Sixty years is a long time. In the auto industry, it’s an eternity. Very few cars will achieve their diamond anniversary because few ever reach such iconic status.
Enter my tester for the week — the 2013 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport Convertible. I know, I know, I have a great job. And, indeed, I was one happy Wheels Editor getting to drive this American icon. And of course, I drove it top down thanks to the rain-free summer we’ve endured.
But, this was not just another Corvette. No, this one is likely to become a collector’s item. Badged throughout this convertible was a special Corvette 60th Anniversary logo. The specially designed logo was on the rims, the door sill, the steering wheel and the seats. Clearly, Chevy wanted to make it clear that 2013 is a very special year for Corvette.
From the original in 1953, to the ’63 Stingray to the ’67 classic, the ’Vette has always inspired passion among enthusiasts. And while the 2013 version is sure to pique their interests, this Corvette has mass appeal.
With its wide, low profile, it’s a sports car through and through. Fire up the engine and hear the growl of the 6.2-liter V8 engine. Even at idle, driver and passenger feel the vibration of 436 horses waiting to run.
And run they will, to the tune of 0-60 in about 4 seconds. I offered up rides to many co-workers almost like a ride at an amusement park — and just as fun, too.
A wide, blue stripe (part of the 60th anniversary package) ran up the middle of the hood of my arctic white tester, with a subtle stripe over the cloth top carrying down the back.
Let the top down, climb in and see many special touchpoints inside. In addition to the aforementioned 60th anniversary badging, diamond blue leather seats comfort the driver and the passenger. Firm, yet supportive, the seats help your body blend into the machine.
A Bose premium audio system was part of an additional package, but really helped crank up the sound while the top was down.
As is expected of the Corvette and its low profile, you do “feel” the road, although admittedly not as badly thanks to a magnetic selective ride control which helped defer some of the road feel. It did not take away from the Corvette driving experience in the least.
The ’Vette has a fuel economy rating of 15 city and 25 highway. In a week’s worth of VERY heavy-footed driving, I averaged about 17 MPG. But honestly, it’s a
Corvette, so what does it matter how many times you have to refuel? You will look good while doing it anyway.
The starting price of the convertible (there is also a coupe edition) is $59,600. With several extra packages, including the 60th anniversary package and the premium equipment package, my tester had a final price of $78,485.
I’ve driven more expensive vehicles than this. I’ve even driven faster cars. But, I will certainly remember the 2013 Corvette Grand Sport Convertible for a long time. I guess that’s what’s made the ’Vette endure for 60 years.
Jimmy Dinsmore is the Wheels editor at the Dayton Daily News and may be reached at (937) 225-2115.
Follow him on Twitter @wheelseditor