Papa Bear

by Papa Bear
(Grand Rapids Mi)

I have been blessed with the care of a true work of art, a 1959 Corvette Roadster that I bought in 1968 when I was only 15 years old and still in Jr. High School. This is my first car and my Father helped me to buy the car. He and I spent the next year fixing / working on it, to put it back in to service. The car had been bumped in the right rear and had body damage to the lower rear quarter panel, right rear bumper and trunk lid. My father did the fiberglass repair work and prep work for paint. We rebuilt the engine, transmission and replaced all worn front end parts and brakes. We had a local paint & body shop paint the car. On my 16th Birthday I took my driver test in the car and I drove the car to High School for the next three years. I met my first Girlfriend while driving it. Later I met my first Wife while driving it in a Street drag race. This Vette has survived my teen years, 4 moves, marriage, divorce, 3 Vandalisms, a second marriage and 43 years of my life. I have so many memories mostly good and some bad, connected with this car, that they all cannot be listed here. All thanks to the foresight, encouragement, help and support of my father, who we lost in February this year 2011. Thanks Dad I miss you.
These Photos were taken near or at a friend’s place while prepping for the Grand Rapids Metro Cruse 2011 papa_bearxyz1@yahoo.com

Chris Trautman @ Corvette Assembly Plant 2019

About Us: Corvette Web Central | Owner Bio: Chris Trautman

Established in 2008 by Chris Trautman, Corvette Web Central quickly grew into one of the top leading Corvette enthusiast websites globally. 

"This website is a passion of mine, just as much as being a Corvette owner," says Chris.  He was frustrated trying to find information on the internet about Corvettes which was was not biased or influenced somehow. 

He has owned three Corvettes over the last twenty years and does not plan to stop owning one anytime soon.

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