“If you build it, they will come.”

Those were not the exact words used by Corvettes International’s founding members, Lee Kramer and Bill Rathbone, back in 1968—but the sentiment proved true. The first meeting was held on October 1, 1968. Just one week later, the newly formed club gathered formally at Raleigh’s Continental Lounge. The following month marked another milestone as bylaws were drafted and approved by the club’s original 15 members.

The momentum continued into 1969 with the formation of two additional Corvettes International chapters in North Carolina—one in Greenville and another in Fayetteville. On April 18, 1969, all three clubs came together at Carolina Beach during the Azalea Festival, sharing stories and camaraderie. Just four days later, Corvettes International officially became Corvettes International, Inc. As membership and enthusiasm grew, the club designed and approved its official patches, further strengthening its identity and presence.

Autumn in the Carolinas brings vivid images of changing seasons—the sights and sounds of nature blended with the excitement of speed and automotive passion. That spirit was on full display on September 14, 1969, when Corvettes International, in cooperation with the Sports Car Club of America, sponsored the inaugural Hot Time on the Midway at the North Carolina State Fairgrounds. This event was one of many that celebrated the connection between driver and machine. Closing out a remarkable first year, Corvettes International celebrated its first 12 months of activity with a Christmas party and meeting in 1969.

More Than 55 Years of Fellowship

Corvettes International celebrated its 55th anniversary in 2023. Since its founding in 1968, the club has flourished through outstanding fellowship and a full calendar of monthly meetings, social gatherings, road trips, rallies, and car shows.

In 1981, Corvettes International joined the National Council of Corvette Clubs, Inc. (NCCC), linking Raleigh to the broader nationwide Corvette community.

As attendance grew and meeting spaces became harder to accommodate, the club made a key decision in 1982 to hold meetings at Sir Walter Chevrolet in downtown Raleigh. Dealership venues proved popular and practical. Over the years, meetings moved to several locations, including Bobby Murray Chevrolet in 1986, Hendrick Chevrolet in 1993, Performance Chevrolet of Chapel Hill, and others. For our current meeting location, please refer to the Monthly Meetings page.

ROAD TRIP!!!

What is a car club without road trips?

In 1993, Corvettes International made its first annual pilgrimage to the Corvette Expo in Knoxville, Tennessee, featuring a car show, swap meet, and vehicles for sale.

Carlisle, Pennsylvania—home to the world’s largest Corvette-only show and flea market—has also become a hallmark destination. Corvettes International first made the journey from Raleigh to Carlisle in 1989. Today, the club regularly claims four spaces and brings more than 20 members, making this trip a cherished annual tradition.

CAR SHOWS!!!

Corvettes International hosted its first annual car show open to all makes and models in Raleigh in 1988. The show ran for several years and was reborn in 1997 with the same welcoming spirit. It has since grown into a long-standing tradition and remains our major annual fundraiser.

Through the generosity of our members, participants, sponsors, and supporters, Corvettes International has raised more than $270,000 for Transitions LifeCare and an additional $30,000 for Wake Tech’s automotive programs.

These contributions reflect an important part of our mission: sharing our enthusiasm for America’s sports car while giving back to the community.

Welcome

We are an enthusiast club celebrating an American lifestyle—one perhaps truly understood only by those within the close-knit community of Corvette lovers and automotive enthusiasts. It is an authentic slice of America that will never fade.

While we certainly celebrate a car through monthly meetings, socials, shows, road trips, and racing events, it is not just any car. We are helping ignite dreams for future Corvette owners and inspiring new generations through an icon that has flourished unlike any other nameplate.

More than 55 years after our founding, Corvettes International continues to keep that dream alive—a true testament to our love of America’s sports car:

THE CORVETTE!

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