I just finished reading “Corvette Stingray: The Mid-Engine Revolution” by Mark Reuss, and beyond learning more about the engineering in the C8 Corvette, I also realized there’s a lesson to be learned about reinvention.
By now, most of us have likely heard how amazing the C8 is, how it punches above its weight and how we should’ve gotten one sooner. On that last point, I felt the same way after watching the official unveiling in July 2019.
Sure, I knew about all of the work that had gone into the car, but some part of me kept saying, “we should have had this years ago.” Eventually that feeling faded, and after I read Reuss’ book I had a better understanding of why it didn’t happen sooner and why that might’ve been a good thing.
Zora Arkus-Duntov, aka “The Father of the Corvette”, envisioned the C8 way back in the 1950s. If it had been up to him, General Motors might have put one together to sell to the public 60 or 70 years ago. However, budget and technology constraints relegated those wishes to experimental vehicles.
It’s interesting to think about what a mid-engine Corvette would’ve encompassed in any of the other generations. I think the C5 is a fantastic car, but a mid-engine Corvette using the materials and methods available at the time? It would be nowhere close to what the C8 offers. Granted, the C8 benefits from 25+ years of development, but that’s my point. Sometimes things “happen” when they’re supposed to.
The C8 is such a radical departure from the C1-C7 cars, yet it’s precisely where Arkus-Duntov thought the Corvette should’ve been headed all those years ago. This car in particular should serve as example to all of us that if there’s a change we want to make, we can do it. Yes, it might take longer than we expect, but just remember it took 67 years to reinvent an automotive icon.
A supercharged Chevrolet Impala SS makes for an impressive grocery-getter. Courtesy Eric Anderson
I actually enjoy shopping for a new (to me) car. Creating spreadsheets comparing horsepower, torque, MPG and available options is exciting. The problem, sometimes, is finding vehicles to put on those spreadsheets.
Currently, I’m considering a more high-performance sedan. Something along the lines of a Cadillac CTS-V. However, the field is relatively small based on price, miles or both. I have found a few interesting options, though.
Cadillac CTS-V
Basically a Corvette in sedan (or wagon!) form. Depending on which year you choose you get a naturally aspirated V8 or one with a supercharger slapped on it.
This car is probably at the top of my list. The only downside is that the ’09s and newer are still commanding strong prices on the used market. I could go older, but then I’m looking at only manual transmission cars (not totally terrible) that aren’t a huge step up from my C5. The wagon is a bucket-list car for me.
Pontiac G8 GXP
Another great product from Holden, er, Pontiac! Seriously, the G8 GXP is like a newer, better GTO (which I’ll get to later). The only problem is they made like five of them and resale values can sometimes be pretty out of whack.
I could go for a G8 GT, but I would much prefer the LS3 versus the L76. Plus, I like the styling of the GXP more.
Chevrolet SS
Ah Chevrolet. You just love slapping that SS badging on things, don’t you? Another fine Holden vehicle that made it here, it was equipped with the LS3 and lived a short life.
Again, production numbers were relatively low and resale values remain high. I actually like the styling of the GXP slightly more as the SS looks sort of like the mid-grade rental car they give you after you wait in line forever even though you have a reservation.
Mercedes-Benz E55 AMG
You’re probably wondering what the heck this thing is doing here based on the previous cars. Like Doug DeMuro, I just like it. The E55 AMG offers gobs of power and torque and a smooth ride. The downside? Maintenance costs. If people think the “Corvette Tax” is bad, the “AMG Tax” could put a shop owner’s kids through college and buy them homes.
Surprisingly, this might be #2 on my list right now. From some early searches it seems like there are a few out there with decent miles for a decent price. Though, a 13-year-old Mercedes does make my wallet nervous.
What’s Missing
The cars above are my preferred choices, but there are certainly other options out there. Let’s go over a couple that are missing!
BMW M
As someone who’s always been a fan of the M cars and loved the older 840 and 850 vehicles, the M5 should probably be here. Yet, for some reason I just don’t have a huge desire to own one. I love looking at them and listening to them, but right now that’s about it. Weird, I know.
Subaru WRX STi
I may slide this up to the possibles list at some point. After owning a Volvo 740 Turbo for a few years I fell in love with turbo cars. The transmissions concern me a bit and I would sort of rather have a hatch, but this one has serious potential.
Volvo S60
Speaking of Volvo. I’m sure the S60 is a fine car, but I will always be a fan of the old “turbo bricks.” A black Volvo 850R? Yes, please. Maybe I should just buy one of those, or find one with an LS-swap and call it a day.
Non-Sedans
Pontiac GTO
Big enough and heavy enough to be considered a sedan! Seriously, these are fun cars. Interior is much improved over the typical GM fare, plus you get rear-wheel drive and a solid V8. The trouble is finding a used one in nice shape that isn’t listed for more than it’s likely worth.
Chevrolet Camaro
The price for a fifth-gen Camaro has steadily come down over the years. Sort of like the G8 in that the LS3 is only available in the manual cars. The differences aren’t that big, but I would prefer the LS3 over the L99.
Ford Mustang
As a lifelong Chevy fan, it pains me to admit that the Coyote-powered Mustangs are in some ways better than the Camaro. I think the Mustang looks slightly better, and that 5.0 is pretty stout. My biggest gripe? They are everywhere!
Dodge Challenger
I do really like these cars. I’ve ridden in them, driven them and they’re nice! I may take a hard look at them. My main problem is similar to that of the Mustang. I see these, in varying trim levels, everywhere.
Chevrolet Trailblazer SS
Not a car at all! An LS2-powered SUV? It hearkens back to the Typhoon and Syclone that captured my attention as a child. Again, it’s difficult to find ones in good shape that don’t have inflated resale values.
Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT-8
Chrysler’s version of the TBSS. Stuff a 400+ horsepower engine into an SUV, and call it a day. It’s like a modern-day 850R wagon that’s taller but more powerful and with modern conveniences.
I think that’s about it for now. There are other vehicles I could add to the list, but these are the one I go to the most when firing up AutoTrader, eBay, Craigslist, etc. Hopefully, with enough patience and research I’ll be able to find one!
After kicking the idea around for far too long, me and my dad have finally decided to get serious about working on a project car together. I’m surprised, and somewhat sad, that it’s taken this long given our shared interest in automobiles. Guess it’s better late than never, though.
And what have we decided to pour our blood, sweat, tears and probably too much money into?
The answer is: We’re still deciding.
We kicked around various Porsche models, and he checked out a few. We also have British sports cars like certain Triumphs, MGs and Austin-Healeys on our list. Mostly because I’ve never turned wrenches on cars like that, and he owned quite a few of them before kids came along. The most serious one we’re currently pursuing is a 1989 Alfa Romeo Spider Veloce.
I discovered it on Craigslist, and sent the listing to my dad. Turns out he knows the guy selling it. That guy is currently putting in a new fuel pump, and as soon as it’s installed we’re going to inspect it further. My pops checked it once and said “it’s definitely a project,” but he seems excited about the prospect of getting a classic Italian roadster back tearing up the streets. I have to say, I am too.
