Corvette Drivers Dash
Chevy Readies Sonic Boom
You might have noticed the sudden flurry of small-car launches announced by many of the world's automakers. You might have also noticed the steadily rising pump prices attributed to certain oil-producing-nation strife. This volatility is bad news for drivers
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 1968 thru 1977 Corvette C3 Left Drivers Side AC Heater Duct Dash 1969 1970 1971  US $75.00
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 1994 1996 C4 CORVETTE DRIVER SIDE DASH ENCAP TRIM PANEL US $19.99
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 05 08 C6 Chevrolet Corvette LS2 LS3 LS7 OEM Dash Drivers Passengers Air Bag US $1,049.99
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 01 Corvette C5 LS1 DASH TO KICK PANEL TRIM L R PAIR DRIVER PASSENGER OEMÂ US $20.00
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 84 89 CORVETTE DRIVER SIDE UNDER DASH COVER CARPETED US $35.00
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 1969 thru 1973 Corvette C3 Left Drivers Side AC Heater Duct Dash 1972 1970 1971 US $75.00
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 91 96 Chevrolet Corvette C4 Driver dash end piece US $19.99
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 Corvette OEM LH Drivers Side Lower Dash Pad Deflector Vent 1974 1977 US $14.97
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 2005 Corvette C6 Driver Passenger Airbags w Dash Pad US $1,599.00
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 Corvette Original Drivers Side LH Outer Dash Vent and Deflector Assembly 1994 96 US $34.97
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 97 04 C5 Corvette Driver Dash Vent US $24.99
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 1990 1993 C4 CORVETTE DRIVER SIDE DASH ENCAP TRIM PANEL US $19.99
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 Corvette Original Drivers Side LH Hinge Pillar Reinforcement Brace 1968 1969 US $69.97
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 Corvette Original Drivers Side LH Lower Dash Pad w AC 1971 1976 US $144.97
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 93 Corvette C4 Dash trim driver side US $15.00
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 CORVETTE C4 1992 1993 DRIVER SIDE DASH CONSOLE PANEL 10175793 US $99.95
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 CORVETTE C4 1992 1993 DRIVER SIDE UNDER DASH HUSH PANEL US $99.95
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 92 93 C4 Corvette Dash AC Heat Vent Driver Side LH US $14.99
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 1968 to corvette Dash vent assembly Drivers side US $85.00
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 Corvette C5 97 04 NEW Drivers Information Display Dash Bezel US $49.99
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 94 96 C4 Corvette Dash End Piece Driver Side US $9.99
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 02 Corvette C5 Dash VENT interior Left Driver side Heater A C air US $15.00
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 Corvette left dash vent drivers side US $35.00
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 CORVETTE DASH VENT DRIVER SIDE A C VENT INSTRUMENT CLUSTER LEFT VENT C4 94 96 US $38.00
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 CORVETTE MACK DASH DRIVERS LH VENT DIFFUSOR 9091 US $9.99
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 1969 CORVETTE ORIGINAL LOWER DASH PANEL DRIVERS SIDE US $45.00
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Choosing the Right Sports Car
The times are changing, and one way to gauge how much they’ve changed in the auto world is to consider that term, “sports car.” Once upon a time, and not so long ago, the definition was rather narrow. A sports car was a two-seat, two-door coupe or convertible, a little lean on luxury with more attention given to handling and performance. Thirty or 40 years ago, there were just a few makes and models that fit the bill, such as Ferrari and Porsche at the high end, and MG and perhaps Alfa-Romeo in the “affordable” category.
Today you can forget all that. The definition of “sports car” has expanded and inflated considerably, although certain purists hold out for the two-seat coupe and convertible definition. These restrictions are enforced in certain international racing events, but for the consumer auto market, terms like “sports” and “sporty” can reasonably be applied to a wide range of autos, including four-door sedans and even “crossover” vehicles.
Defining “sports” and “sporty”
The task of choosing a sports car (or “sporty” one), although made more difficult with the proliferation of powerful and good-handling cars, is simplified in practice by considering just a few main questions. Choosing the right sports car is a process that depends on what you want in the vehicle. You may think that ultimate cruising power and stability, the traits of a classic “gran turismo” or GT car, are the most important. Or you may want classic sports car handling for driving the Alpine-type mountain roads. Both ideals are acceptable within the expanded definition of “sports car” today.
Even with this expanded definition, we can settle on certain traits that most auto aficionados would agree to. Sports cars should be at least reasonably fast off the line, although they are not dragsters, and able to maintain high speeds with stability. They should be “tossable” and handle well in the curves, with upgraded suspensions and brakes to handle the strains. Of course, looking cool or sexy is a plus, as well. On the other hand, luxurious comfort, although achieved by some makers, is not a requirement, and neither are the “techno-toys” like in-dash navigation systems and DVD players.
Buying considerations
If you are a single guy or gal, with no intentions of getting married or raising a family any time soon (or sooner than the car’s paid off), sticking with a no-frills two-seater is a cost-effective way to get into sports motoring. The new and used market can offer everything from Nissan 350Z’s and Audi TT’s to newer American models like the Pontiac Solstice and the UK’s “mini-Beemer,” the Mini Cooper. Many of these offer decent gas mileage, too.
All is not lost if you’re a family guy, since only a classic car buff would tell you that the four-door Infiniti G35 is not a “sports car.” With over 300 hp, a taut suspension and a six-speed manual transmission, this car can blow plenty of purist cars off the road. Also in the “family-friendly” class of sports cars are several of the smaller Jaguar sedans, plenty of BMW and Mercedes models, and even some “American muscle” sports machines like the Dodge Charger or muscled-up Japanese crossovers like the Lexus RX series.
For those who have no price limits, of course, choosing the right sports car can be frustrating these days, as there are so many fabulous choices. The Ferraris are always a rich man’s favorite, and world class, of course, but Aston-Martins, Porsches, Vipers and Corvettes, the Nissan Skyline, the million-dollar-plus Bugatti Veyron and a phalanx of Mercedes AMG models are available for those who can afford them.
However, many people who could afford any car at all still stick with older XKEs, classic Alfas and small MGs, because they offer the true, fun, Sunday-drive kind of motoring experience that still says “sports car.” What’s nice about the auto market today is that drivers are free to decide for themselves exactly what “sports car” means.
About the Author
Exotic, luxury and high-end cars are more than machines—they are pieces of art that should be appreciated and respected. We at In Sixth Gear.com share your passion for these fine vehicles and understand the life of an automotive aficionado. Visit us online today.
