Livin' the Dream: The End of the Rainbow

This little piece is dedicated to Corky, Don, Alex, Ron, Charlie, and Mike.

For I’m taking that trip to Mecca … like swallows to Capistrano and like lemmings to the sea … I have arrived at the site of all that is good and wonderful. That place where testosterone rules, your voice automatically drops an octave, and your knees weaken at mere sight of a building full of these sensuous beauties of the blacktop.
The place … the National Corvette Museum in Bowling Green Kentucky.

This unique building is located adjacent to I 65 in southwestern Kentucky with easy parking, even for my rig and tow car. The impressive walkway is paved with personalized bricks and plaques from Corvette clubs and Corvette lovers from all over the nation. Walking inside, we were greeted by a very pleasant young women who had a pleasant surprise for us. As a veteran we were granted free admission. Normally seniors will get tapped $6.00 each while lesser aged folks will be hit for $8.00. A small price.

The tour is self-directed so you can gawk at your own pace. Our first stop was the theater where a continuously running history of the Vette’ was playing. This was almost worth the price of admission in itself.

From there the cars were displayed in chronological order with grouping by major eras. Interspersed were detail displays of various components like transmissions, fuel delivery, suspension systems, body materials, and of course, those powerful engines.

As we wandered amongst the royalty of American sports cars, it again began apparent what an impact with car has had on the automotive world. Innovation through engineering and race track tested durability has made this car what it is today. From its humble beginnings in Flint Michigan to St. Louis Missouri to its current manufacturing facility in Bowling Green Kentucky, this refined motorcar is still the crown jewel for GM. Whatever else occurs with the rest of GM’s product line, I’d bet my next bottle of Geritol that this car will always be made.

I have to admit my favorite exhibit was one that had a pair of 1965’s and a bare chassis. My one and only Vette’ was a Glen green 65' coupe with a 300hp 327, a rare automatic transmission, air conditioning, tilt-telescoping wood trimmed steering wheel, tan leather interior, and a rate touring tank. I bought it in 1969 for $2200 and sold it a year later for $2300. I’m still kick myself for that stupid deed.