Flashback Friday (1966): First Corvette
In the Fall of ‘66, I felt like I was on top of the world
For many things in life, the first time is very special: the first love, the first child, the first car, the first house. For Corvette lovers, the first one can hold a special place in their memories.
When you’re 18 years old, your world view is pretty limited. In my case, the focus was on cars, and more specifically, buying a Corvette. My only criteria was that it had to have a four speed manual transmission.
When I bought this Milano Maroon ’65 Corvette in the Fall of 1966 for $2800, it was already a two year old car with about 30,000 miles. But I wouldn’t have been any more excited if it had been brand new. I remember my hands trembling with anticipation as I attached the license plates on that cool late September evening.
It had been well-used by the previous owner, another testosterone-fueled young guy, but showed little visual wear and tear. The tach needle had probably visited the red line many more times than it should have, and consequently the engine had lost a little compression. The 327 was down by about 10 or 15 horsepower from the original 350 and the engine used a little oil, so every trip to the gas station required a check of the oil level.
It was completely original, right down to the wheel covers, and in generally good condition. Most Corvettes were basic sports cars back then: no power accessories, no air conditioning, and no fancy audio. There was usually more static than music coming out of the tinny speakers. But did any of us miss those things?
If you wanted the window down, you manually cranked it down. If you wanted air conditioning, you opened the vents and, if you had a roadster, you put the top down. If you wanted music - well, you were pretty much out of luck. But we were still thrilled with these cars. When you think about it, it’s amazing how little it took to keep us happy.
So… What do you remember about your first Corvette?
Hey Bro, I remember that 65 very well. As a car crazy 16 year old, I thought it was the coolest thing that my brother owned a Corvette :)
Great post, Glenn.
My first Corvette was a 2002 coupe in Electron Blue Metallic. I remember the test drive, the first time I ever drove a Vette, and came away with the impression that I was riding a rocket sled on rails. I urged my wonderful wife to drive the car; she did and was impressed as well.
I purchased the car used as I wasn't sure I would like driving one every day and didn't want to take the depreciation on a new car. Three years later I purchased the only new Vette among the three I have owned, a 2007 coupe in Machine Silver. That I bought a new one is testament to how much I liked my first Corvette.