South Lake Tahoe resident Mark Koff man has only had his 1962 Corvette for two years, but he already feels like part of the club.
Koffman is one of more than 80 members of the Lake Tahoe Corvette Club, a group of Corvette enthusiasts who participate in social outings and organize events such as the 10th annual Corvettes at Lake Tahoe car show, which will begin Thursday at MontBleu Resort Casino & Spa. The Lake Tahoe Corvette Club started as a social club in 1989 and has since evolved to having partnerships with other clubs and organizing events, such as weekend trips and Dine & Drives.
“Everyone is so nice,” Koffman said. “I’m having a really good time.”
Koffman said he always wanted a Corvette and purchased his 1962 model off eBay and had it shipped from Florida. He said he enjoys the club because it’s more of a social gathering instead of people getting together to work on their cars.
“It was definitely worth it,” he said of purchasing his Corvette. “I always wanted it. It’s fun to drive, it goes fast, it’s a head-turner and it’s fun to show off.”
Starting Thursday, he will be one of more than 140 Corvette owners who will bring their rides to show off at the annual car show, which also serves as a fundraiser for nonprofits Christmas Cheer in South Lake Tahoe, Project Mana in Incline Village and Food for Thought in Carson City.
Club co-chairwoman Barbara Coe, who owns at 1968 T-top, said the show has grown in prominence over the years from about 40 cars to about 150 and has become one of the premier events for Corvette owners. This year’s show is expected to draw enthusiasts from as far away as Canada. The event will also feature a People’s Choice Award contest, music, a raffle, an awards banquet and vendors.
“It’s for pure love of the car,” Koffman said.
— Tribune reporter Adam Jensen contributed to this report.