Sidebar: Locked Out of Perfection

So, what does one do when locked out of a Corvette ZR1? Ignore AAA's suggestion to push the OnStar button to unlock it. As I had to point out to the friendly rep, the button was inside the locked car.

I had absent-mindedly left it in the cup holder when I hopped out of the ZR1 at a rest stop along Connecticut's scenic Merritt Parkway. The heavy door swung shut, and the telltale beep-beep of the car door made me shudder as I realized the keys were locked inside (something I never thought possible).

After realizing her initial faulty advice, the helpful AAA rep got me OnStar's number, where I explained my dilemma to another friendly rep.

Okay, she said, all you have to do is give me the account number.

Don't know it.

How about the phone number associated with the account?

It's not my car. It's a press car.

Okay... read me the VIN.

After scrambling for a flashlight, I read the VIN and explain why I am trying to get into a $126,000 sports car I do not own.

[Short wait as the OnStar rep consults her supervisor.]

Okay, she says, all I need to know is the hometown of the owner.

Momentary panic sets in. Do I say Detroit, the obvious choice? Is it registered in Warren, Michigan, where GM has other facilities?

Like a contestant with no lifelines going for $25,000 on Who Wants to Be a Millionaire, I squeak out the word "Detroit?"

Beep, beep.

The doors are unlocked, and I'm back on my way.

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