Author: Guest Contributor

Article contributed by Dave Salvatore / Kerbeck Corvette

Kerbeck Atlantic City officially has been the World’s Largest Corvette Dealer for the past 19 consecutive years. Chevrolet’s Estimated Corvette Stingray allocation to Kerbeck is 507 Stingrays for the first 6 to 9 months of production. Kerbeck has the largest 2014 initial Stingray allocation of any one dealership in the world. Start up is eminent! Kerbeck is not charging one penny over the factory sticker price. Real orders for real allocation for real Stingrays. Contact Dave Salvatore by email at dave@kerbeck.com or by phone at 800-538-3883.

You can use this list of packages, options and prices to help decide how you would like to build your 2014 Corvette Stingray. You can also see more pictures along with an exterior and interior color chart by visiting our 2014 Corvette Stingray Information page.

2014 CORVETTE STINGRAY EQUIPMENT LIST

N/C = No Charge – W/A = Pricing will be posted When Available

Kerbeck sells only to the Ultimate Retail Consumer. Currently, Kerbeck is not offering new Corvettes to consumers in the states of MT, OR, NH or AK, sorry for the inconvenience. Price includes all costs to be paid by a consumer except for taxes, tag, license, registration and fees. All pricing is current as of this publication the manufacturer reserves the right to change prices and equipment without notice. Offer runs from 05/30/13 thru 06/15/13 No auto dealers, dealer’s agents, employees of dealers, leasing companies, or export. One vehicle per customer.

This article was contributed by Dave Salvatore of Kerbeck Corvette, the world’s largest Corvette dealer since 1994. For more information on ordering a 2014 Corvette Stingray or for remaining 2013 Corvettes, call Dave at 877-537-2325 or visit them on the web at www.Kerbeck.com.

Source:
Kerbeck Corvette

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The 2014 Corvette Stingray Will Start at $51,995
Download the 2014 Corvette Stingray Ordering Guide
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Article contributed by Dave Salvatore / Kerbeck Corvette

At the end of every production year, the Bowling Green Assembly Plant posts a list of “Options Penetration” showing how many of each type of Corvette, color and options were built so that new Corvette owners could try to figure out how rare their car may be.

Even though that list isn’t out yet, we do have some preliminary data that we would like to share as part of our farewell to the C6 Corvette!

This year, GM offered a record 7 different models of the Corvette; the Coupe, the Convertible, the Grand Sport Coupe, the Grand Sport Convertible, the Z06, the ZR1 and the 427 Convertible (a one year model).

The big dog as far as production for the 2013 Corvette was far and away the Grand Sport Coupe with 4,908 units built. This is a repeat performance for the GS Coupe which has been the number one in production since it’s introduction in 2010.

A distant second to the GS Coupe was the standard Coupe with 2,597 units built. Right on the heels of the Coupe was the 427 Convertible with 2,552 units built which knocked out the Grand Sport Convertible that held the 3rd place spot for the 2012 Model Year. Now, the GS Convert settles into 4th place with 1,736 units built.

The last three spots were a bit anemic with 720 Convertibles built, 482 ZR1s built and 471 Z06s built. Many people believe that the 1 year run of the 427 Convertible effected the sales of the Z06 and the ZR1 since this was the only shot to get something close to a convertible version of either of those two super cars.

The total production of 13,466 2013 Corvettes built in a 9 month build is very impressive if you compare that to all of the other post-GM bankruptcy years. It was more than the 11,647 2012 Corvette built which was also a shortened year. If you do that math, that difference in production is almost entirely made up from new 427 Convertible model.

As far as the colors that were produced for the last year of the 6th generation Corvette, the black closes out its sweep as the number one selling color for every year it was available (the 2012 model year did not offer black because of the Carbon Flash offered with the Centennial Edition which finished a very close 2nd to Torch Red). However, the Black ended this year in a statistical tie with Arctic White – both ending the year with 21% of the production.

This was the highest Arctic White has finished for this generation where it spent many years hovering at the bottom. The reason for this success, of course, was the 60th Anniversary Package especially in the 427 Convertible version. There were roughly 1,000 60th Anniversary 427 Convertibles built in 2013 which comes close to the 1,230 2012 Corvettes in all 6 body styles produced in 2012.

Third place goes to Torch Red with 14% while the new Night Race Blue came in a close 4th with 11%. Crystal Red and Cyber Gray tie for 5th place with 9%, Blade Silver’s 7% puts it in 6th and Velocity Yellow ends the year in 8th place with 4% of the sales. The last 2 places go to Supersonic Blue with 2% and Inferno Orange with 1%. It should be noted that both of those colors ended the production early but the lack of sales probably had something to do with it. Neither of those 2 colors will make a return for the new 2014 Corvette Stingray.

Once the rest of options penetration list is available we’ll post it here but in the mean time you can take time to look back at a very successful Corvette Generation and say goodbye to the C6.

This article was contributed by Dave Salvatore of Kerbeck Corvette, the world’s largest Corvette dealer since 1994. Looking for a new 2013 Corvette or want to place an order for a 2014 Corvette Stingray? Call Dave at 877-537-2325 or visit them on the web at www.Kerbeck.com.

Source:
Kerbeck Corvette’s Blog

Related:
[VIDEO] New 2013 427 Convertible Corvette Commercial and Production Update
[PICS] First Look at 2013 Corvette Night Race Blue and 60th Anniversary ZR1
[PICS] 2013 60th Anniversary Corvette Shows Off New Tonal Stripe Top

Article contributed by Michael Brown | Michael Brown Productions

Under a cold gray sky that earlier in the day had left a dusting of snow on the Connecticut countryside he loved so much, John Fitch was laid to rest on Saturday. The December 1st interment was near his home and the Lime Rock Park race track that bore his imprint for so many years.

Fitch died in the early morning hours of October 31, 2012. He was 95 years old.

A small private graveside service, under the direction of Trinity Episcopal Church’s Rev. Heidi Truex was held prior to a public memorial an hour later. Family and close friends took part in the interment of Fitch’s cremated remains along with those of his late wife, Elizabeth. The outdoor service for Fitch, a World War II pilot, hero and P.O.W. included a military honor guard, rifle salute and taps.

Shortly after the private ceremony, a capacity crowd filled Trinity Episcopal’s sanctuary in a memorial service titled A Celebration of Life – John Cooper Fitch.

Fitch led a remarkable existence which included many diverse descriptions of his accomplishments. He was, at varying times in his life, an inventor, patent holder, automotive and race track designer, sailor, fighter pilot, safety advocate, husband, father and, of course, legendary race car driver. At his death, he remained the only American who ever raced for Mercedes. He was also closely associated with the formative years of Corvette Racing and was an icon to all who knew or knew of him and his racing career.

Though his last professional race occurred in 1966, he remained active almost until the end. In 2010, he famously drove the restored #3 Cunningham Corvette in a ceremonial lap around the 8.5 mile Le Mans track in France. He was 92 years old at the time. He took the wheel of the 1960 Corvette which he had co-driven with Bob Grossman to an unlikely GT class win and overall 8th place finish in the the 1960 race…the first time Corvettes had ever been a part of the field at Le Mans. The lap he drove in 2010, with car owner Lance Miller at his side, marked a half-century since the 1960 win at Le Mans.

During the memorial service, his long and eventful life was eulogized by four friends and associates. One of Fitch’s three sons, John H. Fitch, spoke first, followed by actor Edward Herrmann, long-time friend and automotive writer Don Klein and fellow racing legend Sam Posey.

The overflow crowd celebrated his life and shared John Fitch stories at a reception following the memorial service.

Photos with captions below. All photos courtesy Michael Brown:

A small group of close family and friends gathered for a graveside interment of racing legend John Fitch and his late wife, Elizabeth. The outdoor private service in rural Connecticut preceded a much larger public memorial for Fitch an hour later.

A capacity crowd of at least 250 people attended a December 1st memorial service for late racing legend John Fitch. Fitch died at age 95 on October 31st. The service, held at Lakeville, CT in the Trinity Episcopal Church, was attended by a long list of friends, family, racing and automotive luminaries.

Related:
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Article contributed by Rick Tavel

As many of you probably realize, preparations for Barrett-Jackson’s world famous January collector car auction are already underway in Scottsdale, Arizona. This year’s auction is January 13 through 20. The magnitude of this auction requires Craig Jackson and his team to begin preparing for their flagship Scottsdale auction almost a year in advance.

This event is a must for any car enthusiast and for those of you who have never attended a Barrett-Jackson Auction you have to put it on your Bucket List. It is one of the top ten auto based events in the world and you need to know that you don’t have to spend a fortune bidding on a car. You don’t need to bid at all because the greatest enjoyment of Barrett-Jackson for those of us who do not have a couple million dollars to drop on a car is to enjoy inspecting, arguably, the largest great collection of diverse collector cars in the west. Guaranteed you won’t see a larger assemblage of cars west of the Mississippi the entire year. Of course there is a side benefit of spending days inspecting the myriad of cars displayed in several tents, some larger than a football field, that benefit is you could become the owner of any one of them, if your bank account is large enough. Sure all cars are not “showcars” but most would qualify.

This year in addition to their usual offerings of outstanding sports and muscle cars they will also be offering their Salon Collection. This is a special exclusive offering of very rare, award-winning collector cars with great historical provenance, many of which have not been up for sale in quite some time. In their tradition of bringing top grade collectables to the collector market and devoting a portion of the prime time auction to this segment of the car collector hobby illustrates Barrett-Jackson’s commitment to excellence and diversity within the collector car community. As most of you know their focus over the past years has primarily been top grade American muscle and sports cars, but what you may not know is that years ago the cars typical to the Salon collection are the type and era of car that Craig Jackson’s father focused on as he was building the business.

But there is another side of Barrett-Jackson aside from auctioning some of the finest collector cars in the world. That part is giving back to the community – helping raise money for charities. Partnering with General Motors, other automotive manufacturers and dealers, Barrett Jackson has raised millions of dollars for charity. Who could forget last January when Chevrolet and Hendrick Motorsports teamed up to offer the first 2013 Corvette 427 Convertible offered to the public. That car sold for $600,000! The proceeds were donated to the AARP Foundation’s Drive to End Hunger initiative. Just imagine, $600,000 for a C6 427! Granted it was the first “427 Convertible” sold to the public with a VIN of 001. Forget that the seven liter, LS7 engine produced a mere 505 horsepower. And even forget that it’s a car that can do 0 to 60 in under four seconds, it’s still a bunch of cash to come up with! Pardon me, but even for a Corvette!

So by now you probably have figured out where I’m going with this. As all Corvette enthusiasts know , 1-13-13 is a very special day, the day Chevrolet will formally introduce the 2014, completely new C7 Corvette to the media and public at the Detroit Auto Show. Coincidentally 1-13-13 is also the first day of the Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale auction. What marketing executive worth his weight in platitudes would not jump at the chance to utilize the biggest automobile event of the first half of the year to market his product to hungry enthusiasts with pockets full of cash, all in the name of charity! Absolutely the best idea since someone put bikini-clad girls on new car model’s turntables back in the fifties.

So on one hand we have Barrett-Jackson with a track record of creating unbridled excitement, setting world-record auction prices, with a 120,000 square foot tent packed full of cash-laden, hungry buyers and almost non-stop national cable TV coverage throughout the entire auction from Speedvision. This may sound politically incorrect, but even the “Helen Keller” of marketing whizzes could see the obvious opportunity before their eyes. It is what is known as “low hanging fruit” in the industry. There for the taking. The only problem for Barrett-Jackson’s and Chevrolet’s marketing people was it could keep them awake at night wondering just how much someone would be willing to pay for the number one C7 ever offered for sale to the public. That would most likely be serial number 2, assuming that number 1 would go to the National Corvette Museum.

Now we are talking about the number one car offered for sale of an entire generation of Corvettes, not “just” a special model! Imagine it! Understand I am not minimizing the importance of or undervaluing the “427 Convertible”, I’d love to own one and am envious of those that do, but I am speaking “relatively”. Would the first C7 available for sale to the public bring $750,000, a $1,000,000, $1,500,000 or even more? I am not sure anymore where this could shake out. If it were 2007 I might be able to see two million dollars, but with the volatility of the collector car market since 2008 I am not sure. The market has made a comeback but it, hasn’t made it all the way back to the market where an Oldsmobile prototype topped four million dollars at Barrett-Jackson during the peak. But when you consider the fact that the one hundred and fifty tickets the National Corvette Museum offered sold out almost overnight at $995 a pop, just to be at the C7′s introduction in Detroit on 1-13-13. A thousand bucks to be a part of the media introduction gives rise to all kinds of price possibilities. Whatever, the prospects are more than enticing for both Barrett-Jackson and Chevrolet .

So I am asking you, “How much would you pay for the first C7 ever offered for sale to the public?” And if you’re a little short this month and can’t quite swing it then, ” How much do you think someone else would be willing to pay?” With all the hype and enthusiasm around the new Corvette’s introduction it is an interesting point to ponder. Even Vegas could get in on the act and offer odds. Maybe it’s not worth laying awake at night over, unless you have just checked your investment position, clipped a few coupons, liquidated a few stocks and transferred some money between accounts. But my guess is something is being put together right now between Chevrolet and Barrett-Jackson, something that will top last year’s “427 Convertible”. Something BIG – Barrett-Jackson only does things BIG in the collector world – and it doesn’t get any bigger than auctioning off a low production number C7 to be built. I may be wrong on this, not likely, and you will have the opportunity to find out this coming January 19th, in the iconic quarter mile tent located in Scottsdale, Arizona. I can’t be in Detroit on the 13th, but you can bet I’m going to be at Barrett-Jackson on Saturday, January 19, 2013, to find out.

Rick Tavel writes about automobiles with an emphasis on Corvettes and the hobby in general. You can email him at ricktavel1@gmail.com

Related:
[VIDEO] 2013 Corvette 427 Convertible Sells for $700,000 at Barrett-Jackson
Barrett-Jackson to Auction First 2013 Corvette 427 Convertible
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So you’ve finally decided to enter the elite club of Corvette drivers, like many other big purchases in life, it involves a lot of due diligence and research but by the time you get your hands on that wheel, it is absolutely worth it.

The key behind buying any used car is due diligence and research, if you rush into buying a used Corvette or don’t look into it’s background then you are leaving yourself wide open to being ripped off or scammed.

Straight Axle Models (’53 to ’62)

If you’re in the market for a Straight-Axle Corvette then it’s more than likely that you won’t be driving it around everyday and realistically it will be more a show piece which you drive occasionally.

You really want to focus your attention on original parts and their working status, because the difference between having a Corvette with an original engine in working condition is anywhere from 20% to 30% in value.

Also remember that Straight-Axle models were produced from 1953 to 1962, so these Corvettes are no spring chickens. Just because it looks in good condition, it doesn’t mean it runs like it’s in good condition.

Whilst 99% of used cars salesman are honest enough not to sell you a basket case as a great runner, there will always be some who will try to sell you a used Corvette that will run for a few days after sale then completely pack in.

Bottom line is, either do the research yourself by reading technical guides for the model you’re interested in or hire a mechanic with extensive knowledge of Corvettes or the specific model you’re looking to buy – otherwise you might, and probably will, get duped.

Mid Year Corvettes (’63 to ’67)

The most popular Corvettes were produced during this period and it’s no wonder why they’re so highly sought after, they look great and drive beautifully but they can be hiding some major faults if you don’t know what you’re looking for.

Corvettes from this period are known for being fairly hit and miss with their brake system, so look at the brakes and see how well they’re working, as trying to repair a faulty system is a very frustrating process that will cost a lot.

These models can also suffer from serious rusting problems. Check the metal frame around the passenger compartment, which is prone to rusting if moisture gets in through any faulty weather stripping.

Also take a close look at the body mounts and trailing arms, as they are areas that if heavily affected by rusting can cost a lot in restoration bills.

Those are some simple buying tips that cover the first two generation of Corvettes. Check back as we’ll deliver more tips for C3 and C4 Corvette buyers.

This article was contributed by Matt from 4AutoInsuranceQuote.com – the best auto insurance quotes website.

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Article contributed by Dave Salvatore / Kerbeck Corvette

As we get closer to the release of the new 2013 Corvette 427 Convertible Collector Edition the anticipation is rising! Kerbeck Corvette already has a couple dozen on order and scheduled to be built between now and the end of June. In fact, some are already built and waiting to ship! All we need now is for GM to announced a release date for the 2013 Corvettes.

No official release date has been announced yet but the rumors we are hearing tell us that the cars won’t be released until June 1, 2013. However, Chevrolet keeps releases promotional videos to hold us over just a little longer. Here’s the latest:

We did finally get pricing on 2013 Corvettes. There were no price increases for the 6 body styles coming over from last year and the pricing on the 427 Convertible is where we expected. The base starts at $76,900 and the 60th Anniversary version of the 505 HP drop top starts at $90,470. These are the list prices but the cars can be had for much less with Kerbeck’s discount pricing. No incentives have yet been announced on any of the 2013 Corvettes but we wouldn’t expect to see any until the cars have been released.

This article was contributed by Dave Salvatore of Kerbeck Corvette, the world’s largest Corvette dealer since 1994. Looking for a new 2012 Corvette or want to place an order for a 2013 model? Call Dave at 877-537-2325 or visit them on the web at www.Kerbeck.com.

Source:
Kerbeck

Related:
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PICS] First Look at 2013 Corvette Night Race Blue and 60th Anniversary ZR1
Download the 2013 Corvette Order Guide

Article contributed by Dave Salvatore / Kerbeck Corvette

We just got done reviewing the new incentives that GM has announced and it appears that Corvette is going to ride the wave of a very successful month in sales by keeping all of the current incentives.

The special APR of 0% up to 60 months and 2.9% for 72 months has been extended along with the $1,500 dealer cash.

Also extended is the $2,000 Lease Conquest Rebate for those who currently lease a non-GM vehicle as well as the $3,000 Target In Market Retention Rebate to those on the Manifest List. Just because you weren’t on the manifest list last month does not mean that you aren’t on there now. The new manifest list should be out later today.

Even though the production of 2013 started this week, no incentives have been announced on the 2013 Corvette but we’ll let you know if something comes out later this month.

All of the current rebates are in effect from today, May 1, 2012 through July 2, 2012.

Kerbeck is running low on 2012 Inventory with only a little over 50 left to choose from but you can see our entire inventory on our New Corvette Inventory Page.

This article was contributed by Dave Salvatore of Kerbeck Corvette, the world’s largest Corvette dealer since 1994. Looking for a new 2012 Corvette or place an order for a 2013 model? Call Dave at 877-537-2325 or visit them on the web at www.Kerbeck.com.

Related:
The (soon to be) End of the Line for the 6th Generation CorvetteT
GM to Offer Another Mystery Corvette at Barrett-Jackson?
Download the 2012 Corvette Brochure
Update from GM on 2012 Corvette Production

Article contributed by Dave Salvatore / Kerbeck Corvette

There has been much talk on the net about the final year of Sixth Generation Corvette and the 2 special editions Chevrolet will be offering. Also being talked about was the new color Night Race Blue (GXH) that will be available for the 2013 Corvette Model Year.

After already having four different blues during the generation (LeMans Blue 2005-07, Jetstream Blue 2008-11, Supersonic Blue 2011-13 and Carlisle Blue 2012) many people wanted to know what this color would look like. The trend in Corvettes Blues have gotten away from the dark blue since the end of LeMans Blue and the name Night Race Blue led many to think and hope that this would be a dark color. Pictures started hitting the web of what the new blue would look like, but those of us who saw the actual paint chip confirmed that Night Race Blue was even darker than it was being represented to be.

So now we’re happy to be able to show you an actual picture of the first 2013 Night Race Blue to come off the assembly line. This is a 2013 427 Convertible in Night Race Blue with a Blue Top, very similar to one that we already have on order that is scheduled to be produced during the week of May 21st.

This car is one of the early 2013 Corvettes produced for use by the Corvette Team in Detroit and will be on display and the Corvette Birthday Bash at the National Corvette Museum from April 25th to April 28th.

Also pictured here is a 60th Anniversary ZR1 with a really good look at the new stripe package as well as another 427 Convertible with the 60th Anniversary Package. Keep in mind that these are not official GM pictures and these cars are missing things like center wheel caps and splitters. Both the ZR1 and the Anniversary 427 do not yet have the carbon fiber “skirts” attached but they will be done before the Bash as part of the PDI (pre-delivery inspection) process as well as the center caps and splitters.

These pictures will also help point out the difference between a 60th Anniversary Corvette and a Corvette 427 Convertible. When Chevrolet first announced the two special editions, they put out a picture of a Corvette 427 Convertible with a 60th Anniversary Package which has led to much confusion. Many people think that the car pictured is the only way to get a 427 Convertible or the only way to get a 60th Anniversary Package.

As you can see in this pictures, the 427 Convertible will be available in all ten colors and in three different equipment groups. The 60th Anniversary Package will be available in all 7 Corvette body styles. And, of course, the two can be combined to into one car that was originally shown off to the public at this year’s Barrett Jackson Auction in Scottsdale, AZ. Hopefully seeing a 427 Convertible in another color and seeing a 60th Anniversary Package on a non-427 Convertible will help end all of the confusion.

Kerbeck Corvette of Atlantic City, the World’s Largest Corvette Dealer since 1994, already has over 150 2013 Corvettes on order, most scheduled to be built in May! Check out the remaining 2012 inventory as well as our inbound 2013 Corvettes on our New Corvette Inventory Page.

This article was contributed by Dave Salvatore of Kerbeck Corvette, the world’s largest Corvette dealer since 1994. Looking for a new 2012 Corvette or want to get on the list for a 2013 model? Call Dave at 877-537-2325 or visit them on the web at www.Kerbeck.com.

Source:
Kerbeck Blog

Related:
The 2013 Corvette in Night Race Blue
New “Midnight Race Blue” Color Option Coming to the 2013 Corvette
GM Unveils New 2013 Corvette 427 Convertible and 60th Anniversary Package

Article Contributed by the Corvette Forum

TX2k12 was, apparently, the most fun you could have in a car this side of the mason-dixon line. While the focus of most of the action was on drag racing and other shenanigans, the road course was busy too.

This video puts you behind the wheel of a C6 Z06 as it tears after a GT-R around Motorsports Ranch in Texas, complete with telemetry. It’s a little like watching a video game that happens to be running in reality. Check it out.

Discuss this video with others on the Corvette Forum

Source:
Corvette Forum

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