I've been searching the Corvette car corrals, classifieds, and eBay auctions for the perfect '84 to '96 Corvette. The search is certain to be the cure that helps me overcome the anxiety over my 40th birthday, as well as fulfill my performance needs, which my heavy Tri-Five Chevy lacks.
Of course, only a "deal" will do, but I've seen plenty of good opportunities simply slip away because I wasn't certain I liked the color, or the lack of a manual transmission, or the condition of the interior. Plus, there's that whole issue of making a financial commitment.
The same certainly is not true of Ed Messick and his relationship with this '89 Corvette. At the Corvette Homecoming some 10 years ago, he came across this jewel. "When I went to the Homecoming," says Ed, "I was not planning to buy a Corvette. When I saw this Bright Red '89, prospective 'buyers' were busy trying to find fault with the obvious 'for sale' Corvette." Ed told us the owner was becoming angered by the audience of critics, so Ed piped up and said, "If they don't want the car, I'll take it."
As soon as the words were out of Ed's mouth, the owner shut the hood, handed Ed the keys, and said, "Let's go." The people who had been looking at the Corvette certainly had a funny look on their faces as Ed nervously backed out and drove away.
The first thing he noticed was the odometer-a scant 10,600 miles had been clocked by the 76-year-old Kentuckian. As is usually the case with low-mileage Corvettes, every trim piece and interior component was like new, right down to the 12-slot 17x9.5 cast-aluminum wheels and Goodyear P275/40ZR17 tires. Options include the Delco/Bose AM/FM Stereo Music System (RPO UU8); Electronic Air Conditioning (C68); Heavy Duty Radiator (V01); Power, Six-way Adjustable Driver (AC3) and Passenger (AC1) Seats; Engine Oil Cooler (KC4) Radiator Cooler Boost Fan (B4P); Removable Roof Panel (Blue Tint, 24T); and Illuminated Driver Visor Mirror (D74).
When former Technical Editor Andy Bolig photographed the car at the National Corvette Museum this past May, he obviously was attracted to the car for the same reason Ed bought it. It's just too nice to pass up.