How can you stand out in a sea of Corvettes?
Well, it helps to be driving a C5, affectionately known in these parts as “McVette.” This stunning Millennium Yellow convertible with a red leather interior demands your undivided attention.
Looking away is not an option, especially when you notice the signatures adorning the engine bay.
We’re fond of saying that every Corvette owner has a story; fortunately, the President of Lanier Corvettes Unlimited, Fred Fletcher, was willing to share his.
Stopping The Assembly Line
Rod Worley – Editor – The color combination of your C5 stands out from the crowd. Was it difficult getting it ordered in that configuration during the fifth-generation production run?
Fred Fletcher – “McVette” Owner – This was the first Millenium Yellow convertible with a red interior built. The original owner attempted to order it as a 1999 model, but Chevrolet turned it down.
It was then reordered as a 2000 model and was finally accepted. The unique color combination caused quite a stir on the assembly line in Bowling Green.
In fact, the workers stopped the assembly line three times because they thought this was a mistake. Ultimately, the plant manager had to come out and tell them to let it go.
14 other yellow and reds were later built, with most being automatic transmissions. This one is a manual.
The only option not on this car is polished wheels because they were unavailable at the time. It even has a 12-disc CD changer in the back end.
I still need to verify it through the National Corvette Museum, but because of the color combination and the selected option package, it’s believed to be one of a kind.
A Rolling Autograph Book
Rod Worley – Editor – The signatures under the hood read like a “who’s who” of Corvette celebrities. I even noticed a few notable sports celebrities.
How many signatures do you have, and what are your plans when you start running out of room?
Fred Fletcher – “McVette” Owner – Right now, there are 184 signatures on the car. Some are on the red fuel rails, others underneath the hood.
As space gets tight, we’ll have dignitaries sign on the underside of the trunk lid in the future.
The list of people who have signed includes some GM executives such as Dave McClellan. Some sports celebrities like Phil Niekro and Tommy Nobis have also signed.
Many modern factory Corvette race team drivers, including Jordan Taylor, have signed. Also, we had the two owners of Pratt and Miller proudly autograph McVette.
People will look at and comment on all the signatures at car shows. It’s a great conversation starter.
Remembering The C5
Sometimes, it’s worthwhile to pause and reflect on the evolution of the Corvette brand. At the time of its debut in 1997, the fifth generation was considered a remarkable improvement over the C4.
In many ways, it was a significant step forward without leaving its storied heritage behind. Updated styling and increased performance broadened its appeal, making it more user-friendly and comfortable.
The C5 hit the ground running with an all-new GM 5.7-liter LS1 V8 engine with 345 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of torque. The powerful engine propelled the car to 0-60 mph in about 4.5 seconds.
Despite the engine’s large displacement and power, the Corvette C5 achieved commendable fuel economy numbers of 18 mpg city and 25 mpg highway.
The engineers smartly placed the new transmission between the rear wheels, giving the sportscar better weight distribution and handling. A superior one-piece hydroformed chassis added significant stiffness.
A balsa-core floor and cast aluminum windshield frame added to overall rigidity, which helped both on the street and at the track. During its run in motorsports, there was a legitimate reason for competitors to fear the C5-R.
In 2001, the Corvette racing team won eight of its first ten races, including a win at the 24 Hours of Daytona and the top two places in the GTS class at Le Mans.
The C5-R also stood at the top of the podium at the 24 Hours of Sebring, the 24 Hours of Le Mans, and other races over that generation’s production run.
A Show Stopper
Fred Fletcher’s “McVette” is a standout that’s also outstanding. Reading the names of those who have signed this car takes you down memory lane.
You can’t help but feel the connection with those who helped make the Corvette brand one of the most iconic in the automotive world.
When all is said and done, this rolling piece of history must be seen in person to be fully appreciated.
The good news? It will be easy to find in a crowd of Corvettes.
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