The National Corvette Restorers Society (NCRS) 2002 National Convention in Monterey, California
The Monterey Historic Races
2003 was Corvette’s 50th Anniversary celebration. The Monterey Historics are held at the world-famous Laguna Seca Raceway outside Monterey, California. Every year, the Monterey Historic Automobile Races (now the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion) selects a suitable unique marque to honor. Corvette was chosen for 2002, and the Chevrolet corporation and many enthusiasts planned to celebrate in style by bringing a once-in-a-lifetime collection of famous Corvettes to Monterey. This was all planned several years in advance. I will do a later blog post with all sorts of images of the 2002 Monterey Historics!
Everybody is invited to the party!
Because of this opportunity- every Corvette organization ALSO planned to host their annual events around the same time and near Monterey, California. The Straight Axle Corvette Enthusiasts (now the Solid Axle Corvette Club) were already headquartered in California, and the National Corvette Restorers Society (NCRS) held their National Convention in Monterey. This only added to the number of Corvette enthusiasts and cars that would be in Monterey in late summer, 2002.
The NCRS Monterey National Convention
NCRS makes sure to move their national gathering around the US (and occasionally Canada) to provide the opportunity for most members to have their Corvettes evaluated at the yearly National Convention. This involves an “East” Center,” “West” distribution of convention locations. Fate smiled on the NCRS organizers as they were due for a “Western” Convention location just as the 2002 Monterey events were planned.
Take a stroll through Corvette history with these images from 17 years ago- The NCRS Monterey National Convention in 2002.
Corvettes on display in NCRS Judging
Approximately 100 Corvettes were entered into Flight Judging (some half being 1953-1962’s!). Due to the fantastic turnout of truly historic racing and development Corvettes, NCRS allowed a much larger number of vehicles entered into the “American Heritage Award” judging. Everything from the “Purple People Eater” then owned by Chip Miller of Carlisle Productions; to the Gulf Oil Racer; to several Grand Sports were in attendance.
Overview of the NCRS Flight Judging
Another view of the Flight Judging
American Heritage Award Judging
Another view of the American Heritage Class
1962 Gulf A Prod #2 with noted Corvette Restorer, Kevin MacKay
BFG #48
Bob Johnson #8
Bob Radke’s 1967
Interior
Lots of horses…
The famous RED #4
Sunoco Penske Grand Sport #9
Grand Sport engine compartment
There were SEVERAL Grand Sports at the Convention- #2
The engine compartment of Grand Sport #2
The Chevrolet Display
As discussed at the beginning of the blog, Corvette’s 50th Anniversary was everyone’s excuse to head to Monterey. Chevrolet took their show on the road and was out in full force for all of the Monterey Corvette events. They were kind enough to set up a large display at the NCRS Convention hotel site. The display included information about the National Corvette Museum as well as historic engines and the latest Corvette C5-R racer.
The Chevrolet Display
The LS-1 Engine that powers the C5-R
The venerable 327 V-8
The 427 Big Block
The C5-R #64
The Monterey Auctions
As discussed at the beginning of the blog, Corvette’s 50th Anniversary was everyone’s excuse to head to Monterey. Several auction companies used the huge gathering of auto enthusiasts to their best advantage. Here are a few samples of the quality that was seen at one auction.
The DX Racer #8
A Cobra- not the “kit” variety…
NOT your average auction!
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