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Recently there’s been a few threads on Corvettes, particularly ZO6’s, and whether or not somebody in their 70’s should get one and drive it. I think those of us getting to those years understand that time is getting shorter, if not in longevity at least in our capability to handle one.
I just returned from visiting my 101 year-old mother who while somewhat limited in her ability to get around, is still mentally all there and lives in her own apartment. As we sat and talked she reminded me that life is not necessarily about how much money you made or how influential you were – rather, a successful life can be only truly be measured in three ways; first, were you blessed with 2 or 3 friends who were ones you could really count on, the kind that if you called them at 2 am and asked them to come over to help you, they’d do it without hesitation; second, what were the memories you made over your lifetime and third, did you have a positive influence in other people’s lives? That last one is truly your legacy.
Her point is that these are the things that truly matter as you approach the end of your days - which brings me back to the original question: is it worth it to indulge yourself at 70+ to get a ZO6 or, as in my case, a Callaway ZO6 with 2 more hp than a ZR1?
To any of you out there who wonder if you should get a ZO6, or any Vette for that matter, I think the answer is a resounding yes. Life isn’t a dress rehearsal - time’s a wastin’ and you have to live every day with as much enjoyment as you can. So, my answer to the fellows wondering if they should get one, I say yes - if you can afford it and still have decent physical capabilities, just do it because the ZO6, despite a couple of issues with wheels and some early C7 drive train problems, they still remain the ultimate fun machine without putting you in the poor house.
Do yourself a favor and create some great memories. Just have a healthy respect for the power of these cars…and you’ll feel like a kid again.
Every day is truly a precious gift from God. Tomorrow is guaranteed to no one. I was severely wounded in Vietnam and diagnosed with Agent Orange related cancer in 2014, so I appreciate every moment I have.
Great post and reminder of true priorities. Great Mom!!
Thanks, brother, there's a lot of wisdom in those 98 years of consciousness and I'm blessed to still have it available to me. One can only imagine what she's experienced since 1918 and she still has all 3 sons who are all in their 70's.
Everyone has to make that decision based on their life plan that leaves them comfortable. I just bought my Vert Z06 in July and I turn 63 in three months...I am kinda hoping/planning that by 65ish I will either get a 911 Turbo S or a McLaren 675ish LT...but yeah the Z's are fun cars for sure and wifey and me have a blast rolling with the top down. p.s. I may also buy a C8 Spider in couple years depending on what the Z engine platform turns out to be.
tertiumquid I am with you on your philosophy. I am 71 years old and have been into Vettes for many years, but always bought the less costly models. Had a 1993, 2006, and 2016. After looking at the C8, I just can not warm up to the mid-engine profile. I understand and appreciate the design/handling benefits, but to me, looks of my "hobby cars" is just as important. So I decided to buy what is probably my last new Corvette, the last year of the front engine. And this time I decided that, although I don't need it, and will never fully exploit it's capabilities, I wanted to get a Z06. So just two months ago, I sold my very low mileage 2016 Stingray, and bought a new 2019 Shadow Gray Z06. Glad I did it while I can.
Every day is truly a precious gift from God. Tomorrow is guaranteed to no one. I was severely wounded in Vietnam and diagnosed with Agent Orange related cancer in 2014, so I appreciate every moment I have.
something goes wrong, somebody gets hurt, and all hell is going to come down on you with your age and horsepower of the car are going to be front and center...
67 today. Enjoy my C7z06 most very day. Bracket race my low 10 second C4 weekly. Wouldn't have it any way. Not sure where the previous poster is coming from. Paul Newman raced well into his 80s.
Every day is truly a precious gift from God. Tomorrow is guaranteed to no one. I was severely wounded in Vietnam and diagnosed with Agent Orange related cancer in 2014, so I appreciate every moment I have.
I am sorry to hear of your diagnosis. I truly appreciate your service for our country and I agree with living every moment as being 'priority-1' !
Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.
The Z06 doesn't even come close to breath taking. It is not 2.95 seconds on a bull named Fumanchu. It is a superlative gentlemans express, when, in stealth exhaust mode, puts one in mind of a Roller: silent unlimited power, impeccable road manners, more Butlers to keep you out of a mess than reside in Buckingham Palace. A car that can be driven around in all due haste with style.
It has the manners of a modest road car when driven that way. But when your mama wants to drive like a MOTHER, it will say "Thank you please, may i have another? ALL...DAY...LONG.
Don't be afraid to buy a Z06 because it is too much car; it is a SALVATION to men who lead lives of quiet desperation.
It is so choice. If you have the means, I highly recommend picking one up.
And then get back to work living those breath-taking moments
Sign up to drive a Z06 at Ron Fellows Spring Mountain Racetrack in Nevada. You can drive the car fast thru the curves and accelerate hard on the straights with professional coaching from outside the car. You are alone in the car, I can't think of a better way to see if it's right for you.
67 today. Enjoy my C7z06 most very day. Bracket race my low 10 second C4 weekly. Wouldn't have it any way. Not sure where the previous poster is coming from. Paul Newman raced well into his 80s.
I clearly stated it's up to the individual. I also stated that if something goes wrong and you kill or injure someone, you own that bullet.
For non gun owners, what that means is once it leaves the gun, you still own it. If it hurts or kills somebody, either on purpose or by accident, it's on you.
If you do go to court, what type of round? Was it store bought? Was is a hi performance load? Did it have any special attributes designed to do maximum damage to the body.
What is/was your training? Are you on meds, if so what meds, side effects?
I haven't reached old man status yet (just turned 36) but figure I'll throw in my ✌💰 anyway. Life is short and you never know when your day will come. I try to live my life as if tomorrow is my last. I'm fortunate enough to be able to create the memories now instead of having to wait and possibly never getting to create them at all. I'd hate to be laying on my death bed and regretting not having made the memories that I am enjoying right now.
Im 61 and on my 11th corvette. While my reactions may be a tick off of my sharpest my experience is high enough to let me predict what is coming next, My 2019 Z06 M7 LT2 is a daily driver in the mostly great weather of Las Vegas.
Life is truly to short to let your mind get old and stop doing things you enjoy. Old men in nice sports cars is the result of young men with great work ethics. Keep your priorities right and the Lord will bring you good favor.
I'm 62 years old....I'm still playing ice hockey-I'm a goaltender, at that. I taught myself how to skate at 32 years old. 30 years later, I'm still going.
Most people think I'm in my late 40's or early 50's. If you have the where-with-all to do it.....DO IT!
68 when I got my Z06, 72 now and still enjoy the hell out of it. I feel about the same now as I did when I was in my 50's.
You have your health, go for it. Anyone in their 70's is on the down slope anyhow, enjoy it while you can.
09-29-2019, 11:00 PM
Older gentlemen and ZO6's
