History of NCRS

[Michael S.]

I was wondering if there is any literature available that discusses the history of the NCRS, how it got started, etc. One thing that I heard was that the NCRS originated in my home town of Lincoln, NE. Not sure if that is a fact or not, but I for one, would be interested in knowing how the NCRS originated and about some of its key founding and developing members. It has been almost 35 years since it was founded, so the history must be captured somewhere.

[Oliver B.]

Re: History of NCRS

Sounds like an interesting piece of history to me, too... Something out there?

[Mike E.]

Re: History of NCRS

7 guys broke away from another Corvette club that was dominated and "owned" pretty much by one member. Their primary interest was 53-55, but in their wisdom also included 56-62. One of the early (several years in) controversies was whether or not to add 63-67. Some felt it would water down the emphasis. (And now we include up through C4's)!
One of those 7 was John Amgwert who lived on L street in Lincoln. He is member number 3. He was the editor of the Restorer for a long time. I just had a discussion at the National with Arland Dower, a regional director. He observed something interesting--he said that we've done (The NCRS) a good job of documenting the Corvette and its history--but not a very good job of documenting the history of our own organization.
Mike Ernst #211 (grew up at 3650 Vine Street in Lincoln)

[Steven C.]

Re: History of NCRS

Founding members listed in every edition of the Restorer.

[Joseph T.]

Re: History of NCRS

Sounds like an interesting piece of history to me, too... Something out there?

Contact Ed Thiebaud aka Turkey Farmer..for an
interesting 1st hand account ( California ) of the pre cursor to NCRS.

[Russ U.]

Re: History of NCRS

I believe NCRS published a pretty good history of the organization in the Restorer at one point. Might have been the 10th Anniversary edition. I don't have it at my fingertips.

I spent a day with Ed Thiebaud last year - great and colorful guy. Ed really helped create and organize the Corvette restoration hobby with his Vintage Corvette Club. The VCC published some wonderful newsletters along the way. I have posted a fair amount of info about Ed and the VCC on my website. Early Corvette Clubs. Ed gave me a complete set of his VCC newsletters, and allowed me to scan and post the newsletters on my website.

Over the last few years, I have also exchanged a good number of emails with John Hutchins, who ran the Classic Corvette Club. John is a really good guy too, and currently operates the 53 to 55 Corvette Registry. The CCC was the east coast version of Ed's VCC. The NCRS was formed, as discussed in the Restorer article, when a critical group of CCC members wanted to change the direction of the CCC, and John opposed the change. These members broke away from the CCC and formed the NCRS.

Our hobby owes a HUGE debt to both Ed and John. NCRS may not exist if not for them. They put a lot of time, effort and energy into starting the Corvette restoration hobby. And together, they attracted and organized the people interested in the hobby. To me, Ed and John deserve just as much credit for this hobby as the actual founders of the NCRS.

[Mark R.]

Re: History of NCRS

I have been an active member of the NCRS for quite some time and this is the first time I've heard of Ed Thiebaud and John Hutchins. Learning more about the history of the hobby of Corvette restoration is very interesting.

Thanks Michael for suggesting the subject and Mike and Russ for your posts. I will be checking out the web site Early Corvette Clubs.

Mark

[Russ U.]

Re: History of NCRS

Ed collected rifles, I believe. So he understood the collector market side of things. Way before others, Ed realized that certain Corvettes were going to be more valuable than others. Before NCRS was born, Ed owned 1953 Corvettes #3, #5, #13 and a couple of other 53s. One of his 53s was supercharged.

Ed was also on the cover of the Feb-Mar 1972 edition of the Corvette News.

Ed was too far ahead of the game. Business reversals and a divorce forced him to abandon the Corvette hobby. Even though his car collection would be worth a fortune today, Ed really did not profit much from his foresight.

Russ

[Dennis C.]

History of NCRS

You might try the 25th Anniversary edition of the Corvette Restorer Magazine which attempted to outline the first 25 years of NCRS history along with some previous history regarding the pre-activity leading up to the formation of NCRS. Dennis

[Roy B.]

Re: History of NCRS



My small involvement in the Corvette world started when I came back from VN , While in the Army I always admired the Corvette.
In 1967 I started buying 53-57 corvettes living in Southern Ca. And storing them at my mother in laws back yard. Never paying more then $300.00 for any one. Then wife and I founded Vintage Corvette of Southern Ca. In 1968 for 53 to 55 only at the time.
In 1975 we joined NCRS .
Later we moved to Northern Ca. And founded Straight Axle Corvette Enthusiast in 1987.
I've owned many Corvettes up to year 78, now my interest is in our 55 Corvette driving it offten , we also drive a C6 and we stay away from Corvette politics and just enjoy Corvettes.

[Joseph T.]

Re: History of NCRS

My small involvement in the Corvette world started when I came back from VN , While in the Army I always admired the Corvette.
In 1967 I started buying 53-57 corvettes living in Southern Ca. And storing them at my mother in laws back yard. Never paying more then $300.00 for any one. Then wife and I founded Vintage Corvette of Southern Ca. In 1968 for 53 to 55 only at the time.
In 1975 we joined NCRS .
Later we moved to Northern Ca. And founded Straight Axle Corvette Enthusiast in 1987.
I've owned many Corvettes up to year 78, now my interest is in our 55 Corvette driving it offten , we also drive a C6 and we stay away from Corvette politics and just enjoy Corvettes.

Roy

I for one do not underestimate your role in the history of the Corvette hobby! When I suggested that people look into the history of Ed Thiebaud, I didn't mean to leave you out. But as you know...the list would include many well known and not so well known people...to include those 7 who inspired NCRS and set the stage for today. Like Sam Folz, Noland, Gary, Mike, Jay etc..

Plus what about guys like Gessner, Neas etc.. etc..

Joe

[Roy B.]

Re: History of NCRS

I'm not saying I was left out , there are many great people that we will never know that helped NCRS get started and continue , I was just giving others a little history of my back ground , that's all.

[Peter M.]

Re: History of NCRS

You might try the 25th Anniversary edition of the Corvette Restorer Magazine which attempted to outline the first 25 years of NCRS history along with some previous history regarding the pre-activity leading up to the formation of NCRS. Dennis

Dennis:

Where can we get a copy of this special edition?

[Dennis C.]

History of NCRS

Dennis:

Where can we get a copy of this special edition?

Peter, I would try the NCRS Store at the top of the page. I believe they printed several extra issues of this particular Restorer. They may still have some available. If not, email me. Dennis

[Joel F.]

Re: History of NCRS

Peter, I would try the NCRS Store at the top of the page. I believe they printed several extra issues of this particular Restorer. They may still have some available. If not, email me. Dennis

Dennis (or anyone),

Do you know if this article is on the CD edition of the Restorer? I have that edition at home and it would be great if it were on it, since it applies to pretty much every year of Corvette.

Joel