Bonnie displays the Karen...
Bonnie displays the Karen Ann Excellence Award for Joe Drum, one of the original group of friends who assembled Karen Ann from a parts car to a real car.
Joe Drum (right) tells Rob...
Joe Drum (right) tells Rob and Bob that he waited 30 years to buff out the paint "just to be sure it was fully hardened."
Bonnie congratulates herself...
Bonnie congratulates herself on having kept the project a secret for nearly a year.
The buffet dinner that followed allowed plenty of time for reminiscing, as well as a detailed discussion of the upgrades to Karen Ann. Corvette Fever Editor Alan Colvin made a special trip to Pennsylvania for the day to participate in the festivities and acknowledge the support provided by many of CF's leading advertisers.
In the weeks that have followed, Karen Ann has traveled nearly a thousand miles already, with just a few minor tweaks needed to keep her running smoothly and safely.
In the next few months, we will run a series of articles that will detail many of the upgrades that resulted in this gorgeous, safe, and reliable restomod C1.
And, for all you purists out there, all the modifications were done with an eye toward reversal just in case some future restorer wants to return Karen Ann to her original '59 configuration. But, frankly, since she's such a pleasure to drive just the way she is, we can't imagine why anyone would want to.
Alan Colvin adds his autograph...
Alan Colvin adds his autograph to those of others who supported the project.
Bob even created a commemorative...
Bob even created a commemorative booklet that includes a full narrative of the work done, complete with photos and technical details that will become an important part of Karen Ann's history.
Rob is joined by (left to...
Rob is joined by (left to right) Bob Morgan, Joe Drum, and Bruce Jones, who were all present thirty years ago when Rob first purchased the parts that were to become Karen Ann. The four were joined by others along the way and are a testament to friendships that can last a lifetime.
Well-lubricated with 10W-Heinekin,...
Well-lubricated with 10W-Heinekin, Rob shares his excitement with his friends from the early days and project manager Bob.
Rob and Karen Ann are surrounded...
Rob and Karen Ann are surrounded by those who had a hand in the recreation.
A man, his Corvette, a beer,...
A man, his Corvette, a beer, and a golf course. Who could ask for more?
Rob shares a tender moment...
Rob shares a tender moment with his wife, Bonnie.
CF's Alan Colvin shares a...
CF's Alan Colvin shares a joyous moment with Rob, his wife Bonnie (second from left), and daughters Megan (center) and Marianne (right).
9 SOURCESSpecial thanks to the following CF advertisers that helped with product and technical support.
Corvette CentralSawyer, MI800/345-4122www.corvettecentral.comCarpets, seat covers, door panels, hardware
Corvette Specialties of MarylandEldersburg, MD410/795-3180www.corvettespecialtiesofmd.comGauge restoration
Flaming River ProductsBerea, OH410/795-3180www.flamingriver.comR&P steering system, steering column, supports and harnessGardner's AutomotiveEaston, PA610/258-2418 Installation and fabrication services
Jim Meyer RacingLincoln City, OR800/824-1752www.jimmeyerracing.comComplete IFS system, plus brake master cylinder and lines
M&H Electric FabricatorsSanta Fe Springs, CA562/926-9552www.wiringharness.comFull wiring harness set - main, engine, headlight, generator, and rear harnesses
Stainless Steel Brakes CorporationClarence, NY 800/448-7722www.stainlesssteelbrakes.comFour-wheel disc-brake conversion kit
QA1Lakeville, MN 800/721-7761www.QA1.netFront coilovers and custom rear shocks9999