Corvette collectors across the country have long known Greg Wyatt and his Vintage Corvettes business.
For over 40 years, he has combined his passion for America’s Sports Car, with a methodical attention to detail to grow an enviable reputation.
For those in the know, Vintage Corvettes is synonymous with top-quality first and second-generation Corvette restorations.
So, it should be no surprise that his newly opened museum at 10601 Commerce Street in Summerville would reflect that same exacting attention to detail.
More than simply a location to buy, sell and restore Corvettes, it is a fully realized museum that’s open to the public.
And oh, what a visual feast it is!
Step back in time to experience an authentic ’50s diner or saunter over to a true-to-size ’50s era Texaco Service Station with rare gas pumps and a service bay to boot.
Everywhere you turn, authentic period-correct memorabilia bring back memories of a simpler time. There’s even a rare 1925 airplane flying from the ceiling.
And, of course, if a pristine Corvette or classic car catches your eye, Greg’s sales office is mere steps away. We appreciate Greg taking the time to show us around his museum and sharing his 40 years’ worth of insights into early-generation Corvettes.
Stunning Museum
Rod Worley – Editor – Everywhere you turn, your museum has incredible attention to detail. I can only imagine the long hours of planning and work that went into this finished product.
So, have you always called Somerville home, and what went into renovating this building?
Greg Wyatt – Vintage Corvettes – I was born and raised here in Summerville, just right up the street from this building. When I was growing up, I used to ride my bicycle over here to look at the cars.
When I first started restoring Corvettes, I used to buy my parts out of here when it was a Chevy dealership.
And I’ve always loved this building, from its vintage architecture to the parking lots on the side. I just never dreamed it would be mine someday.
Initially, Davis Brothers Chevrolet built the building in 1952 though they sold it soon after in 1954. Until recently, the Jackson family owned the property and had run a dealership here for years.
The first step in the restoration was to gut the building entirely. I then brought in a company that sandblasted the brick structure inside and out to renew the brick.
The total remodeling included all-new doors, windows, roof, fence gates, and even capping the floor before work could start on transforming the interior. Altogether, it took over two years to complete the project.
Open To The Public
Rod Worley – Editor – I visited your other location years ago. That was an impressive facility in several ways. So why move, and open this museum?
Greg Wyatt – Vintage Corvettes – The other location wasn’t a general public museum. It was on the same property as my house and served as my shop and a place to house the cars I had in stock.
And although I had car clubs and friends over all the time, it wasn’t open to the public. As you probably remember, many of the automotive signs and gas pumps are from the other location.
A good portion of the memorabilia you see here has been in my collection for 30 to 40 years. Glad I didn’t have to go out to buy them today because they’ve appreciated right along with the cars.
Favorite Generation
Rod Worley – Editor – You’ve seen countless Corvettes over the past four decades. Do you have a favorite generation?
Greg Wyatt – Vintage Corvettes – My favorite is the 1958 body style with the extra chrome on the trunk and louvered hood.
But I also like the 59, 60, and even the 61 & 62 model years. Those are popular with a lot of other people as well.
E-Ray & Corvette SUV
Rod Worley – Editor – What are your thoughts on the evolution of the Corvette, such as being mid-engine, the upcoming battery-powered ones, and the SUV model?
Do you see it changing the Corvette collector business?
Greg Wyatt – Vintage Corvettes – I don’t see the C8 changing the C1 & C2 collector market. It’s a different person buying the mid-engine Corvette with different expectations from the car.
I know car collectors who bought a mid-engine C8 because it was so different from the historical Corvette lineup. Plus, it’s a great car with incredible performance.
I’d like to have one myself. But, the electric ones or the SUV, I don’t know about those. How will they be valued over the years?
I’m not sure, but I imagine they’ll grow on people over time.
Of course, I’m an old-school guy, you know, I like the old original fifties models, and I understand how the market will change for those early generations.
Mirrored Turnstile
When a restored first-generation Corvette on a mirrored turnstile greets you at the entrance, you know this place will be exceptional.
Initial impressions, in this case, are spot-on. This museum should be on your shortlist for road trips this year.
Though we recommend you free up some space in your garage before you go.
Just in case you’re tempted to bring something home.
Contact Information
Website: Vintage Corvettes
Address: 10601 Commerce St, Summerville, GA 30747
Phone: (706) 506-5745 or 706 857-3916
Email: [email protected]
Hours: Monday thru Saturday, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
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