Since it began in 1999, the National Corvette Museum raffle has raffled off 432 Corvettes to fans of America’s Sports Car. While every winner’s story is special, Cliff Payne of Jacksonville, FL, hit the Corvette jackpot with a set of winning circumstances that rival a green-white-checker finish. As the proud new owner of the 2023 VIN 001 70th Anniversary Carbon Flash Corvette Coupe, Cliff’s raffle ticket purchase resulted in a one-of-a-kind new Corvette and the surprise of a lifetime. As a lifelong Corvette lover, whose previous Corvettes have all been black, Cliff received the call he won while visiting Bowling Green, KY, for the National Council of Corvette Clubs annual convention, and his number was drawn during the grand opening gala for the National Corvette Museum’s new exhibit, An American Love Affair: 70 Years of Corvette.
“When I got the call, I couldn’t believe it,” explained Payne, who took delivery of his new Corvette on July 27th through the R8C delivery program. “I purchased the ticket after my wife, Fran, bought hers earlier that day, and she insisted that I buy one. This was our 40th National Council of Corvette Clubs’ annual convention, and I never expected to be celebrating this way. The new Stingray is just incredible, and to have that special VIN has been a dream come true.”
Upon hearing that he won, Payne came to the Museum and was greeted by a who’s who of the Corvette community, including recently retired Bowling Green Assembly Plant Director, Kai Spande, Chevrolet Corvette and Camaro Product Marketing Manager, Harlan Charles, and National Corvette Museum President and CEO, Sharon Brawner.
“Our Corvette raffle is a great program that not only furthers the Museum’s mission but also gives Corvette fans a chance to drive their dream,” explained Brawner. “This was such a special drawing – taking place during the opening of our new exhibit, under the backdrop of our new Skywall, and Cliff being an avid Corvette fan and active Corvette Club member.”
To learn more about the National Corvette Museum raffle, visit raffle.corvettemuseum.org. To purchase a raffle ticket online, you must be at least 18 years of age and be physically located in Kentucky at the time of purchase. You do not have to be a resident of Kentucky to participate.
