Joe Biden Brought His 200,000-Mile Corvette to Newport 60 Years After His Father Gave It to Him as a Wedding Gift
by Sari Moon · Thought CatalogBy Sari Moon
Updated 37 minutes ago, October 5, 2026
Nic Waller, president and executive director of the Audrain Auto Museum and Audrain Group, presented former President Joe Biden with the inaugural Spirit of Audrain award at the Audrain Newport Concours and Motor Week on Oct. 4, 2026. Biden’s unexpected arrival at Fort Adams State Park in Newport drew a crowd as word spread.
Biden brought his 1967 Corvette Stingray, a car he’s kept for 60 years and driven 200,000 miles. He said his father offered to make monthly payments because he couldn’t afford to buy the car outright. It was a gift for Biden’s August 1966 wedding to Neilia Hunter in Skaneateles, New York.
The Corvette stood apart from the 180 competing vehicles, which had won recognition for their design, beauty and historical importance. Museum founder Nicholas Schorsch gave Biden an Audrain Group membership numbered 46, for his place as the 46th president. Biden also received souvenirs, including an Audrain Motor Week hat.
Jay Leno, a longtime contributor to the event, invited Biden. In June, Biden drove the Corvette on a private track for “Jay Leno’s Garage” and said it was only his 3rd time behind the wheel since becoming president. Secret Service rules prohibit presidents and former presidents from driving on public roads.
After the ceremony, Biden rode a golf cart to see the concours cars with his grandson Robert “Hunter” Biden, the son of the late Beau Biden. Lamborghinis were of particular interest during the visit.
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