Corvette Blog

It is always wonderful to see a group of people push themselves to help out someone with a need.  And when the “helpee” is someone who put himself in harm’s way for all of us, that is, a member of the U.S Armed Forces, then it is particularly appreciated!  And when it's Corvette enthusiasts they are due the respect, it gets into the blogs like ours!

The group is Classic Glass Corvette Club of Marietta, Georgia. The serviceman for whom they stepped up is Sgt. First Class Adam Troxel, who was deployed in Kuwait for the better part of 2011.
A stunned Troxel had no idea the work was going on until earlier this month, when he was presented with the refreshed car in the showroom of Day’s Chevrolet in Marietta in front of 150 people, including 65 members of the club who brought their Vettes along for the big reveal.

SFC Troxel had asked his wife, Holly, to get the brakes done while he was gone overseas, but Holly had loftier ideas....

Posted By Bill Connell In Southeast U.S. | 0 Comments Permalink

Corvettes America, the premier Corvette show in Michigan, will present a check for $3000 to Leader Dogs for the Blind and another check for $3000 to the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute at the December 6th meeting of America’s Corvette Club. Representatives from both Leader Dogs and Karmanos will be in attendance to accept these donations and talk with club members.

America’s Corvette Club of Michigan meets the first Tuesday of every month at 7:30 PM in the showroom of Cauley Performance Automotive, 7020 Orchard Lake Road, West Bloomfield, MI 48322 at 7:30 PM

Corvettes America celebrated its 11th anniversary this year, drawing automotive enthusiasts from across Michigan as well as surrounding states and Canada. It also has national ranking, regularly drawing participants from California, Florida, Texas, Illinois, Tennessee, Kentucky, Pennsylvania and New York State, among others. The show, which is the largest all-Corvette show within a two hundred mile radius of Detroit, is an all volunteer effort staged by members of America's Corvette Club of West Bloomfield under the direction of President Richard Heldenbrand and Show Chairperson Jim McDonald. America’s Corvette Club, which is sponsored by Cauley Performance Automotive of West Bloomfield, is the largest Corvette club in Michigan and ranked fourth in size nationally. Proceeds from the show each year are donated to local and national charitable organizations.

Cauley Performance Automotive, George Matick Chevrolet, UBS Peninsula Wealth Management Group and Lingenfelter Performance Engineering were the primary sponsors of the 2011 Corvettes America Show.

The 2012 show will be held at the Alpine Valley Ski facility on Saturday, August 11.

For more information on Corvettes America visit www.corvettesamerica.org. Those interested may also send an e-mail to info@corvettesamerica.org or call (248) 249-3688.
 

Posted By Bill Connell In Corvette Events , Michigan | 0 Comments Permalink

America's Corvette Club of Michigan engineered an excellent outing for mid-August this year with their Alpine Valley Corvette Show (named after the physical location in White Lake, Michigan).  The event began with overcast skies, which were briefly followed with a light shower, but then the day opened up with pleasant temperatures under partly cloudy skies.

Approximately 350 Corvettes joined for a judged Show & Shine Competition (with many prizes), an NCCC Sanctioned People's Choice Competition, a used Corvette Corral, a good number and variety of vendors, a charity benefit silent auction, a 50/50 raffle, and food offerings.  By the way, $4000 was raised for donation to charity, half each to Leader Dogs for the Blind and the Karmanos Cancer Institute.  All generations of Corvettes were well represented, and many, many sharp looking cars were present.  A good sized contingent of cars even came all the way from Texas!

The two major sponsors of the show this year were George Matick Chevrolet and Cauley Performance Automotive, both of which had large blue and white striped tents to attract interested customers.  Other vendors present included American Custom Industries, ARESCO Auto Lifts, Callaway Cars, Corvette Central, D.J. Race Enterprise, Galli Shirts & Sports Apparel, Lingenfelter Performance Engineering, and Paragon Reproductions.

The Callaway folks brought their Silverado Extended Cab Callaway SportTruck, and many Corvette fans stopped by to chat with Mike Chessnoe about its versatility.  Some figured it was there as a transporter of equipment, and then came to realize that this 450 horsepower vehicle can work all week and then play all weekend!  Callaway is now converting Tahoes, Suburbans, and Avalanches, too!  In Michigan, they are available exclusively at George Matick Chevrolet in Redford, but Matick is happy to provide Callaways to anyone in the upper mid-west.  Call 888-875-0728 for more details.

Multiple views of the show follow the break.

Posted By Bill Connell In Corvette Events , Michigan | 0 Comments Permalink

I had written previously that CorvetteBlog was going to the recent Corvette Funfest in Effingham, Illinois, so today I tell my story about being one of the Celebrity Choice Judges.  I was honored with the cap (shown at the right) for my efforts.

On each of the main days of the event (Friday and Saturday), I was asked to peruse the thousands of Corvettes sitting before me to select a vehicle that "spoke" to me.  How do you pick one among the thousands?  So many roses.....

On Friday, I picked a gorgeous Crystal Red Metallic 2011 Callaway Grand Sport 4LT Convertible.  Carol Gronemeier of East Alton, Illinois is the owner, and she and her husband, Fred, have done a great job of personalizing their Callaway.  Callaways, of course, already have a lot of personality (with their 606 horsepower and other charms), but this one has additional nice touches under the hood, in the trunk, and throughout the car.  See photo of Carol, host Mike Yager of Mid-America Motorworks, and me after the jump.  Also pictured (at Carol's left) is emcee Keith Martin, of the invaluable resource, Corvette Market Magazine.

On Saturday, I selected a Vette that had just driven many hard hours (through four rainstorms!) from the Tulsa, Oklahoma area.  Ron Ledingham of Mannford is the owner of this Black 2009 Z06 with a contrasting Crystal Red Metallic stripe.  Many of the members of Ron's Corvette Club, the Tulsa Vette Set, have chrome-base CB whip antennas (from Mid-America Motorworks) on their cars, and a surround of chrome at the rear, highlighting the line between the rubber and the composite material.  It makes a great look!  Ron was really surprised (and pleased) that I had walked nearly to the back of the expansive fields to find his beauty.  (Frankly, it was a long walk!  Maybe Mike can have them parked closer together next year  :).  Photos below.

Posted By Bill Connell In Corvette Events , Corvette Recognition , Midwest U.S. | 0 Comments Permalink

The world's biggest car show is, without a doubt, the Woodward Dream Cruise.  It is held one Saturday every August on Woodward Avenue, spreading out north of Detroit, Michigan for about twenty miles.  This year the Dream Cruise falls on Saturday, August 20.

City after city opens its doors to receive a total of some 40,000 classic and sports cars from all over the world!  These 40,000 vehicles of interest attract well north of a million viewers.  The crowd has been estimated as high as 1.5 million in some years.  I know.  I've been there in the traffic jam.  Yes, many times.

This year, once of the sponsors is Chevrolet.  Chevy will be prominent with billboards, a sound stage, and tons of classic metal in the tony downtown area of Birmingham.  We are in the lead up to the celebration of the Chevrolet Centennial, so it's Chevy, Chevy, Chevy everywhere!

One of the activities leading up to the Woodward Dream Cruise that is of special interest to Corvette lovers is Corvettes on Woodward.  Larry Courtney is the man in charge, and he has a dizzying number of activities lined up for participants.

Wednesday, August 17, Noon to 7:30 pm - Hundreds of Corvettes jam the lot at the Radisson Hotel in Bloomfield Hills for seminars, canned goods collection for a food pantry, socializing, and then htting the four lanes wide southbound Woodward Avenue with an estimated 400 Corvettes.  Police cordon off the road, and let the Corvettes flow out of the hotel lot for an hour!  There is also an optional tour of the GM Heritage Center (which is seldom open to the public).

Posted By Bill Connell In Corvette Events , Michigan | 1 Comments Permalink

August is the month for some of the biggest all Corvette shows in America!  In Michigan, the premiere show is Corvettes America, and it is coming up on Saturday, August 13.

Many copies of the brand new 2012 Corvette will be present.  Callaway Corvettes will be on hand, as will be the Corvette-inspired Callaway Sport Truck and Camaro!  The judged show is expected to have three hundred or more Corvettes competing for awards!

Corvettes America is sponsored every summer by America's Corvette Club of Michigan, a club numbering in the hundreds of members.  All told, this show will be staffed with almost 200 volunteers and vendor staff!

So don't miss this one! Show hours are 9 AM to 4:30 PM, and the show will be at the Alpine Valley Ski Area, 6775 East Highland Road, White lake, Michigan 48383.  For more details, visit this website.  We hope to see you there.

Posted By Bill Connell In 2012 Corvette , Callaway Corvettes , Classic Corvettes , Corvette Events , Michigan | 0 Comments Permalink

If you are looking for a Corvette club in southeast Texas, check out this one.  They are readers of CorvetteBlog at the Tri-City Corvette Club:

www.TriCityCorvetteClub.com

Click the link for all the information.  Thanks!

Posted By Bill Connell In Southwest U.S. | 0 Comments Permalink

We thought Santa’s main mode of transportation was his magical elf-crafted sleigh. But, boy, were we wrong. Santa was recently spotted instead in a Corvette!

That’s right.  In honor of the Korvettes for Kids Toy Run, Santa made his way to Bridgeport’s Troop G in a 2004 bright yellow Corvette!

Santa’s journey was accompanied with 50 of his elves who each drove their own Corvette. The elves were needed in to accompany Santa since he had to deliver more than 100 bags of toys!!

The toys, many of which were donated by the 300 Club Corvette of Connecticut members, were then distributed to needy and sick children within the region. “Giving back to the community is the philosophy of our club,” said George Macary, vice president of Club Corvette.

Now in it’s 11th year, the Korvettes for Kids Toy Run proved to be yet another success! What a wonderful way to bring Christmas cheer!

[ Connecticut Post ]

Posted By Ryan In Corvette Enthusiasts , Corvette Events , Corvette Fun , Corvette News , Northeast U.S. | 0 Comments Permalink

One of those fun activities at the 2008 Cruisin' Telegraph event this past Saturday was when a first time Corvette owner received his keys!  The photo shows William Rhodes receiving his keys from CorvetteBlogger Bill Connell, in the presence of Lou Vinson, Central Regional Director, United Council of Corvette Clubs.

We have it on good authority that William drove all the way home to Indiana with a big smile!  Many of the UCCC members are photographed with William in photos after the break.

[ Related Blog ]

Posted By Bill Connell In Corvette Events , Indiana | 3 Comments Permalink

The 2008 version of Cruisin' Telegraph is history!  Cruisers drove up and down about ten miles of Telegraph Road through Redford, Dearborn Heights, Dearborn, and Taylor, Michigan on Saturday.

A good number of members of the United Council of Corvette Clubs made George Matick Chevrolet their home for the day.  A huge tent for shade, goody bags, and free food all contributed to a festive atmosphere, but, of course, the best part was the Corvette display.  Corvettes came from as far as Flint, Michigan, Toledo, Ohio and Gary, Indiana.

Enjoy the views below the break.

Posted By Bill Connell In Corvette Events , Indiana , Michigan , West Ohio | 5 Comments Permalink

Every July, cruising enthusiasts bring their Corvettes, classic cars, and sports cars to participate in the Telegraph Cruise on one of Michigan's most famous highways, Telegraph Road.  This year's event is Saturday, July 26.

Since we are right on Telegraph, CorvetteBlog and George Matick Chevrolet are inviting cruisers to stop by the dealership to see the Corvettes and other classics in our lot.  Several clubs who are associated with the United Council of Corvette Clubs, for example the V-8 Estate Corvette Club,  have said they will be in attendance.

The gates open at 8am, the cruise begins at 9am, and the gates close at 4pm.  CorvetteBlog looks forward to seeing you then.

[ 2008 Cruise Announcement ]

[ 2007 Telegraph Cruise ]

Posted By Bill Connell In Corvette Events , Michigan | 0 Comments Permalink

July 2008 finds the United Council of Corvette Clubs enjoying their annual convention in Atlanta, Georgia.  Home base for activities is the Sheraton Gateway Hotel, located right near the Atlanta Airport.

CorvetteBlog is here to support the UCCC and participate in some of the events.  Thursday was consumed with drag racing at the Silver Dollar Raceway in pecan country, in the town of Reynolds, about 100 miles south of Atlanta.

Unfortunately, a powerful storm blew through during the proceedings, and the final runs never were run.  Dorothy Swearingen of the Silver Dollar Raceway risked life and limb out by the tracks, though, taking photos of the participants.  To see or purchase photographs of these competitors, follow the instructions below:

Log on to www.silverdollarraceway.com.

Click on PHOTOS.

Click on www.classicpics.com.

Enter CORVETTE CLUB in the Search Field.

You should then see 46 photos taken, and have the opportunity to purchase print copies for yourself.

Posted By Bill Connell In Carolina , Corvette Events , East Ohio , Eastern U.S. , Florida , Indiana , Michigan , Midwest U.S. , Northeast U.S. , Southeast U.S. , West Ohio | 2 Comments Permalink

The autocross and drag racing activities began Sunday morning at 8, and continued throughout the day, until about 5 pm.  Having exclusive use of the facilities enabled the United Council of Corvette Clubs to work through their agenda with few delays.

This Blog shows a number of additional views of the day's event, cars, and competitors.

[ Car Show Blog ]

[ Points Meet Blog ]

Posted By Bill Connell In Corvette Events , Corvette Racing , East Ohio , Eastern U.S. , Indiana , Michigan , Midwest U.S. , Northeast U.S. , Southeast U.S. , West Ohio | 1 Comments Permalink

Well, it's history now!  The United Council of Corvette Clubs met on Sunday, May 25 in Thompson, Ohio to compete for dragging points.

The Green Hornet was there, too.  That is, the powerful Green Hornet shown to the right, as seen from up in the control tower.

Our announcer, Dijon, explained pretty much everything from the microphone, as he walked us through the time trials, the run-offs, and the final runs for King or Queen of the Hill.  An upcoming Blog will show our winner for the day.

Enjoy some of the photos of the day past the jump, and in subsequent Blogs.

Posted By Bill Connell In Carolina , Corvette Events , Corvette Racing , East Ohio , Eastern U.S. , Indiana , Michigan , Midwest U.S. , Northeast U.S. , Southeast U.S. , West Ohio | 2 Comments Permalink

CorvetteBlog was at the Car Show today for the United Council of Corvette Clubs gathering at the Cleveland Airport Marriott Hotel.  When I wasn't helping judge the cars, I had a chance to shoot photos of some of my favorites.

The Green Hornet is a 1970 Corvette Coupe, which relies on 850hp for power, with 1300hp on tap with nitrous oxide.  Expect Greg Williams to perform well at tomorrow's Points Competition over at Thompson Raceway Park.

Posted By Bill Connell In Carolina , Corvette Events , East Ohio , Eastern U.S. , Indiana , Michigan , Midwest U.S. , Northeast U.S. , West Ohio | 3 Comments Permalink

The United Council of Corvette Clubs (UCCC) is a national organization of Corvette owners.  The organization membership is made up of members from across the USA, and from many backgrounds.  The common bond is the Corvette.  The organization sponsors an annual convention in July that includes drag racing, road course, car shows, and various social activities for the membership and guest.  The organization also holds a Points Meet each year either in Cleveland, OH, or Monroeville, PA.

This year, the Points Meet is in the Cleveland area, and this is the weekend!  A Car Show will be held tomorrow, Saturday, May 24, at the Cleveland Marriott Hotel, and then on Sunday, May 25, the Points Competition will be held at Thompson Raceway Park (Thompson, Ohio).

Check out their website for all the details.  CorvetteBlog plans to be there, too.

Posted By Bill Connell In Corvette Events , East Ohio , Eastern U.S. , Michigan , Midwest U.S. , Northeast U.S. , West Ohio | 0 Comments Permalink

As I have written many times previously, one of the great parts of visiting the great Corvette venues in America is meeting the Corvette drivers themselves.  At Corvettes at Carlisle last summer, I had an opportunity to speak with a number of folks representing some of the Corvette clubs represented there.  This list represents those I met.

The Corvette Club of Western Pennsylvania is shown. 

Posted By Bill Connell In Corvette Events , East Ohio , Eastern U.S. | 0 Comments Permalink

Without a doubt, one of the nicer aspects of large Corvette enthusiast gatherings (like Funfest) is the gathering of the club members.  Usually, clubs caravan to the events, which is fun all by itself.  There's the feeling of being a part of something bigger that is so cool!

Upon arrival at the event, the clubs put up a tent or a canopy (or two) and hang a sign.  There are plenty of lawn chairs, often coolers, and even barbecue grills (especially if someone has brought a Corvette trailer queen), because there's always plenty of room in that haulin' Silverado for extra stuff!

When CorvetteBlog is on the road, we like to visit with the clubs, make friends, constantly learn more about the Corvette hobby, and introduce folks to CorvetteBlog.

Honestly, we hope more readers will lead to more folks buying new and used Corvettes from our parent company's inventory, or placing an order for a new Vette right from CorvetteBlog.  We continue to offer GM Supplier Pricing to CorvetteBlog readers, so we invite your conversation.  It can truly save you money!

There were some eighty clubs registered this year, but we weren't able to meet you all.  I've listed the Corvette Clubs we did have the pleasure of meeting at the Funfest.  Check out their websites.

Posted By Bill Connell In Corvette Events , Indiana , Michigan , Midwest U.S. | 3 Comments Permalink

Today's blog is a milestone.  This is the 500th time we've written a post.

CorvetteBlog began a little over a year and a half ago, and now boasts of having had over 50,000 visitors over the most recent twelve months!  And we feel like we're just revving up!

We appreciate your taking the time to check in with us (many of you daily) to read the latest information about exciting activities in the world of Corvette.  We try to highlight key gatherings of Corvettes, vendors who provide goods and services for Corvettes, information on historic Corvettes, the Corvette Racing Team, factory incentives, and the latest news on ordering a new Vette.

We will continue to go to the big shows like Bloomington Gold, Corvettes at Carlisle, and the Corvette Funfest.  We will make an annual trek to Bowling Green, Kentucky to see our friends at the National Corvette Museum or at the Bowling Green Assembly Plant.

What's next?  We do want to provide a better resource for Corvette clubs, so we are reorganizing the look of our front page to make the Corvette Club portion stand out better.  And, by the way, if you click your country or region, and don't find a link to your club, we want to improve on that, too.  With hundreds of clubs in operation, it will take a while to get everyone linked, but if you'd like attention sooner, write us.  We will put you toward the head of the list (the "squeaky wheel" concept)!

By the way, please tell your Corvette driving friends about us.  And here's to the next 500 blogs!

Posted By Bill Connell In Australia , Austria , Carolina , Corvette News , Czech Republic , Denmark , East Ohio , Eastern Canada , Eastern U.S. , Finland , Florida , France , Germany , Hungary , Indiana , Italy , Luxembourg , Michigan , Midwest U.S. , New Zealand , Northeast U.S. , Northwest U.S. , Poland , Puerto Rico , Roadrunner (AZ, NM, Western TX) , Rocky Mountain , South Africa , Southeast U.S. , Southwest U.S. , Sweden , Switzerland , The Netherlands , United Kingdom , Venezuela , West Coast , West Ohio , Western Canada , Western U.S. | 7 Comments Permalink

The selection of unique Corvettes at the McDorman Corvette and Classic Chevy Show (this past weekend) was amazing.  There was actually a wider array of Vettes on the property than at the National Corvette Museum!

I have to admit, though, as impressed as I was with the Vettes in the Corvette showroom and in the dealership's six barns, I was also impressed with some of the Corvettes driven there for the day by their owners.   And, of those, I was not more impressed by any than the Orange Crush'R.

Starting with an Atomic Orange Metallic 2007 Corvette Coupe, owner Jim McGruder of Columbus, Ohio had Antique Gold Metallic and Antique Bronze Metallic highlights added to provide a beautiful contrast.  Additional shots appear past the jump.  A close look is warranted to reveal excellent attention to detail in the customization process.  Nice job, Jim!  I wish my photography had done your car justice.

Posted By Bill Connell In Corvette Events , East Ohio | 0 Comments Permalink

CorvetteBlog announced this fundraiser back in May; now, the time is almost here.  Corvette owners are invited to drive scenic Ontario highways this Sunday, enjoying the sights and sounds, while raising money for a great cause.  Unlike as in the picture to the right, only paved highways will be used.

This year's run is the ninth, and over $200,000 has so far been raised for children's charities.  If Christie Lake, Webster Falls, Dundas, Hamilton, Ancaster, and Cambridge are locations that appeal to you, check out all the details on-line.  Best wishes from CorvetteBlog for a successful event!

[ Corvettes for Kids ]

Posted By Bill Connell In Corvette Events , Eastern Canada | 0 Comments Permalink

Sure, it rained off and on, but there was much to be excited about Saturday at the Bob McDorman 34th Annual Corvette and Classic Chevy Show in Canal Winchester, Ohio.  I was welcomed by an immense, "scary", Shark inflatable, but after that, it was all fun!

The dealership boasts of over two hundred Corvettes on the premises, including a few dozen new ones, but also including many extremely rare Corvettes with a history.  Later in the week, I'll show you the pictures I took of Corvettes of famous people.

Included in the weekend's events were a Mecum Auction, six barns of collectibles automobiles, pedal cars, neon signs, and Briggs and Stratton powered mini-cars.  Vendors of Corvette related "stuff" set up in the service bays and on the lot, and everything from fried Walleye sandwiches to elephant ears were available for lunch.  Also available was musical entertainment, a cruise-in, and concours judging.

The local Corvette club involved was Capital City Corvette Club.

Posted By Bill Connell In Corvette Events , East Ohio , West Ohio | 0 Comments Permalink

One of the Corvette clubs that I was privileged to meet at Corvettes at Carlisle last week was Corvettes Unlimited of New Jersey.

CUNJ is celebrating their 30th anniversary this year, as they were founded in 1977.  This very active Corvette club, located in Vineland, is led with passionate devotion by Dave Kinsey.  I noticed that you can call him Dave, but he prefers "Mr. President"!  Mr. President is shown by one of his prize Corvettes, with a canopy full of faithful club members in the background.

The club regularly attends big shows like Corvettes at Carlisle, but also sponsor their own events like their "Cruise Down Memory Lane" event held this past June (their 16th year).  If you are from New Jersey, you likely cannot find a more dedicated group of Corvette enthusiasts with whom to cruise.

Posted By Bill Connell In Corvette Events , Eastern U.S. | 6 Comments Permalink

On our way from the Detroit metro area to Corvettes at Carlisle today, I'm happy to say that we saw a lot of Corvettes!  And, the wave has been saved.  At one rest stop, we saw the Capital City Corvette Club with their bevy of beautiful rides, and later we chased a Corvette Grand Sport down Pennsylvania Route 30 for dozens of miles in our stealthy black 2001 convertible.

Before we hit the twisty, country roads of Pennsylvania, though, we were glad we stopped in Sheffield, Ohio for a lunch stop at Quaker Steak and Lube.  You might inquire as to why this is pertinent to the Corvette enthusiast.  Please do, because this restaurant is a Corvette lover's lunchtime or dinnertime dream!

On the walls of the entire restaurant were automotive parts, racing items, and memorabilia.  One large area is devoted to all things Corvette, with the rear end of a C5 mounted against the wall, an entire C3 mounted on another wall, and even a C6 up on a garage lube rack (under which patrons may sit).

By the way, the wings and sandwiches were pretty good, too, but I'm no food reviewer.  Restaurants by this name are all over the Midwest, though I'm sorry to say, none are in Michigan.  Additional photos past the break. 

[ Related Blog ]

Posted By Bill Connell In Corvette Events , Michigan , Vacationing in a Corvette | 4 Comments Permalink

We had previously blogged about the Mackinaw City (Michigan) Corvette Show,coming up this next week on Friday and Saturday.  Now, the Baymont Inn & Suites of Mackinaw City is making a special offer to all who mention the Corvette Blog when making reservations: the daily rate will be reduced by $30!

If you stay at the Baymont, you will be located right next door to the show grounds!  You can park your vehicle and walk back to the hotel for your comfort and convenience.

This is a wonderful event and a great fun-filled weekend you will not want to miss!  Contact the hotel at 866-331-7737 to make your reservations NOW!  Please mention the Corvette Blog to receive your discounted rates!  The folks in Mackinaw City say, "We hope to see you here in the town that LOVES COMPANY!" 

Posted By Bill Connell In Corvette Events , Michigan , Vacationing in a Corvette | 1 Comments Permalink

Corvettes will likely be cruising in record numbers this Saturday at the Woodward Dream Cruise.  The weather is supposed to be perfect: high 70's and sunny.  Vehicles are gathering even now!

Included in attendance will be a group of Corvette cruisers from southern California, who are halfway through a 7000 mile cruise themselves.  The group calls itself the 2007 Road Trip from California to the Dream Cruise and Beyond, and has additional plans for stops on the way home. 

Mark Phelan tells the interesting story of a trip inspired by last year's Cars movie and the iconic Route 66 TV show, in today's Detroit Free Press.

[ Related Blogs ]

Posted By Bill Connell In Corvette Events , Southwest U.S. , Vacationing in a Corvette | 0 Comments Permalink

The Seventh Annual America's Corvette Show is now history.  Held Saturday at the General Motors Technical Center in Warren, Michigan, it coincided with a celebration of the 1957 Chevrolet also being held on the grounds.  As a result, CorvetteBlog was able to secure some great photography of many other classic Chevies, and even the Camaro Coupe and Camaro Convertible Concepts.

Hundreds of classic Vettes were joined by a nice selection of Corvette vendors and corn dog hawkers in the humid sunshine.  A charity benefit silent auction, celebrity judging and autographs, and remarks from the likes of GM bigwigs like Gary Cowger, Troy Clarke, Ed Peper, and Tom Wallace made it a great day for Corvette enthusiasts.

Visit CorvetteBlog throughout the week as we report vendors we interviewed and show cars we saw.

[ Corvettes America ]

[ Related Blog ]

Posted By Bill Connell In Corvette Events , Michigan | 3 Comments Permalink

It's called the Bayamon Vette Corvette Club, and it has a very active membership, to say the least.

Check out the website, and even if you cannot read Spanish, you can see the big enthusiasm for the Chevy Corvette in the little island of Puerto Rico.

[ Bayamon Vette ]

Posted By Bill Connell In Puerto Rico | 11 Comments Permalink

Michigan hosts its biggest Corvette Show of the year this Saturday at the GM Tech Center in Warren.  On the spacious grounds of the facilities where GM does so much of its research and development, hundred of Corvettes of virtually every variation will line up for judging.

The event will be held rain or shine from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM.  Parking is free, but there is a fee of $8 for spectators over 12.  Corvettes America provides three ways to win with Celebrity's Choice, Show & Shine, and People's Choice competitions.

Posted By Bill Connell In Corvette Events , Michigan | 0 Comments Permalink

Dozens of classic Corvettes showed up on Saturday for the annual Cruzin Telegraph event just west of Detroit.  Coincidentally enough, the cruise was held on Telegraph Road from the community of Redford at the north, running south through Dearborn Heights and Dearborn, and finishing in Taylor.

It seemed to this writer that the numbers of both cars and spectators were down this year.  Perhaps having the organizing committee disband this spring had an impact after all!

Although isolated Corvettes could be spotted here and there along the entire route, they did seem to concentrate in two areas of the cruise: at George Matick Chevrolet in Redford in the morning, and at Taylor Chevrolet.  The Corvette Legends Club enjoyed the hospitality of Matick; the Downriver Corvette Club was hosted by Taylor. 

[ Related Blog ]

[ Corvette Legends Club ]

[ Downriver Corvette Club ]

Posted By Bill Connell In Corvette Events , Michigan | 0 Comments Permalink

Club Corvette Finland is the National Corvette Club in Finland.  It was started at the end of the 1980's when a small group of friends, who met cruising in Helsinki, got an idea to get all Finnish Corvette owners together.

The few pioneers did valuable work in finding interested drivers from different Corvette events and from the streets.  Very rapidly the number of members in the club was around 100, and it has grown steadily since.  At the moment the club has about 250 members.  It is estimated that there are altogether around 800 Corvettes in Finland.

We imagine that that number will only grow!

Posted By Bill Connell In Finland | 0 Comments Permalink

This will be my final blog on the Corvettes at the Summit Show this past weekend, but I'd like to share a few photos of cars or aspects of cars that I thought were notable.

The gills on the Black 2002 C5 of Jack Theurer from Ontario (purchased from Mid-America):

Posted By Bill Connell In Corvette Events , Michigan | 0 Comments Permalink

Five hundred Corvettes are expected at Blob's Park, Maryland in two weeks for an event sponsored by the Baltimore County Corvette Club, known as B-Triple-C to its members.

The Ultimate Corvette Meet & Greet and Car Show promises, fun, food, vendors, trophies, and a live deejay for those in that part of the country.

Have a great show, folks!

Posted By Bill Connell In Corvette Events , Eastern U.S. | 0 Comments Permalink

Corvette enthusiasts are united in their adoration of America's Sports Car.  Corvette enthusiasts are divided, as is everyone else in the world, by geographical location.

No group in the world has done a better job in giving Corvette enthusiast bodies organization than the National Council of Corvette Clubs.  This group lists some fifteen regions of Corvette clubs in the United States, and provides links to pretty much every country in the world that has organized their Corvette enterprise.

Effective this date, Corvette Blog officially salutes this fine organization, the regional U.S groupings, and the Corvette clubs around the world.  We will attempt to provide links to every group as time allows.

If you represent a club anywhere in the world, and wish to be one of the first to appear on Corvette Blog, please contact us.

Posted By Bill Connell In Australia , Austria , Canada , Carolina , Corvette Enthusiasts , Czech Republic , Denmark , East Ohio , Eastern Canada , Eastern U.S. , Finland , Florida , France , Germany , Hungary , Indiana , Italy , Luxembourg , Michigan , Midwest U.S. , New Zealand , Northeast U.S. , Northwest U.S. , Poland , Puerto Rico , Roadrunner (AZ, NM, Western TX) , Rocky Mountain , South Africa , Southeast U.S. , Southwest U.S. , Sweden , Switzerland , The Netherlands , United Kingdom , Venezuela , West Coast , West Ohio , Western Canada , Western U.S. | 0 Comments Permalink

Not your everyday daily driver!  Ron Smith (and spouse) from the Flint, Michigan area showed off their 1991 Arctic White Corvette Convertible at the recent Corvette Legends sponsored show in Canton.

Ron has specialized in tracking down the uniqueness of his Vette.  He has determined that, based upon body color, suspension, radio, transmission, leather seats, and blue soft top, he has one of only two ever produced.  In addition, he has tracked down the identical Vette to the state of Florida.

This is a man so proud of his Corvette that he drives it everywhere.  The 177,000 miles on this vehicle are a testament to its dependability to Ron and the two previous owners!

Posted By Bill Connell In Corvette Events , Michigan | 0 Comments Permalink

To whom would you turn for fiberglass or rolled composite panels to repair your Corvette?

Gary Everett from American Custom Industries in Sylvania, Ohio was present with an extensive display at the Corvettes at the Summit event this past Saturday.  ACI specializes in hoods, fenders, and other fiberglass / molded composite panels for 1963 - 2008 Corvettes.

Gary made a point that their fabrication technique is "hand laid" rather than "press molded" so the quality is enhanced.  ACI is likely the company you need!  Visit their website for all the helpful details if you are in need or repair or restoration.

[ Related Blog ]

Posted By Bill Connell In Corvette Equipment , Corvette Events , Corvette Parts , Michigan | 0 Comments Permalink

Not every Corvette owner has been able to collect signatures of Corvette chief engineers and Corvette Racing Team race drivers.  And, of those few who have, even fewer would have those signatures painted in silver on the engine covers of his Corvette!

Yet, this is exactly what David Newman of Oregon, Ohio has accomplished!  Every engineer's signature is there, except for Zora Arkus-Duntov.  I saw there the signatures of Johnny O'Connell, Ron Fellows, and many others.

David's 2005 is lovingly nick-named the "Silver Bullet", and his business card shows a picture of his prized automobile.  It was a pleasure to meet David this past weekend at the Corvettes at the Summit event.

[ Related ]

Posted By Bill Connell In Corvette Events , Michigan | 3 Comments Permalink

The Corvette Blog visited the Corvettes at the Summit event in Canton, Michigan on Saturday.  Overcast skies (see picture) didn't keep some 120 Corvettes from showing up for the judging and fun.

I met some really nice folks from Ontario, Ohio, and Michigan, and saw a nice selection of Vettes, from two 1954 C1's to a 2008.

One of the interesting cars on display was a 1978 Corvette 25th Anniversary Indy 500 Pace Car replica owned by Joe Walker.  Joe won the car a couple of years ago at a church raffle in Minnesota, and brought the car back home to Michigan.  The license plate reads: 1RAFFLE.

The Detroit Free Press carried a story on the event  Saturday.

[ Related ]

Posted By Bill Connell In Corvette Events , Michigan | 0 Comments Permalink

The city of Canton, Michigan is host tomorrow to the Corvettes at the Summit Car Show.  The Summit is the central city park is this growing city in the western region of metropolitan Detroit.

Sponsored by the Corvette Legends Club, the venue is quite attractive as the Vettes ring the pond.  The day's events include competitive judging, a 50/50 raffle, and a road tour into Washtenaw County to the west or Oakland County to the north.

If you stop by to see this beautiful collection of America's Sports Car, keep your eye open for Corvette Blog!

Posted By Bill Connell In Corvette Events , Michigan | 0 Comments Permalink

Yes, a Chevrolet dealership on the route of the upcoming annual Cruzin' Telegraph event is looking to provide parking space for a Corvette Club for FREE!

If you are an officer of a Corvette Club, and your club would like to avail yourselves of free parking space on the west side of Telegraph Road the day of the Cruise, please contact Corvette Blog A.S.A.P.!  Respond with a comment below with you name and phone number, and the Blogger will give you a call.  (Your information will not show on our website).

[ Cruzin' Telegraph ]

[ Related Blog ]

Posted By Bill Connell In Corvette Events , Michigan | 0 Comments Permalink

If you find yourself in Brisbane, Australia this weekend, be sure to check out the ninth annual Corvettes Down Under Car Club's "Corvette Classic".  Last year, some 35,000 people attended the show.

Perhaps for me, the motivation to be there would come from seeing with my own eyes probably one of the finest collections of right-hand drive Corvettes in the world!

If you are curious about right-hand drive, the club offers a fine FAQ at its Visitors link. 

[ Related Story ]

[ Corvettes Down Under Car Club ]

[ Courier Mail Story ]

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I have a potpourri of views of Corvettes I saw last Saturday at the Corvettes at Canterbury event in Lake Orion, Michigan.

First, two pictures of Sam & Tammy Martin's heavily chromed 2000 Pewter Silver Metallic Corvette Convertible.  Their license plate shows their commitment: IN2VETS.  My wife liked Tammy's 2-1/2 pound Shih Tzu puppy, too!

Posted By Bill Connell In Corvette Events , Michigan | 2 Comments Permalink

Like so many Vette lovers, Shirley & Tony Caruso have owned their blue 1963 Sting Ray convertible for many years, but have only been able to drive and enjoy it for a shorter time.  Their pretty Sunday driver was at Corvettes at Canterbury recently when I caught up with them.

Tony said that the car is Shirley's, but it was hard for her to get a word in edgewise as he told their restoration stories, like having the uncompleted car decorated with Christmas lights in the garage.  They like to attend shows, visit with friends, and put up with nosy bloggers like myself.  Thanks for your story, folks!

[Corvettes at Canterbury ]

Posted By Bill Connell In Corvette Events , Michigan | 0 Comments Permalink

John Clark of Brighton, Michigan will not be participating in Drive Your Corvette to Work Day this Friday in his Marina Blue 1967 Corvette Sting Ray.  And it's not because he's contrary!  He's blessed with being retired.

I met him this past Saturday at the Corvettes at Canterbury car show, where his sharply restored Sting Ray caught my eye.  John is the fifth owner of this little beauty with the white stinger on the hood.  John explained to me that in 1967, the optional stinger, which raises part of the hood, was available on small block cars, but was required on big block engines like his 427 cubic inch, 390hp engine to provide clearance for the air cleaner.

Also shown is one of the nicely restored side exhausts.  Care to guess the original cost for side exhausts (per the window sticker)?  They were only $131.65!

Related:

[ Drive Your Corvette to Work Day ]

[ Corvettes at Canterbury ]

Posted By Bill Connell In Corvette Events , Michigan | 3 Comments Permalink

The Corvettes at Canterbury Show was a pleasant way to spend the first Saturday of summer.

The venue, Olde World Canterbury Village near Lake Orion, Michigan, was a beautiful setting.  The shops there are in the various buildings of the historic farm of William E. Scripps, publisher of the Detroit Evening News in the early 1900's.

The Corvettes were parked around the various buildings, so a stroll to all the sites took me by all of the cars.  A nice collection of perhaps two hundred vehicles were present for review.  Owners were chatty, and, not surprisingly, we made some new friends for the Corvette Blog.

I trust the GMC Corvette Set club raised a good amount for Leaders Dogs for the Blind with their auction and other activities!

Posted By Bill Connell In Corvette Events , Michigan | 1 Comments Permalink

140 Corvettes from a club called the GMC Corvette Set will gather tomorrow morning at Olde World Canterbury Village, Lake Orion, Michigan for fun and fund-raising.

The beneficiary of the event, Leader Dogs for the Blind, is highly regarded in the greater Detroit metropolitan area (and beyond) as a provider of superior service animals to the community.  My friend Craig has benefited from the companionship of four of these fine creatures over the decades, so I’ve come to know the quality of this organization.

So, if you find yourself just north of the Palace of Auburn Hills, home of the Detroit Pistons, tomorrow, stop in to see the great cars, and to bid in the silent auction.

Registration begins at 8am.  You might just see the Corvette Blog there, too!

Posted By Bill Connell In Corvette Events , Corvette News , Michigan | 1 Comments Permalink

Corvette enthusiasts around the Toronto, Ontario, Canada area are invited to participate in the the "Corvettes For Kids" Road Tour on September 16.

This beautiful four hour tour on country roads surrounding the Toronto area will bring special satisfaction to participants because funds raised will go to support a camping experience for kids.  All roads are paved and great care is taken for traffic control to ensure a safe and enjoyable drive.

The charity supported is Camp Oochigeas.  (Camp Ooch, for short).  It is their hope that through the combined efforts of Corvette owners, smiles can be brought to the face of many children, and make their lives more enjoyable.

[ Camp Ooch ]

[ Corvettes for Kids ]

Posted By Bill Connell In Corvette Events , Corvette Fun , Corvette News , Eastern Canada | 0 Comments Permalink

This summer's celebration of one of the engineering marvels of modern times includes a Corvette Show!  The amazing structural marvel of Michigan, the Mackinac Bridge, is celebrating its 50th birthday the weekend of August 25-26, and the 18th annual Corvette Crossroads Auto Show is part of the festivities.

What a great way to enjoy your Vette in northern Michigan this summer.  The Detroit News featured an article on the celebration yesterday, and additional details can be located at the website of the Mackinaw Chamber of Commerce.

Posted By Bill Connell In Classic Corvettes , Corvette Events , Michigan , Vacationing in a Corvette | 1 Comments Permalink

Corvettes are often vehicle of choice for Cannonball Run type rallies across the country.  The Joy Ride Rally recently chronicled by SoCalSpeedZone included at least one heavily accessorized C5 and one C6 Z06.

Part of the beauty of the experience is the ability to have a lot of fun while helping raise significant funds for charity.  For example, $1000 of the entry fee for those driving in the Joy Ride Rally was designated for the Salvation Army's Hurricane Katrina Relief Project.  This adds up to a pretty nice sum!

Posted By Bill Connell In Corvette Enthusiasts , Corvette Fun , Corvette Videos , Vacationing in a Corvette , West Coast | 1 Comments Permalink

The first 75 participants in the car show to arrive get a goodie bag and a dash plaque. Door prizes will also be awarded throughout the day.  The fire truck pull (which I would LOVE to see) begins at 11am and includes local high school students, and fire fighters from four local departments.

It sounds like a great cause and the chance to hang out with 2 great Corvette Clubs makes it even better!

[ Macon Telegraph ]

Posted By Ryan In Corvette Events , Southeast U.S. | 0 Comments Permalink

We're always looking for new and exciting Corvette-focused events. Do you have a Corvette Club or have a special event focusing on the Vette? Let us know about it. Click here to email us at CorvetteBlog and we'll do our best to get you noticed.

We love Corvettes.

Posted By Ryan In Australia , Austria , Canada , Carolina , Corvette Events , Corvette Fun , Czech Republic , Denmark , East Ohio , Eastern Canada , Eastern U.S. , Finland , Florida , France , Germany , Hungary , Indiana , Italy , Luxembourg , Michigan , Midwest U.S. , New Zealand , Northeast U.S. , Northwest U.S. , Poland , Puerto Rico , Roadrunner (AZ, NM, Western TX) , Rocky Mountain , South Africa , Southeast U.S. , Southwest U.S. , Sweden , Switzerland , The Netherlands , United Kingdom , Vacationing in a Corvette , Venezuela , West Coast , West Ohio , Western Canada , Western U.S. | 0 Comments Permalink

One of my many surprises when visiting the National Corvette Museum was the discovery of the NASA connection.  Not that there is necessarily a signed document of any kind between the National Aeronautics and Space Administration and the Museum.

One whole display room was dedicated to photographs of astronauts who have visted the Museum, the Cape Canaveral (now: Cape Kennedy) Corvette Club, and displays of patches and memorabilia.

Posted By Bill Connell In Celebrity Corvettes , Corvette Museum , Florida | 0 Comments Permalink