Flint Club Hosts Record-Breaking NCCC Meeting; Now Eyes Corvette Crossroads Show In Mackinaw City

Matick Chevy Michigan Corvette Council
More than 200 attended the National Council of Corvette Clubs Michigan Region awards banquet sponsored by the Flint Corvette Club at Matick Chevrolet.  

In 1953, the first Corvettes were manufactured in Flint, Mich., a fact not lost on the Flint Corvette Club.

“Our club motto is ‘Birthplace of the Corvette,’” says Jim Harris, club president.

The club itself originally came together back in 1969.

Harris has been a member since 1973, when his ride was a 1971 red Corvette coupe. Now 74, he owns a 2003 Corvette coupe — and the car color is still red.

“My taste hasn’t changed a lot over the years. Black is beautiful, too, if you have someone else doing the polishing,” he jokes.

The Flint club’s 50 members get together monthly to attend events or just “dine and drive.”

“We do what the members want to do,” Harris says.

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Club member Stu Moore relaxes at last summer’s Mackinaw City Corvette Show.

Some of the activities include participation in the Sloan Museum Auto Fair and Back to the Bricks where car lovers gather to park their classics in downtown Flint every August. 

This Aug. 27, hundreds of Corvette lovers — including members of the Flint club â€” will assemble in northern Michigan’s Mackinaw City for the annual Corvette Crossroads Auto Show.

Harris, a retired electrician, and Flint club members helped organizers pull the first show together 27 years ago, he says, because people have a way of finding him because of his long association with Corvettes.

“I’ve gone every year except the one year I had to work,” he says. “It’s a nice place to go with a craft show, shops, and sights to see.”

The club members gather for an annual corn roast, ball games, and bell ringing for the Salvation Army or Super Bowl parties.

Matick Chevy Flint Corvette Club Danny Kellermeyer
A young Corvette lover checks out the Corvette racer driven by Danny Kellermeyer on display at a recent club meeting. Danny is sponsored by Matick Chevy.

The Flint club is also part of the National Council of Corvette Clubs (NCCC) and is sponsored by George Matick Chevrolet in Redford Township, Mich., a leading Corvette dealer and GM’s Chevy Dealer of the Year for 2014 and 2015

When a person joins the Flint club, they are also required to join the NCCC.

Harris, who lives in nearby Lennon, Mich., points out one of the national club activities involve competitive driving, including autocross.

“This year we’ll do our program Aug. 14 at Michigan International Speedway,” Harris says.

Participants line up for autocross, racing against the clock, not each other, on a course defined by plastic cones.

After the Flint club lost its dealership sponsor, one of the members who connected with Matick Chevy suggested calling the big Redford dealership, says Harris.

“It’s worked out great,” Harris says.

Matick Chevy and the Flint club hosted the April 3 regional awards banquet for the NCCC Michigan region. Read that story here.

More than 200 attended from 16 Michigan clubs. That was a record turnout, officials reported.

Funds raised were donated to Veterans Outreach of Southeast Michigan

“It was a good turnout and we recognized people who participate in rallies and shows,” he says.

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Club member Barbara Harris gets ready to lead the parade at the 2015 Mackinaw City Corvette Show, which the club has helped coordinate.

As for Corvettes, Harris has a trunkful of reasons for being a fan.

“They’re fun to drive and I appreciate the way the car handles and the technology that has taken place with the Corvette since the 1960s.”

Harris says he feels youthful behind the wheel.

“You see lot of us old geezers in newer cars,” he says.

The camaraderie connected with Corvette clubs might even affect an owner’s personal life.

Harris met his wife, Barbara, at a national Corvette gathering in the mid-1980s.

“A mutual friend of ours in ‘Corvetteing’ set things up for us to meet,” Harris explains.

Barbara was a Corvette owner and a member of a Toledo area club.

The couple met at a convention in Indiana, and Harris says, “The rest is history.”

The Flint club welcomes new members. “We are open and friendly,” he explains. “And we’re always looking for new people.”

GM Student Intern/Muscle-Car Lover In Awe Of GM’s Heritage Center

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A pair of 1963 Corvettes, one a convertible and one with hard top, both with a 327 under the hood.

Guest post by Mitchell Bergslien

Growing up, my dad always took me to local (and not so local) muscle-car shows, which only grew my love and appreciation for American muscle cars —where they came from, why they were important and the heritage that they represented.

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GM Intern Mitchell Bergslien.

When muscle cars were hot, it was a simpler time —  it was all about who had the biggest V8 and things like the “radio delete” option, checked off to save weight for your quarter-mile time. One of the most important vehicles, I think, that represents heritage, speed, V8s and pure Detroit Muscle is the Chevrolet Corvette.

As a General Motors intern this summer and muscle-car lover, I (and fellow interns) was given the amazing opportunity to visit the GM Heritage Center in Sterling Heights, Mich. Walking in, the first car you see is a perfect-condition 1956 Chevy pickup, beautiful in black with black wheels and chrome hubcaps — the epitome of what every Chevy truck guy would love to own.

That truck was just the tip of the iceberg in the GM North American Heritage Collection. In addition to a facility full of 600 concept vehicles, rare and classic muscle cars, and experimental vehicles, a very cool part of the museum features archives that contain records of every GM car and truck going back forever.

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A visitor could look up, for example, the marketing campaign for the original Corvette from 1953, which is amazing compared to the modern-day marketing for the current C7 Corvette. (Ok, it was cool for me, anyway, considering that I am a marketing major/intern at GM’s world headquarters in Detroit this summer.)

After touring all of that, we were invited to the museum’s warehouse. It was GM muscle-car heaven — a dream come true for me to see all these cars in perfect condition, and with such great heritage.

You could see anything from a 1957 Bel-Air or 1996 Chevrolet Impala SS to a 1970 Nova SS or a 1939 Buick Roadmaster. There is a full line of Chevy and GMC trucks from the first Chevy Suburban and 1902 Cadillac. The progression of cars is amazing — it’s exciting to see how far we’ve come.

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Here’s  the rear view of the beautiful pair, got to love that split window styling! They don’t make them like that anymore.

By far the coolest section was the Corvette line-up, including a perfect Sebring Silver 1963 split-window 327 4-speed with a black interior. Prominently on display next to her is the 1963 convertible 327 4-speed, fashioned in tuxedo black with a gorgeous red interior.

Those two were my personal favorites  — the split window was the coolest thing that Chevy ever designed! Of course, the holy-grail Corvette would have to be the 327 fuel injection, 360 horsepower engine, but beggars can’t be choosers. Still, it’s a beautiful car to look at and it is in good hands! I’m so glad that these cars are preserved and kept as a piece of Chevy history.

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Two Mako Shark Corvette concepts – painted with the fade from dark blue to light gray just like the Mako Shark itself.

Right next to those two beauties sat a pair of 1973 C3 Corvettes, one in classic white and the other in pace car spec. It was really cool to see the progression of the Corvette in just 10 years. The biggest surprise is the amount of horsepower coming out of those engines.

In 1963, the 327 made more than 300 horsepower. Fast forward to 1973 through the gas/oil crisis, a Chevy small block 350 can’t even make 200 horsepower. As cool as the 1973 Stingray looked, it just didn’t have the performance to match it.

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A display of Corvette racing memorabilia.

The next generation C6 Corvette was much farther ahead in 2006 — a beautiful car painted in the classic Lemans blue with a black interior. Today’s Corvettes share similar qualities with their older generations, but are still very different, long, low and lean with a big engine.

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A C3 interior. Even in today’s C7 you can now get an all-red leather interior, but with much more gadgets and technology.

The most important feature shared was the four circular taillights. Corvette has stayed true to those taillights throughout the years. While other things have changed, including the exterior styling, the interiors and even the Corvette badge, one thing that stayed for a long time was the four round taillights … until the big change with the C7 generation.

This particular C6 had the 400 horsepower LS2 6.0L V8. One thing I don’t like that all the manufacturers did was switch to liters instead of cubic inches. “Cubic inches” just sounds way cooler than liters, but that’s just me.

Either way, the new Corvette engines are monsters and if they had put this kind of power into a classic ’63 Corvette, it would be beauty-meets-the-beast and it would definitely own the street.

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Check this mid-engine 1990 Corvette prototype car. Look how low that is to the ground!

On top of all the cool production Corvettes, the museum features a handful of experimental and concept Corvettes that were really cool to see. One that stuck out in particular was the 1961 Mako Shark Corvette. Inspired by the Mako Shark itself, this looker has the 427 V8 and is even painted like a shark —  dark blue on top fading down to a grayish white on the bottom. And of course, it features huge side exhaust pipes.

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C6 Corvette when they were first introduced in 2005. Oh how far they have come with the styling! For better or worse?

Having the opportunity to experience GM’s entire heritage and to see how far the company has come was just amazing. The progression of cars is fantastic and technology is great, but it’s important to know from where you came.

I would love to go again and would encourage anyone who has the opportunity to go!

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A prototype Corvette, no motor in this, just a cool concept body that would be amazing if they ever put into production!

Access to the GM Heritage Center is limited to GM internal groups and external organizations seeking a unique and exclusive venue that was designed to create an ideal setting for a variety of events. Information about reserving the venue for a special event, meeting, or group tour can be found here.

Mitchell Bergslien, of Oswego, Ill., is a marketing major at Northern Illinois University who is spending the summer in Detroit as a GM marketing intern working in Dealer Network Planning and Investments.

Posted July 31, 2015

‘Corvette Mechanics’ Discuss The Care And Feeding Of Your Corvette

Matick Chevy Corvette Mechanics
Corvette Mechanics’ Paul Koerner and Brittany George at the Corvettes in the D.

Owners of America’s favorite sportscar were able to pick the brains of Corvette Mechanics’ (thecorvettemechanic.com) Paul Koerner and Brittany George during their seminars presented at the third annual “Corvettes in the D” event, which featured hundreds of cars along the Detroit River last month.

In informative forums throughout the day, Koerner (a GM world-class certified technician) and certified technician George discussed Corvette technology, products and care, and answered questions from event participants.

Koerner talked about the recent evolution of Corvette batteries, including absorbent glass-mat technology, lowered weight and reserve capacity. He also answered questions about vehicle storage and battery life.

“It’s always important to give your battery a visual inspection after any extended length of storage,” Koerner said. “Any white powder residue on the battery top is a sign of trouble to come. There is a battery maintenance option, available for about $100, to keep your vehicle battery fully charged in the event you don’t want to disconnect it.”

Audience members participated in an animated discussion of fuels and fuel treatment options. “The best advice I can offer any Corvette owner is to always use a top-tier fuel,” Koerner said. “They keep the engine clean with better detergency, and they improve responsiveness – especially with acceleration.”

He suggested that owners visit the website www.toptiergas.com for more information on fuels.

One Corvette enthusiast asked if a store like Costco, with its fast inventory turnover, would ensure a fresher fuel. “Good point,” Koerner replied. “Yes, the freshness is important to consider.” Another audience member recommended Shell stations as a top-tier fuel supplier.

For those Corvette owners who have not been regular users of top-tier fuel, Koerner suggested the use of Techron Fuel System Treatment PLUS every 3,000 miles.

“Use a 20-ounce bottle to a full tank,” Koerner said, “and please make sure it is the ‘PLUS.’ That is what’s recommended by GM in their general maintenance guidelines, and is good insurance against sulphur contamination. We want to keep carbon deposits as low as possible, even with fuel injection.”

Koerner warned to “never put C-Foam in your fuel tank, as it is not compatible with fuel level sensors.”

Matick Chevy Corvette Mechanic Brittany
 Corvette Mechanics’ Brittany George.

George continued with a discussion of tire-pressure monitoring. “With the computerized monitoring, you don’t need to use a gauge as often.”

An audience member asked if the monitoring was in real time. George explained that “upon ignition, the monitoring does not start in real time. It will actually show the tires’ pressures from the last drive experience. However, after the first few minutes – and after a speed of 15 mph – the system refreshes and is then constantly transmitting.”

George described several conditions in which this monitor could be a valuable safety feature with its ability to forewarn the driver of any air pressure imbalances – especially in racing situations where a blowout could be devastating.

Corvette owners can visit www.thecorvettemechanic.com to find answers on Corvette-specific problems or email Paul and Brittany:

As “Corvettes in the D” spectators left that forum and mingled with the hundreds of Corvettes and their owners, they likely were thinking that, once again, organizers Larry and Verna Courtney, with support of General Motors, Corvette Central, Matick Chevrolet and Michelin Tires, have succeeded with another top-tier event.

Guest report by Honey Murray

Posted July 22, 2015

Free Press Writer Tells Inside Story Behind The 1-Millionth Corvette

Matick Chevy Millionth Corvette
The one-millionth Chevrolet Corvette rolls off the assembly line in Bowling Green, Ky., in 1992. Today, the historic car undergoing restoration at GM Design headquarters in Warren. (Photo: General Motors)

By Mark Phelan, Detroit Free Press Auto Critic

Originally published June 21, 2015

How did the one-millionth Chevrolet Corvette get to be No. 1,000,000? No, not just by coming after No. 999,999, smart-aleck. Go sit in the corner.

Months of planning went into figuring out which Corvette would make history, and exactly when it would be built, former Corvette model-year manager Jeff Yachnin told me last week. Yachnin spent 17 years on the Corvette team.

We were talking because I got a look at the historic car undergoing restoration at GM Design headquarters in Warren, just outside Detroit. The car was damaged — virtually totaled, to the untrained eye — when a 30-foot sinkhole swallowed it and seven other cars at the National Corvette Museum in Bowling Green, Ky., on Feb. 12, 2014.

Chevrolet saw the millionth ‘Vette coming and preparations began years in advance.

Read more by Mark Phelan here.

Matick Chevy’s Detroit Grand Prix Corvette Caravan Photo Album

 
Matick Chevy Corvette Caravan Dealership
Matick Chevy in metro Detroit hosted its annual Grand Prix Experience on May 30.

We hope you like this collection of photos from the annual George Matick Chevrolet Corvette Caravan Experience to the Chevrolet Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix on May 30. 

The race day experience included discounted grandstand seat tickets to the Grand Prix and Chevy’s Hospitality Tent and Corvette Corral parking on the island, a starter’s breakfast program at Matick, speakers and more. Almost 100 Corvette owners and their guests wheeled into the dealership Saturday morning before heading to the island with a Redford Township Police escort.

WJBK Fox 2 News promoted the event earlier in the week. Watch Matick General Sales Manager Paul Zimmermann, who recently was selected as one of the 2015 Automotive News 40 Under 40 Retail, talk about the Grand Prix event and the new C7 here.

Matick’s Corvette Caravan Experience sold out, reports George Matick Chevrolet’s Ryan Esler. To attend the 2016 event, email Ryan well before race weekend, which is usually near the end of May. Corvetteblog.com will feature stories on the 2016 caravan beginning in January.

Enjoy the ride!

P.S. We also love to hear good news. Click here to learn how the Grand Prixmiere fundraiser, presented by Chevrolet on the Friday of race weekend, raised $1.1 million for the Belle Isle Conservancy. The funds will help maintain, renovate and improve the huge island park located in the Detroit River.

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Matick Chevy Corvette Caravan: The Line-Up Begins.Matick Chevy Corvette Caravan 12 Leader
Matick Chevy Corvette Caravan C7 Leader of the Pack.aa Matick Chevy Corvette Caravan
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Matick Chevy Corvette Caravan 1 Paul Zimmermann
Matick Chevy Corvette Caravan Host Paul Zimmermann.Matick Chevy Corvette Caravan 2
Matick Chevy Corvette Caravan Pulls Out.Matick Chevy Corvette Caravan 9 Danny Kellermeyer
Matick Chevy Corvette Caravan Host Racecar Driver Danny Kellermeyer.
Matick Chevy Corvette Caravan 7Matick Chevy Corvette Caravan’s Breakfast Gathering.Matick Chevy Corvette Caravan 5
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Matick Chevy Corvette Caravan Host Larry Courtney and His Wife Verna
Matick Chevy Corvette Caravan Host Larry Courtney and His Wife Verna.
Matick Chevy Corvette Caravan Regulars
Matick Chevy Corvette Caravan Regulars
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Matick Chevy Corvette CaravanMatick Chevy Corvette Caravan 6Matick Chevy Corvette Caravan’s Guest Speaker Ken Lingenfelter.Matick Chevy Corvette Caravan 8Matick Chevy Corvette Caravan Host Racecar Driver Danny Kellermeyer Talks with Guests.Matick Chevy Corvette Caravan 10
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Matick Chevy Corvette Caravan —Breakfast Is Served.Matick Chevy Corvette Caravan 18
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Matick Chevy Corvette Caravan Breakfast.Matick Chevy Corvette Caravan C7
Matick Chevy Corvette Caravan Matick Chevy Corvette Caravan Corvette Museum
Matick Chevy Corvette Caravan Corvette Pace Car.Matick Chevy Corvette Caravan Corvettes
Matick Chevy Corvette Caravan —Corvettes Ready to Roll.Matick Chevy Corvette Caravan Cruise News
Matick Chevy Corvette Caravan Cruise NewsMatick Chevy Corvette Caravan Danny
Matick Chevy Corvette Caravan Host Racecar Driver Danny Kellermeyer, left, Hanging Out.Matick Chevy Corvette Caravan Signs
Matick Chevy Corvette Caravan Experience Memories.

Photos by Lindsay Emeigh

Posted June 2, 2015

Update: $439 Million Corvette Plant Upgrade Includes Massive Paint Shop

Matick Chevy Corvette Assembly Plant
About 150 jobs will be retained as part of GM’s Corvette plant makeover.

May 21, 2015 — GM announced today that it will spend $439 million on upgrades at the Corvette Assembly Plant in Bowling Green, Ky. This investment adds to the $135 million GM has already pumped into the facility over the past four years for the new Corvette Stingray and the Performance Build Center.

A new 450,000-square-foot, environment-friendly paint shop, almost half the size of the entire current production facility, will include substantial technology upgrades, new tooling and robots to improve efficiency.

Construction will begin this summer and last two years. Corvette production schedules will be unaffected by the construction.

“With this major technology investment, we can continue to exceed the expectations of sports car buyers for years to come,” said North American Manufacturing Manager Arvin Jones. “These types of investments are evidence that the customer is at the center of every decision we make.”

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GM’s Arvin Jones detailed the upgrades.

Added UAW Vice President Cindy Estrada: “This new paint shop will mirror the efficiencies and technologies of the new body shop, installed with the launch of the Stingray.”

Corvette production began in 1981 in Bowling Green following assembly in Flint, Mich., and St. Louis, Mo. Each has been an exclusive home of the Corvette, contributing to its distinction as the world’s longest-running, continuously produced passenger car. More than 1.6 million have been produced in 62 years.

Since the launch of the all-new 2014 Stingray, the Corvette has won more awards than any other car in the industry, including the 2014 American Car of the Year, Car & Driver’s 10 Best and Automobile Magazine’s Automobile of the Year.

Building on that recognition, Corvette sales reached an eight-year high in 2014 with almost 38,000 cars sold globally. The plant welcomed a record 56,000 tourists last year.

The new Performance Build Center opened last year and in March began hosting customers in the Build Your Own Engine program. More information about Bowling Green Assembly is available at corvetteassembly.com.

The investments in Bowling Green are part of the $5.4 billion that GM said it would invest in U.S. facilities over the next three years.