As a young lad raised in the 1950s and early ’60s, I lusted after Corvettes (Thanks Route 66) because I was a bit too young to lust after females yet. Being fortunate enough to obtain an appointment to U.S. Military Academy at West Point (where seniors get to purchase new cars at cost before graduation), and having saved my pay from there, along with a gift from my father for not costing him any money for college and a 2 percent loan from USAA Insurance Company (who insured said cars), I realized my dream.
Although I really liked the C2 design, when I graduated in 1968, (after what seemed like an eternity!) the design had changed to the C3 “Stingray” and not one to be picky, I bought a convertible in International Blue with a 390-hp 427, a four speed, Positraction, an AM/FM radio and an all-important luggage rack to facilitate traveling. The out-the-door total cost including N.Y. tax, title and license was an astounding (now) $4,088 (I still have the receipt). Since I always liked wire wheels, I bought some Buick Riviera wire-wheel covers and put them on — not quite the same but it looked okay for a poor second lieutenant! I had looked
