A ‘Vette Province of Mind
Reg proves that Corvettes travel well north of the border, too.
Born in the province of Alberta, Canada, he loves the Valley, where he also has a home and garage: “Scottsdale is a fantastic city with the perfect balance between the urban and suburban,” Reg says. “The city has done a great job in planning and maintaining a very delicate balance.”
For him, the weather is great, even Julys and Augusts. “I know it gets a little warm here, but I will trade snow for heat any day. I have never had to shovel any sunshine.” Still, he adds: “No matter how much I try, I have not been able to get used to the “shoulderless critters (snakes).”
Not surprisingly, he first visited Arizona to view a car in Tempe. “I ended up passing on the car but falling in love with the Valley.” He found a great house that allows him to escape those warmth-challenged Calgary winters. Completed in 1994, it’s had two remodels, the last of which was just completed. “The great thing about the garage is it is in Arizona,” he says. “Arizona has fantastic weather for car enthusiasts.”
His car enthusiasm began with enjoying the ‘50s and ‘60s: “These cars were fun and full of character,” Reg explains. “I started appreciating the vintage cars more during the ‘80s when it was very difficult to find a good-looking car.”
He has five ‘Vettes, including a ’75 T-Top, a ’77, also a T-Top, and his first Corvette, and an ’07 convertible, his everyday driver. His other two, in Scottsdale:
1958 — “The ‘58 has always been a favorite of mine. Driving a classic car is more relaxing than an hour at the spa, and it doesn’t leave bruises like the ZR1. Though not the most sought-after vintage, it has many features that are unique to ‘58, like the washboard hood and the two spears or suspenders on the trunk. And don’t forget the fantastic Art Deco grab bar. This is the perfect car to run to the grocery store in. Steaks just taste better after being exposed to the Arizona air on the drive home.”
2009 ZR1 — “When GM announced they planned on building the super car, aka “Blue Devil,” I didn’t want it; I needed it. I was like a kid in a candy store with the thought of having a daily driver that can wake you up to 100 km in less than 3.4 seconds.
“My trade-in was my morning coffee, and my down payment is the patch of rubber I leave on Pima Road. GM was right on to include a polycarbonate window in the carbon fiber hood. I never understood why someone would want to walk to the back of an automobile to look at the motor.
“The only trouble with the car, is after watching a hockey game, I don’t always want to drive her home. The team at Euro Way Transportation is always available to get her home safely with one of their responsible and mature drivers.
“To the untrained eye, the ZR1 is just another Corvette; to a car enthusiast, it is a photo opportunity. At the recent Barrett-Jackson auction, I was surprised at how much attention the car received. It was there that I realized what makes the ZR1 so special. The car has a broad following; Corvette fans like the car as much as speed demons. The younger generations who may not appreciate the classics are instantly new Corvette fans. It truly breaks down the barriers of the car fanatics, young and mature.”
Reg, do you run any of these great cars in races or rallies?
“Does the Loop 101 count?”