The year was 1962. For Christmas that year, my mom and dad got me Gilbert car racing set. I didn't know it at the time, but one of the cars in that set was actually a 1961 Corvette convertible in something resembling Jewel Blue. The dream was underway. It took me over 50 years to realize that dream. But, in the summer of 2013 when I had made my decision and walked onto the showroom floor of Motion Autosport in North Canton, it was Christmas of 1962 all over again. I was thrilled! I couldn't believe that I was about to buy my Corvette! When I met her, she was sitting on the floor and not another car in the room could touch her. The class, the lines, the interior. Back, front, over, under, inside, outside, under the lids... her 'Corvetteness' just reached out and touched me. I tried to hide my enthusiasm, but then came 'the ride'. Since the sales team knew I was serious, we could drive her. A beautiful Z06 that even smelled great. But, I could not be the pilot, only the passenger. No matter, when the ride was over, I was ready... WHERE DO I SIGN! Pickup day was 3 days later. She was immaculate, and I was one nervous new owner. My very first ride was the 45 minutes to get home. Shifting was smooth and easy. Handling was like something I had never known before. And I just KNEW every person, in every other car on the road, was staring at me and wishing they were behind MY wheel. We've been together for over 7 years now. We've raced, we've showed, we've traveled and we've given lots of rides that thrilled the passenger. And as she ages, she has remained a very, very beautiful Corvette. At least she will always be in MY eyes.