Tag Archives: Corvette

Corvette Turns 65 Happy Birthday

June 30, 2018 Route 66 Pub Co Leave a comment

Congratulations to the Corvette, America’s Sports Car for turning 65 today. The longest running passenger car marque first had their production run start up in Flint, Michigan producing the first Corvette on June 30, 1953. So the Corvette is officially a senior citizen now.

First Year Corvette

All the first year Corvettes were produced as Polo White with a red interior and a black canvas top for the convertibles. Only 300 models were produced in the first year and they all had a Blue Flame straight six cylinder engine and automatic transmission.

Corvette enthusiasts might have the T-Bird to thank for continuing the lineage as Chevrolet was strongly considering dropping the Corvette until the Ford Thunderbird entered the market in 1955. Lucky break!

Building the 1953 Corvette

The first year Corvettes were all made by hand, without an assembly line and so the fit and finish and actual parts used varied a bit as building techniques evolved. All came equipped with AM radios and a heater as the only “options.”

Surprisingly, with only 300 originally built there are a few originals that can’t be accounted for. Our guess is they were “just a car” back then and went into somebody’s junkyard for scrap.

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Auctions, Car show

FAST at Barrett Jackson Changes Meaning Here’s Why

January 10, 2018 Route 66 Pub Co Leave a comment

FAST at Barrett-Jackson Car Auction

At the Barrett-Jackson Car Auction, FAST usually 2018 at all of Craig Jackson’s car auctions, FAST will have a totally different and potentially lifesaving meaning.

FAST PSA

For the first time Barrett-Jackson will focus for the whole year on heart disease as a public service message with the American Heart Association. The auctions have always been known for their charity car sales which now approaches almost $100 million in donations. But for 2018 Craig Jackson explained that they will be sending out a heart safe message to their participants.

FAST

FAST also stands for the warning signs of a heart attack.

F Facial drooping

A Arm weakness

S Speech slurred

T Time to call 9-1-1

1988 Corvette Charity Car

As part of the year-long notification, Jackson had his personal Bugatti Veyron wrapped in red and silver with the #DRIVEN HEARTS hast tag splashed across the sides. Plus at next week’s Scottsdale, AZ auction he will be donating the sale of his 1988 Chevrolet Corvette to help fight heart disease. Ironically this sports car had been given him by long time auction consignor and car dealer, Dave Ressler. Ressler recently died from heart disease so this re-gifting is so suiting.

In addition Barrett-Jackson is sponsoring a special Arizona license plate theme, with $17 of the state yearly fee going to the American Heart Association. So there are several ways that Barrett-Jackson will help benefit the hearts of car fans!

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Car show, Uncategorized

Cars and Coffee Explodes in Scottsdale

December 20, 2017 Route 66 Pub Co Leave a comment

Okay it didn’t like explode and cause a mess. But the Cars and Coffee monthly show held in “Scottsdale” is growing every month. They outgrew their previous location and moved to an even larger parking lot at Scottsdale Road and Mayo Boulevard. (It’s actually in Phoenix but old habits are hard to shake).

Cars and Coffee Selection

They have always had a large showing of exotics and high-end cars. So of course a new Ford GT will be there. And a LaFerrari is at home at this show as well. But there are always plenty of classic iron to enjoy, like this split window Corvette.

The folks that put this on do it as a labor of love. Lots of volunteers are in place along with a few paid security forces. The crowd is respectful and the mood is always friendly and inviting. Got a Dave Kindig built Nomad? Bring it. Want to bring out a nice truck, they always have room.

Cars and Coffee Monthly Show

So if you are coming out for some winter warmth and relaxation, remember the first Saturday of the month cars and Coffee is held “near” Scottsdale! Otherwise keep an eye out for our updates and twitter postings.

Car show, Uncategorized

SEMA Collector Car Appreciation Day Is Today

July 14, 2017 Route 66 Pub Co Leave a comment

Any day is a good day to drive a classic car, but Friday July 14th will be exceptionally good. That is the day that SEMA will celebrate their annual Collector Car Appreciation Day. This will mark the eighth year that SEMA seeks to acknowledge the vital impact classic cars and their owners contribute to America.

The US Senate has passed resolutions noting the collector car celebratory day each year. SEMA is encouraging collector car owners to set up special cruises or events to mark this day (or even the whole month of July, since many might not be able to participate on a workday.)

So expect an interesting view in the employee parking lots this Friday. And if you don’t have a classic to drive consider these three iconic cars. They’ll always be popular and cool

32 Ford Deuce

The truly iconic looking roadster has been celebrated on US stamps and is an eye catcher, although driving “topless’ in July’s heat may not be the best choice. A roadster by definition has no top and no side windows. It was designed to be fast and look cool. Mission accomplished.

Corvette convertible

Hard to go wrong with any year of America’s sportscar. To down weather is here and the Corvette’s are meant for the open road.

57 Chevy

The display of chrome and sharp angles is a classic look for the late 50’s and reflects our interest in the upcoming Space Age. The 1957 model was the last year of the “tri-five” Chevys and some might say it was the best of all three years. There are always a ready supply of parts for these Chevys and plenty of reference materials. Plus restored vehicles are readily available.

Some may say that any day is a good day to drive a classic. Plus driving these cars are good for them and you! So take a cruise in a classic today and everyday!

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Classic Car- Drive it or Store it?

June 30, 2016 Route 66 Pub Co Leave a comment

It is a continuing dilemma for the classic car market. You run across a collectible car with ridiculously low mileage. The car owner may even be asking for a premium for such a low mileage beauty. The car probably comes with every artifact that came from the factory. But here is the dilemma. Do you buy the car and continue to keep it in storage and keep the odometer from rolling up? Or do you say the car was meant to be driven and keep the pedal to the metal, as the numbers on the odometer tick up?

There is an adage in collector car circles, that a car can only be original once. Similarly the car can only have that low odometer reading once too. Some fans will argue that to appreciate the car it needs to be driven and enjoyed. But they acknowledge that by doing so, the value will tank. Others will argue it can be enjoyed while staying intact in the garage. What to do?

This 2003 Corvette is a perfect example of this conundrum. The first owner appears to have taken exceptional care of this stored classic. He says he started the car every couple of months to circulate the fluids and moved the car every 4-6 months, to avoid flat spotting the tires. He has all the marketing materials and even kept the interior lined in the factory plastic protective wrap. His “Buy It Now” price of $44,900 certainly is a premium to other models that sell with loads more miles showing.

The 2003 Corvette marked the 50th anniversary of the iconic nameplate and was highly sought after. There is even a registry just for these cars. List price was probably over $56,000 and some dealers were aggressive in marking up these 50th Anniversary Editions. 11,632 of these Anniversary Red metallic C-5’s were made and occasionally you can find one with less than 20,000 miles; but this convertible has only 57 original miles!

So do you buy it and start driving it? After all the posting does say – “Drive it home if you want. It’s ready to go.” Or maintain it as is, and keep the low miles?

Let us know what you would do if you were the new owner.

Please note images in this post is NOT the car for sale

Auctions, Car show, Uncategorized

Corvette Summer INSPIRED Model by Gas Monkey Garage

January 27, 2016 Route 66 Pub Co Leave a comment

Fans of Richard Rawlings and Aaron Kaufman from Fast N’ Loud will recall that a recent episode featured a Corvette that was in the style of the 1972 Corvette featured in the Mark Hamill (before Star Wars fame) movie “Corvette Summer”.

Corvette Summer

Let’s set things straight right away. The original Corvette from that movie was a right hand drive. Clearly the car that Gas Monkey Garage bought is a left hand drive car. So in the words of the Barrett-Jackson website for the car listing – “‘Corvette Summer’ inspired this car offered by Gas Monkey Garage.”

So if you didn’t listen closely to the episode or read careful the placards you may think differently. Never the less it is an interesting look.

Corvette Summer Inspired

The “growth” coming out of the hood is not even a grill or opening but has vinyl simulating an opening.

Somebody did take some time to craft a look a-like; but since it isn’t even a right hand drive I wouldn’t even try to call it a clone or re-creation.

If you follow the show on the Discovery Channel you know what they paid. It goes on the auction block on Friday, so we can see how well Richard does on the car right away.

What do you think Flip or Flop?

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Auctions, Car show, Uncategorized

Arizona Concours d’Elegance Picks Winners

January 26, 2016 Route 66 Pub Co Leave a comment

The Arizona Concours d’Elegance helps kick off the massive week of classic car auctions here in Arizona. Now in their third year, they always manage to round up an impressive number of cars and unique marques to make this show, held at the Arizona Biltmore in Phoenix , Arizona a must see event.

They picked an impressive set of classic to win the awards but four really jumped out at us. In this first coverage of the Concours, we wanted to focus on four that really caught our eye and we hope yours too.

The show is broken down into specific classes and here were three winners of Best in Class.

1958 Gaylord Gladiator

Arizona Concours d’Elegance Avant Garde – Pre 1973

As we say if you want to see a unique car, Arizona is the place to see it. This Gaylord is visually striking with the black and white color scheme. Seems that the Gaylord was hand made in Germany as concept vehicles. This is powered though by a Cadillac engine. The side paint scheme emulates the Corvette cove maybe?

1956 Cadillac Series 62 convertible

Arizona Concours d’Elegance Iconic Postwar American – Pre 1966

This massive red brick is powered by a 365 ci engine and four speed Hydramatic transmission. A convertible with this much chrome and red paint just has to grab you and get your heart pumping.

1961 Chevrolet Corvette Gran Turismo

Arizona Concours d’Elegance Postwar American-Powered Sports – Pre 1966

Well when you see this red classic, you might think that the frazzled post-production crew messed up the photos, but no this is a Corvette. This car was commission to portray an European look on an American chassis. It used a fuel injected 283 ci engine and a 4 speed manual to get it.

The show also dispenses “Special Awards” and we’re glad they gave out an honorary judge’s award ( one of three issued in that group) to this blue baby.

1948 Talbot-Lago Type 26 Gran Sport

Arizona Concours d’Elegance Honarary Judge’s Award

We liked this car for two reasons. the Talbot was beautifully restored and the blue color just blazed in the Arizona sunshine. And it may be the longest car at the Concours for a two-seater. That front bonnet (hood) just stretches and stretches.

Next update will feature more car, so stay tuned. Here’s a teaser. An awesome black and red Auburn Boattail is included

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Auctions, Car show, Uncategorized

Gas Monkey Garage 68 Corvette Hot Wheels

January 25, 2016 Route 66 Pub Co Leave a comment

Gas Monkey Garage has made some outrageous builds, but this season’s Hot Wheels 68 Corvette might take the cake. And you can take it home, if you score the winning bid at the Barrett-Jackson Auction on Saturday, January 30, 2016.

Gas Monkey Garage

The stars of “reality TV’s” Fast N’ Loud – Richard Rawlings and Aaron Kaufman – took a clean 68 Corvette that had a big block 427 cubic inch engine with a four speed and slapped on a Weiand blower to stick out of the hood.

The exhaust sticks out of the side as well. But the gold flake paint job and the wide rear fender flares really help to set this Corvette off for Gas Monkey Garage. The red line tires scream period correct and are a nice choice mated to the US Mags.

Gas Monkey Garage and Hot Wheels

The story for television was that Mattel’s Hot Wheels wanted Gas Monkey Garage to design and build a car that they could feature as a model. I’m thinking a line of exclusive Gas Monkey themed model cars coming soon to toy stores everywhere.

So the successful bidder can take the car back to his garage and soon have a Hot Wheels version as well. Or the losing bidders may just have to settle for the Mattel version, which probably gets better gas mileage.

1968 Hot Wheels Corvette

We have highlighted Gas Monkey Garage at the Barrett-Jackson Auction before. They always draw a crowd around their cars, once the show hit the cable “airwaves”.

Personally I think the Corvette begs to have a set of chrome side pipes slapped on it, but who asked me? I am asking you to post up what you think the winning bid will be. For the eagle eyed viewers, Craig Jackson is in one of shots in the slideshow below. Where’s Craig?

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Car show

Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) Shows Off at SEMA

December 20, 2015 Route 66 Pub Co Leave a comment

The Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) holds an evening reception during the SEMA Show. And while I enjoy meeting up with old buddies and making new friends, I also enjoy checking out the cars that were handpicked to be displayed at the reception.

A total of six cars and trucks were highlighted this year, so let’s take a look at these beauties.

HRIA – 55 T-Bird

From NASCAR’s” hometown” Mooresville, NC came this 55 Thunderbird in silver hues. A tube chassis mated up to a stock floor pan. It has a Ford Coyote 5.0 L 302 under the hood and Tremec six speed, with Vintage Air Conditioning and nice Halibrand knock off wheels.

HRIA – 63 Corvette

This convertible Corvette is powered by a Chevy small block 355 with a five speed Tremec. A slick set of Inglese side draft carburetors looked mean and it borrowed some C4 chassis components and a C5’s brake set up. The blue color was an added touch.

HRIA – 55 Ford

Another Texas build, this one used an Art Morrison chassis and a 528 Boss engine with a TKO 600 transmission. Knock of wheels looked nice with that stance and Gabe’s Interiors did the upholstery.

HRIA – 59 Rambler

I never get tired looking at this beauty. It was a Great Eight finalist for the Ridler Award in Detroit. The 2 door wagon features a LS small block with Hemi heads and a supercharger. Gabe’s did this interior as well and a Mesa, AZ shop did the work, including over 30 body modifications.

HRIA – 70 Challenger

This blue beauty hailed from Mooresville, NC as well and used a 4L60E transmission with an Edelbrock EFI set up. Lots of custom work went into shaping those bumpers and changing the rocker panels by lowering them.

HRIA- 69 Chevy C-10

In acknowledgement that trucks can be hot rods and the C-10 is a hot model, out rolled this nice 1969 Chevy. It has a LSX engine (461 ci) with a supercharger and a Tremec six speed. The Roadster Shop supplied the chassis and the owner claims 1000 horsepower with this set up.

So a nice collection of vehicles helped make for a great evening with the Hot Rodders. They gave out some nice awards and acknowledgements. Can’t wait to meet up with them next year.

So what vehicle struck your heart?

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Car show, Uncategorized

Jimmie Johnson’s 1971 Corvette

October 30, 2015 Route 66 Pub Co Leave a comment

Jimmie Johnson’s resto-modded 1971 Corvette was featured in the first episode of Jay Leno’s Garage series. The Corvette is awesome and features some modern technology to back up those classic styling lines of a 71 Corvette. But we had a chance to see it first at last year’s SEMA Show and the Chevy Media Preview Show.

Jimmie Johnson at SEMA

Jimmie Johnson was present to discuss his modified Corvette in person and it spent the balance of the week as a highlight of the Chevy display at SEMA.

Corvette LT1 Engine

The engine is a stock crate LT1 engine that puts out 460 horsepower and an even more astounding 465 foot pounds of torque. It was backed up to a 6 speed Super magnum transmission.

The 71 Corvette rides on 18″ rally wheels and is slowed down by C6 Z06 brakes; six pistons up front and four pistons in the rear. The interior included black leather and gray suede bucket seats and a three spoke steering wheel.

Enjoy the pictures! Wonder what the folks from Chevy will bring out to the SEMA show this week/ Look for an update here after SEMA.