Paul Dillon poses proudly next to his 2000 C5 Corvette Coupe.
By Claudio D'Andrea
Just like clockwork, there it was again — that intriguing, magnificent engine roar that I’ve never heard before.
It was 1978. I was 13-years-old, living in our third floor apartment in North Toronto. My family emigrated there from Guyana, South America nine years earlier.
In my family, I was by far the most intrigued and comfortable with the North American culture and lifestyle. Even among those relatives who came here before us. Among my biggest interests, were the incredible North American “muscle” cars of the 70s.
However, on this particular afternoon I heard the rumble of a powerful engine that was both unfamiliar and mesmerizing. It came from the laneway behind our building, which I had a perfect view of from my bedroom window. But I just missed seeing it on this day. For the next few days, I occasionally heard its growling rumble as it moved along the laneway. Although I seemed to always be late in catching a glimpse of this mysterious vehicle, I eventually surmised it came through this way on Tuesdays and Fridays, around 4 p.m.
So, I made a point to hold vigil on the following Tuesday to ensure I finally saw what was making this incredible noise. There it was! This was the most unique looking vehicle I had ever laid my eyes on. It was a cream-coloured Beast, with gorgeous, smooth “humps” over the front wheels instead of traditional fenders. The roof was off, and I could see the top of the head of its owner, wearing dark, large sunglasses. Beside him was the head of shapely blonde, also wearing large, dark sunglasses. I believe I saw her actually twirling her hair as she spoke to him. As it slowly drove out of view, I was further intrigued by its unique rear end. The pair of circular rear lights on each side of the back was another feature this car had, one I've never seen before. (A signature feature of all Corvettes I would later discover). The lines on this vehicle were so sleek and sexy that it truly looked like it was moving 100 mph, even when it was crawling along the laneway, mindful of the other cars and people moving about. The sound I longed to identify seemed to no longer matter as I simply fell in love with this car for its looks alone. I simply had to learn more about it.
So, three days later, I made darn sure I was downstairs by the laneway waiting for this beautiful Beast to arrive once again. I believe I was down there about an hour earlier just to be sure I didn’t miss my opportunity. Like clockwork, I heard it coming down the adjacent street, even before I saw it turn into the laneway. At street level, it was even more beautiful than from the view above. To me, it literally looked like a friendly serpent coming straight at me to say hello despite its powerful, intimidating growl.
As it pulled up beside me, I vividly recall putting my hand out in a stopping gesture like a crossing guard, with a big goofy grin on my face. The driver, who I’ll never forget given the amount of envy I had for him, was dressed in typical ’70s-issued stereotypical men’s wear (jean jacket, jeans, a very wide leather watch band, sporting a small watch, curly shoulder length hair and a porn-star moustache). His pretty girlfriend was also very much in standard issue ’70s ladies’ wear (tight jeans, greenish tie-died top, light brown suede clogs and straight dirty blonde hair).
I asked, “Hey Mister. I love this car. What is it?” He chuckled, undoubtedly with pride and responded, “It’s a Chevy Corvette, man.” He added, “You should get one, one day.”
I noticed the car had no headlights. His response to my query on this literally blew me away. With a grin, without averting his eyes and with no words, he responded by showing me exactly where the headlights resided. Out of nowhere, there they were. I don’t recall my reaction, but it must have been something as the two of them laughed out loud. Until that moment, I had never seen lights appear and disappear into the body of a vehicle. This, I thought, truly was a unique and desirable Beast.
As I stood there drooling, he slowly drove off. As he did so, he was now the one sporting a big goofy grin on his face. (A look I would come to truly understand — and would sport again myself, many years later). His girlfriend gave me a wave and said, “Bye.”
And, that was it. I was hooked. Right at that moment, right on that spot, I recall promising myself I would one day own a Chevy Corvette.
For the next 32 years, through the ups and downs life inevitably throws at us all, without ever wavering, I was determined to fulfill that dream … one day. During this time, my fascination for Corvettes never waned. I became intimately knowledgeable about its history, features, body-stylings, engine types, etc. In fact, I don’t think it would be an exaggeration for me to have stated out loud, “I’m getting a Corvette one day” a minimum of five times a year, for each of those 32 years!
Well, that day came in August 2010, shortly after I turned 45. After months of searching for the right one, I landed on a gorgeous 2000 C5 Coupe in “Lemans” blue, with all of the features I was looking for, (including the magically 'appearing and disappearing' headlights). All at the right price. It was for sale at a GM dealership in Kitchener, Ontario selling on behalf of its current owner.
The drive from Toronto seemed excruciatingly long. Not for traffic or anything other than my eagerness and impatience in getting there to trade my certified cheque for the keys to my new Beast.
Words barely describe the feelings I experienced on the mercifully lengthy drive home with my new baby. I actually shed some tears on that drive. Just a couple of weeks after that first drive home, my fiancée Joan and I drove my new (used) Corvette to my old neighbourhood. I specifically drove the route my denim-clad inspiration took during that very poignant time in my life. I then stopped right where I first encountered the Beast up close and turned off the engine. This happened to also be where I had a clear view from my third floor bedroom window. Time seemed to have stood still as I relished the moment of fulfilling my childhood dream, right on the spot where I promised myself I would do so. Both then and now, I feel so fortunate for being able to fulfill my dream. Not many people get to do this. I don’t take this for granted. I am so grateful.
My decision to fulfill this dream came during a very sad and dark time. My sister in-law Cathy was unfortunately diagnosed with brain cancer and died very shortly after. It was devastating for us all — she left this earth much too soon. Like most people during these terrible times, I reflected on how short life truly is. I recalled Cathy being the one who, for some reason, truly knew just how much I loved Corvettes and longed for one. I vividly recalled her telling me on more than one occasion to, “Just go get one already.”
Since purchasing my Corvette, I’ve made a few modifications which include the addition of a Vararam power duct, LG Headers, Magnaflow cat-back system, Z06 rear brake ducts and custom interior upgrades. However, none of these are more special and meaningful to me and my appreciation for what I have in life, even beyond owning the Corvette, than the special tribute I had embroidered on the armrest of my new interior. It proudly proclaims, “Inspired by Cathy Ciglic, 1960 – 2010.” She was the inspiration for me to “go get one already.”
She’s now with us on every ride in The Beast. Thank you Cathy, I’m so grateful. We miss you so very much.
The armrest of the Corvette was embroidered with a tribute to Paul Dillon’s sister-in-law Cathy Ciglic who inspired him to “go get one already.”
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