Just Back From Bloomington

[Craig Schultz (29385)]

Well, I just flew home last night and I did enjoy the overall BG experience. Due to the 50th anniversary and other events, I think the attendance was somewhat down, but the auction had an incredible number of cars going through, with some pretty high prices on some cars. It seemed like there was a high percentage of cars sold too. Burroughs's 12 mile L88 sold to Roger Judsky for $615K, there was some controversy and confusion in the final stages of judging as there was a $620K bid, but no 630K bids, and the guy that really bid the $620K lost out. The classes were great as always, and there were great cars in the field on Sunday. The vendors were high and down in my book, I did find a 66 BB fan clutch and a steering wheel, but I think the vendor side of this show is waning...far far from Carlisle (and getting worse).

I did find a neat new tool from Tom Dennsedt at International axle, he is about to produce and had one made for the show a new KO tool to compete with the Portka tool. It is a 6 point CNC billet milling that is anodized red on the body, and has a first rate turned handle about 2 feet long ang 1.25" or so in diameter with knurlings etc...a true machinists grade tool. It will sell for $289, but is first rate. With the 6 points, it gives you more positions to slip over the spinner. Anyway, nice to see Tom expanding his line.

All in all, I enjoyed the show as always, it's just not a parts show anymore...Craig

[Bob Babcock]

Re: Just Back From Bloomington

A friend and I attended BG and were disappointed compared to our last visit 2 years ago. My interests are in solid axles and mid years. If you are into C3s, it probably was a great show, but the quantity and quality of earlier Corvettes was a disappointment to us. It seemed that 2 out of every 3 Corvettes we saw were C3s. We spent time at BG Friday, caught an early flight back to the left coast and skipped Saturday. I did like the venue better that Bloomington, IL. Hotels and restaurants were easy to find.

[Craig Schultz (29385)]

Re: Just Back From Bloomington

Bob - the auction was pretty decent and did have a lot of midyear...my forte too. I was with two friends, one of which received a Gold cert on his 62 red/red fuelie...Craig

[Bob Babcock]

Re: Just Back From Bloomington

We probably should have stuck around longer. The auction is always fun. I wonder what the blown coke bottle sold for, hee hee. Our general impression is that it was not as interesting to us as it was a couple years ago.....but it had to be a blast for C3 enthusiasts. There was a bunch of them on the grounds and in the streets. We thought the 50 year GOLD anniversary would have better. I was amased how few C1s were there. I realize that the Special Collection focused on the 2nd 25 years and I understand that the Special Collection next year will feature Corvette's racing history.

But, I bought the tee shirt anyway!