Community Corner
Ferndale Resident Loves His Corvette
The Dream Cruise brings thousands of classic cars to Woodward every year. Here's the story behind one of those interesting vehicles.
Name: Christopher Gorski
Residence: Ferndale
Vehicle (make, model, year): Chevrolet, Corvette 1979
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How long you've had it? 4 years
Why this car? This car was previously owned by my aunt. It was her third Corvette; all were gifts from my successful businessman uncle. The first was stolen; the second was destroyed in an accident. Her third was part of her divorce settlement. That all said – she could no longer afford the insurance so the car sat in her garage for 17 years.
As a child, I would sneak into her garage and look at it in awe. My father always told me "one day it will be ours."
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Four years ago, my father and I purchased it from my aunt and had it restored.
Does your Corvette have a name? Just "the Vette."
What parts of the car are still original? The car is completely original except for the mufflers. When the carburetor was rebuilt two years ago, the mechanic who did the work was surprised to see that the entire car is completely original including the carburetor. He said most people think their cars are completely original -- but this Corvette really is.
Other than the Dream Cruise, where does your car enjoy driving? I am a member of the Lambda Car Club, so I bring the Vette to many of these events. But, mostly I just cruise up Woodward through Royal Oak down to Detroit's Palmer Park and back to Ferndale. It's a great like route I take. The Vette only has 47,000 miles; I don't drive it too much.
What are your plans for the cruise? I have a tradition of setting up a tent in the median of Woodward in front of Magic Bag and hosting my family for the Cruise. For the most part, we sit and watch the classics. Sometimes my young cousins talk me into taking a cruise up Woodward! Last year my Aunt Thelma Normand, the original owner of the car, attended also. She is happy that the car is still in the family and being cared for. If the weather is good, I hope to take her for a ride this weekend.
What do you feel about the Ferndale Dream Cruise events? I'm really excited. The events bring so many people to Ferndale! It's becomes a bit of a reunion. I see a bunch of old friends that might not come to Ferndale except for the cruise.
What is special about Woodward and/or the cruise for you? I'm just happy to have created a new tradition with my family! It's awesome that Ferndale allows the gathering in the median. No other community allows such an activity for the cruise.
