This image captures some of...
This image captures some of the exotic Motion Phase III GT Corvettes that were on display. Each was customized at Motion Performance, and many featured European-style covered headlights, custom paint, high-horsepower engines, and more.
While the Muscle Car and Corvette Nationals is always an exceptional show, the sheer scope of the event means that locating the best examples of any single marque can require a bit of sifting. We enjoy muscle cars as much as anyone, but Corvettes are in a category all by themselves, so we'll be limiting the focus of this round-up to just those displays. (If you need to see what else was on hand at the MCACN, check out our brother-in-arms, Muscle Car Review.)
Whatever your vehicular preference, this year's event in Chicago was a veritable Jules Verne time machine, the closest you could get to day-tripping back to the Golden Era of the '60s and early '70s, when big-inch Detroit iron ruled the streets of America. More than 600 of the most desirable cars ever built filled the aisles, and most were restored to as-new or better condition.
Besides exhibits of vintage muscle and collectible Corvettes, there were guest appearances that included Joel "Mr. Motion" Rosen, Linda "Miss Hurst Golden Shifter" Vaughn, and Jack "Doc" Watson. Historic racing cars were plentiful, such as the Baldwin Motion "Ko-Motion" '67 L88 Corvette, along with an amazing barn find: a '67 427/435 Tri-power Vette from Minnesota. Original, right down to the Wittek tower hose clamps, this time capsule had enthusiasts arguing about whether to leave it in as-found condition or treat it to a full restoration.
The Windy City is the ideal location for the MCACN, as the Midwest has the mother lode when it comes to period-correct muscle cars and Corvettes. And this event perfectly captures the essence of the era, putting the spotlight directly on these amazing vehicles. If you missed the MCACN this year, be sure to put it on your calendar for 2011—you'll be glad you did.
Talk about a barn find! This...
Talk about a barn find! This '67 427/435 four-speed car from Minnesota was last registered in 1974. Believe it or not, it was actually outfitted with snow tires and featured an electric plug hanging out of the grille for the block heater.
The Ko-Motion Corvette is...
The Ko-Motion Corvette is a true-blue '67 L88 built by Joel Rosen at Motion Performance. This vehicle drag-raced very successfully in the A/SP class and was a national record holder. Its original owner, Charlie "Astoria Chas" Snyder, was drafted and died while serving in Vietnam. Motion bought the car from his family and continued to race it.
This is a very rare '63 Corvette...
This is a very rare '63 Corvette Z06 "big-tank" car, on loan from the National Corvette Museum. It's one of six Z06 Vettes built by GM for professional road racing, two of which were sent to Grady Davis, then-President and CEO of Gulf Oil.
This SVRA Group 6 A Production...
This SVRA Group 6 A Production racer was built by Performance Restorations as an L88 tribute car. It was made from a '65 Vette that was raced all its life, and the original paint code is the same Nassau Blue Chevy used on all its Sebring racers. The cold-air-induction hood was made using photos of the Penske '66 L88 cars. It took home five trophies.
This photo is just a teaser...
This photo is just a teaser of the large vendor and swap-meet area that was teeming with new, used, and reproduction parts, such as these seats from Al Knoch Interiors.
This '81 Phase III 454 Corvette...
This '81 Phase III 454 Corvette was one of the last cars built by Motion Performance. It was intended as a "resurrection of the brand" after the smog-choked '70s, and it featured the highest level of modification offered by the tuner at that time. Note the period NACA ducts on the custom hood and the fixed, Plexiglas-covered headlights.
The big-money star of the...
The big-money star of the show: a '67 L88 convertible that just sold at auction (for $1.25 million dollars) to ProTeam Corvette. It's one of eight drop-tops built in the 20-car production run of L88-optioned Vettes for 1967. It was originally owned by Tony DeLorenzo (center), who was on hand to sign autographs and recount racing tales. Also pictured are Corvette author Dr. Peter Gimenez (left) and ProTeam's Mike Chilcote.
This '57 (foreground) belongs...
This '57 (foreground) belongs to the Midwest Gassers Association and features a Rehr-Morrison 565-inch big-block. It runs in the low 8s, but was driven to the show with its 4-inch exhaust turn-downs facing each other to help cancel some of the sound. The owner drives this beast to cruise nights all season and races in about eight events per year as well.
This restomod '62 was equipped...
This restomod '62 was equipped with a 383-inch American Speed small-block making 508 hp and 528 lb-ft of torque. Other notable features included a coilover-suspended Mark Williams axle and front suspension, along with a fully restored red interior. This car is available for sale at D&M Corvette (www.dmcorvette.com).
This original Z06 race car...
This original Z06 race car features the 36-gallon "big-tank" option and is owned by NCRS Midwest Head Judge Bill Braun.
This '67 is one of 16 made...
This '67 is one of 16 made that year with the L89 aluminum-head option on an L71 427. Ed Cole signed a COPO order to get this car made for a friend. D&M restored it, and it was awarded Gold Certification at the Bloomington Gold show last June. It has also won NCRS Top Flight, and at the MCACN, it earned certified Gold status and took the Triple Diamond Award.
This restomod '65 has a 572ci...
This restomod '65 has a 572ci crate engine, a six-speed trans, and late-model suspension parts. The custom hood blister was "grown" to cover the bigger engine while still looking stock, and the wheels are one-of-a-kind knock-off billet items. We'll be focusing on this beauty in greater detail later on.
This '93 40th Anniversary...
This '93 40th Anniversary ZR-1 is number 97 of 245 built. With just over 400 original miles, it boasts NCRS Top Flight Survivor and Bloomington Gold certifications.