You’ve heard of Mustang Sally, but what about C3 Alex? It may not be a Stingray but this yellow 1981 Chevrolet Corvette C3 has six figures worth of sentimental value that’s been collecting interest for over 20 years.
Twenty-two-year old Evelyn Cortez has had Alex as her only means of transportation since she was a senior year in high school. Even though she has only been behind Alex’s wheel for four years, the C3 has been a part of Cortez’s life since birth.
You could say that she grew into this Corvette.
Must of the Corvette is original.Photo by Jesus Garcia
During Cortez’s childhood, she watched the Corvette evolve from a salvaged titled basket case to a T-topless, tire smoking, DIY hotrod.
Little is known as to how the 1980’s treated this particular ‘Vette. Cortez’s father, a long-haul truck driver, found the car collecting dust in the corner of a freight warehouse somewhere in Kansas in the early 1990s. The car was in really bad shape with no interior, body damage, and a complication with its paperwork.
While it’s true story has been lost to history, it is likely that this C3 was stolen early in its life. After being written off by the insurance company, the car was probably found and given a salvage title – a common practice for dealing with these sorts of occurances.
Despite its complicated history and condition, the car struck a chord with Cortez’s father and decided to buy the press-molded fiberglass heap and take it home.
Cortez is hoping to change out the interior from red to black.Photo by Jesus Garcia
The Corvette took a backseat to family life when Evelyn was born in 1997, but it was never forgotten. As Cortez grew up the Corvette became a vehicle for the young Texas and her father to bond over as they worked on it during moments of opportunity.
When Cortez turned 15, the keys to the Corvette were her birthday present. The car was now hers and motivation to get it road worthy was higher than ever before.
At age 18, Cortez became the Vette-girl at school as she drove the newly road legal C3 to school during her senior year. She named the the car Alex.
Under Alex’s hood is the car’s original 5.7 liter 350 small block V8 with some DIY modifications to keep it on the road while staying within budget.
The Corvette has the car’s original 5.7-liter engine under its hood.Photo by Jesus Garcia
The seats are correct for the year but not the original ones.
The C3 has survived with all its original dashboard gauges and the radio still works. The only thing that doesn’t work, and is very high on the must-fix list, is the air conditioning unit. Daily driving a vintage Corvette with T-tops sounds romantic up until South Texas heat comes along and makes your head feel like an egg sunny side up on a flattop grill.
All of the car’s dashboard gauges and systems are original.Photo by Jesus Garcia
Evelyn adores her Corvette for many reasons that go beyond the horizon of the obvious. The car is a family member, an older sibling, a photo album of memories, and her ambassador to the automotive hobby.
To say that Cortez loves her Corvette is an underestimate as her Instagram account (@alex_vette.c3) is dedicated to her beloved C3.
You can follow Alex’s life on Instagram at @Alex_Vette.c3.Photo by Jesus Garcia
Cortez plans to restore and paint Alex in the future, changing the body to a royal blue. This blue will be matched with a black interior. If she is able to have her way, Alex will also add a third pedal to the firewall and convert the automatic to a 5-speed manual.
