Auspicious Birthday

[John H.]

Happy 50th Birthday to my one owner 67 Stingray convertible. I purchased it thorough the Danang office of Societe Des Garages Charner while serving with the USMC in the Chu Lai/Danang area. The original papers were signed on 5/14/66 and a 12000 Piaster ($100) Commission was paid, the balance (subsequently, $3,585.69) to be paid to the Foreign Distributors Division of General Motors prior delivery in the states. I was supposed to take delivery of a 1966 vehicle when I returned home in September of 66 but the strike at the Corvette assembly plant changed the plans and I subsequently, took delivery at Kenneth Chevrolet in Hawthorn, CA of a 1967 model in early December. I still drive it regularly even though at age 77 it is a bit of a chore to get in and out of.
John Hill
Camarillo, CA

[Nicholas L.]

Re: Auspicious Birthday

Congratulations and thank you for your service.

[Leif A.]

Re: Auspicious Birthday

How about a birthday picture? Very cool story. Semper Fi!!

[Steven B.]

Re: Auspicious Birthday

Just out of curiosity, and if you don't mind me asking, what was MSRP with the options you chose. I wish I would have done the same thing. As it was, I waited until I got home (Duh) and bought a Camaro. Happy birthday on your convertible. My coupe has one coming on June 23rd.
Steve

[John H.]

Re: Auspicious Birthday

[Mark H.]

Re: Auspicious Birthday

Looks like you signed your paperwork on 5/14/66. My 13th birthday! Does that mean your Corvette and I are related?

[Dan A.]

Re: Auspicious Birthday

Very interesting reading. Thanks for sharing it and congratulations on 50 years of ownership. O

[Steven B.]

Re: Auspicious Birthday

That's way cool. Thanks for the information.

Steve

[Michael J.]

Re: Auspicious Birthday

I am always amazed at the seemingly low price of the Corvettes, but I was 16 in 1966, and no one in my little town could afford one it seems (me least of all), as I never saw one in high school, only older C1s. Of course we were all wondering what role we would play in the Viet Nam conflict in the future at that time too. Great memories and a great story, post some pics of that car!

[Bruce B.]

Re: Auspicious Birthday

John,
Great story.
I was 23 at the time and had a old 58 Corvette.
Bruce B

[Joe R.]

Re: Auspicious Birthday

John,

Thank you for posting this material. During this time I was spending my days at Lowry Field USAF in Denver Colorado. Tough assignment but somebody had to do it!
Please post up some pictures of this jewel.

JR

[Edmund C.]

Re: Auspicious Birthday

John: That's one of the coolest stories I've heard in a while. Thanks for sharing it and thanks for your service to the USA. Best, EWC

[John H.]

Re: Auspicious Birthday

The 1st picture is from December of 1966 Long Beach, CA, the 2nd January 1967 at Mammoth Mountain, CA, the 3rd about 2 years ago, and the last was taken today (sunny and 70 degrees in Camarillo, CA).

[Michael J.]

Re: Auspicious Birthday

A really beautiful car and a great history, I can see why you still have her. Enjoy that rare animal all you can!

[Michael F.]

Re: Auspicious Birthday

great story and thanks for your service so very cool to see original owner cars with their original owner and still driving it.