NAVY VETERAN ROB TAYLOR’S CORVETTE PASSION: 2024 CORVETTE E-RAY.

A STORY OF SPEED, COMMAND, AND FAMILY

Rob Taylor’s journey to owning his latest pride and joy, a 2024 Corvette E-Ray, is not just the story of a car enthusiast. It’s a reflection of a life well-lived, marked by a distinguished Navy career, a deep-seated love for high-performance vehicles, and a devotion to family that defines him.

Rob’s automotive passion began early, influenced by his father’s cars, and has evolved into a lifelong pursuit of speed and engineering perfection.

“I was born an Army brat,” Rob begins, detailing a childhood shaped by constant moves across the United States and Germany. His father, an Army officer and physician, owned several iconic cars that left a lasting impression on young Rob. One such vehicle was a 1959 Buick Invicta, with its signature “cat-eye” fins and bold styling. “In those days, car seats were just a suggestion,” he laughs. “I’d sit on the bench seat next to my dad, and he’d let me steer.”

Rob’s fascination with cars deepened when his family moved to Germany and he experienced the thrill of the Autobahn in a 1965 Chevrolet Impala Super Sport. “Flying down the Autobahn at warp speed in that Impala—it was exhilarating,” he recalls. But the car that sealed his passion was a C2 Corvette Roadster, which he spotted for the first time as a child. “It was loud, had side pipes, and I was sold. From that day forward, I knew the Corvette was my dream car.”

From Commanding a Destroyer to a Corvette

While Rob’s love for cars simmered in the background, his professional life took center stage. After graduating from college in Kentucky, he joined the Navy, embarking on a 27year career that saw him rise through the ranks to command both a destroyer and a Destroyer Squadron.

“Commanding a US warship is the ultimate experience. There’s nothing like it,” Rob says with pride. “You’re in charge of 560 feet of American steel, representing the nation wherever you go.” His service spanned every major national conflict from Grenada to the early 2000s.

When he retired from the Navy in 2008, Rob transitioned into a second career at defense contractor Lockheed Martin, acting as an interlocutor between the military and the company. “I helped them understand the military’s needs, budgets, and operations,” he explains. “It was a great career, but after 14 years, I finally retired for good in Jamestown, Rhode Island.”

A Family of Car Lovers

Rob’s wife, Mary Lou, and their combined family of three sons—Aaron, Alex, and Sean—and Daughter in law Trang, have always been supportive of his passion for cars. “Aaron, lives in Jamestown, and we see him often. Sean and Alex are twins and live in Florida,” Rob shares.

But as a family man, Rob’s car choices were often tempered by practicality. “When I first heard we were pregnant with twins, I had to give up my Datsun 280ZX for a Volvo 740 Turbo Wagon. It wasn’t a sports car, but it was a fun ride.” The Volvo was eventually replaced by a minivan, a necessary compromise for his growing family.

The Cars That Shaped Him

Like many enthusiasts, Rob’s car collection has evolved over the years. His first love was a 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air, which he found rusting in a field. “I talked the farmer down to $350. It didn’t run, but with a new battery and some gas, I drove it out of the field,” he recalls. The Bel Air sparked a passion for American muscle cars that would follow him throughout his life.

After the Navy, Rob finally had the means to pursue his dream car. In 2009, he purchased a 2007 Corvette Z06—a car he still considers a beast. “I almost wrapped it up on my first day driving it,” he laughs. “505 horsepower, rear-wheel drive, and cold tires on the AC Expressway… It taught me a lot, fast.”

Rob’s brief ownership of a 2014 C7 Corvette left him longing for something rawer and more visceral. So, when his wife offered to buy him a new Corvette, he set his sights on the top-of-the-line Z06. But a chance encounter at a dealership led him to a new fascination—the 2024 Corvette E-Ray.

The 2024 Corvette E-Ray – A New Frontier

The E-Ray is a hybrid supercar that blends the raw power of a V8 with the precision and efficiency of electric motors. Rob’s E-Ray, finished in Hypersonic Gray with black wheels and a natural tan interior, is a sight to behold. “The color looks different in every light—sometimes green, sometimes gray. It’s almost like having three cars in one,” he marvels.

The car’s all-wheel-drive system and electric front motor offer a level of performance and control that Rob has never experienced before. “Zero to sixty in 2.5 seconds—unheard of,” he says. The E-Ray’s sophisticated driving modes— weather, sport, track, and more—allow Rob to tailor the car’s performance to any situation.

“It’s the perfect balance of power and practicality,” he says. “I can take it out on a back road and unleash it, or I can use stealth mode to slip out of the neighborhood without waking anyone up.” Despite his love for manual transmissions, Rob has come to appreciate the E-Ray’s paddle shifters and seamless gear changes.

Looking to the Future

For Rob Taylor, life has been an extraordinary ride—both on land and sea. His Corvette E-Ray is more than just a car; it’s a testament to a lifelong passion for engineering, speed, and excellence. As he cruises through the scenic roads of Jamestown, it’s clear that Rob’s journey is far from over. With a loving family by his side and the open road ahead, he’s ready for whatever comes next.