First Production 1954 Corvette

My grandmother won a 1956 model (First year of the 3 speed manual transmission) from a local dealership (Charleston, W.Va.), through a promotion. My grandmother never drove a single time in her life, and my grandfather had lost his left leg in an industrial accident, some years before. As a result, he couldn't drive the Corvette, so the dealership struck a deal with my grandmother to accept a 1956 Two Ten and a 1956 Belaire, instead of the Corvette. I always heard the story as a kid, but wasn't sure if it was true, until... grandma and grandpa passed back in the 80's, mom in 07' and dad in 2014. While going through papers in the family safe, I came across the original paperwork with all of the details of the contest and the transaction. The contest was a Columbus Day giveaway (Oct. of 1955, new models came out in Sept, back in the day), with the slogan, "Discover the U.S.A. in the all new, redesigned, 1956 Corvette" and the drawing was held at the dealership on... Columbus Day. BTW, my grandmother only put one entry for the contest in the drawing box. The Two Ten and the Belaire are long gone as are most of my family (I'm 66), but the memories are still cherished. I just thought that it was a nice story to share.

Only 1,117 Corvettes have achieved the NCRS Duntov Mark of Excellence Award. He’s restored five to that level. Thank you for your service to the classic car community as well.

Huge amount of respect to Mike when Jay said "We have a real hero here" and he shakes his head no. He like so many other great American Veteran's just believe they were doing what was needed to be done and don't ask any special attention for it. People like this are the best of us. Does nice work also.

"no one has driven it except me" - it's good to be Jay...

“My knees are getting old” Jay - “ok, let’s open up the trunk then”

I can appreciate watching these two getting in that beauty. At 71, they look like me getting in my 350Z. We're not old, we were just born before you :)

Mike: “My parents worked for the federal government when the war broke out.” Jay: “That was the civil war?” Always manages to sneak that quick wit, snarky humor in somewhere. A comic through & through👌🏻

A beautiful restoration, done by a man who truly cares about what he is doing, and how he does it. Bravo.

Great to see Mike on the show again! He really is the Corvette guru!

I love the sound of the engine. I miss the old straight six engines. They were so simple to work on, they started even if half the cylinders weren't firing, they needed only basic maintenance, and you could reach everything under the hood without moving other stuff around. I had a 1980 Ford Fairmont with a straight six. I loved that car. My wife totaled it. I still have her.

I got to meet Jay this past weekend and all I can say as it was an amazing bucket list item that I never would have even considered putting on my bucket list because it would have been pure fantasy. He spent quite a bit of time working on my 1960 corvette, repairing the sunroof, getting her started, and offering great tips. He is an amazing person who listens when you speak, and after just ten minutes I felt like I had been friends with him my entire life. He even signed the car under the hood. I will cherish the car forever.

Nice to see 'the real deal" instead of a resto mod. These old timers are imho, national treasures.

Wow! Restoring a Corvette to this level and flying a F4!

I tune in to Jay's Garage to see and experience various vehicles, but he spoils me w/ guests of such rare caliber. It is a true joy to watch these videos! Thank You Jay!

I've never been a fan of the Corvette, but, there's no denying that this is one beautiful machine.

I'd like to say thank you for your service, Mr McCloskey, my Cousin James McCloskey was a Helicopter pilot in Vietnam, all the family are very proud of him too.

Can't believe he drives right where I live and haven't been able to catch him once. I'm going to have to call off work for a week and maybe catch him driving a car. We get to service his camera crew vehicle. Thanks again Mr. Leno on another great video.

Men like Mike get my utmost respect every minute of every day. A true gentleman and the work he’s put into this beautiful car is mind blowing. Great video.

This is the baby Corvette. It quickly matured from this beautiful beginning into a competitive sports car. It's the longest- running car model on earth; the 70th anniversary is this year!

LOVE this segment...I can relate..two old guys trying to gracefully enter a car too low and small for them. ( I'm 83 and I might get in but it would take crane to get me out) These type of segments are hands down the best....I think