(Words by Greg Rourke – Photos by Bob Chiluk and Greg Rourke) – The Muscle Car and Corvette Nationals was once again held in Rosemont, Illinois this past weekend and once again, it’s topped itself. This has become one of the premier muscle car events in the country, at least as far as indoor shows, with cars coming in from all over the country. In the main room you will find no clones, tributes, or fakes…everything is a documented original. This year 6 of the surviving 7 Trans Am convertibles were in attendance. There were rows and rows of Yenko cars, Nickey cars, and Mr. Norms cars.
This year they had a Barn Finds section, coordinated by Ryan Brutt (AKA “Devil” in the BangShift forums). There was a one-of-one 1972 440+6 Road Runner GTX documented by Galen. A 1970 455 Ram Air IV Judge convertible was there, and changed hands for money that would buy several houses in my neighborhood. An original 1963 Max Wedge car, a real 68 Hemi Dart, a Dick Harrell 427 Nova were some of the highlights.
A nice lady told us the story of their 1960 Corvair race car, purchased new by Bill Thomas for his wife. It was turned into a race car after two weeks on the street. There was a Superbird that was once a police car. An Alabama state police Javelin. Two of Wally Booth’s AMC Pro Stockers. Bill Bagshaw’s Challenger Pro Stocker, plus Grumpy’s Toy X. Consecutive serial number Daytonas. Raymo Stott’s Daytona. A row of Torino Talladega’s and Cyclone Spoilers. TV Tommy Ivo’s dragster with wheel fairings. Our heads were spinning.
This event is held every November, mark your calendars, this event is one not to be missed.
Editor’s note: Bob and Greg blasted so many photos we’re going to run three galleries from this event, here’s the first:
EVENT GALLERY: 
Greg and Bob do the coolest stuff!
Tremendous work, guys…what a show…
Good stuff guys. Looks like an incredible show!
Thanks boys. I’m just honored to share a corner of the interwebs with you cats.
Amazing pictures. It seems like the show was really awesome.
Glad you guys enjoyed my Barn Finds section! Here are the pictures I shot from the show.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/hemipwr70/collections/72157632051178585/
Ryan Brutt