Is the Corvette / C7, just a car?
12-22-2019, 09:19 AM
#1
Race Director
Thread Starter
Is the Corvette / C7, just a car?
The comment “It’s Just a Car” is fairly common around here.
Personally, I feel many posters stating such on this forum probably don’t own Corvettes / C7s, so I question if they are even qualified to make such a statement.
I believe Corvettes/C7s are much more than just a car.
Corvette has it’s own National Museum.
Corvette is the longest running (67 years) “car” model still in production in America today.
Corvette is arguably the most widely recognizable car in American car history.
Corvette / C7 are practically a lifestyle in some circles.
To many, the Corvette/C7 is more a ‘Hobby’ or source of enjoyment than ‘just a car’ or means of transportation.
Anything else to support why or why not Corvette/C7 is or is not “Just a Car”?
What’s your opinion in general, is Corvette / C7 “Just a Car” or is it something more?
Personally, I feel many posters stating such on this forum probably don’t own Corvettes / C7s, so I question if they are even qualified to make such a statement.
I believe Corvettes/C7s are much more than just a car.
Corvette has it’s own National Museum.
Corvette is the longest running (67 years) “car” model still in production in America today.
Corvette is arguably the most widely recognizable car in American car history.
Corvette / C7 are practically a lifestyle in some circles.
To many, the Corvette/C7 is more a ‘Hobby’ or source of enjoyment than ‘just a car’ or means of transportation.
Anything else to support why or why not Corvette/C7 is or is not “Just a Car”?
What’s your opinion in general, is Corvette / C7 “Just a Car” or is it something more?
The following 13 users liked this post by Kevin A Jones:
Caberlee2017 (12-22-2019),
Corgidog1 (12-22-2019),
dvilin (12-22-2019),
GRAND SPORT GUY (12-22-2019),
ImpliedConsent (12-22-2019),
and 8 others liked this post.
Popular Reply
12-28-2019, 01:06 AM
Geez, some of these comments depress me. I find it strange that so much bickering goes on here when we are all really here for the same reason. Because we love Corvettes...right? Or am I missing something?
I don't feel like it's just a car, even though it literally is just a car.
It's a memory, a fascination, a beautiful machine, a piece of American history. My (late) father is what got me into these cars initially. It WAS a goal for him. He didn't have much money and worked his *** off his whole life. He always loved vettes and finally was able to get himself one. He was so proud of it, does that make him sad? No, I think that's just what HE wanted to make HIMSELF feel good. Screw what anyone else thought.
I've carried on the tradition and often think of him when I'm driving it, washing it, just peeking at it in the garage. I am also proud of it and I'm not going to feel bad about that. I don't think that makes me materialistic - as many have said, there are plenty more expensive, faster, more exotic cars out there. The only time I've felt like a Z51 Stingray is "just a car" is when I'm on this thread and I see how many people can be so lucky to afford Z06's and ZR1's. But I'm not jealous, I think it's awesome that we each are able to get what we are able to attain given our circumstances. Like my father, I work my butt off and work very hard for what I have.
This is my first (of 4) Corvette's that isn't my daily driver. Does that make me lame that I don't burn it through the rain and dirt? No, I don't think so...that's just what I choose to do with this particular car. Again, I feel proud of it, that doesn't mean my life's worth is dependent on a vehicle.
I'm sure we all have our cars for different reasons, one person's reasoning shouldn't trump another's.
I'm here for the connections, the information, the pictures, the camaraderie.
I don't feel like it's just a car, even though it literally is just a car.
It's a memory, a fascination, a beautiful machine, a piece of American history. My (late) father is what got me into these cars initially. It WAS a goal for him. He didn't have much money and worked his *** off his whole life. He always loved vettes and finally was able to get himself one. He was so proud of it, does that make him sad? No, I think that's just what HE wanted to make HIMSELF feel good. Screw what anyone else thought.
I've carried on the tradition and often think of him when I'm driving it, washing it, just peeking at it in the garage. I am also proud of it and I'm not going to feel bad about that. I don't think that makes me materialistic - as many have said, there are plenty more expensive, faster, more exotic cars out there. The only time I've felt like a Z51 Stingray is "just a car" is when I'm on this thread and I see how many people can be so lucky to afford Z06's and ZR1's. But I'm not jealous, I think it's awesome that we each are able to get what we are able to attain given our circumstances. Like my father, I work my butt off and work very hard for what I have.
This is my first (of 4) Corvette's that isn't my daily driver. Does that make me lame that I don't burn it through the rain and dirt? No, I don't think so...that's just what I choose to do with this particular car. Again, I feel proud of it, that doesn't mean my life's worth is dependent on a vehicle.
I'm sure we all have our cars for different reasons, one person's reasoning shouldn't trump another's.
I'm here for the connections, the information, the pictures, the camaraderie.
12-22-2019, 09:28 AM
#2
Of course it is just a car. The rest is projection.
I have owned multiple Corvettes including a C5 Z06 and my current C7 Z06/Z07. I am well-qualified to opine. 
I buy Corvettes because they represent the best yuck/buck ratio of performance cars.
I buy Corvettes because they represent the best yuck/buck ratio of performance cars.
Last edited by Elk; 12-22-2019 at 09:32 AM.
The following 7 users liked this post by Elk:
defaria (12-22-2019),
ftrusty (12-22-2019),
m3incorp (12-22-2019),
owc6 (12-22-2019),
Paul Clifton Jr. (12-25-2019),
and 2 others liked this post.
12-22-2019, 09:31 AM
#3
The comment “It’s Just a Car” is fairly common around here.
Personally, I feel many posters stating such on this forum probably don’t own Corvettes / C7s, so I question if they are even qualified to make such a statement.
I believe Corvettes/C7s are much more than just a car.
Corvette has it’s own National Museum.
Corvette is the longest running (67 years) “car” model still in production in America today.
Corvette is arguably the most widely recognizable car in American car history.
Corvette / C7 are practically a lifestyle in some circles.
To many, the Corvette/C7 is more a ‘Hobby’ or source of enjoyment than ‘just a car’ or means of transportation.
Anything else to support why or why not Corvette/C7 is or is not “Just a Car”?
What’s your opinion in general, is Corvette / C7 “Just a Car” or is it something more?
Personally, I feel many posters stating such on this forum probably don’t own Corvettes / C7s, so I question if they are even qualified to make such a statement.
I believe Corvettes/C7s are much more than just a car.
Corvette has it’s own National Museum.
Corvette is the longest running (67 years) “car” model still in production in America today.
Corvette is arguably the most widely recognizable car in American car history.
Corvette / C7 are practically a lifestyle in some circles.
To many, the Corvette/C7 is more a ‘Hobby’ or source of enjoyment than ‘just a car’ or means of transportation.
Anything else to support why or why not Corvette/C7 is or is not “Just a Car”?
What’s your opinion in general, is Corvette / C7 “Just a Car” or is it something more?
The following users liked this post:
m3incorp (12-22-2019)
12-22-2019, 09:34 AM
#4
Instructor
I see the “it's just a car” responses on here often, generally directed at those who make statements like”I would never drive my Corvette in the rain”. I’ve owned Vettes for 40 years, some were garage queens and some were daily drivers. I think Corvette is a stand out car and more fun to drive than most other cars I’ve owned but it is really just a car that will not melt in the rain or fall apart if you drive it. What’s the point of owning one if your afraid to take it out in the rain and see what it can do in adverse conditions? The traction control and stabilitrac are amazing and well demonstrated on the skid pad at Spring Mountain for those who have been there. As far as your belief that those stating that it’s just a car probably don’t own Corvettes, there are those who think the Earth is flat but that don’t make it so.
The following 6 users liked this post by ftrusty:
Beachcomber Joe (12-22-2019),
BRussell (12-22-2019),
orca1946 (12-23-2019),
Skid Row Joe (12-22-2019),
Sunset Orng 05 (12-22-2019),
and 1 others liked this post.
12-22-2019, 09:38 AM
#5
Banned Scam/Spammer
Agree. It seems there are some people on here that attach their self-worth to a car which is kind of weird.
The following 6 users liked this post by Sub Driver:
65fastback (12-22-2019),
m3incorp (12-22-2019),
Paul Clifton Jr. (12-25-2019),
The Rabbi (12-22-2019),
Torque Obsessed (12-24-2019),
and 1 others liked this post.
The following 4 users liked this post by bjones7131:
m3incorp (12-22-2019),
Paul Clifton Jr. (12-25-2019),
Vet Interested (12-22-2019),
white90conv (12-22-2019)
12-22-2019, 09:46 AM
#7
Just a car. I just don’t drive mine in the rain as I have a better option and the Corvette doesn’t handle as well. Now my neighbor would say it’s special. He just got a new Raptor and wouldn’t even put the Christmas tree in the bed🤣 They used the wife’s Subaru and strapped it on top. We all have our different views on things.
12-22-2019, 09:52 AM
#8
Drifting
Yes it is just a car mad to be driven but taken care of better than most others. Letting it be a garage queen just does not make any sense to me the same as a gun safe queen. Wear it and use it as intended. Never seen a boat as a dock queen, made to be used. JMO guys.
12-22-2019, 09:54 AM
#9
Intermediate
When it becomes more than just a car is when it represents a life goal that many on this forum would readily admit to.
I rarely drive mine in the rain because it’s a bit of a hobby to keep it really really clean, when I drive it in the rain it gets dirty faster. Otherwise of course it’s fully capable of being a daily driver and a fun one.
I rarely drive mine in the rain because it’s a bit of a hobby to keep it really really clean, when I drive it in the rain it gets dirty faster. Otherwise of course it’s fully capable of being a daily driver and a fun one.
The following 4 users liked this post by JackTBear:
12-22-2019, 09:56 AM
#10
The Vette is as ubiquitous as a hot dog. you know; Baseball, hot dogs, apple pie and Chevrolet. I love hot dogs. But like a hot dog, is better to enjoy the Corvette finished product, and not delve too deep into how it is made: the engineering compromises, the manufacturing "Close enuff for BG work" mantra, the slow but persistent creep from ultra-light sports car to the heaviest, longest, widest version ever made with each new generation. And like a hot dog vendor; GM doesn't want to hear about any unpleasant things coming out your rear end like busted wheels, shakee-puddin engines, transmissions and torque tubes after partaking of their product. Hey, you bought a hot dog, a tube steak, not a filet of kobe beef! The Vette is just as filling as a filet, just as tasty if you like hot dogs, but brings it's own baggage of unforeseen and unfortunate consequences of American OOps! engineering; which is why you never want to see how they make a hot dog, or a Vette. Yeah, the vette is just a car, and you got what you paid for, a good deal, when you consider how much a Porsche, McLaren, Ferrari, Lamborghini or Bugatti costs. Definitely a good deal compared to that gang, but do carry some Pepto-Bismol.
Last edited by SilverGhost; 12-22-2019 at 10:07 AM.
The following 3 users liked this post by SilverGhost:
12-22-2019, 10:02 AM
#11
Race Director
Member Since: Apr 2016
Location: Pittsburgh
Posts: 10,648
Received 4,689 Likes
on
2,988 Posts
2023 C6 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2022 C6 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2021 C6 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
Its just a Chevy 
12-22-2019, 10:05 AM
#12
Racer
Yep. Mine stays dirty most times cause I'm not going to spend $35 to have it hand washed and then 3 days later it rains and looks lke crap again. It's the most enjoyable car I've ever owned, but it's just a car and I like it!!!
The following 3 users liked this post by GaryPitts:
12-22-2019, 10:07 AM
#13
The following 5 users liked this post by saleen556:
Coupe search (12-23-2019),
Dennis Bernal (12-28-2019),
Localit-GS (12-25-2019),
Pops n Cracks (12-24-2019),
Zchris (12-22-2019)
12-22-2019, 10:21 AM
#15
I guess I am a little weird.
I am lucky enough to have a daily driver and a few sports cars and I would say the sports cars I chose to buy I bought for a reason, I am emotionally attached to them, starting the ignition on that special car just puts a smile on my face, to me they have personalities of their own, they are possessions i look forward to handing down to my two sons, I think some people are wired this way and others are not. My youngest son is wired the same way, my oldest though is not as emotionally connected to what he drives. It’s all good I just think some of us connect to their vehicles differnetly, you can’t tell me Burt Reynolds did not love that transom or Han Solo did not love the Millenium falcon, or the duke boys love for the general lee, those characters resonate with guys like me for a reason, sure their were faster vehicles but those cars had a soul that the owners connected with. CANT HELP IT MAN, That’s how God built me.
I am lucky enough to have a daily driver and a few sports cars and I would say the sports cars I chose to buy I bought for a reason, I am emotionally attached to them, starting the ignition on that special car just puts a smile on my face, to me they have personalities of their own, they are possessions i look forward to handing down to my two sons, I think some people are wired this way and others are not. My youngest son is wired the same way, my oldest though is not as emotionally connected to what he drives. It’s all good I just think some of us connect to their vehicles differnetly, you can’t tell me Burt Reynolds did not love that transom or Han Solo did not love the Millenium falcon, or the duke boys love for the general lee, those characters resonate with guys like me for a reason, sure their were faster vehicles but those cars had a soul that the owners connected with. CANT HELP IT MAN, That’s how God built me.
Last edited by Toddster993; 12-22-2019 at 10:23 AM.
The following 6 users liked this post by Toddster993:
2500 hd (12-23-2019),
kenw (12-22-2019),
Kevin A Jones (12-22-2019),
lavett (04-11-2024),
Localit-GS (12-25-2019),
and 1 others liked this post.
The following users liked this post:
Localit-GS (12-25-2019)
12-22-2019, 10:32 AM
#17
The following 5 users liked this post by saleen556:
Boxcar (12-23-2019),
Dennis Bernal (12-28-2019),
lavett (04-11-2024),
Localit-GS (12-25-2019),
Zchris (12-22-2019)
12-22-2019, 10:53 AM
#18
Imho as a true car enthusiast (flame suit on) it really is just a car meant to be driven and enjoyed. Let me go a little deeper. I am fairly fortunate within reason (I’m a millennial and my folks left me well to do inheritance wise). For an average Joe (myself) it is not out of the ordinary to have a C7 in my case a C7Z. It is a mass production poor mans super car for all practical purposes. In Houston Tx they are absolutely everywhere as we have decent weather, a stable economic system, and lots of roads/highways to stretch our legs out. A Lamborghini, Ferrari, Mercedes Amg gtr, Mclaren, Bugatti are special cars that are “not just a car” but this is why I drive a C7Z because it’s very practical in my case, fun, and not out of the norm to use daily.
i absolutely love my Z and it is special to me. I garage it, maintain it, and when it rains I use my trackhawk or daily bc my Z is far from stock and sucks in the rain. So yes to me it’s just a car but a damn fun and special one.
i absolutely love my Z and it is special to me. I garage it, maintain it, and when it rains I use my trackhawk or daily bc my Z is far from stock and sucks in the rain. So yes to me it’s just a car but a damn fun and special one.
The following users liked this post:
Kevin A Jones (12-22-2019)
12-22-2019, 11:20 AM
#19
Melting Slicks
Corvette is SOOO much more than "just a car"... A dedicated museum, cult-like customer base, racing history/heritage, achieving world class performance records...
The only other brands that can even be closely considered more than "just a car" would be Porsche, Ferrari and Lamborghini... Who else has as much history, heritage and customer base?
I agree with you 100% Kevin!!
The only other brands that can even be closely considered more than "just a car" would be Porsche, Ferrari and Lamborghini... Who else has as much history, heritage and customer base?
I agree with you 100% Kevin!!
The following 3 users liked this post by Mayor111:
12-22-2019, 11:28 AM
#20
Le Mans Master
Obviously from a literal translation is just a car. However the corvette for many is the cumulation of a dream that originated in ones youth when it was only a dream. When I was a teenager in the 60s, my car was a cheap 61 comet and the rich privledged kids had corvettes and flaunted them. Those vettes were gorgeous and fast while my car had problems making it up a hill with passengers and constantly had problems.
The vette had an aura about it and I always wanted one. Got a 79 in 91 and sold it for a 68 big block vert which I stupidly sold in 97. Was vetteless till 2015 when I decided to get a new c7 as a retirement present to myself. I love my car. The vette is for me way more than a means of transportation-not a mere car, no way, my vette is special to me and I treat it as such.
The vette had an aura about it and I always wanted one. Got a 79 in 91 and sold it for a 68 big block vert which I stupidly sold in 97. Was vetteless till 2015 when I decided to get a new c7 as a retirement present to myself. I love my car. The vette is for me way more than a means of transportation-not a mere car, no way, my vette is special to me and I treat it as such.
The following 2 users liked this post by Corgidog1:
Kevin A Jones (12-22-2019),
Vette E Boop (12-23-2019)