January 1999

25 Years of Quality Upstate New York's sales,
service and restoration facility.

Longtime corvette enthusiast Jim Glass has dedicated his career to fulfilling buyers' dreams of owning honest cars of original quality.

By Richard A. Lentinello

If you've been searching for a previously owned Corvette then you know all too well how many car dealers are out there claiming to be long-time specialists in the sometimes- market of used Corvettes.

While many have been around for several years, or at least since they jumped on the Corvette band wagon once the cars became recognized as worthwhile automotive collectibles back in the late '80s, many dealers are fly-by-night operations that come and go in the blink of an eye. Yet, others have made a successful business out of dealing in Corvettes that are less than pristine, have been repossessed, or are downright fakes. Sad, but true.

However, there are many dealers that trade in only top-quality Corvettes, and whose originality is as honest as the dealers are in their business conduct. One such dealer is Jim Glass, who has been dealing exclusively in Corvettes since he first entered the used car business 25 years ago.

Located along the Hudson River, just outside the town of Kingston, about two hours north of New York City, Jim Glass Corvette Specialists was an outgrowth of Jim's fascination and love of Chevrolets finest. Having raced on dirt tracks in the area back in the '60s, Jim found the sport too expensive to remain competitive. Instead, he sold his race car and spent the money on a Corvette, a move that would change his life forever.

But living in the fairly isolated Catskills region, there was no shop in the entire area that dealt in old Corvettes. Jim figured that if he couldn't locate a Corvette specialist, then perhaps other owners and enthusiasts in the area were experiencing the same frustrations. So, being an enterprising young man—and the fact that he was born and raised in a family of auto mechanics—it was only natural for him to start his own car business specializing in the cars he cared about most.

That was 1974, and a quarter-century later, he's still going strong.

Having expanded several times through the years, Jims current facility encompasses two fairly large buildings. One is a dedicated showroom that can house 12 cars, while the other features a three-car showroom with a roomy repair facility in the rear. Add the spacious parking lot in between, and you'll find close to 25 Corvettes on the premise at any one time. All of the cars for sale are owned by Jim Glass Corvettes—there are no consignments.

With a long list of dedicated clients throughout the United States, Canada, South America and Europe, the convenience of having Newburgh International Airport 40 minutes away makes fly in and driving out a real attraction. And, just what are those buyers looking for when it comes to old Corvettes? Jim told us that solid-axle cars remain as sought-after as ever—but only honest, decent examples that are getting increasingly harder to locate.

As expected, 1965-67 mid-year convertibles remain big sellers. Jim also has had strong sales over  the last three years with the 1968-72 models, particularly convertibles. As the appeal of early Stingrays continues to rise, Jim has seen a recent surge in interest during the past year in 1969 L88-powered cars. Those more serious buyers looking their first Corvette, usually go for C4s. Regardless, if it's an automatic or a six-speed, Jim told us that the fourth-generation models sell very quickly, usually in less than two weeks. And demand remains very strong for hard-to-get C5s. These, regardless of body style or transmission type, sell in just two to three days. The only Corvettes which Jim hasn't had any interest in from buyers are the 1975-77 models. But right now, he said the hot sellers are the 1978-82 cars—due no doubt, to their captivating styling, respectable performance and affordable value.

With each Corvette that a buyer purchases from Jim Glass Corvette Specialists, there's a warranty that extends to either three months or 4,000 miles. Jim said, "If something goes wrong, we want to know about it." And, he backs up that claim by doing whatever is necessary to ensure the buyer is satisfied with his or her Corvette. Warranty claims are quite rare since Jim deals exclusively in Corvettes that are well maintained and documented. These are usually garage-kept cars with low  mileage and minimum wear. Many of the Corvettes he sells have already gone through his shop years earlier. So, he may be selling them for a second or third time after their owners decided to sample other models. This intimate knowledge of a car's past is a rarity in today's market, and it provides buyers reassurance of a car's integrity. And, with four- and five-year bank financing available, the buying process couldn't be any easier.

To maintain the business, Jim has five full-time employees, allowing a 50/50 mix of sales and service. Repairs began back in 1978, with restoration services being offered soon after as interest in old Corvettes began to increase. Although demand for complete restorations has slowed in recent years, four to five body-o£f restorations are still commissioned each year. Jim also offers his customers a regular maintenance program that seems to be growing in popularity as today's collector car owner has less time to maintain a Corvette himself. Regular service includes complete mechanical, suspension and engine rebuilding, interiors and body repair. The only work that is contracted outside is engine machining, chrome plating and painting. And, just like the quality of the pre-owned Corvettes in inventory, the quality of repair work is first class as well.

Should you decide to add a Corvette to your current collection, or perhaps buy the model of your dreams now that the kids are out of the house or your divorce is final, Jim and his staff will be glad to assist you in your search for the finest Corvette in your price range. Call Jim Glass Corvette Specialists at (914) 331-5666, or visit the showroom on Route 23 North, Kingston, New York, 12401.