Great story about what Mr. McLean did

[Michael J.]

http://blog.hemmings.com/index.php/2015/11/11/how-one-man-defied-gm-to-keep-the-corvette-alive-in-the-1990s/?refer=news

[Mike E.]

Re: Great story about what Mr. McLean did

It is mentioned in the story that Mr. McLean will be at the Pro Team Seminar this weekend.

https://www.forums.ncrs.org/showthre...highlight=team

Mike

[Roy S.]

Re: Great story about what Mr. McLean did

http://blog.hemmings.com/index.php/2...0s/?refer=news

Great story, it is my opinion that if an award were named it should be for his boss who took the heat, sat in the room with the suits that showed up and wanted to know where the money was coming from, since they had not authorized the program continuation, that individual, that meeting and absorbing that heat saved the corvette. If I'm not mistaken and I'm not that name is Jim Perkins. He saved the Corvette.

[Michael J.]

Re: Great story about what Mr. McLean did

Thanks Roy, that's good to know about this episode too. Maybe since we are now judging C5s (first at the Lone Star Regional last month and we did one at the SoCal Chapter judging last week), and I guess they were the ones that were saved, some special award for a C5 should be named for him.

[Mike E.]

Re: Great story about what Mr. McLean did

I believe there is a book by James Schefter called "All Corvettes are Red" that chronicles the story, I had not realized how close the car was to becoming extinct. I just ordered a copy.

[Mark E.]

Re: Great story about what Mr. McLean did

I believe there is a book by James Schefter called "All Corvettes are Red" that chronicles the story, I had not realized how close the car was to becoming extinct. I just ordered a copy.

Great book that gives an inside story about the development of the C5. It's eye opening how chaotic the development program became with the on-again, off-again support and funding by leadership. This was in the early '90s when GM was losing record amounts creating an environment of uncertainty and turmoil. I'm amazed the team pulled it off.

[Ken R.]

Re: Great story about what Mr. McLean did

Heard Mr. McLean talk at the NCM Labor Day celebration where he was inducted into Hall of Fame. Great story of man who stood up for his beliefs. Dave Hill also did a lot to save the corvette. Mr. Perkins role was discussed also. Came home and reread the book. Be great to get him to a convention for talk.
Found this on you tube of his talk:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TfKAkcu1BAI

And this video; watch Jim Perkins at the 1 hour spot. Very interesting on how close Corvette came to death. Some great talks.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fYJ350z3c40

[Michael J.]

Re: Great story about what Mr. McLean did

Maybe he should be the guy to present the first National Top Flight awards going to C5s?

[John D.]

Re: Great story about what Mr. McLean did

Heard Mr. McLean talk at the NCM Labor Day celebration where he was inducted into Hall of Fame. Great story of man who stood up for his beliefs. Dave Hill also did a lot to save the corvette. Mr. Perkins role was discussed also. Came home and reread the book. Be great to get him to a convention for talk

They also had a lot of help from Joe Spielman GM's manufacturing chief who also diverted funds for the cause.....

http://www.motortrend.com/news/how-the-c5-chevrolet-corvette-was-saved/