Bernie & his 1966 Nassau Blue 427 Corvette Coupe

In March 1966, a young U.S. Army veteran named Bernie Tewalt, accompanied by his then-girlfriend Mary, walked into Selman Chevrolet in Orange, California, and ordered the car of his dreams — a brand-new 1966 Chevrolet Corvette Coupe, finished in stunning Nassau Blue and powered by the legendary 427 cubic-inch V8.

As fate would have it, Bernie's Corvette was ready for delivery on April 27, 1966 — 4-27-66. A 66, 427 Corvette delivered on 4/27/66! How's that for a remarkable coincidence?

What followed was nearly six decades of cherished memories, countless car shows, family adventures, and a lifelong love affair with one very special Corvette.

The young couple eventually became husband and wife, and together Bernie and Mary, along with their family, lovingly cared for and preserved their Corvette for the next 59½ years. It wasn't simply a car they owned — it had become part of their family.

Then, in late 2025, Bernie and Mary made the bittersweet decision that the time had come to pass the torch, entrusting their treasured Corvette and its remarkable history to a new caretaker.

After nearly 60 years, a new chapter in this Corvette's story was about to begin.

A final salute Goodbye - See the video here.