 0 Comments Permalink

Grey's Anatomy star Patrick Dempsey will drive the Chevy Corvette Pace Car for the Indianapolis 500 race, coming up on May 27th.  We covered the unveiling of the Pace Car back in February. 

Dempsey isn't a stranger to the race track.  He's co-owner of the Vision Racing Team.  Joie Chitwood, president of IMS said he had developed a bond with racing and the track.

“So he truly understands and appreciates the pageantry, prestige and tradition of the month of May and the Indianapolis 500,” he said.

On a related note, dealers are still waiting to see the Pace Car constraint lifted for ordering a Corvette.  This means we're still waiting to get the package, long after it appeared as an option.  Why not capture the peaked interest of the customer by having them available for us shortly after race time?

[ MSNBC ]

Posted By Ryan In Celebrity Corvettes , Corvette News | 0 Comments Permalink

With Katie Holmes in tow, Tom Cruise recently cruised to Mastro’s Steakhouse in Los Angeles, where it appears he obsessed over his 1958 Corvette.

Wouldn’t it be nice to have a security agent for your Vette while just grabbing dinner?

[ Just Jared ] 

[ Corvette Blogger ] 

Posted By Bill Connell In Celebrity Corvettes , Classic Corvettes | 2 Comments Permalink

One of my many surprises when visiting the National Corvette Museum was the discovery of the NASA connection.  Not that there is necessarily a signed document of any kind between the National Aeronautics and Space Administration and the Museum.

One whole display room was dedicated to photographs of astronauts who have visted the Museum, the Cape Canaveral (now: Cape Kennedy) Corvette Club, and displays of patches and memorabilia.

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