I fell in love with Corvettes as a young boy when I saw the speedometer topped out at 160 MPH. I couldn't imagine a car going that fast. I became the original owner of a 1993 ZR-1 — to this day, the most exciting purchase ever.

A 26-year love affair came to a bitter end when I lost control on a cold highway and crashed broadside into a tree. The state trooper said I must have had a guardian angel. I spent two weeks in the hospital. The car was destroyed — but my love for ZR-1s didn't fade. From my hospital bed, I started searching for a replacement.

One week after leaving the hospital, still on crutches, I traveled from Pennsylvania to Minnesota. We picked up a bright aqua metallic 1995 ZR-1 — last year of production, one of only seven — with just over 9,000 miles. I was sad I could never again be an original ZR-1 owner, but elated to settle for this practically new car.

My first ZR-1 won many awards and was hands-down my favorite man-toy. My screen name on the forums became Top Toy. It was a 26-year love affair of driving, cleaning, and modifying it to be the best I could possibly make it.

My ZR-1 had period-correct Fikse FM-5 wheels — highly sought after — but they didn't satisfy my itch for custom. I had Forgeline ZX3-R race spec wheels on my 93 and loved the bolted design. But I felt I could do even better with a clean sheet design. That's when my search began.