Well I'm trading in the Corvette ! Keeping the XJ8 and the T hot rod. I'm getting a 2008 Mercedes CL550 coupe with the AMG package. Pearl grey with brown interior. 9 years newer and easier to get in and out of. I will miss the Corvette. The Mercedes has 383 HP vs 350 on the Corvette but weighs roughly 1800 LB more so it feels the same accelerating. Wish me luck! .

 

Godspeed !

 

I am with you GT, go choice I feel, I am getting rid of my Vette and want to get something like a CLS, Bentley, 63 series Merc or BMW M6. Your statement of getting in an out of it easier is spot on my reasoning also, amongst the nickel and dime costs of keeping a piece of plastic together. Even in my younger days, falling into the Vette and climbing out was not the most fun.

 

I've had a 1956 Corvette in "ready to restore" stage now for a decade+ lol. Hurricane Florence got the storage unit last year & the rear end floated away(I had it out to be re-worked), being that the rear was out of the car, the storage facility's owner found a way to skirt his insurance policy & they claim it doesn't count as the car but a "peripheral", go figure. Still curious as to who ended up w/ a Corvette differential,axle etc. in their yard after the storms lol. I've since moved it to a better storage unit & thoroughly analyzed the insurance policy. It's a shame though this car was/is all #'s matching, now the rear end will foul that up.

Having sold my major stake in my business endeavor, the time's there to definitely move on it, but I said that last year.

 

Dang KC, sorry to hear that.

 

Yeah it's cruel luck that when I finally decided to make a move(July 2018) & have the rear end taken out to be refurbished after sitting there for years undisturbed a major storm(Sept.2018) comes through & takes it away lol. If I'd a left it in the car as it'd been for 15 years, it would still be whole go figure.

Now if I could just get my damn X308 back from paint lol.

 

Sold my 2003 Torch Red Corvette just over 3 years ago.

The getting in and out of was a lot of the reason.

Plus it attracted LEOs like flies to honey.

The XJ8 is way more practical, and just as much fun.

 

I have a 69 and just finished five years working on a complete body off restoration on a 72 Corvette, hoping to get a top flight at the regionals this fall. Really a shame to hear that some of your original parts disappeared. If you are not a member of the NCRS already, its well worth it. Lots of parts advertised in the "Driveline" magazine and everyone is very helpful. I had to track down a few date-coded parts as the previous owners had replaced common items like the starter and water pump. Even had a guy send me one leaf out of a leaf spring illustrating how much people are willing to help. Unfortunately, our OP is trading out just as NCRS is starting to admit and judge the C5s. Up until a couple of years ago, they were still considered too new. Hopefully he'll find some good Mercedes resources but its hard to beat a Corvette for aftermarket support and club activity.