A Corvette with a woman’s touch

The Corvette culture is a staple of America’s automotive heritage. Look on almost every nook of the map in every major city, and there is a lively and enthusiastic gathering of Vette enthusiasts joining hands and hearts and singing the praises of this iconic sports car.

Cars like the Corvette not only inspire us, they break through the gender gaps that at times have been considerably unbalanced in favor of men.

Denise Oden is living proof that cars aren’t just for the boys. In August 2005, Oden, a lifelong lover of everything Corvette, decided to purchase a 2006 C6. She was particularly interested in a red-on-red configuration. The salesman, who didn’t trust her red paint and red interior instincts, actually tried to dissuade her. Oden, however, was relentless. By November 2005, Oden took delivery on her Vette. It was the first time she had been behind the wheel of any sports car, and it was 400 horses’ worth of power to tame. Oden, however, did what many Vette owners do. She networked.

Falling into the ranks of two Corvette clubs, Oden was able to learn the ins and outs and what not to do to a classic vehicle.

“I was looking for ways to make mine reflect my personality while ensuring to keep the feminine aspects of it,” Oden said.

Oden’s journey began by tinting the windows and changing the wheels. She had various plastic pieces under the hood color-coded, and the hood liner and cargo mat were airbrushed. She opted for a split window design on the back window and changed out the exhaust for more audibly intense Flowmaster mufflers. Small accent changes included changing out the taillights for an aftermarket set and adding new fog light covers. For Oden, less was more, a creed that many Vette owners might appreciate against overweening types who would destroy the classic look rather than accentuate.

Oden’s most outrageous modification included a strobe light kit that she turns on at local car shows to attract the attention of weary spectators.

Road damage is an inevitable reality for many vehicle owners, especially those with a car that hugs the pavement. Oden decided that a canvas car bra made to repel road debris would detract from the overall presentation of the car, so she included an invisible bra, one that would still allow the paint to show through but protect it at the same time.

Oden’s straightforward approach to her Vette has garnered attention, but none more memorable, she recalls, than that of sportscaster James Brown. During a chance meeting, Brown, who saw her car, commented how much he liked it, and she has treasured his admiration ever since.

What do you drive? A 2006 Chevrolet Corvette C6 coupe.

Why do you drive it? I love the power associated with this car. The look of the car, the way it drives and the compliments I receive keep me driving it.

What makes your car so special? There are not that many red-on-red C6s with an invisible bra out there. I also think my vehicle is special because of the modifications to it.

What is your most memorable driving experience? My most memorable driving experience was the first time I hit triple digits driving it. And no, I am not telling you which road I accomplished this on.

What kind of music are you currently listening to in your car? I have XM Radio installed in the car, so I listen to all types of music depending on my mood. A friend of mine gave me “Little Red Corvette” by Prince, and I also play that while driving.

What was the first car you owned? The first car I owned was a fire engine red Pontiac Sunbird.

And your first ticket? What was it for? My first ticket was doing 40 mph in a 25 mph zone in the Sunbird.