Welcome to Vette Vues Magazine – A Journey Through Corvette History
An Introduction to Vette Vues
Vette Vues Magazine embarked on its remarkable journey back in 1972 when James Prather, a dedicated Corvette enthusiast, had a vision. He believed that Corvette owners deserved a magazine tailored to their passion. With his unwavering determination, he reached out to Corvette clubs across the nation to gauge interest.
Armed with little more than a hand-cranked mimeograph machine and a dream, James Prather took the plunge. He vividly recalls that Sunday morning in April, pondering if he was making the right choice or merely squandering $22.00 on postage, envelopes, and labels.
Our inaugural issue, Volume 1, Issue #1, is a testament to those humble beginnings.
In those early days, Mr. Prather personally sent sample copies to new Corvette owners, hoping to inspire subscriptions. By December, he entrusted the magazine to a professional printer, transforming it from a newsletter into a true publication.
Initially dominated by classified ads, Vette Vues Magazine adapted as the Corvette hobby evolved. As the iconic cars aged, the need for replacement parts gave rise to a wave of enthusiasts crafting their own solutions. This entrepreneurial spirit birthed countless mom-and-pop companies, which, in turn, found a home within our pages as advertisers.
With time, we recognized the desire for how-to guides and technical articles, solidifying our role as an essential resource for Corvette enthusiasts. The thrill of Corvette Racing captivated the community, and we took pride in keeping our readers informed about the Corvette’s triumphs on the racetrack.
Corvette Clubs sprang up nationwide, leading to an array of spirited events such as Bloomington Gold, Corvette Expo, Corvette Carlisle, and more. Many of these gatherings, which now draw thousands, continue to be featured in Vette Vues Magazine.
Amongst the fervent Corvette community, a new pastime emerged – collecting Corvette models. Bill Landis introduced the Vette Vues Model Scene column in 1974, and the fascination with miniature Corvettes remains vibrant today.
In 1976, James Prather made the pivotal decision to leave his postal service job and devote himself entirely to the magazine. In 1981, we celebrated our 10th anniversary with The Best of Vette Vues Magazine, Volume 1.
In 1997, Mr. Prather retired, passing the torch to the current owners, William and Bonnie Wolf, who relocated the magazine to sunny Florida. Their son Bill and his wife Sharon joined the team, ensuring Vette Vues Magazine’s enduring legacy.
In 2007, we released the second collector book, The Best of Vette Vues Magazine Collector Book, commemorating 35 years of uninterrupted publication.
In August 2007, Vette Vues Magazine came out with the second Best of Vette Vues Magazine Collector Book. There are 480 pages celebrating Vette Vues’ 35 years of uninterrupted publication. ORDER YOUR COPY
In 2009, we expanded our horizons by organizing events, starting with the acquisition of the Corvette Chevy Expo in Houston, Texas. The event thrived under our stewardship, bringing Corvette enthusiasts together at the George Brown Convention Center.
In 2013, we introduced the prestigious Tri-Power Award, honoring Corvettes that exemplify the highest levels of originality, condition, and attention to detail. This esteemed recognition was available exclusively at the Corvette Chevy Expos, with winning Corvettes showcased on our pages. But as time passed, so did this award, and it was replaced by the President’s Award.
In 2016, the Corvette Chevy Expo found a new home at the Galveston Island Convention Center, further solidifying its place as a must-attend event on the Corvette calendar.
Now that you’ve journeyed through the history of Vette Vues Magazine, we invite you to explore our vintage covers and ads, a testament to the enduring spirit of the Corvette community.
Our very first issue, Volume 1, Issue #6, featured a Corvette owned by Sammy Ramsey of Cleveland, Tennessee. Take a trip down memory lane with the nostalgic ads from the same issue, showcasing prices that will leave you in awe.
Vette Vues Magazine History & Vintage Ads and Old Covers
With our roots firmly planted in history, Vette Vues Magazine has evolved into a trusted source for all things Corvette. Whether you’re a collector, racer, or just a passionate enthusiast, we’re here to celebrate and share your love for America’s iconic sports car.
Discover our esteemed commercial advertisers who are true authorities in all things Corvette. These industry experts offer a comprehensive range of Corvette parts, catering to both restoration enthusiasts and those seeking top-tier performance upgrades. Remarkably, many of these businesses have been integral members of the Vette Vues Magazine community since our inception in 1972, boasting decades of experience and a profound understanding of the Corvette world. To explore their offerings and benefit from their wealth of knowledge, simply follow this link to peruse their ads. Your Corvette deserves nothing but the best, and our trusted advertisers are here to deliver just that.
If you’re on the hunt for vintage issues of Vette Vues Magazine, don’t forget to peruse our classified ads section. Subscribers still enjoy a 25-word classified ad each month, both in print and online: Corvette Parts for Sale & Wanted, Corvettes for Sale & Wanted, Corvette Literature, Models, Memorabilia, and Miscellaneous for Sale and Wanted.
So why wait? Subscribe today and start selling your Corvette-related items while becoming a part of our enduring Corvette legacy. Join us on this thrilling journey through the world of Corvette, where the road never ends, and the passion never fades.
As you’ve delved into the remarkable history of Vette Vues Magazine, we invite you to take the next step in your journey with us. Explore the latest issue of Vette Vues Magazine in our issue preview and experience the timeless allure of the Corvette in its finest form. Stay connected with our vibrant community, where every page tells a story and every issue sparks new excitement. Join us in celebrating the Corvette’s enduring legacy – it’s just a click away!
Subscribe today and start selling your Corvette-related items.
Contact Us
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