Fantastic Spring weather finally aligned with Caffeine & Octane’s monthly Sunday event. With temps in the 60’s and an abundance of sunshine, car enthusiasts turned out in droves to attend North America’s largest monthly car show.
Once again, the parking lots surrounding the Perimeter Mall were filled with those wanting to see and be seen. The diversity of automotive eye candy was enough to keep even the most hardcore car enthusiast busy gawking the whole morning.
As always, the Corvette brand was well represented by a contingent of members from Classic Glass Corvette Club of Marietta and Amazing Corvettes.
ZR1 Jetstream Blue – Blue Devil
Caffeine & Octane gatherings bring out some of the best Corvettes that G.M. has ever produced. A case in point is the awe-inspiring 2009 Jetstream Blue ZR1 coupe brought in by Ken and his son Joe.
According to Corvette myth and legend, the sixth-generation ZR1 was not originally on the design table. As the story goes, Rick Wagoner, G.M.’s CEO at the time, found the $60,000 C6 Z06 build so impressive that he wondered what a $100,000 version of the Corvette could do.
Just that easy, the C6 ZR1 was born. The C6 ZR1 made its production debut in 2009. Built for speed, it quickly set speed records worldwide on its way to becoming one of the fastest Corvettes ever produced.
The heart of the ZR1 was the forced induction, supercharged engine known as the LS9. The LS9 gave the driver command of 638 horses of pavement-punishing power and 604 pound-feet of torque. The top speed was an adrenaline-pumping 205 miles per hour.
To keep everything under wraps and within G.M.’s small trust circle, they needed a code name for the new design.
The secret project became known as the Blue Devil, named after the official mascot of Duke University. Which just happened to be GM CEO Rick Wagoner’s alma mater.
Famed comedian, and avid car collector, Jay Leno calls the C6 ZR1 “The greatest Corvette in history” and his personal favorite Corvette.
Special thanks to Ken and his son Joe for bringing a piece of Corvette history to the show for all of us to enjoy.
Scott’s Torch Red Z06 and Aileen, his wife, with her Arctic White Grand Sport
Petite Le Mans Is Coming
As a visual reminder for the upcoming Petit Le Mans, the Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta sent their 2020 C8 Arctic White pace car and an information booth.
They also sent Allyssa, the Road Atlanta spokesperson, to help us to remember the date.
The 24th Annual Motul Petit Le Mans will run from November 10th through the 13th, 2021. Initially set for October 6th through the 9th, 2021, the date was changed due to an IMSA schedule adjustment.
Check out his shoes!
Big Block Brings A Smile
It’s tough to stand out with all of the top-shelf automotive eye candy parked around the Perimeter Mall on C&O Sunday. One Corvette owner makes it look easy.
Paul and his 1972 454 big block powered Mille Miglia Red convertible always stands out no matter how large the crowd.
As you remember, the 1972 Corvette was the last to feature both front and rear chrome bumpers, a bright egg-crate grill, side-fender grills, and a removable rear window.
Did we mention that Paul’s always smiling? We guess that the 454 cubic inch big block with a 4-speed manual might have something to do with it.
Did we mention his snazzy Corvette shoes?
Sunshine, Fun & Friends
If you’re a true connoisseur of automobiles, and Corvettes, in particular, you can’t help but have a great time on a Caffeine & Octane Sunday.
The constantly changing array of fine automobiles alone is worth driving over to see up close and personal.
If you’re like most of us, you’ll make your way to C&O the first time for the incredible diversity of cars, but you’ll keep coming back because of the new friends you’ve made.
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