Fan Friday: Gary Laursen’s 2023 Mist Red C8 Corvette

This week’s CorvetteStoreOnline.com Fan Friday highlights a Corvette that’s built for thrills, courtesy of Gary Laursen from Bend, Oregon!

For Gary Laursen, the road to Corvette ownership has been decades in the making — one filled with memories, a few misadventures, and ultimately, a dream realized. His 2023 C8 Corvette Coupe in Mist Red Metallic marks the perfect combination of modern innovation and lifelong enthusiasm for the brand.

Gary first purchased a 1975 Corvette back in 1976 — the infamous year of emissions restrictions that dropped performance to just 165 horsepower. That car didn’t last long, meeting an early end in a rollover accident. After that, Gary swore he’d never own another Corvette. But decades later, fate (and a little temptation) changed his mind.

One day at his local Chevrolet dealer, a Mist Red C8 Corvette caught his eye. Seeing the mid-engine setup through the rear glass stopped him in his tracks. “That beautiful engine sealed the deal,” Gary recalls. The dealer warned him of a three-year wait, but a call to MacMulkin Chevrolet in New Jersey set things in motion faster. He placed his order in June 2022 and, fittingly, took delivery in May 2023 — just after turning 80 years old.

The result was worth every minute. His C8, a 1LT model, came to life with 495 horsepower from its 6.2L LT2 V8 — a monumental leap from his 1975 experience. Gary opted for a Corvette Museum delivery, giving him a front-row seat to the legacy and craftsmanship behind his new ride. “When I sat in it for the first time, it felt like being in a stealth bomber,” he said. “Everything about it felt futuristic.”

Since that day, Gary hasn’t slowed down. He’s driven over 38,000 miles, including a 2,221-mile road trip from Bowling Green, Kentucky to Oregon and even a 1,250-mile single-day drive. His C8 has earned 27 car show trophies, including multiple Best of Show awards at events with hundreds of Corvettes in attendance.

While Gary may joke about waiting for the “lottery ticket” that would make a Z06 or ZR1X possible, his current car has already become a legend of its own. With a few tasteful modifications — including scissor doors, a Lamborghini-inspired rear window, and custom paintwork by “Roberto” — Gary’s Corvette perfectly blends craftsmanship, creativity, and Corvette passion.

From his first $15 Ford to this stunning mid-engine masterpiece, Gary’s automotive story spans 76 cars — but it’s this C8 that’s earned the title of “favorite.” As he says with pride, “Yeeeee Hawwww!”

🏎️ CorvetteStoreOnline Featured Accessories

Want to upgrade your own C8 like Gary did? Shop some of our most popular C8 Corvette upgrades available at CorvetteStoreOnline.com:

• Carbon Fiber Accents: Dress up your front splitter, mirror caps, or side skirts.

• Custom Engine Bay Covers: Show off that mid-engine masterpiece with color-matched or carbon-fiber options.

• LED Lighting Kits: Add illuminated wind restrictors, interior accent lighting, or engine bay lights.

• Performance Accessories: From cold-air intakes to exhaust dress-up kits — boost style and performance.

• Floor Mats: Protect and upgrade your interior with custom mats.

• Wind Deflector: Add pizazz and glow with a custom wind deflector.
  
  
• Tire Stickers: Add more Chevrolet or Corvette pride with a custom tire sticker.

Every item is designed for perfect fitment and factory-level quality — because your Corvette deserves the best.

💬 Want to be featured?

Send your best Corvette photos and details about your car’s story to help@carolinaonlineretail.com for a chance to be spotlighted! We’re looking for great pictures and as many details or stories as you’re willing to share.