The happiest place on earth; For Corvette fans, Bowling Green, Ky., is the ultimate destination

It would be more appropriate if Route 66 instead of Interstate 65ran through this college town of 53,000, especially if your idea ofShangri-La is driving a classic Corvette like the guys from theearly "Route 66" TV series.

And it would be nice if "Life begins at 180 mph" T-shirts weresold instead of "Bad to the Bone."

But, hey, where else can you see the only 1983 Corvette inexistence or tour a plant the size of 22 football fields to watch anAmerican icon born in metallic shades of Atomic Orange (new in 2007)and seven other colors?

Bowling Green is home to the world's only Corvette assemblyplant, producing 148 of the sporty numbers each weekday ($44,600 …