I’ve always been interested in cars because I come from a car family. My dad repaired and restored them, his brother raced them and his cousin was in to drag boats.
GM and Chevy were my heavy favourites, and when I saw my first Corvette in person, I was hooked. The ‘King Rat’ ’67 Roadster with its side-pipes and monster engine captured my fancy, big time.
Not anywhere near to being able to afford one, my waiting time extended for 45 years.
In the interim, I had plenty of cars, even a Camaro, and the last six or seven were all black.
Somehow, I felt that black cars looked better – clean, shiny and glistening in shaded sunlight, all the features, curves and creases stand out as they were designed.
As Gino Vanelli suggested in song, Black Cars Look Better In The Shade.
The colour adapts to its surroundings, looking equally stunning in daylight or under the night sky.
When a friend called 15 years ago and said he’d found a car I should look at to consider, I met him at a dealership in St. Catharines. There sat a beautiful black Corvette Coupe that ticked all my boxes and was within reach.
That Corvette became my special partner in fun and relaxation and eventually a social magnet.
Black is a colour that symbolizes authority with its distinctive heaviness. It also creates a strong and sophisticated mood, as well as a luxurious sensation.
People driving black cars value order and rules and tend to be conservative.
This understated power aligns with my personal values – preferring to make an impact through substance rather than showiness.
There’s a luxury associated with black cars that is both subtle and profound. Unlike more ostentatious colours that scream for attention, black whispers sophistication. The deep, rich tone of a well-maintained black car suggests a level of refinement and taste that I find immensely appealing.
Many observers mention that black cars are more difficult to clean and keep clean. This is undeniably true, but therein lies some of the joy of ownership – the pleasure in bringing the appearance to life.
My original C6 base model has been joined by a C7 Z06 and, yes, it is black.
One of the practical reasons I love black cars is how easy they are to accessorize. Black serves as the perfect canvas for customization, allowing for endless possibilities in terms of wheels, trims, and interior options.
There’s something undeniably captivating about black cars. For me, it goes beyond just a preference – it’s an anesthetic choice, a statement of style and a reflection of my personal identity. Black is often associated with sophistication, mystery, and depth – qualities that resonate with how I see myself. Driving a black car feels like an extension of who I am, a rolling manifestation of my tastes, values and personality. It’s a way to express myself without saying a word, letting the car speak for me on the road.
In the end, my love for black cars is about more than just aesthetics, it’s about the feelings they evoke and the way they align with who I am.
From their timeless elegance to their understated power, black cars embody qualities that I admire and strive to emulate in my own life. They’re not just vehicles to me; they’re a statement, a companion, and a reflection of my identity.
And that’s why I love black cars.
Robert Hawn is the Vice President of the Corvette Club of Ontario.
