1970 Chevrolet Corvette Coupe
Personal story and photograph submitted by owners Harold Rumzek - courtesy of the National Corvette Museum website - for participation in the National Corvette Museum 2008 Historic Motorama II.
I am the original owner of this 1970 Chevrolet Corvette Monza Red Stingray Coupe, originating in St. Louis, Missouri, VIN # 194370S400368, and purchased on May 27, 1970, in Lansing, Michigan. It was listed for $5192.00 plus delivery of $82.75; base cost was $5274.75; and additions included a 3L46AA, 350-HP Turbo-Fire 350 V8, $158.00; 3M21AB, 4-spd close-ratio transmission, $0.00; 3N37AA, tilt-telescopic steering wheel, $84.30; 3N40AD, power steering, $105.35; 3P09AA, F70x15 white lettered tires, $33.15; 3P02AA, special wheel covers, $57.95; 3U69AC AM/FM pushbutton radio, $172.75; 3407AU, red vinyl interior, $0.00; and 3974AA, 72 monza red, $0.00; totaling $5886.25. A $5000.00 cash offer resulted in a cash price of $5,255.60 with an invoice of $5,033.65 plus sales tax, $201.35; title, $2.00; license, $17.00; and uninsured motorist fund, $1.00. There were numerous Corvettes available. Shame on me, I did not want the blue one. It was an LT1!
Although, purchased in Michigan, this Corvette returned there only for visits with my family, but spent most of its life in Texas and California. I was a Captain in the U.S. Air Force so it was driven in approximately 35 states. Military duties required travel in states from California to Florida. My favorite trip, after purchasing the vehicle, was crossing Nevada from Reno to Wendover in four hours. Averaged about a 100. Yes, it was legal, because, at that time, the speed limit in Nevada was reasonable and proper except within city limits. Not as exciting as flying mach 2 in a B-58 aircraft, but nevertheless, an exciting trip. After retirement, I became a transplanted Texan and have lived in Wichita Falls and the Fort Worth area. In the early 1980's, as a charter member of the Wichita County Corvette Association, I entered my 1970 in Corvette Expo, International Show Car Association, and Texas Show Cars events, and received 1st Place Trophies in many Texas and Oklahoma shows. Also, visited Estes Park, Colorado to participate in an annual show, hosted by a Denver club whose members attended ours. Finally, my 1970 was in many local parades.
I moved to Fort Worth in 1985, and joined CowTown Vettes, and as a member of the National Council of Corvette Clubs (NCCC), I competed in drag racing events with my 1970 and became an autocross racer, both low and high speed, in the 1982 Corvette. My racing days ended when I was involved in an automobile accident in 1987, on a city street at 35 MPH, sustained a back injury, and have suffered chronic pain 24/7 since that date. I have enjoyed driving pace laps at Texas Motor Speedway prior to NASCAR Cup races, and in September when CowTown Vettes rents the Texas Motor Speedway road course for our NCCC Annual Super Speedway weekend. Now, I guess I am becoming a cruiser.
As you can see, my 1970 was a driver in shows, sports car events, and my sole means of transportation for 15 years. So, it became necessary to restore the interior and exterior, rebuild the engine, the front end, brakes, and power steering in the 80s. Because of a garage fire, although the car was covered, it needed repainting in 2000. Other than several Midas Mufflers and Firestone batteries with replacement lifetime guarantees, and Goodyear tires, I believe my Corvette to be as received from the factory. Everything operates as delivered except the odometer which has displayed 11918 since 1982, and speedometer which indicates 10 MPH when parked. The windshield and headlight washer has never functioned. For the National Corvette Restorers Society folks, yes, my Corvette did come from the factory with a red heater hose. There was a strike in 1970 with limited production.
In addition to being a Corvette enthusiast, I work pit security at Texas Motor Speedway, am a Shriner, and a political activist. I am currently married to Anne Steele Rumzek from Circleville, OH. We are retired and enjoy travel, especially cruises. My 1970 Corvette is also retired, and except for special occasions, spends a lot of time covered in the garage.
Thank you for the honor of being selected for the National Corvette Museum Historic Motorama II and allowing us to become participants in General Motors 100th Anniversary.
Harold A. Rumzek, Ph.D.
Colleyville, TX 76034
Life Member of NCCC & 20+ Year Member of CowTown Vettes
When GM celebrates the beginning of its next 100 years on September 16, 2008, 55 Corvettes will be on display outside its World Headquarters at Detroit’s Renaissance Center. The Corvettes are in fact the Historic Motorama II, a caravan from the National Corvette Museum (NCM) which is comprised of one example from each of the 55 years of Corvette production. The caravan will depart from the National Corvette Museum on September 10th with stops along the way. People attending the GMnext Day activities on September 16th will be able to view the Corvettes before and after the official program.
Look at the next Historic Motorama II Corvette participant, representing a cross-section of Corvette enthusiasts from across the country.
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