I can never get enough car shows, especially in the summertime. Somehow, sunshine and steel just seem right for each other. How about you?
This past Saturday was a perfect day for enjoying some classic cars. The rain was gone, but there were still enough clouds in the sky to keep everyone cool, and it really helped bring out the cars and the crowds. Over the course of the day, I estimate there were about 75 cars on hand.
My brother and I headed up to the Ramada Inn for the 28th annual Midwest Chevelle Regional, hosted by the Queen City Chevelle Club. These guys are pretty active around here in the summertime, and you can find them cruising or parking somewhere in the Ozarks almost every weekend from now till October.
Let’s take a look at some chebbies, shall we?
My brother and I thought this 1966 Chevelle 300 Deluxe was the best car at the show. Somewhat rare, but not the most collectible car right now. It’s a red on red on red machine!
For me, a Malibu is just as good as any other Chevelle, and this one looks really clean with . The choice of whitewall tires on a 71 is interesting; people will either love it or hate it. Or not really care too much, if you’re me.
The guy wiping down this 1964 Chevelle SS sure didn’t sound Aruban, but you never know. I have never seen a car with Aruba plates before, especially in the middle of the US, so this was unusual to find.
1969 COPO/Harrell Chevelle. A very rare car, indeed. This guy had all the original paperwork and copies of letters and documentation to prove the authenticity of this bright red machine.
Everybody we talked to was really friendly and laidback, not to mention knowledgeable. Oh sure, there are always a few of those jaded old couples that bring their trailer queens out, nap in the shade, and go home after lunch, but for the most part, car show guys and gals are genuinely nice people.
[Photos Copyright 2015 Hooniverse/Marcal Eilenstein]
Car Show Crazy – 28th Annual Midwest Chevelle Regional
About
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The front turn signals and the grille say that silver Malibu is a ’72, not a ’71. A longtime friend of mine who passed away earlier this year drove a ’72 Chevelle for several years, starting in high school.
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Last year at the Lake Mirror Classic Car Show in Lakeland, FL., I was privileged to check out a Chevelle SS 454 convertible (circa 1972). It was black on black. But what made it so special was that it was a fully restored, numbers-matching, fully documented one that was ordered and manufactured with air conditioning and a four speed. It was gorgeous and yes, I. Went. Nuts.
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No, not a car show fan. I like driving cars. I like fixing cars. I like dreaming about cars. I don’t like talking about cars to strangers.
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“1969 COPO/Harrell Chevelle.”
No relation, by the way. My understanding is that, in contrast to my own efforts, “Mr. Chevrolet” actually knew how to race.-
I admire your efforts, regardless.
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The ’69 COPO/Harrell Chevelle is in fact “Monaco Orange”, code 72/72 – one of three COPO’s produced by GM’s Kansas City plant. I’ve owned it twice – new in August of ’69 and again 40 years later (in need of a frame off restoration). My wife and I had our first date in this same car on May 31st 1970 – two weeks later we were engaged. Still marrtied and we have our old Chevelle again . . .
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Bored to tears with car shows, but LOVE CARS! Those first four generations of Chevelle/Malibu are each gorgeous with perfect proportion and fantastic details. They are well loved for a reason, but still don’t get the credit they deserve as ‘everyman’ cars that were as good as many far more expensive cars. The ’73-77 was atrocious, the, 78-81 coupe recaptured the great proportions and everything since has sullied the name.
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It’s important to go to car shows with eyes wide open. I like to go with someone who knows more than me, or at least talk to owners so I can learn something new. For example, I learned that a Chevelle SS could be ordered with a bench seat and no radio. I could read that online, sure, but I got to look at one in the flesh, with the original owner telling me about it.
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