The "Your Dream Machine Awaits!" Story

It was an ordinary day.  Just walked into the Faulkner Chevrolet showroom at 2000 Bennett Ave. in Lancaster, PA and was greeted by two salesmen who wanted to know if they could help me.  

2014 Blade Silver Metallic Corvette

Told them thanks, but I was here to see Uzma, along with the Blade Silver Metallic 2014 Corvette that was sitting right in front of me.  This story started last evening when I was checking my email and there was a message from Uzma Shafqat that was titled, "Your Dream Machine Awaits!"  In the summer of last year I visited the car dealership to try and get a glimpse of the '14 Vette.  

Uzma standing in the Faulkner showroom.

It was at that time that I met Uzma and she knew very little about the arrival of the car, but she took my email address and told me that when they arrive, she will let me know.  And, she was true to her word.  The car is ……. well, my dream machine!  It just glowed in the morning light that was striking it.  

LDub sitting in his dream machine!

To me a true Corvette must be red, but I'll tell you, this was a close second.  But wait, yellow always was my second choice.  Anyway, the interior was a bright red leather with black trim.  The Coupe 3LT was loaded with a 6.2L V8 engine and a 7-speed manual transmission.  Also had the following: active handling system with all-speed traction control, 4-wheel ventilated disc brakes with ABS and Panic Brake Assist, speed-sensitive electric power steering, 4-whjeel independent suspension, aluminum frame structure, carbon-fiber hood with rear opening, caplets fueling, 5-spoke silver-painted aluminum wheels which were 18" in the front and 19" in the rear, carbon-fiber removable roof panel, keyless access with push-button start, heated mirrors, rear vision camera, dual-zone automatic climate control, power tilt steering wheel, 3-spoke leather-wrapped 14.2" steering wheel, power tilt and telescopic steering column, leather-wrapped shift knob, GT bucket seats with Molan leather seating surfaces and 8-way power adjusters, Chevrolet MyLink Radio with navigation system, and leather-wrapped and color-keyed instrument panel.

My 1987 Vette.

 Now, I only listed a few of the features and equipment, but who cares, since you would have to see the car to know what the list means.  When Uzma walked over to me she said, "Get in!"  Handed her my camera and hustled in the car.  Memories flooded back from when I had my 1987 red Vette and was sitting in that car.  Can still remember driving the car with the wind blowing my hair.  Give you an idea as to how long ago that might have been!  Story about when and I why I purchased that car can be found in another story under the "Vehicles" category, but I can tell you that my '87 was featured in the September 1998 issue of Vette Magazine.  

Vette I parked next to in the parking lot outside the dealership.

Often wonder if I did the right thing when I sold it to my next door neighbor Hank, but it certainly was the logical thing at the time.  I have missed that old car many times, but as long as I can get to look and sit in one every now and again, I can get buy.  Today was a dose of nostalgia for LDub, to say the least.  

1st Generation (1953-1962) - 2nd Generation (1963-1967)
3rd Generation (1968-1982) - 4th Generation (1984-1996)
5th Generation (1997-2004) - 6th Generation (2005-2013)

The 2014 is the first Corvette in the Seventh Generation series of the American sports car.  Check out the chart I have given you to see what years are included in each group.  As I was arriving today I parked next to a Torch Red '14 Vette which I found out belonged to another Vette fan who was in the showroom getting ready to pick up his new toy.  

Two left-over 2013 Vettes for sale in the showroom.

For him, his dream had come true.  Well, I'm sure you are wondering how much the dream machine must cost.  Sticker price for the car with the stock #X108247 is $63,700.00, but the dream price is only $62,600.00.  Are you shocked?  Tell you the truth, I thought it would be more!  Am I interesting in it?  You bet!  But, I'm more interested in traveling and visiting tropical places than I am in owing a dream car.  But, at least I can dream about it and I'm sure I will tonight!!  It was another extraordinary day in the life of an ordinary guy.  PS - Remember to click on any photo to enlarge it. 

Looking into the cockpit from the rear of the car.  The removable top is stored in the rear and can be seen.  

Rear of the 2014 Vette.  Check out the redesigned tail lights as well as the exhaust.

Gorgeous interior.  Soft as leather, Duh!  I fit into it perfectly!! 

New headlight design and air intakes.

5-spoked wheels with engraved logo and silver caliper cover.  The caliper cover also comes in red, yellow or black.  Neat feature.

My 1987 Vette.  After selling it to my neighbor, he resold it a few years later and this is the car on display at the dealership where he was reselling it.  Last time I ever stood next to it. 

Top pix shows the photo that was in the story about my Vette in Vette Magazine and then one final look at my '87.  Photo taken at Safe Harbor Power Company picnic grove.