Tracking a herd of Corvettes at the NPD All-GM Oktoberfest
National Parts Depot's (NPD) All-GM Oktoberfest, held October 1 at Nature's Theme Park in Silver Springs, Florida, was one of autumn's most alluring and unique car shows, and VETTE was on-site to bring you an exclusive look at all the Corvette action.
Silver Springs--a 350-acre tourist spot that first became popular after the Civil War, in part due to its invention of the glass- bottom boat--has been a favorite of Hollywood directors since the 1930s, and has served as the site of the All-GM Oktoberfest since 2006.
Unlike most parking-lot car shows, Silver Springs opened up its private entrance on the morning of the event and allowed Corvettes (and other GM vehicles) into the park, amongst its attractions, events, eateries, exhibits, and amusement rides. "When you combine the several hundred cars and trucks with the activities Silver Springs offers, it's a show that not only car enthusiasts, but also their families, will enjoy," NPD spokesperson Derek Putnam says.
The Sixth Annual National...
The Sixth Annual National Parts Depot (NPD) All-GM Oktoberfest invited Corvette owners to show off their rides amongst the attractions and picturesque settings of Silver Springs--Nature's Theme Park in Silver Springs, Florida.
"There were more Corvettes in attendance at this year's show than any other GM make and model," Putnam continues. "We counted 119 of them in total, from all six generations--from a '54 to a '10 Grand Sport. The Corvette crowd has literally created a show within a show with the wide variety of rare, vintage, late-model, and custom Vettes they bring to the All-GM Oktoberfest. As the largest group of cars at the show, we enjoy having them every year."
The Seventh Annual NPD All-GM Oktoberfest is tentatively scheduled for October 2012. For updates, visit www.npdlink.com.
This '62 fuelie was 1 of 1,918...
This '62 fuelie was 1 of 1,918 that rolled off the St. Louis assembly line for the model year. It wasn't lonely, as a '63 fuelie (1 of 1,325 produced) parked next to it, and crowds admired them both all day long.
A Torch Red and a Millennium...
A Torch Red and a Millennium Yellow C5 lead this delegation of late-model Corvettes in attendance.
A row of big- and small-block...
A row of big- and small-block powered midyears provides the background for this rare '54.
Chevrolet made only 20 L88...
Chevrolet made only 20 L88 427/430 Sting Rays in 1967; this tasteful tribute includes many real L88 parts, including aluminum heads, a draft tube, J56 Special Heavy Duty Brakes with proportioning valve, radio and heater deletes, an M22 four-speed trans, and a cowl-induction hood.
In addition to the car show,...
In addition to the car show, Corvette owners were given free admission to Silver Springs' events and attractions, including rides in the park's famous glass-bottom boats on Florida's Silver River.
Late-model Corvettes heard...
Late-model Corvettes heard the call of the wild, including this assortment from the marque's three most recent generations.
I scream, you scream, we all...
I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream--and a patriotic-palette '79 coupe.
The show provided the perfect...
The show provided the perfect opportunity for attendees to renew or start their subscriptions to America's Favorite Corvette Magazine, and get complimentary VETTE limited-edition T-shirts in the process.
This Atomic Orange '07 Indy...
This Atomic Orange '07 Indy Pace Car Replica is 1 of only 500 produced.
An '03 Millennium Yellow LS1...
An '03 Millennium Yellow LS1 coupe looks right at home with its C6 Z06 big-brake kit.
Since Silver Springs houses...
Since Silver Springs houses a zoological collection, we had to see if we could track down a real barnyard find; this one is high (and we mean really high) performance.
These third-generation Corvettes...
These third-generation Corvettes were among the many examples of America's Favorite Sports Car that exposed their engine compartments.
Like this '63 L84 327/360...
Like this '63 L84 327/360 fuelie...
...this '71 LS5 454/365 c...
...this '71 LS5 454/365 coupe...
...and this '70 coupe powered...
...and this '70 coupe powered by a LS7 427/505 transplant.