WP08 RIAN (NEVADA)

WP08 RIAN (NEVADA)

1. When did your passion for cars truly begin? Was there a moment, a car, or a feeling that started it all?

I have always loved cars, an easy measurement is the introduction of Hot Wheels toy cars in 1968.

2. What was the first car you felt proud to own, the one that made you feel like a genuine car enthusiast?

I was very proud of my first car, a 1966 Chevelle SS 396. I bought it in 1973 for $600 and sold it a year later for $800. I thought I was a genius, but I was not.

3. Which car you once owned do you wish you never let go, the one you'd bring back if you could?

My second car was a 1970 Pontiac Trans Am that I bought in 1974 for $1800. I sold that one 4 years later for $3600. Again I thought I was a genius. This is the one I wish I had held onto.

4. What car or cars are you driving now, and what do you love most about them?

Today I have 2 Corvettes, a 2021 C8, HTC with the wheels I got from you, and a Limited Edition 2009 GT1 Championship Coupe. The 09 is special because of the low production number. They were supposed to make 600 to commemorate the Corvette C6 Racing Team, but because of the recession of 2008 they only made 125 total. Mine is one of 24 black Z51 Coupes. I love the C8 because lowering the Convertible Top at a stop light is a blast, and I love the GT1 because of the 6 speed manual transmission that is not an option on the new Corvettes.

5. Do you have more respect for the collector who preserves the car, or the driver who enjoys it on the road?

I believe these cars were meant to be driven. I know lots of people that are afraid to put too many miles on their car because it might affect the value. I say enjoy the car, I didn’t buy it for the next guy.

6. What is your favorite mod or upgrade you’ve ever done, the change that made a car feel truly yours?

My favorite Mod is the rear wing I added to my C8. The Carbon Fiber looks cool and everyone seems to like it. I do have to admit that drilling holes in a new car is a little nerve racking, but worth it. Also you may notice the unusual striping. The car is a tribute to Eddie Van Halen, and is meant to resemble his most famous guitar. My license plate reads HOT4T, a reference to one of his best songs.

7. Who are your top three favorite car manufacturers, and what makes them stand out for you?

I feel fortunate to have the cars I do, and have no complaints, but if I was in a slightly different tax bracket, I wouldn’t mind adding a Ferrari and a Lamborghini to my Chevrolets.

8. Can you list all the cars you’ve owned over the years? If the list is too long, just name your favorites.

In addition to the 66 Chevelle and 70 Trans Am I mentioned above, I have owned over the course of 52 years , at one time or another the following cars, never more than 2 at one time. 1969 Z28 RS Camaro, 1970 AAR Cuda, 1969 Corvette 427, 1969 Chevelle SS 396, 1989 IROC Z Camaro, 5.7 TPI, T Tops, 2015 Corvette, 2018 Corvette Grand Sport. I would love to still have them all but the storage and maintenance costs over the years would have been impossible.

9. What is your dream car destination or automotive event, the one place you’ve always wanted to experience in person?

I just attended my bucket list event last month, the 109th Indy 500. I had never been and it was a blast. Just me and 350,000 of my closest friends.

10. If you had to choose one decade that defines your taste in cars, which would it be — 60s, 70s, 80s, 90s, 2000s, or today?

As you may tell from my previous list, I believe late 60s and early 70’s is the golden age for Muscle Cars which are my favorite, if I have to pick only one decade, I will go with the 60’s.