Top Flight Ribbon History

[Ed N.]

I'm looking to publish an article in our Florida Chapter newsletter (The Fuel Line) on the Top Flight Blue Ribbon Award. Does anyone know who thought of the idea and put the creation of the ribbon in place? I would love to get the back-story if possible.

[William C.]

Re: Top Flight Ribbon History

As far as I know. it was a part of the original Genesis of the Organization but not as "Top Flight. If you have a copy of the first "Restorers" Originally the Judging included a "Best of Show" award, (before my time) with I's Second and Third place being awarded. Originally there was a I'st second and Third in each GROUP AND A "BEST OF SHOW" Flight judging was introduced Later, The Matrix system used today was introduced by Keith Kibbe as I recall, about the time he was judging Chairman I think early '80's.

[Ed N.]

Re: Top Flight Ribbon History

Thank you Mr. Clupper (with a membership number as low as 618, I have to refer to you as Mr. LOL). Great information. Maybe someone else could chime in with more details. I don't have a copy of the first Restorer. Do you know thought of the ribbon during the original genesis of the organization?

[William C.]

Re: Top Flight Ribbon History

I believe the current ribbon was a part of the switch to Flight judging vs the first second third place process. If you have access to the old restorers from '74-mid 80's you can somewhat trace the evolution of the process. Most of the enhancements were under the direction of Keith Kibbie.

[Bill M.]

Re: Top Flight Ribbon History

In the Spring 1976 (Vol. 2, no. 4) Restorer, John Amgwert describes the new way to award ribbons (Top Flight, etc.). It was first applied for the 1976 season. Previously, like Mr. Clupper described, only up to 3 ribbons were awarded per division (1953-1955, 1956-1957, 1958-1960, 1961-1962) no matter how many cars were judged.

[Ed N.]

Re: Top Flight Ribbon History

Bill just trying to see if I understand it correctly. Did John Amgwert designed and created the ribbon, or did he create a new process in 1976 that awarded ribbon that were already in place?

[Bill M.]

Re: Top Flight Ribbon History

Bill just trying to see if I understand it correctly. Did John Amgwert designed and created the ribbon, or did he create a new process in 1976 that awarded ribbon that were already in place?

John was the Restorer editor; he reported the decision of the Board of Directors to revise the way ribbons were awarded from 1,2,3 to TF,SF,TF.
Ribbons had been awarded from day 1, but obviously didn't say Top Flight, etc.
NCRS did not invent ribbons as awards.

[Jim P.]

Re: Top Flight Ribbon History

I can't add alot to this thread, but some of you fellas might find it interesting, nonetheless. I am going to quote from a letter I recieved from John Amgwert dated Feb 5, '75. Sam is Sam Folz and T-Bird is Classic Thundrbird Club International.

"Sam is going to work on a judging manual for NCRS. He's wanted to do one for some time, and the T-Bird manual has inspired him. There will be a number of changes in our judging next year (I hope)."

I supplied them with the CTCI Manual. From my distant memory, seems like they wanted to go from a judging contest pitting the cars against one another to judging against a standard.

Jim

[Gary C.]

Re: Top Flight Ribbon History

NCRS History - Corvette News article

[Patrick H.]

Re: Top Flight Ribbon History

Interesting how some things have not changed - look at the sign in the window.

[Terry M.]

Re: Top Flight Ribbon History

NCRS History - Corvette News article

Thanks Gary. Some very familiar names there.

[Ed N.]

Re: Top Flight Ribbon History

Thank you all for all the information. Basically here's what I think I know so far. It sounds to me that the design of the Top Flight Ribbon may have been a decision approved by the BOD in 1976. However, it would be great to know if there was one individual that spear-headed the actual design.

There is a great deal of good historical information being generated that I can still plug into the article. But I'm still open to more details if anyone knows about any one person who was responsible for the overall ribbon design.

I realize that the actual unprinted ribbons were already made and available in the market, but I'm really just trying to narrow it down to who designed and brought the Top Flight Ribbon to life.

[Dennis C.]

Re: Top Flight Ribbon History

NCRS History - Corvette News article

Gary,

Thanks for posting that article. It is great to read about our history.

Dennis

[Terry M.]

Re: Top Flight Ribbon History

Thank you all for all the information. Basically here's what I think I know so far. It sounds to me that the design of the Top Flight Ribbon may have been a decision approved by the BOD in 1976. However, it would be great to know if there was one individual that spear-headed the actual design.

There is a great deal of good historical information being generated that I can still plug into the article. But I'm still open to more details if anyone knows about any one person who was responsible for the overall ribbon design.

I realize that the actual unprinted ribbons were already made and available in the market, but I'm really just trying to narrow it down to who designed and brought the Top Flight Ribbon to life.

Given the way the club operated in those days, I would wager that the design was done by John Amgwert -- but you might need to contact Keith Kibbe to confirm that, if Bill Clupper doesn't know. Email me.

[Scott S.]

Re: Top Flight Ribbon History

In 1984, we received a Top Flight Medallion Hanging from a ribbon from the Lake Erie Chapter meet.
Scott