Since its introduction in 1953, the Chevrolet Corvette has proven to be one of the most popular and recognizable sports cars in North America. And while there have been highs and lows in more than a half century of production, it is still a grand affair every time a new model is introduced.
For decades, Corvette always married good looks with relatively inexpensive price tags, meaning it has more of a blue-collar history compared to some more sophisticated European sports cars.
Corvette is being celebrated in a masterful way at the 2009 Canadian International Auto Show, as Castrol has assembled an exclusive collection of 25 historically significant models for public viewing. Starting with an example of the first generation from 1953, called C1, straight through to versions of the modern C6, there will be enough eye candy for even the most ardent Corvette fanatic.
Other impressive pieces coming to Toronto include the Mako Shark 1 and Manta Ray, the show-car concepts created to preview the C2 and C3 styling changes, special versions to commemorate the 40th and 50th years of production, along with four versions of the Corvette that paced the Indianapolis 500 in 1978, ’86, ’98 and ’07.
Also, factory Corvette racing driver, Canadian Ron Fellows, will not only have his special-edition Z06 on display, but he’ll be on hand at various points during the show to take questions and sign autographs.
The Corvette Club of Ontario (CCO) was responsible for organizing the display, including members supplying most of the show vehicles from their own collections. It also coordinated with neighbouring clubs to help fill in some of the gaps.
CCO Vice President Don Fraser is understandably proud of the work done on the showcase, saying “Every car there has some historical significance. We’ll have members there to answer questions and let the public know just what they’re looking at. If you’re a die-hard GM fan, you have to check it out.”
Location
• The Castrol Corvette display will be located in the History Room, next to the Cruise Nationals display on the 700 level of the Convention Centre’s South Building.
