by Scott Teeters as written for Vette Vues
Timeline Tales: December 13, 1999 – A Millennium Yellow 1999 Corvette convertible becomes the 1,000th RPO R8C Corvette Museum Delivery car

Dateline December 2015: What a stroke of genius having the National Corvette Museum across the road from the Bowling Green Kentucky assembly plant. The Bowling Green Corvette Assembly Plant officially opened for production on June 1, 1981. The National Corvette Museum opened on September 2, 1994

The National Corvette Museum touched the hearts of so many Corvette owners that not long after the museum opened, people began asking if they could take delivery of their new Corvette AT the museum! Option R8C was first made available on 1997 Corvettes for $490, and seven customers opted for the museum delivery.

Cars were delivered to the dealership for pre-delivery inspection, prep, detailing, and fueling. Then the cars were shipped to Bowling Green where the customer received the Corvette Museum’s V.I.P. treatment. Their car was “on display” along with dozens of famous, historical Corvettes – the new Corvettes were with their family. A “Museum Delivery” decal was placed on the car’s door jam. A one-year membership to the National Corvette Museum was also included. And lastly, a laser-engraved wood plaque with the car’s VIN number and delivery date was created and sent to the dealership for presentation to the customer to conclude this unique automobile buying experience.

R8C now costs $990 and includes a few more V.I.P. goodies. But it’s an option that stays forever with the car, and helps make a special car, a little extra special.