Let’s paint a quick mental picture – you’re tooling down the road in your Chevy Corvette when you happen to cross paths with another Corvette driver. What’s the protocol? If you happen to own an example from the first seven generations, the answer should be obvious – the “Corvette Salute,” of course. Maybe it’s a thumbs-up, or a little wave, or a flash of the headlights. Whatever your Salute of choice may be, the protocol is simple – acknowledge your fellow Corvette driver. That said, it appears as though new Corvette C8 owners didn’t get the memo.
For those readers out there who don’t own an example of America’s Sports Car, the Corvette Salute might seem a bit silly, perhaps even juvenile. However, for owners, this is just simply what’s done. Corvette ownership grants entry to a special community of enthusiasts that bridges race and creed, bringing together folks that love the iconic Chevy nameplate. That’s all there is to it. It doesn’t matter who’s driving it – if its got that crossed flag badge on it, that’s all it takes to be a part of the club.
That said, GM Authority has received several reports from readers that Corvette C8 owners are refusing to give the Corvette Salute.
“It seems that C8 owners don’t know the Corvette Salute that owners been doing for years and decades,” writes Chuck W. “Have now come across a few on the street and they’re oblivious.”
“Corvette C8 owners don’t say ‘hi’ on the street,” writes E. Pearlman. “Do they think my C6 ZR1 isn’t worthy or maybe they just don’t know that us Corvette people greet each other on the road.”
Even our own Executive Editor, Alex Luft, has had a similar experience. Luft’s time behind the wheel of the Chevy Corvette dates back years and years, most recently with his own personal C7 Chevy Corvette Grand Sport, and he’s always received (and reciprocated) the Corvette Salute.
“Ever since I’ve become a Corvette man, it has always been great to salute and be saluted. It’s like you’re part of this big extended family with whom you share a unique bond,” Luft says. “But ever since the C8 has started to rise in popularity, attracting a new customer, the salutes from the mid-engine cars have become non-existent.”
The reason why Corvette C8 owners refuse to give the Corvette Salute remains unclear. Perhaps the new generation of Corvette owners simply don’t know the protocol. Or maybe the whole thing is just an outdated tradition.
One thing is for sure, the Corvette C8 is definitely attracting a new kind of customer. In fact, according to GM North America Vice President Steve Hill, the new C8 is attracting younger buyers, doubling among Gen X customers as compared to the C7, and wealthier buyers as well, with a $76,000 increase in median household income. Additionally, most C8 customers are new to the Chevy brand.
Let us know what you think by voting in the poll below and posting in the comments. In the meantime, subscribe to GM Authority for more mid-engine Corvette news, Corvette C8 news, Corvette news, Chevrolet news, and 24/7 GM news coverage.
Comments
Sorry no wave here.
Next thing you will find rubber ducks on your car like Jeep.
Before I purchased my vette, the first thing I did was read about the history and the culture surrounding the iconic automobile. The Does and Don’ts as a Vette owner. It felt special to belong to group of owners that took pride in ownership. The “V” is simply a welcome to the club you have arrived acknowledgement. Maybe GM needs to include it in the purchase package. New owners take the time to learn the Vette culture before writing the check…Lets preserve it for future generations ✌🏼
OMG this is pretentious thinking JUST IGNORANT
Do and Don’ts of Vette owners. ROFLMAO!!!!!!!!
Preserve being pretentious for future generations?!?!?
this thinking leads to “counter culture” thinking and that is why we have so much division in this country today and why there is such a HUGE counter culture in America today!!!
People are tired of these old pretentious values that divide the classes and America values.
IT IS A CAR TO GET YOU FROM POINT A TO POINT B !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
And this is the trophy for everyone society we live in. Oh you may hurt my feeling because you have a car with a culture attached. These are the same types that vandalize Teslas because they assume a Tesla driver is pretencious. I will continue to wave to my fellow Vette owners…and those that know …know! And if you ever want to own something with a history and culture attached to it……WORK FOR IT LIKE WE ALL DID!!
“It is a car to get you from point A to point B”….spoken like a true 2012 Toyota Camry owner. We live in a county where people proudly display their ignorance with giant flags emblazoned with various messages of hate on their gas-sucking lifted pickups (while whining about gas prices) and stickers of poor Calvin peeing on various car brand logos and politician names and big NRA stickers to exclaim to the world that their $300 weapon they bought at the local Walmart makes them more of a man….and drivers of a particular sports car waving at each other bothers you? Run along and clip your coupons so you can save 4 cents a gallon on your next fill up at the grocery store gas station….and if you want to wave to fellow coupon clippers, more power to you.
F-J-B
F Vicarod
Brandon…is that you?
Aw sweety, why would your President be on this forum…even though he is cool enough to have a nice Vette.
Aww Vicki…..show us on the doll where your President hurt you. pus.
If your purpose forr purchasing a car was to get from point a to point b you would not have bought a vette. Better not wave to your neighbors either right. Owning a vette is an experience, if you want to lessen that experience by being the putts that doesn’t acknowledge other vette owners go ahead it gives the rest of us someone to talk about. Good conversation starter.
bwahahahaha! I am buying a car, not marrying vette folks…. no need to if you don’t want to, just enjoy the fake Ferrari. Its so lame to “make sure you know tradition” bwahahahahaha!
Well Sally, I hate to break it to ya, but your Camry is no Mercedes, even though your mom tells you it is sporty.
Well this opened up a can of worms, got to be a record for comments. My 1st Vette was 67 – 427/435 that I bought in 1968. I presently have 3 Vetts C2 – C6 & 2022 C8. I have been doing the wave for over 50 years. Except for Corvette’s at Carlisle I don’t get tired of it. Now, I am not talking about the beauty queen wave elbow, elbow, wrist, wrist. Just a little non enthusiastic raise of the hand that acknowledges the on coming Vette. If you are out for a drive what, you may see 5 or 6? It’s no big if they don’t wave back.
Well said buddy…
Great input!
You are the very reason why Corvette owners have a stereotype, act like a normal person
Sorry you don’t appreciate or enjoy having something that is different than most. Like the person who buys a Sporster Harley rather than a Fat Boy. It’s just acknowledging another like-minded person. Why not drive a Camrey if you see nothing special.
Juvenile indeed.
I’ve seen a lot of different recognition signals from ‘Vette owners through the years (got my first one in’72). Maybe because the C8 looks like a high end european sports car some of the rich people who buy them feel they’re better than the rest of us. I’ll just continue to drive our C6 and wave. Nobody should feel forced to return a friendly greeting.
Agree….but these people that overpayed by tens of thousands of dollars for their C8 may feel less “special” when the Z06 and E-Ray come out and blow the doors off of their new “Corvettes” (in name only)….then perhaps they’ll wave to us lowlife C6 and C7 drivers.
The same thing happened when the c5 came out.It appeared that they felt they were better than the previous generations.Thankfully they began to wave and realize that we are a big family and waving is nice but also makes you feel you belong!!!
Stuck up LOSER
I ride motorcycles also and the salute means something. You have the right not to wave, we live in America.
God bless,
future C8 Z06 or ZR1 owner.
I give the “V” wave to other Corvette owners even while riding my Ducati. BTW…I wave at ALL motorcycle riders!
The Jeep wave appears to be dying out, as well.
Most D’ette owners get the one finger salute when they cutoff people in traffic 😉 🤬😉..
For over 30 years I drove motorcycles 5 of which were the Harley Davidson brand. Just about all of the time when a motorcyclist driving on the other side of the road, the low hand wave was given and received. It never mattered brand or model of your motorcycle. Those of us who own Corvettes do it as well. It’s just a friendly wave of acknowledgement.
The motorcycle wave and any other car wave is unnecessary and people should not have to feel pressure to do anything back. When I rode a bike it was annoying and exhausting every time another rider waved to you.
Honestly, who cares? Why should you feel compelled to wave? There is no rule.
Saying “please” and “thank you” is also unnecessary, and you may find it to be annoying and exhausting, but you should still feel compelled to say “please” and “thank you”… and give the Corvette salute .
Excellent reply.
Saying please and thank you is being courteous and has nothing to do with cars.
You are being pretentious
Having unwritten rules to judge others bye is really stupid behavior.
Your Mom and Dad should have taught you to be courteous, who teaches you about silly rules like “vette salutes”. ROFLMAO!!!!
What if you simply do not know about this un written rule?? you think the person is bad because of it??? seriously ignorant thinking
Craig, simply dumb comment. Apples and grenades. Stay in your lane.
This tread has been running for what 4/5 days now going all over the place. Let’s face it there a whole lot of different Vettes out there with all types of owners. For many this something that they dreamed about and worked hard to get. It has also created a billion $ industry to support it. I don’t care what year or what “C” series it is it means something different to each. I met a young couple at a car show with a mid 80’s Corvette that was a little rough. But they were telling me what they have done to it and what there plans were for the future. Is this not what we want to protect ?
Excellent point Peter! Very well appreciated!
And this ladies and gentlemen this is the reason why we have disrespectful children growing up. No respect for anything. It’s not a rule, but it is common curtesy, something I see your parents didn’t teach you!
Exhausting??? Ha, ok! I bet you get really exhausted then just getting up from your computer down in your parents basement to get a bag of Doritos.
I don’t have to waive to you and then not the other car owner simply because we drive the same make and model. Completely silly and nothing to do with how you are raised or having common courtesy.
Are you waiving to every car you drive by simply because they drive a car? Childish.
bro you are lecturing others about manners while making fun of him, how do you know he lives in a basement? This is why I dont give a fk for saluting anyone i dont know, just cuz we drive the same car, if i am in a happy mood and the other person seems nice, i will wave regardless of car and brand…. this cliquish behaviour is elitist and wrong and annoying, you should wave at everyone then, why just rich vette owners…. geez the stupidity, you people nit pick everything, i wont wave, sue me….
LMAO “rich Vette owners”….so Sally, you obviously don’t own a Vette, because nobody that has one would say “rich Vette owners”…so, why are you here trolling? Nobody cares if you wave….funny that you wave from your Camry to total strangers in other random cars when you’re in a good mood…..that’s not creepy at all……..I DO agree with you that the premise of some sort of odd requirement to wave is stupid though.
Your generation ruined the country for those younger people, please excuse them if they don’t want to wave to you in your base C6
You my friend TNTSilverado are hilarious! Very well spoken words.
Above comment is from an angry, unimportant, sadsack of a little man/ woman.
Translation: “whaah, you don’t like my D’rocket, the salesmen said I’ll look 30 years younger in it..” 😉🚀 😉
Awww Guestt…I bet the salesman told you that the 12 year old Cavalier he sold you was gonna make you get all the chicks because it was red. Salesman lie….and most Corvette drivers don’t buy cars to look younger. I bought my first one at 23….didn’t really want to look younger.
I’m sure your ’69 Vette you bought new when you were 23 made you feel “groovy” after your forced Nam deployment…
I’d wish they can offer the new Cavalier here…
Aw sweetheart, my first Vette, at 23 was an ’84. I wish it was a ’69 lol. Fun trolling a troll like you, but you’re simply not witty enough to bother with. Bubeye.
KaBoom go the Boomer…. 💥
He’s just a troll ignore him.
Or hang a VP….
Hey Guestt…..tell everyone you can’t afford a decent car without telling everyone you can’t afford a decent car. Bet you also thing people that cut their lawns in front of their nice houses are D’s too…..”look at that jerk, cutting his lawn like he’s some sort of millionaire”.
Lol, you’d be surprised what I can afford, I just don’t get the logic of getting excited for a impractical sports car where the rest of the Chevy (and GM) car line-up is lacking or GM trying to import every car from China, even if it’s profitable to be built here..
“you’d be surprised what I can afford”…sooo, shockingly low huh? Go cut your dad’s lawn.
I let my landscaper cut my lawn, his name is Bill uh, waita minute, get back to work!…
I haven’t noticed it dying out at all, a lot more
Jeep owners do the waive than Corvette
owners. I have a new mid engine and the other
Corvette drivers seem confused like they don’t
recognize it as a Corvette.
LOL….calling your bluff. Who calls their Corvette “a new mid engine” and not simply a C8….and if you think ANY Corvette owners don’t recognize a C8, you showed your hand.
Chevy Volt owners also have a simple salute: two fingers making a “V”.
Although some Volt drivers forget the second finger.
Troll ! How much did this one earn you ? You never miss a chance to get paid by the EV lobby do you ?
So says someone whose ancestors were among the “GET A HORSE!” people.
H
Uh oh…looks like Billy is threatened by EV’s…sorry Billy, about 15 years from now you’ll be searching apps to find the nearest gas station while EV owners will be able to top off at most any corner station. And yeah, I own a gas-sucking Corvette and 2 SUVs right now…but fail to understand why some people are so threatened by progress.
Change is the only certainty. While I love my C8 I will wait for the E-Ray versus the Z06. 4 wheel steering and 4 wheel drive! What’s not to love.
Only makes sense to acknowledge someone because you appreciate them, their actions,… or their car.
With the numerous cars on the road and the need to pay attention to your own safe driving, that is an extreme expectation from seemingly needy people. Waving at EVERY Corvette you see is like giving a standing ovation to every performance you ever attend. It minimizes the impact of your acknowledgement.
Are these the same people who still confuse all their childhood awards for “participating” with awards for “winning” at something?
Sounds more like a few overly vocal owners of older Corvettes being jealous of the few who have managed to score a C8 thus far. When a few thousand more C8s hit the roads, this will most likely be a “long ago” non-issue instead of a “current” non-issue.
Nope. Knowing you are a part of a larger club, just through ownership goes a long way. And if ever in need, that Corvette owner is just a freind you have not met yet.
The brand is now stronger than ever.
In 1968, I purchased my first ‘Vette – a 1963 convertible w/340 H.P. 327 (solid lifters) & 4 – SPD tranny and “real” knock-off aluminum wheels. Our family owned a Buick dealership, so I had access to a shop to work on the car. From the first day of driving, I picked up on the “Corvette “SALUTE!”
In 1974, I purchased a used ’71 T-Top with 454 ‘Big Block’ w/TH-400 auto. It also had side “factory exhausts” from the 427 engine. This car was a “Cop Magnet!” I was driving back from Ft. Pierce, FL going back home in West Palm Beach area. I was the ONLY car going 55 MPH on US 1 – and a local sheriff deputy had been following me for about 10 miles – all other vehicles were passing me! I finally saw an abandoned gas station, pulled off the highway and stopped; he pulled in behind me w/blue light flashing. He stated that all he had to do was follow me and I would do something wrong!
Later, my wife and I decided to drive over to Palm Beach via the downtown West Palm Beach access bridge around 9 o’clock in the evening. We pulled into a large well-lit parking lot to review a map for the route we wanted to access the Lake Worth Bridge. Within 2 minutes of stopping the car, a City of Palm Beach policeman drove over to where I had stopped and turned on his blue light. He noted that I had a Palm Beach County tag and verified that I was a resident of Palm Beach County. He stated that “We do not like that kind of car in Pam Beach, and I needed to get back of the street, point my car west and go back to West Palm Beach!”
We also sold the Triumph TR-3 and the TR-4 later – their owners also gave a “salute” as well!
LOL…so, you think C6 and C7 owners are “jealous” of C8 owners? Nope….in reality many C6 and C7 owners are laughing at C8 owners because they are paying tens of thousands of dollars over sticker for a car that will drop in value like a rock once Z06’s are being cranked out of the factory as fast as they can make them. a 2021 base model C8 will be as appreciated as a 1984 Corvette was in 1985…old news. I remember getting a flyer in the mail in 1990 from my local Chevy dealer that got one of the first shipments of ZR-1’s….it said “bidding will start at $10,000 over MSRP”. Four months later I got a flyer from them saying “ZR-1 for $4000 under MSRP”…for the same red on red ZR-1 that nobody bid on. You want to feel special because you were the first person in your town to have a C8 and you love the C8?…great. You want to feel special because you think you have something others can’t afford and they’re “jealous”?…wait a few months and see.
Paid list for my C8. Stop stereotyping in order to justify your current preferred Vette. Ownership is not a C-# contest.
If you paid list for your C8, then you should really sell it and pocket the big profit while waiting for a Z06. I know a guy that bought a C8, decided a few hundred miles later that he wanted to wait for the Z06 and sold it for a $20,000 profit. He now is on the list after ordering 2 Z06’s….one to drive and one to sell for more than he paid. It’s not me creating the stereotype, it is the dirtbag dealers jacking up the prices…but it seems society, in the US anyways, has gotten like that with everything now…teens on waiting lists for PS5’s a couple years ago and people trying to sell them on ebay for $300 over MSRP.
Supply/demand has always been a thing, but it is now out of control. Have fun in your C8.
I’ll take my 62 over any c8 any day.
And I’m sure countless folks waiting in line for their C8s appreciate that. 😀
OK. Looks like the thumb-downers here on my post think we should all wave at every Vette on tje face of the earth. My disabled post surgery left hand and right elbow say otherwise. Give it a rest you needy people. My psych degree tells me you all have significant self esteem issues, seeking, no, DEMANDING, validation from total stangers under the guide of “ socially accepted traditional politeness”
Yup….I’ve always thought the “wave” was juvenile and a bit pathetic, just like the low hand wave motorcycle riders give each other in an attempt to look cool and badass. I do wave if waved to, but only initiate a wave if I have eye contact with the other vette driver.
Its Respect and Hello to another Corvette Lover. Because we love all Corvettes, no matter the year. Except the ‘83.
Increasingly, there are those in America that reject American culture and many traditions…there’s a variety of reasons which is just too much to dig into here, but these ppl want to change everything. This said, I find it sad…while of course, we need to progress, that shouldn’t mean destructing all we know and giving up little things like this.
You don’t have to initiate it, but why not reciprocate? It’s friendliness…isn’t that something we’d want to spread around?
Maybe I’m wrong…maybe Corvette owners are simply becoming just as oblivious-while-driving as most others on the road these days.
I think people are increasingly rejecting American culture because of things like “Vette ” salutes
Unwritten pretentious values you can judge others bye who may not even know they exist?!?!
read some of the posts here, listen to how pretentious some sound, thinking a vette salute is somehow a god given right practically.
Americans are extremely pretentious and have been for many decades because of
“American Exceptionalism”. We think we are so damn cool and the current generation are tired of the pressures of living up to these high expectations.
If we are so cool, why are so many of the products we buy made in China??? we are just a consumer based society who thinks they are better than the world and that is simply a lie.
We all put our pants on one leg at a time
MIC DROP! While I love my Corvette, I hear ya and agree. It’s kinda funny that, as I have traveled all over the world, to places like Australia and NZ, up until 2016 we weren’t really hated and laughed at as a Country…but the same people in the same places I have gone went from googly-eyed “I just met a celebrity” looks when I told them I was from the USA to trying to hide smirks and laughing after 2016. The funny part is, the event in 2016 that led to this change was supposed to cause the opposite. It was supposed to make people suddenly respect and adore the USA..but we turned into a worldwide laughing stock. So you are correct, acting like the Vette wave is some sort of requirement (and yes, I do it most of the time and always reciprocate) is the most American thing I have heard. We love our “freedoms” so much, but then whine when someone practices the freedom to not wave. smfh
Increasingly, there are those in America that reject American culture and many traditions…there’s a variety of reasons which is just too much to dig into here, but these ppl want to change everything. This said, I find it sad…while of course, we need to progress, that shouldn’t mean destructing all we know and giving up little things like this.
You don’t have to initiate it, but why not reciprocate? It’s friendliness…isn’t that something we’d want to spread around?
Maybe I’m wrong…maybe Corvette owners are simply becoming just as oblivious-while-driving as most others on the road these days.
Finger / hand signals can be so easily misinterpreted nowadays. Especially from a distance, and when moving. And possibly result in unintended consequences.
I gave a buddy of mine the “OK” sign at a baseball game once after he stole third, and some woman behind me called me a Nazi and claimed I made a “white power” sign.
I had no clue what the hell she was talking about.
It’s a Chevy,that’s all please nothing special.
Way more special than a fod or WV. The corvette is a car that’s faster than European examples and doesn’t require you to be in a high social class to purchase. That alone is special
To drive one, is to know one. Interesting to note that is not a single year or model of Corvette that is considered undesirable. Amazing. And every one I have ever driven is a blast to drive. They are all great.
Lower your nose and disinflate your head and … Happy motoring
Like any other car indeed. However, the Vette culture is unique to the brand…participate or not, the culture remains.
A funny story, but this has also become an issue with the bikes!
Actually, every motorcycle says hello to every motorcycle, but there are exceptions here too! Motorcycles with expensive bikes, which are usually only leased, do not greet motorcycles with simple motorcycles.
These negative examples are Harleys, BMW R18 and GS and K1600 models.
Well, I don’t care, because I’ve been riding motorcycles for a long time and currently since 2010 a BMW S1000RR, Kawasaki GPZ 750 Turbo and the oldie DKW RT175 from my parents.
So you see the supposed “new rich” believe they are the “elite” and yet these people are poor spirits who are poor, because a leased motorcycle always belongs to the dealer!
Only these stupid people believe something that US doesn’t care about!
You have to wave its a sign of pride of ownership
Owned a ’94 Z07 Admiral metallic blue. And from day one any and every time I passed another Corvette the hand went up . At that time I was one of less than 1,000,000 in total produced. Not sure of total production #s now but still driving owning or just riding in a Corvette is fun so acknowledge the others enjoying their turn at the wheel.
I always have waved when I see (operative word) another Corvette. Sometimes traffic conditions makes it easy to not see another Vetter. It’s not a snub. My 67 was a blast but my new C8 is outstanding!
14 year old, basement-dwelling, neckbeard present and accounted for.
My hypothesis:
The C8 has brought in first time Corvette buyers that aren’t familiar with the “Corvette Wave”.
I own a C7 GS and I always get a wave from other Vette owners, regardless of year.
Yer fired bud, you didn’t follow proto.
Yes I have a C8 and I sometimes wonder if people don’t know its a Corvette. Because the look is so much different than past generations. Our Corvette club saying is Save the wave, that’s what our Club president puts on all his emails. I drive a older CJ and the new people driving Jk’s and what not don’t always wave either. People just aren’t as nice as in the past or as cool as old school folks.
Heck I even hold the door for a lady and tell her she looks nice today and we know that’s not always politically correct .Nothing wrong with old ,the America we need to get back to.
Class act Tom. Good Post.
SAVE the WAVE!
I have been a long time Corvette fan, have owned 9 different Corvettes since 1968. I have always give a wave to on coming Corvette’s. I just picked up my new 2022 C8, ( white Z51 with red interior that I ordered in Nov. 2020). I tell you; it is a marvel in engineering and quality. As everyone says it’s fast as hell and drives like it is on rails. Whats funny is I also have a 64 Coupe white with red interior it seems everyone waves at me? I hope the WAVE never gets lost;
For months I (C8) waved at other Corvettes and they did not wave back. I finally realized they didn’t know it was a vette (probably until they saw the rear end then it was too late)
Yep, found that to be true for the most part. C8 is a turning point in many ways, not only for Corvette but for the people buying them. Time marches on. I’m just glad I got to experience the Corvette for what it was during my lifetime. Born in 1957 I’ve grown up with a great generation of Corvette owners… and I’ve had seven of them.
I have owned Many Corvettes and the nod has always been tradition, but recently I have noticed this disappearance. However opposite, it’s a no nod to my C8, and I agree with earlier statement of perhaps fellow corvette drivers are still getting familiar with the new C8 body style.
Whatever reason the corvette nod doesn’t come back, I will still send you a salute and admire your Vette what ever C? It is.
Enjoy your ride whatever it is… Vette, Jeep, Harley, Hardly Davidson, and Classics.
I usually give a quick flash of the high-beams, because my windows are tinted, and I usually can’t be seen thru the side windows. I enjoy the salute.
So YOU’RE the one blinding me all the time!
We sadly live in a society as to where people are focused on themselves and their mobile devices rather than their surroundings, it’s the same as going to the store and you don’t get a simple “Hello” from some of the people you may walk by.
I can’t believe what becomes an issue for people. With so much going on in today’s world, I wish my worry was why someone didn’t wave back.
Older Porsches always flash their lights – most of the new ones driven by dentists and Lawyers are leased and don’t , but the 2nd owners will. I just Ignore the newbes and hope they will eventually catch on. Part of the problem is that both Porsches and Corvettes used to be produced in much smaller numbers than they are now. When I bought my first Porsche they sold 4,000 cars a year.
My first experience with being recognized in my Corvette was 1980 , and I was pleased that every other Vette driver waved. Then it was explained to me. And just like the brotherhood of motorcycle riders, who flash a sign low if road clear of cops ahead, or tap the top of our helmet if a cop is waiting down the road. Corvette owners who are in the know and love the cars wave. I am in two Nationally sactioned Corvette Clubs, so we know about cars, community, and kinship by being an owner of the brand. The Corvette is special. And I hope over time, those new owners will learn to wave to others.
Yet, more people walk away from Corvette accidents. And this new gen is amazingly safe.
I don’t think those giving a one fingered salute are careless EV drivers. They are ICE drivers that cannot accept the inevitable, the automotive equivalent of the Industrial Revolution’s “Luddites.” They seem to salute all EVs that way but appear to be specially energetic when they salute a Tesla.
I’m in the unique position to own both a C8 and a Tesla and they are both great cars. I’ll hang on to the Vette to hear that old fashioned sound of a big V8 but no doubt it will eventually be replaced by and electric version.
For the most part,People aren’t very nice anymore.
I’m 77 and just bought a 2022 Stingray but I have owned other older cars as well,i.e., Morgan, Griffith, Bentley etc. and I flash anyone with a wonderful old buggy. No need to be tribal.
The only Corvettes I ever liked were the C2’s before I bought my C8. I’ll wave to C2’s and C8’s.
It could be a change in the type of person buying. Or it could be another change in social behavior…I don’t care about anyone except myself type of person. I have been around hotrods and driving long enough to see a big change in the car/hotrod/performance car culture. At one time in small town America, if you had a hot rod and saw another hotrod, there was a good chance you knew the other guy. Birds of a feather and all that. Then there was a time if you were driving a Vette, trans am, or other performance car and another person passed by in the same vehicle, you would acknowledge each other. And it was because you felt like, hey man, they get it. They feel the need for speed too…lol. Chances were they were a gearhead just like you. Then came the “status” people. They don’t go to the races, hell they probably don’t know what channel MAVTV is, and most likely could not even tell you what a spark plug looks like. Ninety nine percent don’t even raise the hood. Point is, a large percentage are not car guys/ gear heads. And I am willing to bet will never scratch the surface of performance these cars have They just want the status of owning a corvette. Couple that with the “all about me” generations, and the ole wave is going extinct.
I always have waved when I see (operative word) another Corvette. Sometimes traffic conditions makes it easy to not see another Vetter. It’s not a snub. My 67 was a blast but my new C8 is outstanding!
Maybe “the Vette wave” has subsided with the C8 because it is a very mean machine with evil lines. No more Mr. Nice guy.
With all the crazy drivers pulling out in front of traffic, I watch for them, not another Corvette.
They are busy TEXTING. Ann charging the other phone📖
They are busy TEXTING. And charging the other phone📖
I Love all Corvette’s, have since my first ride in a 1957 Fuelie as a 15 year old. Have been driving Corvette’s for Decades, even went so far as to wait 1 1/2 years for my 2020 C8 came in, never waited that long for any car/truck in my life but it was well worth it. I do Wave, or flash my headlights to all Corvette’s but find many Corvette drivers do not return my wave. I’ve had everything from Mustangs, Camaros, Challengers, Jeeps, even pickup trucks wave back, or thumbs up.
First thought is some don’t realize it’s a Corvette with the new mid engine design, could this be possible? Just asking, very curious other Vette owners don’t know what a C8 looks like. I own an Accelerate Yellow Z51 with the high wing, very hard to miss, just ask all the cops in my area, believe me they all know my Vette. It’s the only one like it that I’ve seen within a 100 mile radius of my home that I know of. “Born in the USA”
The Harley gang also have their friendly acknowledgements.
Some motor vehicle bad actors give a moon salute.
There’s snobbery along with the camaraderie in the motorcycle community as well. If I’m on the BMW, many Harley Riders will not return the “wave”. If I’m riding the Harley – I get a wave from virtually all other motorcycle riders – including those on Harleys.
TopGun: I agree and I ride an H-D Streetglide. I see it both ways, I’ve had Beemer’s , Triumphs, even a few Crotch Rockets ignore me and I have friends that ride all of the above. Most a lot faster than my Streetglide, just not as comfortable 🤫
Last year and (so far) this year I’ve had Corvette driver’s not return the wave, I’m thinking many new Corvette owners either don’t know the C8 is a Corvette yet, or don’t know about the Wave? There’s still Hope…
Looking at this positively, don’t want to bad mouth anyone unless they deserve it. Especially don’t want to say anything bad about any New Too Corvette owners’, in time I hope they too will “Save the Wave”, getting the wave (or flashing headlights) I’m use to for so money generation.
I’ve owned Corvette’s for many decades and love them all, even those 165hp Vette’s 😁
Bought my first new Vette in 1966, when there were under 10 in my town, we all waved. Now eight Vettes later I have a C-8 and still wave at “any” Vette I encounter on the road. To each their own but why not keep a cool tradition going?
Here in good old sunny SoCal, the “wave tradition” is alive and well…except for those new C8 owners who’ve never owned a Corvette before, and there are many of them as this new generation of Corvette has been not only popular with previous Corvette owners but has acquired new owners who have traded in their previous “Non Corvette” vehicle for a new one!
At our local Cars & Coffee events, it’s interesting as most of the earlier generation of Corvette owners like to park together but lately I see some of the C8 owners park in a different location, unless you’re a previous Corvette owner…when asked if they’d like to come join our us, the new C8 owners say they had no idea that there was such a strong Corvette ownership among all Corvette owners and most happily join the group, but a few smile and refuse saying that they prefer to park in various locations with friends or just to be singled out or, well…it’s just their prerogative I guess.
No problem either way, at times I also park my Corvette near or with the group, but come later and you will be parking where ever there is room…the Corvette contingency has grown and that’s nice to see too.
I’ve spoken to other ‘Vette owners, just to get their opinions about the “wave” or signaling respect or acknowledgement by other Corvette owners and most agree it’s a pretty cool thing to do and yes, the newest C8 (non previous Corvette owners) should be at least be told that most Corvette owners seem to like the acknowledgement with a wave, horn honk (just a light tap will do, thank you) or as on my current C5…a flip of the headlights up & down works too.
Oh well…it is what it is, but I do believe that’s it’s been a “tradition among Corvette owners” and I’m for continuing that timely tradition but I also believe that we earlier generation Corvette owners have to “spread the word” and not always feel that if we’re not being acknowledged back by a C8 owner, to take it personal, sometimes, they honestly have no idea what a really fun tradition this is and has been for along, long time. That said “Save The Wave” and enjoy your Corvette and keep on acknowledging other Corvette owners…it’s a good feeling that has a lot of tradition behind it.
Hey, it’s not just Vette drivers. Street rodders wave . . . motorcyclists ditto . . . even boaters passing on the lake acknowledge each other. It is just what is done in a polite society. If you are not proper or polite – feel free to not wave.
My first vette was a C7 and I thought it was fast, but when I got into my C8, that I only paid window sticker for, I was blown away. Three weeks ago I shut down my first Lambo, with a car I only paid 1/5 the cost of the Lambo. If I see you out there I’ll give you a wave.
I have a C5 Corvette and an Indian motorcycle. I wave at all drivers and riders. There are a thousand reasons why someone doesn’t wave back, but I don’t concern myself about why! Life’s too short.
I had a Corvette in 1957 and we would salute to all sport cars and get a salute back but that went away when the car numbers increased. Now with my C8 I do salute to all Vets I pass but miss a few unintentionally. Not because of identification but because I have my eyes on the road, not IDing every car I pass. I will continual to salute even if I get no salute back.
I am new to Corvette culture. Thanks for advising of the protocol.
Welcome to the club✌🏻
Laugh if you’d like but I’ve found there is a signal, similar to a wave, with a 2000 VW Beetle. It changes if you have a convertible, sunroof or hardtop. Mine’s a Sunday car so I didn’t learn it ’til late.
Used to be we waved at anyone with the good taste to be driving a 2 seater. Then, acknowledgement became more marque specific. In my personal case, I’m too ignorant to recognize the earlier ‘vettes until they have passed me by .
I am a C8 owner. Based on the thumbs up/down response to my prior comment above, why would I ever want to acknowledge people who seem to expect and demand my validation in order to satisfy their own egos?
I am a polite, respectful individual. I see thousands of people every day. Were I to wave at each and every one, I would have no time for work, play or sleep.
Waving is an OPTION in life. Stop assuming people dislike you when they don’t wave. Maybe they didn’t even see you. Or… maybe they dislike you because you are demanding some “status recognition” by a total stranger. And disparaging those who don’t help boost your low self esteem.
This is an asinine subject. Waiving to another owner of the same car is stupid. If it were an extremely rare vehicle I could possibly see it. But there are so so many vettes on the road you spend way too much time trying to “keep up” with the the moronic waves. (Same stupid thing when I drive my Harley). Just drive your damn sports car and enjoy it.
Ya don’t “drive” a Harley, ya “ride” it…
LOL
Another unimportant, sorry little sadsack comment.
I got my first Corvette in 2006. I soon noticed while out driving that I would get a wave from other Corvette drivers. I had no clue at first. I couldn’t understand why someone would just randomly wave at me. Then I mentioned it to the driver of another Corvette where I was parked at the grocery and finally understood that it was a “Vette” thing and that it was a “salute”. After that, I began waving myself and happily returning the wave. 10 years later I sold my Corvette and got a truck. Driving down the road the next day I saw a Corvette and I almost waved! That Vette Salute became something I had to learn NOT to do and as silly as it sounds, I kinda missed the wave almost as much as the car. We’re getting a C8 soon and I am ready to go back to that wave~!
I haven’t gotten a wave nor done one to other Camaro drivers. Most of the time I see them on the road, I’m in my daily driver.
I live in Western Canada and find this to be a common issue among Corvette owners, no matter what generation. I ordered my first Corvette at age 54. I soon learned that many people consider Corvette owners to be ***holes. I’ve been called one three times now. Unprovoked. But I soon learned that so many Corvette owners actually are. They’re snobs and stuck up. There appears to be no camaraderie. They don’t wave. They don’t talk when you approach them to ask about their cars. I even attended an all Corvette event a number of years ago. Never again. It was the worst car show I’ve attended, and I’ve been to countless shows in my 60 years. It became evident why many people think we’re ***holes. In closing, to be fair, many non owners are just jealous. Three years ago while I was attending a large show, a father told his teenage son, this is what you buy when you have too much money. Way to go dad…..teach your son to envy, to be jealous of those who have something nice, and to even hate.
The wave works best with the top down or off! Hard to get the window down and the hand out when there is only a few seconds between sighting-recognition and passing. I do my best.
I am a new C8 owner. Spouse had a Vette in the 80’s.
Personally, I am seeing a lot of disparaging and stereotyping comments describing new Vette owners, being made here by older Vette owners, that make me wonder why anyone would ever want to acknowledge them.
I am 67, not some youngster. And many of the commenters here are sounding like my cranky old grand dad, with all the young whippersnapper youth hating.
Well, don’t forget the Corvette dress code: Jorts, New Balance sneakers, and white socks.
“Back in the day,” I owned two MGB’s, most all “sports car” drivers of every marque would flash their lights as they passed but not the Corvette drivers? Bought a Norton motorcycle, all the approaching bikes would wave but not the Harley’s even though they waved to each other forget the fact I also owned an HD, Was there a pattern here? Now the C8 drivers won’t acknowledge a passing Vette? The C8 may be appealing to a younger more affluent buyer but not necessarily true enthusiasts. The missing third pedal might explain it.
Engaging in hand gestures is dangerous at this time. Lots of very non-mellow people
It’s a corvette an iconic car. It is recognition to a fellow owner a fun thing to do. People need to chill.
I’m familiar with the motorcycle salute, even though I’ve never owned one. I would dearly love to be able to extend the tradition of the ‘Vette wave from the cockpit of even a 2020 C8, but as a 75 yo retiree the opportunity may not be in the cards for me. Having been somewhat of a gearhead most of my life I always considered Corvettes to be the pinacle of class and performance, at least domestically. With the C8, globally. The closest I’ve been able to get are my last two rides – an ’08 and now a ’13 (don’t laugh) Civic Si. For about a quarter of the price, they have some guts, are fairly nimble, and supply enough fun to keep me distracted. Until I meet a new C8 (or a C7) on the road.
Maybe it’s because its mid engine, but the C8 has almost moved even the base model to being a supercar, and so has also brought in a newer audience of younger people who buy cars more as status symbols and less because of their own interest in cars. I completed one person saying “Nice C8” and he looked at me dumbfounded, knowing his car only as a Corvette. With that said, there are still C8 owners that buy them for the traditional reasons, but im saying theres a new type of person thrown into the mix. And I’m an old geezer that thinks young people cant be knowledgeable about cars or buy them for the right reasons, in fact im only 16.
Look if you want to waive waive but if you don’t then don’t
Just don’t complain or offended if someone doesn’t.
I buy a vehicle to enjoy and drive not be a social network.
I recall a Corvette club president I knew telling me why he split his car show into two sides of the street.
He said he hated to subject the regular car show people to the Corvette club people he said some of them are the greatest people but sone of them are the greatest pain in the a$$.
If there were problems it was with his own people.
Ive owned 6 Corvettes since 1965 and experienced non salutes throught the years.
If they don’t salute just give them the finger.
Not really, just joking.
I DO drive a C8, and I AM aware of the Corvette “wave”. My husband is on his 3rd Corvette, so we’ve been “waving” for years. The problem is, sometimes I am so engrossed in watching traffic (other cars always want to race me for some odd reason 🙂 ), that I completely miss waving to other Corvettes until it’s too late! So no, it’s not that I think it’s an outdated tradition or that your car isn’t as good as mine or any other reason. It’s simply that I realize too late, and I genuinely feel bad. But my passengers will attest that I still wave even though the other Corvette has long since passed me. I am honored to be part of this brand family and enjoy learning all the traditions.
And being from a small town, I realize many people have not seen a C8 in person. So if I see anyone showing interest in the car, whether cameras out or whatever, I ALWAYS invite them over to check it out closer, ask questions, take pics or video. And usually in the process I will start the car (because performance exhaust!), and put the top down.
Recently at a car show, I was approached by the organizer who had 2 little boys following her. She asked if they could sit in the car, so I had them alternate sitting in the passenger seat. She turned to the parents and said, “Corvette people are the nicest people”. I intend to uphold that opinion.
Been fortune enough to own a C5-Z06 a C6-Z06 and now a C8 Z51 and learned early on its a family in which we reside and always acknowledge my fellow members and “The American Sports Car”
I thought they do donuts then continue driving like nuth’s happened?
You guys are ALL a bunch of losers.
You guys think someone that bought a little dick car that is better than yours should be saluting you?
Grow up.
Time for your mom to get out that bar of soap!
Again, you don’t get the point.
Funny. Go in the next room and ask your mom what she thinks….
And this is why the culture is disenegrating. No vette owner thanks one Gen is better than the other!! It is a car that has endured many inside and outside influences. A vette purist would never make a statement like that. The C8 is a beautiful car just like all it predecessors. Its about the culture, thats it thats all
Sorry to hear about your person problem. Please keep it personal.
I have always given the wave since 1972- I have been an active member of different clubs-Everybody makes a big deal about belonging to a college fraternity – it’s kind of the same thing
I don’t waive at C8 because they are not real corvettes. No manual transmission and no chrome. Not a real corvette or real corvette people!
I bought my first Corvette just before retirement 3 years ago. A 2010 C6 torch red convertible that looked like it just rolled off the dealer’s showroom floor. From Day One I have received, and reciprocated, the Corvette Salute. A courteous and respectful gesture of those behind the wheel of America’s sports car, of which I am grateful to be numbered among the few.
a lot of comments about people not realizing it is a vette when a C8 driver waves another vette. I was concerned the classic vette owners would be reluctant when i joined the local club. they were not! I did mention this is my third vette, sort of saying i am not just someone
who bought it because it is cool, i really appreciate vette history and culture. I will always own a Corvette.
Must be an American thing. I live in Canada, and have had corvettes most my life inherited a C3, bought a C4 and now have a C6 never waved nor have I had any one wave at me.
Same thing as a Harley down low hand gesture when you go by, people who don’t get it you can’t explane it to…
I live in the Detroit and was one of the first to get the new mid engine so I was excited when I saw another one on the road. I’d wave and the other driver looked backed confused as to why this stranger was waving to them. Some are younger and I think they don’t know about it. There are so many around here now that it doesn’t seem as special and I’ve grown ambivalent about the wave.
After I got my 2020 C8 convertible, I joined the Corvette Forum to learn more about the car, and learned the 2-finger “Corvette Salute” from forum members. I am a first time Corvette owner so I had no idea of this before, but ever since I learned it, I waved it whenever I can, and the first time waving at a passing by Corvette on a small local street, he promptly waved back, and it actually made me very happy. I explained it to my wife who’s dumfounded seeing what just happened, and she was like, “What’s next, are you going to do a Honda wave when you drive our Ridgeline truck next time see another Honda truck?” 🙂
What I have noticed is that some (not all) C8 owners are not even car enthusiasts, much less Corvette enthusiasts. Don’t like the smell of 93, never turned a wrench, and couldn’t tell the difference between a rotor and a caliper. I have a C7, and around here everyone with a C7 on down waves, but I have ran into several C8’s and nada. Seems like it is drawing in the new generation for sure.
I encountered this once. Two Corvettes were stopped side by side in the road and the drivers were chatting with each other in front of a green traffic light.
I sure hope that’s not the tradition. Behavior like that is enough to make me hate the entire brand.
I have owned 4 corvettes and take pride in driving my C8 and saluting another vette owner is
COOL and special stuff.
Juvenile indeed.
I drive an old Nova. A lot of people wave at me when I am driving it. I am guessing they are simply acknowledging something they appreciate, in this case, an old car. Almost always there is a shared wave if I pass another classic domestic car. If the wave doesn’t happen I don’t think twice. One thing I will say is the wave seems to be gender biased. In any of the above situations if a female is driving the waves almost never happens.
I’ve had plenty of “salutes” from the C8 folks. Of course, they’re saluting another mid-engine enthusiast in my Ferrari 360 Spider. Maybe the new generation consider the C8 a different animal.
Corvette owners have been and still should be a respected bunch of individual people who choose to drive and own America’s Favorite Sports Car. They are not snobby, they are not in their own cult because they own and drive with admiration a very beautiful, carefully built American Sports Car, they are all you and me. Maybe the new C8 owners do not know about the Corvette Salute because possibly no one told them including the salesman who usually claim they know everything about a car, which they obviously do not! Some people today that buy a used Corvette may not be aware of the Corvette Salute. Owning and driving a Corvette gives that certain individual a feeling of accomplishment, a feeling of happiness, a strong feeling of adrenaline rapidly running through their bloodstream. One of my two best friends purchased a 2003 C5 Z06 because he always wanted one and to this day he enjoys it to and beyond the MAX! He has added various features to his C5 to enjoy all the more. A C8 owner and any C owner do and/or should do the Corvette Salute. It’s a form of saying “Hi its great to see you!” Whether the Corvette driver is driving a White1953 Corvette, a mid 50’s Corvette Nomad, split window 1963, ZR1, Z06, Grand Sport, any of them should do the wave to each other. If any of them don’t, maybe they are not aware of the gesture. I’m from Chicagoland Illinois and moved to Kentucky few years ago. In certain areas here, some people in pick up trucks “Salute” each other via flash of headlights, a wave, and/or a nod. They acknowledge you and are just saying “Hi.” Motorcyclists acknowledge each other by stretching out their left arm which is pointed downward with two fingers sticking out gesturing to “Stay Safe”. It is what people do to communicate with each other. Nothing wrong with this format of driving at all. When people flash their lights at you when its cloudy and rainy and they can’t see you, they’re telling you to turn your headlights on so people can see you. You may be able to see them, that may notbe the case with them. May everyone get along and acknowledge each other for who they are and the goodness they do for each other.
Mark’s Painting
No need to have recognition or attention because I own a c8 vetted or any vette. It is for my own enjoyment. Same thing when riding my motorcycle I will flash brights for speed traps and tap my helmet as well.
My observation is that the friendly Corvette wave died with C7 owners. Maybe they wave amongst other C7 owners but nothing older.
My observation is the friendly Corvette wave died with C7 owners. Maybe they wave among themselves but not so much to anyone with an older corvette.
I drive an 89 Corvette Convertible. I always wave to my fellow Corvette “cousins” regardless of generation of car they have! I get waves from the C 8 owners too..
WOW! The comments surely became entertaining, lengthy, (and political) didn’t they?
Don’t take it personal if the other Corvette, BMW, Harley, Camaro, Mustang, Bentley, Furrari, Lambo, Honda, Yugo, et al, drivers didn’t return your wave. If you waved, you did your part. Don’t let all y’alls big ego prevent you from having a nice day…
Have a good one!
I currently own my fifth Corvette, I have always given the Corvette wave. As far as being a “rich guy”, nada, I am an everyday American that just enjoys a good car. I have had a ’76, a ’10, a ’16, and a ’19 and currently a ’21. Honest answer be known, I wish I would have kept the ’16!
Cars are meant to be driven. PERIOD
Worst cards: Lambo’s, Ferrari’s, etc.
Best cars: Mustangs/Camaros, some vettes.
Proof: Mustang and Camaros ALWAYS have higher mileage. Lambos are probably the worst cars out there.
If you are too scared to drive the car, get it to redline, etc….it ain’t a good car.
I bought a new Ferrari hard top convertible California T a few years ago and it was a great car. The only problem was everybody wanted a ride and everybody wanted to go fast. It’s a miracle I didn’t get any tickets. I actually like my 2020 C8 better. It actually looks more like a Ferrari than my Ferrari. I got one of the first ones and I removed the script corvette lettering off the back because I wanted the back end to look cleaner. The only problem with that is people were constantly racing up to me to ask me what kind of car it was. It’s bright accelerate yellow with a black top so it really stands out. Love the car.
I recently got my 2022 Vette. I never owned a Corvette before, and I’ve never owned a Chevy before. I didn’t buy it because it was a Corvette, I bought it because I wanted to upgrade from my 99 Porsche Boxster and I wanted something fun out on the track. I’ve taken the Boxster out on the track half a dozen times and I loved it. I get all sorts of attention from all sorts of people. I even lately have been getting thumbs up and waves from motorcycle riders. I honestly don’t see many older Vettes out on the road anyway, but I suppose if they waved I would wave back, but I don’t feel like I HAVE TO. I also ride a motorcycle and I am getting a little fatigued with the “motorcycle wave”. It was fun for the first few years, but on a sunny day in the summer, it can get tedious and even a little dangerous. If I can safely return the “wave” I will try, but lately I just keep on driving.
For the record, being pissed because someone doesn’t return your “wave” is petty. If I wave to another driver, or biker, I don’t even look to see if they are waving back. It’s about sending out positivity to others. Demanding a response, is the opposite of that.
I have a 69 CJ five jeep powered by a 68 350 Corvette Engine plus I have a 79 L82 Corvette .. The Corvette wave or salute is the same as the jeep salute it’s out of respect and love oh Chevy and jeep we’re proud and enjoy showing it..
I just think it may be a vision problem. I dont always see the vette coming at me and often miss the salute. Do it when I do see it though.
Wow! I believe this topic has the greatest amount of responses I have seen yet on a topic, The Nod is making a statement. I am also enjoying reading Vette owners describing their cars, too bad we cant post pictures with GM filtering out the inappropriate ones, I bet we would see some great Vettes, Bikes and Classics here with this crowd.
I have a 22 Lake Elkhart Blue Z51 High wing, Black Convertible Hard Top, Black Triton Wheels with Red Stripes and two tone Red interior. I also installed full Carbon Flash Aero kit, with dark tinted windows… looks pretty mean and fast just sitting still. :0 )
Thank you Chevrolet… I LOVE MY VETTE!
A few years ago I moved to a tiny town in michigans upper peninsula, I had my new Bette shipped here, then wondered if the car would stand out too much in such a small town that is based on hunting and fishing, the day after I received it I took it out for a nice drive to see the sunset, as I got closer to the main town of Newberry Michigan I passed no less than 8 corvettes, and with a population of around 1500 people I was shocked, I bought the car because I loved the corvettes since I was young, but no and days everybody and their mother has one. I sold it 2 weeks ago with 174 miles on it, I loved the idea of belonging to an elite club of car owners, unfortunately that club is no longer elite special like it used to be, I am a little bummed out but when everyone has a car like that it doesn’t feel right
I ride an 02 Yamaha RoadStar Warrior and wave at anyone on 2 or 3 wheels, bicycles included. When I get a Corvette someday I’ll wave at other Vett owners. It’s about tradition but it’s also fun to communicate with other humans in this sterile world.
“Car man mad because young car man doesn’t wave when car same”.
People might not know, but this kind of gatekeeping, where you spit on the new owners for not knowing some esoteric thing about your vehicles and culture is what keep people from buying into the vehicles at all. I don’t think it’s a matter of “oh, they have the c7, they’re beneath me” loke some of you have latched into
“Car man mad because young car man doesn’t wave when car same”.
People might not know, but this kind of gatekeeping, where you spit on the new owners for not knowing some esoteric thing about your vehicles and culture is what keep people from buying into the vehicles at all. I don’t think it’s a matter of “oh, they have the c7, they’re beneath me” like some of you have latched into
I live in a ranching / mining town in Elko County, Nevada. Elko County has 15,000+ square miles. The standard vehicle here is a crew cab, 3/4 and 1 ton 4 wheel drive diesel. Corvettes are rare here due to most county roads maintained by motor grader. However when in a vehicle on these county roads most drivers and passengers give a greeting wave to another motorist. This is a traditional jesture for folks, ranchers, farmers, miners, loggers, contractors, traveling rural roads throughout the West.
Interstate 80 passes through Elko County from East to West. It takes about 2 1/2 hours at 70 mph to travel through our county on Interstate 80.
In the late nighttime / early morning hours on Interstate 80 when the highway patrol is minimal and traffic is the lightest, we occasionally see Corvettes traveling at 160+ mph along with the high speed exotic Italian makes.
It ‘s quite an experience when one of these vehicles at this high speed passes you when you are in the Interstate driving lane. Their roar is abrupt and instant and all you see are red tail lights about a mile down the road after a few seconds.
No time to wave when they are coming up behind you at this high speed.
Best time to experience this is between 2 am and 3 am on dry nights. The cold dry desert air in the middle of the night really gives the engine boost at any speed.
Including my 1998 6.5 diesel Suburban at 550,000 rust free, No DEF, miles, and 1986 Ford 6.9 diesel (No DEF), 500K+ miles. They made em better back then.
I’ll see all you readers and commenters at SEMA 2022 this November in Sin City. Remember to wave!
So many comments
So it’s settled then…? Great.
Yup, ‘bout time.
Enjoy your ride. Have a good one all y’all…
I have read the over 50% of the C8 buyers are new to Corvettes, so what do you expect.
I’ve been a sports car owner since 1966 and back in the day Sports cars were so rare, we always waived and still today motorcyclist
always give a wave.
The Pickup and Motorcycle wave need to die also. It was unique 50 years ago when you didn’t have as much traffic on country roads. But I live on a dead end dirt road and somehow we have 20 cars a day drive down and back. To many cars and trucks. and the fake bikers in their pirate costumes really do look to stupid to wave to.
They just don’t want to be a part of your enclave of boomer weirdos
Funny, when I am out in my C4 I get more waves from C8 drivers than I do C6 or C7 drivers.
It seems the “Corvette Wave” goes like this (around here anyway)
C1 and C2 – Never see them so no wave 🙁
C3 – Lots of waves
C4 – “BROTHER!!”
C5 – Waves
C6 and C7 – Get out of my way C4 peasant.
C8 – Respect and a wave… I have even had “show and tells” at gas stations. The C8 guys LOVE the clamshell!
Harley riders have been doing this for decades. I didn’t wave when I rode I wouldn’t do it when my dick shrinks to the point that I need a Corvette.
Have a sweet Camaro, sun roof, drive smooth as F. People wave at me all the time, from Vette to Stang to Challenger.
Sometimes I wave at everyone and they might think I’m crazy. Sometimes i give a thumbs up to a classic car and/or pickup. It’s a friendly gesture, it is life.
When I bought my first corvette a friend at work told me about the wave and sure enough it was a thing and I loved it. Still waving today in my 2nd corvette. Haters got to hate but put them behind the wheel and not only would they wave they couldn’t get that smile off there face. That same friend at work was praising the beauty of the car and said it’s nice but it’s just a car to which he replied oh no it’s not just a car
It’s a lifestyle. Thumbs up fellow owners see you on the road with a wave and a smile.