JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- The unveiling of the 2014 Corvette Stingray had a special significance for many along the First Coast who have had a love affair with America's sports car since they were kids.  Local Corvette enthusiasts came together back in 1975 to form the Jacksonville Corvette Club.  Today the club's membership exceeds 170.

Given how large the Jacksonville Corvette Club is, even when just a fraction of the membership travels together, it's quite a site.  That was evident by the strong showing of Corvettes last Saturday at Automotive Addicts Cars and Coffee cruise-in, which was held at Whiskey River at the Markets of Town Center. 

Club member Tom Runck had his 1965 Corvette convertible on display.  He's the fourth owner and has saved just about every piece of the car's history. "I even have the death certificate of the original owner of the car. It was purchased in (Philadelphia) Pennsylvania," said Runck.

Runck's 'Vette has been lovingly restored, although it's not a frame-off.  He's done a significant portion of the restoration work himself while C & G Customs on Atlantic Blvd. did the paint.  Runck's goal: keep his baby as close to factory stock as possible. "Some of them are restoration parts.  A lot of them are original.  I'm trying to keep the car as original as I can."

The Corvette Club of Jacksonville will be having a social meeting on February 21st at Whiskey River and be sure to mark April 27 on your calendar.  That's the date of the club's annual show at the Markets at Town Center.   

The group also does charity work.  Among the non-profits the Corvette Club of Jacksonville has helped: Daniel, Inc., the Boys Home Association of Jacksonville, Breast Cancer, Wounded Warriors, area food banks and The J.P. Hall Underprivileged Children's Christmas Party.

If you'd like to learn more about the Jacksonville Corvette Club visit the group's website at http://jaxvette.com.

 

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