About Us
Driven by Passion: The Richard Fortier Corvette Legacy
I purchased my first Corvette in 1963, which I still own—a 1958 model with fuel injection. I drive it regularly, as I do with my other five Corvettes.
I began working at AC Spark Plug in Flint, Michigan, in 1964, shortly after my wife, Carolyn, and I married. I worked on the assembly line in the air cleaner stamping department and had a stint on the air cleaner element line, as well as what was known then as the “Sports Car Line.” This line produced and assembled air cleaners for Corvettes, GTOs, Oldsmobiles, Chevelles, Camaros, and other muscle cars of the time. The department also handled silk-screening work on all air cleaners that required it. This experience proved to be very helpful many years later. I also spent some time in the oil filter and oil cap divisions. My final assignment was in the instrumentation department. In 1970, when GM employees went on an extended strike, I faced a decision: either take strike pay or do what I had been planning for several years—work on Corvettes full-time. Fortunately, things went well, and I never looked back.
I built up a local clientele, began buying wrecked Corvettes, and disassembled them for their components. I also started buying and selling used Corvettes, with over 250 sold over the years. Fortier’s Corvettes was a full-service company, performing mechanical repairs and body-off restorations. As this was labor-intensive, it required hiring skilled workers to meet the demands of Corvette owners. Gradually, I had to phase out the body and paint side of the business for various reasons.
From National Spotlight to Industry Innovators: The Paragon Reproductions Story
In 1974, we had a stroke of good fortune when Tom Swindell, a writer for Corvette News, discovered our unique small business. He suggested writing an article about us for inclusion in the official Corvette owner’s publication, Corvette News. I seized the opportunity, and our article was featured in the Dec 1973-Jan 1974 issue. This exposure propelled us to national prominence, and our mail-order business grew rapidly.
After discussing a change in our business model with Carolyn, we decided to manufacture Corvette parts, commonly known as “reproduction” parts. My goal was to locate original GM tooling and obtain permission from GM Service Parts to use this tooling to “re-issue” new parts for the industry. This approach was to ensure a continuous supply of precise parts if used parts became scarce. This new direction necessitated a new company name and business plan. Carolyn chose the first part we should produce in volume—the 1968-77 rear compartment door trim frames, which were prone to breaking. It was an excellent choice, and we sold thousands. The name Paragon Reproductions was my idea; I intentionally avoided including ‘Corvette’ so customers would mentally associate the name with Corvette parts. The strategy worked, and Paragon Reproductions became synonymous with Corvette parts. We officially founded Paragon Reproductions in 1979 and sold the company in 2002. We were committed to manufacturing all our parts in the USA and produced over 2000 different parts over the years with 34 full-time employees when we sold it. The company had grown too large for us to manage. There was a rumor that the buyer had founded the company, but let me set the record straight: we did!
Continuing the Legacy: Richard Fortier Corvettes
Fast forward to today. I’m manufacturing parts under the name ‘Richard Fortier Corvettes’ once again. I could never have believed that this unique car would remain so popular to this day, but great design never fades.
We sell on eBay and now have our new ‘Richard Fortier Corvettes‘ website.
Thank you for your past and future business. Please don’t hesitate to share your opinions about our services and any parts you purchase from us. Our reputation is paramount, and we strive for customer satisfaction.
