One of the most popular hobbies for many people is collecting objects of interest. From artwork to sculptures to books, people often spend lifetimes adding to and managing their personal collections.
In Hendersonville, one of the most interesting collections is a rare complete set of C2 Corvettes. To find out more about this unique set, Hendersonville Lifestyle recently visited with owner Mike Kidd.
When did your love for Corvettes begin?
“I saw my first Corvette C2, in middle school. My PE teacher had a new 1966 Nassau Blue Corvette Coupe with a white interior. I loved the futuristic look of the cockpit, the throaty sound of the engine and exhaust train and the overall style ‘wow’ appeal.”
Why Corvettes?
“Early on, I became fascinated with legendary auto engineer Zora Arkus-Duntov, who is known as the father of the Corvette. Through his style and vision, Arkus-Duntov created the first true American sports car.”
First Corvette?
“I bought my 1st Corvette during the pandemic. It is a 1967 black/camel roadster that had been previously owned by NASCAR legend Mark Martin. Oddly enough, I ended up buying my 2nd Corvette just 3 days later – a gorgeous red/red 1963 C2 with the classic split rear window. I am particularly proud of these two vehicles because they bookend the C2 model years.”
How many Corvettes?
“I have 5 Corvettes covering all 5 years of the C2 series. Along with my bookends, I also have a 64 silver/silver, a 65 blue/blue and a rare black/white 66 coupe. The 63 and 66 models still have their original undercarriage inspection corrections, so I never drive them. However, I do drive the 64, 65 and 76 models regularly. I am particularly proud of my 64 Corvette – its glovebox, owner’s manual and air intake were all signed by Arkus-Duntov himself with his unique ‘Mark of Zora’.”
Advice for prospective collectors?
“Do your homework, know the car/trim/features that you want and have a budget. I always buy for a reason, never on impulse, and I also buy to keep, not to resell. I consider my collection to be generational art that I will someday pass down to my ‘Grand-Kidds’.”