(By Greg Rourke) – It’s that time of year again, the Muscle Car and Corvette Nationals (say “mickackin”) has arrived in Rosemont, Illinois. As usual, hosts Bob and Vicki Ashton have knocked it out of the park. When they asked if Bob and I wanted to attend they didn’t have to ask twice.
As the name implies, it’s all muscle cars and Vettes. Only the rarest and best make the cut. Each year they have featured eras or styles. For example, this year a display of 4 speed convertible Stage One 1972 Buicks was on hand. Only 15 were built, I’m guessing every surviving example was here. The 50th anniversary of GM F bodies was celebrated. A bunch of Formula Firebirds, including a number of Super Duty equipped units was displayed. One of the more popular displays once again was Ryan Brutt’s As Found area. Just when you think every rare SS, Hemi, or wing car has been found, Ryan proves you incorrect.
Two notable displays caught our eyes. One was Don Carlton’s 1974 Duster Pro Stocker, known as the “wire car.” Why? In an effort to make the car as light as possible, the chassis doesn’t extent beyond the rear axle. The rear of the body was held up with wire rope and turnbuckles. Beyond that, every fastener was titanium, magnesium panels everywhere possible, and all sorts of “rules interpretation” was present. NHRA banned it at it’s first race. Joe Pappas, who worked for Carlton back then spent a long time with Bob and I giving us a history lesson.
Another was a 409 powered 64 Chevy wagon. We knew you could get a 409 in a station wagon, but had no idea one could order the 425 horse dual quad version. With a 4 speed. And transistorized ignition that required a special alternator. Makes one wonder what the person checking boxes on an order sheet had going through their head. The owner spent a good deal of time with us, and apologized numerous times for displaying an unfinished car. We felt that made it even more interesting.
We’ve been assured there is a three year backlog of entries for this show. We highly suggest putting MCACN on your to-do list for next year, it’s always the weekend before Thanksgiving. Bob Chiluk and I, your humble Chicago area field office staff, will be there.
Greg and Bob killin’ it again! I look forward to this coverage every year and am never disappointed.
I will make it to this someday.
When I see the Superbird with rust and primer, I know how the patina (real or fake) trend started:
JOE DIRT!
There are so many rare cars at MCACN, Why fill your post with the barn finds crap?
Best car show on the planet.
Great stuff. I’m not sure the barn finds are “crap” but some are very interesting. What’s the deal with the big yellow barge smashed in the front? Is that a 4 door Hurst 300 or something?