What Is "THE RAREST" Corvette Book???

[Douglas C.]

Re: What Is "THE RAREST" Corvette Book???

As I recall, there were a limited number (100) signed by Zora Duntov and Henry Rasmussen offered through one of Corvette Magazines in 1992. Again, it seemed that they were $50 each (not cheap for the time) and part of the funds raised were to go to the Corvette Museum in Bowling Green. The top 10 cars were quite rare, low option cars. Seems I recall that Zora selected the 10 - possibly someone who has access to the book can provide some insight here.

My book is put away, but I found these images on another website. Book by itself is not that rare, but the 100 signed by Zora make it a rare keepsake.

[Albert C.]

Re: What Is "THE RAREST" Corvette Book???

I have a March 1953 Popular Science mag on page 166 is a artical showing the new chevrolet plastic sports car. It states DONT LOOK NOW,BUT CHEVROLET PROBABLY WILL BE PRODUCING A SPORTS CAR IN THE NEAR FUTURE.I also have a Popular Mechanics Feb 1956 showing the new 1956 model page 175 states after taking a beating from Thunderbird in sales in 1955 vette is comming back with a Sundy punch.
AL CURTIS NCRS 18808
1967 390HP TOP FLIGHT

[Robert I.]

Re: What Is "THE RAREST" Corvette Book???

A year or two ago I found out about Thompson's book on the Corvette and did a search on Ebay and got it for something like $10.

I now see somebody is offering one for $149.

Offering and selling aren't the same thing, of course.

[Ridge K.]

Re: What Is "THE RAREST" Corvette Book???

Great find, Lynn.
I bought a copy of the silver hardcover edition in it's first printing. That sillly little book shaped my life, believe it or not. Even though I had been driving new shark bodied Corvettes, I found myself drawn to the chapter on the '67 bigblock every single time I would pick the book up. I fell in love with the marina blue, tri-powered convertible depicted. I couldn't quit looking at that chapter.

When I retired in 2005, I had to have one. I now have a marina blue tri-powered convertible sitting in the garage.
The power of a book.....

[Jeffrey S.]

Re: What Is "THE RAREST" Corvette Book???

I recently purchased, at a church rummage sale, Volume 1 #1 "Corvette - The Sensuous American" signed by Larry Shinoda with the poster. Probably not very valuable but how many of these can there be out there? I paid a whole dollar for it.
Jeff

[Steve N.]

Re: What Is "THE RAREST" Corvette Book???

I'll trade you a Vol 1 # 1 less the autograph plus 5.00 . I want you to make a profit.

[Alan S.]

Re: What Is "THE RAREST" Corvette Book???

Hi Lynn,
I too enjoy having Corvette books and literature.
You asked about the 1st issue of THE CORVETTE RESTORER.
Right after I joined the NCRS I had an opportunity to talk to Gary Mortimer about the early RESTORER and DRIVELINE issues. I remember him saying that 287 copies of #1 #1 had been printed and they laughed about what they would do with all the extras. Perhaps he'll see this and pipe up?
The oldest publication I have is the second edition of CORVETTE, AMERICA'S STAR-SPANGLED SPORTS CAR, by Karl Ludvigsen. Not too rare, but still interesting.
Regards,
Alan

[Lynn H.]

Re: What Is "THE RAREST" Corvette Book???

I have often wondered exactly how many V1-#1 of the Restorer were printed. As far as "finding' some of the rarer books at fair prices, the key is knowing about them so when you do find or see them, you can make the deal. Pricing can get quite high on some of the books, but if you keep your eyes open you never know when your going to find that "bargain". I would like to thank everyone who posted in this thread, as learning about some of these "rare" books can be difficult. As always this forum is an EXCELLENT learning tool for me, and hopefully some others as well.
Lynn

[Jeffrey S.]

Re: What Is "THE RAREST" Corvette Book???

I'll trade you a Vol 1 # 1 less the autograph plus 5.00 . I want you to make a profit.

Now, now- no selling on the Discussion Board. Seriously I just think it is a neat item and it is not for sale (well, maybe I'll trade it for an 884 alternator-right!)
Jeff

[Steve N.]

Re: What Is "THE RAREST" Corvette Book???

Yeah, but I'll bet you thought for ten seconds about trading vol 1 #1 . Chances are once Ma trows me out she would give it to Goodwill anyway. She doesn't understand how valuable my treasures are. O.K. I'll take back the 5.00 and trade straight up so as to stay within the rules of the site and donate the money to charity.

[George J.]

Re: What Is "THE RAREST" Corvette Book???

I think my favorite Corvette book is Corvette Thunder. Very nicely done, and signed by Gulstrand and the author.

George