Her name is Magic, her magical ability to empty your pocketbook exists because she looks so good that you don't know how much money you've spent on repairs or restoration until the bills come!

We bought her in March of 1995 with 58,000 miles. She is a 1976 with a '95 ZZ3 motor 350-350HP, 3.70 gears, 4-speed. The previous ownes added the 80 back end, front spoiler, and painted her black. These were the only decent things they did to her. Someone added a '76 truck motor that was pretty much blown when we bought her (the oil was milk and the lifters were dished). Of course the car dealer had nightmares getting her started so that we could drive her home. Yes, we bought a Vette that we never test drove. My hubby was smitten the first time he saw her sitting in the budget or (junk car) section of our local Ford Dealer (He was looking for a car for our daughter and found her instead.) She was very unhappy there and wanted to come home with us so, after much haggling hubby got to drive her home the day before his birthday. He was bitten by the Vette bug and contracted CORVETTE FEVER.

We put the ZZ3 motor in and cleaned up the entire engine compartment and of course replaced anything that looked worn or abused. One of the previous owners must have thought she was some kind of race car and made her look tacky and trashy adding stickers and junk everywhere. The interior wasn't too bad - the seats were very good the rest we have replaced.

Magic is a compromise for my husband and I - he wants the race or performance car and I wanted a show car. We do have a great time with her, but he is never to take her on the strip. At local shows this past year she has taken 2 first place trophies, 1 second and tied for a third (I was confused about this one since there were only 3 cars arranged in the class - 2 Vettes and a Cobra).

P.S. We belong to the Presque Isle Corvette Club here in Erie, PA.