The biggest problem with old cars is that systems fail. When I bought Project Homewrecker, my '72 LT-1 Corvette Stingray, a couple of years back, the headlights and wipers worked beautifully, going up and down like they were supposed to (if not more slowly). The headlights I expected to be OK, but the vacuum-operated wiper door never worked on these cars when they were new from 1968-72. That's why GM came out with a more traditional door in '73. 

Unfortunately, after I got the car back from the paint shop, neither the headlights or wiper door would raise. It was a total drag. Finally, I did something about it. I took Homewrecker to Corvette Masters in Maitland, Florida, which had my lights and door functioning perfectly in short order.

Despite 95 degree temps and humidity that was jungle-like, I decided to drive the non-air-conditioned Vette from Maitland to our Tampa office. It made the 100-plus-mile trip without a hitch, but good grief was it hot in there. The company heat gun said the temperature on the floor was a balmy 125 degrees! Associate Editor Patrick Hill and I decided to stop for some cold refreshments and wings at the Hooters Restaurant off I-4 in Lakeland, Florida. The photo tells you what I was parked next to.

Good company, eh?

Despite the heat, the trip was fun. The old girl ran beautifully (this was really a shakedown run; I'd not driven her this far since the restoration). I may get arguments, but I think the '68-72 models are the best looking Corvettes ever. Over the top? Perhaps, but that's not a bad thing in my opinion. I think it is a timeless design.