In January 1977, when Brian Tilles (our president) was 20 years old,
he borrowed $3,000 from his parents to purchase some remaining parts
inventory, etc. from a local businessman operating a parts company then
known as Corvette Specialties. Included were established contacts such
as body shops and salvage yards. Prime "J row" spaces to the first
Spring Carlisle were also "part of the deal". All phone calls from the
former Corvette Specialties were forwarded and Corvette Specialties of
MD was up and running on January 25, 1977.
The Corvette industry was in its infancy. Corvette stores and
Internet shopping were nonexistent. Sources of parts were only a few
obscure body shops and occasional hobbyists. Swap meets were mostly
small, disorganized "parking lot" events and were few and far between.
Brian's phone was ringing steadily indicating that the demand for parts
was there. The problem was finding the parts. There were very few
reproductions. Good, used parts were plentiful and often reasonable,
however the sources of these items were difficult to uncover. Brian was
young, full of excitement and up to the task. It seemed like a treasure
hunt with many miles to cover. He scoured his list of current contacts,
which provided him new leads. In February 1977, he discovered a
fiberglass fabrication shop in Pennsylvania that was willing to part
with a storage trailer full of new and used parts, primarily l967 and
earlier. Throughout years of visiting relatives on Long Island in New
York, Brian was aware of the large concentration of Corvettes in the
area. Drawing on this recollection, family members noticed an increase
in the frequency of his visits. Long Beach, NY became a satellite office
with "free room and board". Long Island was a hot bed for good, original
Corvette parts. Some great buys were made but funds were running low.
Fortunately the first
Spring Carlisle was on the horizon.
With a rented 8 x 5 U-haul trailer in tow - destination Carlisle, PA. Corvette Specialties of MD was on its way to the first Spring
Carlisle. Brian began setting out his wares at the break of dawn. He was
mobbed even as he unloaded the trailer. Business was overwhelming the
entire show. The asking price for the parts brought a fair profit, which
was re-invested, in the purchase of more parts. The sought after parts
were sold to the happy customers at a reasonable price. Many of them
still shop with us today and have referred their Corvette friends and
contacts to us.
Through continued diligent investigation, Brian found that many
obscure parts not listed in General Motors parts catalogs were still
serviced by GM and available at a reasonable price. He purchased large
quantities of these parts, adding to the roots of his growing inventory.
The next major acquisition would help propel Corvette Specialties of MD
to a new level. In 1978, Brian made the acquaintance of a new vendor who
had acquired a huge inventory of 1953-67 parts. When this vendor became
disenchanted with the Corvette parts business, he indicated that his
parts might be for sale. In 1979, Brian purchased the vast inventory,
which included many rare NOS, used and current new parts, a yard full of
frames, body parts, clips and various "parts cars". Nine
tractor-trailers were required to transport the parts to a newly leased
warehouse. One 40' shelved trailer in particular was so tightly packed
it required weeks to unload, sort and catalog the items.
Brian's
continued efforts and perseverance have allowed controlled growth from
our humble beginnings in the 70's to our current respected position in
the Corvette world. Brian still has a great sense of good opportunity
and continues to give his customers the best value for a fair price. He
personally oversees all aspects of the company with tight quality
control.
In 2010, Brian moved Corvette Specialties of Maryland to its
new home in southern California. Now known as Corvette Specialties
of MD West, we continue to offer the same quality Corvette parts with
the same great customer service that you've come to expect from us over
the past few decades.
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