Ed O’Grady: From the Marines to the Mid-Engine Marvel

Ed O’Grady isn’t your average car salesman/Sales manager. His journey to becoming a Corvette specialist at Central Chevrolet is a story of dedication, service, and a love for all things automotive.

Ed’s path began with education in Chicopee, South Hadley, and Granby, Massachusetts. After some college, he enlisted in the USMC in 1992. His service took him to Camp Pendleton, California, where he honed his skills as a forward observer radio operator with Fox Btry 2/11 1st Mar Div. He also served deployments on the USS Rushmore LSD-47, USS Tripoli, USS Ft. McHenry, and USS Cleveland during his time in the Persian Gulf.

His transition to the civilian world was impressive. Starting with Honda, Mazda, Acura, and Jaguars, in Southern California. Ed’s natural charisma and salesmanship quickly made him a top performer. His philosophy of “building relationships, not just selling cars” has resonated with customers throughout his career.

In 1998, Ed joined Central Chevrolet, quickly finding his niche in new car sales. His passion for Corvettes led to him becoming Corvette certified in 1999, solidifying his place as a Corvette expert. A short stint as a sales manager at Classic Chevrolet (part of the Central Chevrolet family) from 2008 to 2013 further honed his leadership skills. He returned to Central Chevrolet in 2013 and has been a sales manager ever since.

Ed’s dedication extends beyond the showroom. He’s an avid bowler, golfer, and, of course, a Corvette enthusiast. You can find him drag racing his Chevy Corvette at Lebanon Valley in New York or exploring the outdoors with his family and friends on ATVs. Ed O’Grady’s story is one of service, passion, and a commitment to building connections. He’s a true asset to Central Chevrolet and a testament to the American spirit.

Just recently Ed was sent to 2024 Corvette Academy in Bowling Green, KY. He had a visit to the National Corvette Museum, to learn about the rich History of the Chevrolet Corvette, and also the NCM Motorsports speedway to learn about the ZO6 and E-Ray.

Meet “Blackjack”

Meet the Unlikely Hero: How the “Blackjack” Corvette Led to a Mid-Engine Revolution

The iconic Chevrolet Corvette has always been a symbol of American performance. But the transition to a mid-engine layout for the C8 generation was a major gamble. Behind the scenes, a strange-looking test mule named “Blackjack” played a critical role in making this dream a reality.

Blackjack wasn’t your typical sleek prototype. Imagine Frankenstein’s monster of the car world. Its front half belonged to a Holden Ute, an Australian pickup truck, while the cabin came straight from a C7 Corvette.

The rear was another Ute hand-me-down, topped with a massive, function-defying wing. This bizarre combination might have raised eyebrows, but beneath the mismatched body panels lurked the heart of the C8 Corvette. Engineers at GM’s secret “Lair” facility used Blackjack to test the fundamentals of the mid-engine design. The aluminum structure and multi-link rear suspension, crucial for the C8’s handling prowess, were honed through countless miles on Blackjack.

The engineers’ creativity extended beyond the car itself. To keep Blackjack under wraps, they deployed spotters to ward off prying eyes and spy helicopters. This cloak-and-dagger operation highlights the importance of this unassuming test mule.

Blackjack’s legacy goes beyond secrecy. It proved the mid-engine concept could work wonders for the Corvette’s performance. The success of Blackjack paved the way for a dozen more prototypes, eventually leading to the C8 we know and love today.

So, next time you admire the sleek lines of the C8 Corvette, remember the unlikely hero that came before it. The “Blackjack” may not have been a thing of beauty, but it played a vital role in making Corvette history.

Front end is Holden Ute, an Australian pickup truck.

Do you recognize these wheels and exhaust? Doesn’t it look familiar? The underneath is a C8. This wing did not produce downforce, it did however create lift to the rear end during testing to keep the car stable with this wild body on top.

• The Blackjack played a key role in testing the C8’s new aluminum structure and rear suspension.
• Engineers went to great lengths to keep Blackjack a secret, even deploying spotters to watch for spy helicopters.

More engineering that went into the C8 Corvette how it was imagined.

More engineering that went into the ZO6 C8 Corvette how it was imagined. Full scale Clay Model, also wheels imagined.

2024 Corvette ZO6

From Disaster to Destiny: The National Corvette Museum Sinkhole and the Millionth Corvette’s Return

*Bottom left of picture is the 1,000,000 Corvette Produced*

In February 2014, the National Corvette Museum in Bowling Green, Kentucky made headlines for an unexpected reason. A massive sinkhole opened up beneath the Skydome, a large exhibit hall, swallowing eight prized Corvettes whole. Thankfully, no one was injured, but the incident left the Corvette community and car enthusiasts worldwide in shock.

One of the fallen Corvettes held a special significance: the one-millionth Corvette ever produced. Built in 1992, this white 1992 convertible marked a historic moment for Chevrolet. Seeing this American icon precariously lodged 30 feet below the surface was a major blow.

However, this wasn’t the end of the story. The National Corvette Museum, with an outpouring of support from General Motors and the public, embarked on a daring rescue and restoration mission. Engineers meticulously removed the Corvettes from the sinkhole, with the millionth Corvette receiving particular attention.

The restoration process was no easy feat. The car had sustained significant damage, with the chassis bent and the engine compartment filled with debris. But a dedicated team of experts, leveraging their knowledge and expertise, painstakingly brought the millionth Corvette back to its former glory.

The restored millionth Corvette, along with the other rescued Corvettes, are now a permanent exhibit at the museum called the “Corvette Cave-In.” This exhibit not only showcases the power of nature but also celebrates the resilience and dedication of the Corvette community. Visitors can see the damage firsthand and witness the remarkable restoration process, a testament to American ingenuity.

The National Corvette Museum sinkhole incident, while unfortunate, has become an enduring part of Corvette lore. It serves as a reminder of the car’s cultural significance and the unwavering passion it inspires. The millionth Corvette’s dramatic fall and triumphant return perfectly embody the spirit of the Corvette: a powerful machine that can overcome any challenge.

*Written by Ed O’Grady 4/10/2024. Visit to Museum was on March 25^th, 2024.

Tags: American performance, automotive industry, C8 corvette, Central Chevrolet, chevy, corvette, corvette history, Corvette ZO6, history, Holden Ute, localbusiness, ZO6
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