Corvette Power TouringCelebrating 10 Years Of Hot Rod Power Tour FunWhile we'll have full coverage of the 2004 Hot Rod Power Tour in our next issue, we couldn't resist giving you a preview of some of the Corvettes we spotted along the tour.
The Power Tour, which recently concluded its 10th anniversary, is a rolling car show, this year traveling from Arlington, Texas, through St. Louis, and on to Green Bay, Wisconsin. In total, 2,600 cars participated, a record for the tour. Here are some of the vehicles we spotted during the tour stop in St. Louis.
Be Like MikeMike Parris is a longtime journalist and car/truck enthusiast from the early days, having held staff positions with Off-Road, Popular Hot Rodding, and Super Chevy magazines in the '70s. His exploits with the new C6 are detailed in this issue, as are his stories from the engineering staff concerning the development of the new '05 Corvette. Clearly, Mike hit it off with the GM boys and interviewed not only Dave Hill and the folks handing out press kits, but those behind-the-scenes engineers as well.
A graduate of Brooks Institute of Photography and a longtime public relations "flack" for (shall we blaspheme a bit?) Ford Engine Company, an early retirement from the Blue Oval camp placed him back on the market for freelance writing assignments. Mike's exploits on the other side of the public relations desk were well received by all he encountered.
We're glad to have Mike working again as a journalist, and his photography and writing should be good for all. Look for more content and great images from Mike in the coming months and enjoy his high-speed cover story in this issue.
Corvette Museum Announces C5-R Performance Tour 2004, October 28-31Event proceeds to benefit museum's building campaignThe National Corvette Museum has announced an exciting race event exclusive to NCM members: the NCM C5-R Performance Tour 2004. Centered around the General Engines C5-R Corvette Racing Program, the event is limited to only 100 Corvettes, and proceeds will benefit the National Corvette Museum's building campaign. The event is scheduled for October 28-31 and offers a race-themed program featuring track activities at Michigan International Speedway, Pratt & Miller race shop tours, seminars by C5-R race-team members, a photo shoot and memorable dinner with race-team members, commemorative Corvette Racing apparel and gifts, and much more. Interested members can sign up to be included in a random drawing to select 100 Corvette owners to participate.
The event starts at Michigan International Speedway in Brooklyn, where participants will take part in various track activities and enjoy lunch at the track. The group will then caravan to Detroit to visit General Engines World Wide Headquarters Renaissance Center in Detroit and will end the day with a participant dinner.
The excitement continues Saturday morning with a breakfast presentation. The group then caravans to the Pratt & Miller race shop in New Hudson, Michigan, where the team will host a full day of tours and activities, giving participants an inside view of the championship winning Corvette race team. Activities include lunch, video presentations, seminars, autograph sessions, photo sessions, and more. Next will be a special banquet with GM Racing team members and commemorative gifts for participants. "We are thrilled to be a part of this exciting fundraiser to benefit the Museum's Building Campaign," stated Gary Claudio, GM Racing marketing manager. "We are strong supporters of the Museum and their mission, and look forward to welcoming these NCM members for an experience they will never forget."
The event is exclusive to NCM nembers at a cost of $2,500 per Corvette (two people per entry fee). The fee includes three-night hotel accommodations, activity expenses, and banquet fee. "We thank the GM C5-R Corvette Racing team and all of the sponsors for allowing us the chance to offer an event of this magnitude to our members," said NCM Events Manager Roc Linkov.
Members can sign up for the drawing to participate in the NCM C5-R Performance Tour via the Museum's Web site, www.corvettemuseum.com. You must sign up by August 15 to be eligible for the drawing. Additional details on the event are available via the Web site or by calling (800) 53-VETTE. A portion of the entry fee will be tax deductible.
The National Corvette Museum is a nonprofit foundation dedicated to the mission of "Celebration, Education and Preservation of Corvette's Heritage." Open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. CT, the Museum is located at Exit 28 in Bowling Green, Kentucky. More information on the Museum, becoming a member, or the building campaign can also be found at www.corvettemuseum.com.
On The BlockThis month, Corvettes sold at special interest and collector car auctions were found in Oregon, Oklahoma, and Florida. The majority of Corvettes were in restored condition, many with the optional high-performance engine.
Early models and mid-year Corvettes were well represented and drew high sale bids. The highest sale price went to a restored '67 roadster with the optional 427ci-435hp original engine: $90,000! This was followed by another 427ci-435hp '67 roadster that changed owners at $87,500. The No. 3 spot went to a restored '66 coupe with the 427ci-425hp engine for $82,000.
Representing the early models was a '59 fuel-injected roadster at $68,000. Close behind was the sale of a '61 roadster with the dual carburetor 283-270 engine and four-speed transmission. It found a new home for $67,500. The average sale price of the early models was $49,675, well above the average prices for the early solid-axle models.
Representing the C3s ('68-'82) were two '68 roadsters, both with 427ci-390hp engines, one with factory air conditioning. They sold for $39,000 and $37,000, respectively. A '72 LT-1 T-top was also noteworthy at a sale price of $45,000. It also had the rare factory air-conditioning option, one of only 240 offered with the LT-1 engine system. Closing out this month's results was the sale of an '03 roadster with only 263 miles that sold for the low price of $39,500.
Legend: R=Roadster, C=Coupe, T=T-top.
Source: A&B Investments, Ltd., publishers of the Vette-N-Vestments Corvette Price Guide and monthly Corvette Market Letter.
To get pricing information on your Corvette, go to www.corvettefever.com. Click on "What's It Worth?" and you'll find additional information and instructions on securing a personal response from Bob Kroupa regarding your Corvette's value. You can also send a letter to: Bob Kroupa, Corvette Fever, On The Block, P. O. Box 77764, Greensboro, NC 27417-7764.