Kiwi Corvette convention hits Napier

Enthusiasts of America's favourite car hit the Hawkes Bay this weekend for the 29th Goodyear NZ Corvette convention.

Latest supercharged Corvette

Little red corvette
Baby you're much too fast
Little red corvette
You need a love that's gonna last

So sang the artist, Prince, in his pop classic Little Red Corvette. And while his sentiment wasn't exactly car-driven, a gathering of Corvette enthusiasts in Napier this weekend would categorically agree with the last line.

It's the 29th year of the Goodyear New Zealand Corvette convention, paying homage to the classic American sports car first produced by Chevrolet back in 1953.

Corvette owners from the top of the North Island to the South Island, and even two from the United States, arrived in Hawkes Bay today for the three-day event. Tomorrow morning 80 cars go on display on Napier's Marine Parade.

Convention spokesman Derek Liefting, the proud owner of a '74 C3 Stingray coupe, said models ranging from a 1958 C1 through to the present day C6 will feature - several million dollars of V8 hardware.

A body like yours
Oughta be in jail
'Cuz it's on the verge of bein' obscene

So what is the attraction of the two- door model which comes in coup#aace or convertible? According to Liefting, "The old classic shape, the American muscle car, V8 thing.

"The other thing is they're a classic car and I've always been into classic cars."

Mr Liefting said there was "good camaraderie" amongst Corvette owners thanks to clubs throughout the country and the annual convention.

While popular culture had brought much focus on to Corvettes coloured red, and the Stingray models produced between 1963 and 1982, there was no particular focus amongst the conventions attendees, he said.

As an advanced paramedic for St John, Mr Liefting assured us there would be no attempt to utilise the full power of the Corvettes over the weekend as the convention-goers cruise around the province.

Besides, Roadsafe HB is a key sponsor of the event as an avenue to target the youth of Hawke's Bay by showing that cars can be enjoyed safely.

Girl, you got an ass like I never seen
And the ride
I say the ride is so smooth you must be a limousine"

- HAWKES BAY TODAY