Fan Friday: Jim & Cindy’s Lifelong Corvette Love Story
This week’s CorvetteStoreOnline.com Fan Friday highlights a Corvette that’s built for thrills — and a love story that’s lasted just as long — courtesy of Jim & Cindy Priebe.
Some couples have songs.
Some have photo albums.
Jim and Cindy have Corvettes.
They were childhood sweethearts who married in 1982, and at the time, their only real asset was a 1964 C2 Corvette coupe that Jim had bought as a senior in high school for $4,500.
That Corvette wasn’t just a car.
It was freedom.
It was hope.
It was the beginning of everything.
And in their wedding photo, you can see it — the pride, the promise, the Corvette parked right there as part of their new life together.
When Life Happens… and the Corvette Leaves
Like so many Corvette stories, reality eventually stepped in.
Ohio winters.
Daily driving practicality.
Responsibility.
They made the hard decision to sell the ’64 for $9,600.
Jim said he cried for days.
And if you’re reading this as a Corvette owner, you understand that kind of heartbreak. It’s never just about selling a car. It’s about letting go of a chapter of your life.
But here’s the part that makes this story so special:
The Corvette story didn’t end there.
The Moment That Changed Everything
After being without a Corvette for almost two decades, Cynthia caught Jim browsing Corvette ads online.
A week later, she walked up to him, handed him the checkbook, and said:
“Go buy what you want — just make it a dark blue coupe like you used to have.”
That wasn’t just permission.
That was understanding.
That was partnership.
And she did it again after they toured the Corvette Museum.
Four years ago, Jim picked up his 2019 Stingray in Racing Yellow from the dealer with just 1,100 miles on it. And the finishing touch?
The license plate.
Her idea.
“OKBYHER.”
It might be one of the most perfect Corvette plates ever created.
Because Once You’re Corvette Family… You’re In For Life
Over the years, their Corvette journey included:
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1964 C2 Coupe – The high school dream car. The wedding car. The one that started it all.
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1969 Coupe – A true muscle-era Corvette, carrying that late-’60s attitude and big personality.
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1982 Coupe – The final year of the C3 generation, marking the end of a legendary era.
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C5 Limited Edition Coupe – Representing the modern rebirth of Corvette performance in the late ’90s and early 2000s.
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C7 Coupe in Racing Yellow – A bold, unmistakable modern Corvette that brought them back to the thrill all over again.
And in one of the most beautiful full-circle moments, they re-struck the pose from their wedding day as they celebrated their 25th anniversary — once again standing proudly beside a Corvette.
Same couple.
Same spark.
Same loyalty.
Just a few generations newer.
Corvette Loyalty Is Different
Jim and Cynthia’s story is what the Corvette community is built on — decades of memories, seasons of sacrifice, coming back when the time is right, and having someone beside you who understands what that car means.
Their story proves something every Corvette owner knows deep down:
You might step away for a season.
But once you’re part of the Corvette family, you’re never really gone.
CorvetteStoreOnline.com — For Every Generation The Priebe's Love
Whether you’re restoring a C2, preserving a C3, or protecting a C7, CorvetteStoreOnline.com is built for owners like Jim and Cindy — lifelong enthusiasts who understand that these cars carry memories.
From:
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C2 restoration and classic-inspired accessories
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C5 and C7 accessories and protection gear
We’re here for every chapter of your Corvette story.
Want to Be Featured on CorvetteStoreOnline.com Fan Friday?
If you own a Corvette and want a chance to be featured on CorvetteStoreOnline.com, email us your best photos and your car’s story!
Please send:
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High-quality photos (the more the better!)
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Your name
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Year, color, trim, and any mods
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The story behind your Corvette
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