Bob Laughlin

Occupation Elementary Teacher

I can still recall Fred telling me about the joys of preparing for a Corvette show. Adams said, "When I’m cleaning and preparing my cars for a show, all the aches and pains just seem to fade away." His enthusiasm for Corvettes is made evidence by the roll call of 13 (all purchased new) cars since 1964.

Adams owned a number of other cars… ranging from Oldsmobiles (a 1960 & 1962 Caddy) to Trans AM Grand Prix to Chevelles and a number of other Chevrolets. Fred still has his 1957 Chevy Nomad. In 1963, a friend of Fred’s took him for a ride after a long day of waterskiing, in Martinsburg, WV. On the way home, he stopped at a Chevy dealership and ordered his 1964 convertible. And the passion was ignited.

Adams has since purchased 12 additional new Corvettes – totaling 6 coupes and 7 convertibles. His 1968 and 1969 were big block cars. Through the years, Fred still considers his 1984 and 2002 as Corvettes he wishes he still had. But, Adams ranks his 2005 as his "best owned" all-around performance and comfort.

Adams’ first entry in a show was with his 1975, in Carlisle, where he claimed two "Best of Show" designations. The furthest Fred has traveled to a show has been 1,500 miles to New Orleans, LA.

Over the years, Fred has picked up more than 625 trophies (100 First Place, 300 Second Place) across the nation, most of which he still displays in his garage. His record for most trophies in a year: 24. Some of Fred’s proudest moments were at the National Conventions (Indy, Cleveland, Charlotte, New Orleans, and Hagerstown).

After 45 years of owning, driving, and showing Corvettes, it’s hard to narrow down the best stories. But, there are a few moments that Fred recalls with the fondest memories.

• Twice he was privileged to drive the track at Indy (1984 Vett between 1985 and 1995).

• Caravanning with some 20 Corvettes to New Orleans.

• Many weekend shows with Jay & Lynn.

• Winning first place in show points in the East Region in 1990.

Adams is a member of the NCCC, Cumberland Valley and Mason-Dixon Corvette clubs. He is also a member of Appalachian Classic Car club. Prior to 2007, he attended the annual event in Ocean City, MD, held by the Free State Corvette club. Seven years running, Fred has had the pleasure and enjoyment of driving Corvettes on the speedway at both Indy and Charlotte.

When asked if there was anything Fred would do to improve the Corvette, he responded, "Make a choice of Michelin or Good Year tires on new models and have chrome wheels standard."

Adams has been fueling his Corvette passion for more than 45 years and no doubt will continue to do so. He exudes a love for the car and shares his enthusiasm for Corvettes to anyone he meets along the journey.