Corvette owners from Illinois return to Janesville

By STAN MILAM   Sunday, April 15, 2012
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— Barb has a husband who has owned Corvettes since he was a teenager. Harley has a wife who loves Corvettes, likes to ride in his convertible and helps out with organizing events for the local Corvette club.

It’s a match made in Corvette heaven.

Harley and Barb Veldhuizen of Elburn, Ill., were in Janesville Saturday for the annual Fox Valley Corvette Club’s annual dinner at the Prime Quarter. Hot steaks and hot cars—it doesn’t get much better.

“Five years ago we came here and really like it,” Barb said. “We’ve been coming back ever since.”

The annual dinner kicks off a season of activities for the club including parades, car shows and other social events.

Of the 200 families in the Batavia, Ill. club, 90 showed up for the dinner in Corvettes of all years and colors.

Harley and Barb brought their 2007 Corvette this year.

“It’s atomic orange, and I really like it the best of all the cars we’ve had,” Barb said.

Harley restores Corvettes and couldn’t resist a “small” modification.

“It’s bone stock except for the supercharger I installed, which kicks up the horsepower to 600,” he said.

It’s spring, and supercharged atomic orange Corvettes are in full bloom.

reader COMMENTS
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(15)
steveknox
Apr 17, 2012 at 9:11 a.m.
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I was driving by, did a double take, turned around and stopped to take pictures. Very cool!

frogger
Apr 17, 2012 at 8:35 a.m.
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buy American- better stop putting fuel in your car and drinking coffee!!

gonfo5
Apr 17, 2012 at 8:21 a.m.
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I would have to agree with you Sigma! I only drive American made cars and will be buying a Ford next since they didn't take any bailout money and still stayed strong making great vehicles. Be American, Buy American. Granted there aren't too many purchases now a days that can be purchased for American goods but buying a vehicle is one of the most expensive and most done purchases that we will make in our life time. I'm sticking with American Made when I can!

Sigma40
Apr 16, 2012 at 4:04 p.m.
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Its funny people will knock others that drive an american icon, yet say nothing about those driving japanese cars, an empire that bombed us and then later ruined us economically.

poorrichard
Apr 16, 2012 at 3:33 p.m.
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gprimer-I had a Corvette when I was 18-My folks put the $100 down payment on it for my high school grad gift. It was a 1960-cost $1200, my payments were $60 a month and my insurance was $50. I made $72 a week. I could afford it because I wanted it.(Took 5 girls to Whitewater from Delavan once-45 years later everytime I get on that road I think about it) That's not ego it's pride and memories.

frogger
Apr 16, 2012 at 3:09 p.m.
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garyprimer- ins is not an issue with a corvette if you have a good driving record.
Yes-true some Corvette cost a lot and used one don't.
YES even a teacher can have a Corvette. I had one when I was younger too and yes I could afford it. A customer thought nose in the air"how can a waitress afford THAT" I worked hard. This is what I spent money on THAT IS HOW b$#%%^#$^!!
If you smoke NO you cannot afford it! If you smoke do you realize you are smoking up a small moderate car payment. Your choice. I chose a cool car and still do to this day. Couldn't pay me now to crawl out of one though. I like SUV stuff.

Sigma40
Apr 16, 2012 at 12:18 p.m.
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Its just a car....Except its not disposable like most stuff they make now. I use one for a daily driver. 1999 Gets 35 mpg on the highway and way cooler than some tin can econocar that doesnt get much better mpg. You can pick up C5's (97-04) pretty cheap now and I think they are better looking than the C6's (05-newer). C4's can be had really dirt cheap (84-96). And prior to that they are also cheap until you get to the chrome bumper cars 73 and older... then the price goes to the moon.

spark
Apr 16, 2012 at 9:50 a.m.
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Depending on the year of popularity, you can get some mid-aged corvettes that need some work done for cheap and the insurance isn't outrageous. Lets remember the vehicle has been around since 1953. That leaves a lot of models that greatly vary in cost and popularity. Some models were not a big hit and the cost of one reflects that.

garyprimer
Apr 16, 2012 at 9:07 a.m.
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How many teenagers do you know that can afford a Corvette,
let alone pay the insurance?
That must have been some paper route!

spark
Apr 16, 2012 at 8:30 a.m.
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It's pathetic how many jealous individuals that obviously live a miserable life, reside in this area. Truly sad. Jealousy is such a terrible trait to have as a human being.

gonfo5
Apr 16, 2012 at 8:11 a.m.
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Really, so because they are pationate about something they like, you say they have no class? Really? How do you know they didn't work hard their entire lives to earn what they have? Why don't you two get off your high horses and look in the mirror at why you are so angry at the world!

zilbel1038
Apr 16, 2012 at 7:56 a.m.
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Jealous much?

orange
Apr 16, 2012 at 7:36 a.m.
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And a whole lot of EGO.

EMMO46
Apr 15, 2012 at 8:47 p.m.
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No class + too much money = Corvette owners

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