Amazing "Restorer" Front & Back Cover: 34 posed 1967s all showing their stingers

[Mark E.]

The Spring 2016 "Restorer" just arrived. What an amazing photograph gracing across the front and back covers: 34 1967 big blocks all facing forward with their stinger hoods open.

I wondered what show had so many 1967 big block Corvettes in attendance? And what a neat idea to have the owners get together for this photo op. Then I saw the accompanying story and realized these cars are owned by one person- Rick Hendrick. I knew he had a collection, but my gosh. Dr. Google says there are 190 cars in Hendrick's collection, and about 100 of them are Corvettes.

They're located near Charlotte, in the Hendrick Heritage Center, a massive warehouse-like building that's apparently closed to the public. From photos, it's a beautifully designed and appointed museum that makes NCM look modest in comparison.

Has anyone seen it?

[Michael J.]

Re: Amazing "Restorer" Front & Back Cover: 34 posed 1967s all showing their stingers

Yes, my Restorer arrived yesterday too, and since I have visited Rick's operations and museum a few times (even got to drive some of his cars on the drag strip nearby and Charlotte Motorspeedway track), it is even more spectacular in person. Much of his operation is open to the public, we were always there on a special event tour supporting some of Rick's charities. If you are in Charlotte, it is worth a stop to see whatever is open.

[Michael J.]

Re: Amazing "Restorer" Front & Back Cover: 34 posed 1967s all showing their stingers

Here are some pictures from my last visit in July, that is me driving his Z28 and COPO Camaro on the tracks.

[Mark E.]

Re: Amazing "Restorer" Front & Back Cover: 34 posed 1967s all showing their stingers

Mike,

Looks like you had a great time.

How would you compare this collection and its center to NCM?

[Michael J.]

Re: Amazing "Restorer" Front & Back Cover: 34 posed 1967s all showing their stingers

The NCM collection is more Corvette complete, from start to finish, and all about Corvette history. Rick's is about very rare cars, he also has lots of rare Camaros and other GM and non-GM muscle cars. He has many first and last built cars, and the very rare color/options combos. Totally different collection themes and both are great.

[Joe R.]

Re: Amazing "Restorer" Front & Back Cover: 34 posed 1967s all showing their stingers

My hat if off to Vinnie Peters for an excellent job in publishing "The Corvette Restorer" magazine for the NCRS.

He is the best at what he does and he enjoys his work.

Thanks Vinnie,

JR

[Keith B.]

Re: Amazing "Restorer" Front & Back Cover: 34 posed 1967s all showing their stingers

Yes. Pretty much every NCRS Member that attended the 2010 Charlotte Nationals went to the event that Rick hosted for us that included a tour of his collection, and the opportunity to view the garage areas for his 4 NASCAR cars. I remember the evening well. I came away with an understanding of a new standard for the word "clean". Very impressive operation.

Don't ask for pics, because there aren't any. No cameras were allowed into the collection.

they did that last year as well. Absolutely breathtaking. Too bad no cameras on sight.

[Michael J.]

Re: Amazing "Restorer" Front & Back Cover: 34 posed 1967s all showing their stingers

We weren't allowed cameras in his NASCAR operations sections, where they build and repair bodies, chassis, and engines. A fascinating place, and they gave us some used spark plugs from Jeff and Danica's cars. The most fascinating part of that was the 3D printers they were using for building car parts. An intake manifold for one of Jeff's cars was in the printer being built, amazing technology they have there. Watching the blocks and heads being built was also amazing.

[Vinnie P.]

Re: Amazing "Restorer" Front & Back Cover: 34 posed 1967s all showing their stingers

And if anyone wants a high quality 12 x 18 print of the cover, make a check in the amount of $25 to the NCRS Foundation and mail it to me...my address is on page 2 of The Restorer...I'll order it up upon receipt and have it in the mail within 2 days of receiving your check.

Vinnie

[Tim G.]

Re: Amazing "Restorer" Front & Back Cover: 34 posed 1967s all showing their stingers

We should have a good collection of 1967 "Stingers" at the 2017 San Antonio Nationals, too.

[Michael J.]

Re: Amazing "Restorer" Front & Back Cover: 34 posed 1967s all showing their stingers

I'm sure that will be a huge turn out of '67s, considering it is the "Year Of", and Nick and his judges will be very busy with a large number of judged cars, since we all know all '67 BBs were made in two places, St. Louis and Houston………..

[Francis F.]

Re: Amazing "Restorer" Front & Back Cover: 34 posed 1967s all showing their stingers

Vinney,OUTSTANDING
'
"job well done" the issue blew my socks off,and yes some good subject matter also.
Francis,,,,

[Brian D.]

Re: Amazing "Restorer" Front & Back Cover: 34 posed 1967s all showing their stingers

During the 2015 NC Regional tour, our particular guide claimed that Mr Hendrick has a 67 BB in each possible color combination. I believe he meant according to published literature combinations. That should make 36 cars, plus any COPO color combo that might also be there.

However, I did not see a White/Teal combo, either on our museum tour or on the Restorer cover shot.

[Keith B.]

Re: Amazing "Restorer" Front & Back Cover: 34 posed 1967s all showing their stingers

During the 2015 NC Regional tour, our particular guide claimed that Mr Hendrick has a 67 BB in each possible color combination. I believe he meant according to published literature combinations. That should make 36 cars, plus any COPO color combo that might also be there.

However, I did not see a White/Teal combo, either on our museum tour or on the Restorer cover shot.

they also told us he has three other warehouses full of cars. There were a few other color combos I did not see on that tour as well. Regardless it's a great collection of cars. Also there is no COPO color combos

[Michael J.]

Re: Amazing "Restorer" Front & Back Cover: 34 posed 1967s all showing their stingers

True, the yellow with white stinger color combo is also missing.