Vintage Chevy Club getting back to automaker’s roots
FLINT, Michigan – There’s no place like home. The adage certainly applies to a brand of auto Americana that has been driving this country for 100 years. Chevrolet, born and bred in Flint, was the obvious choice to be the host city for the 50th anniversary national meet of the Vintage Chevrolet Club of America this month.
“About five years ago, the National Board of Directors made the decision that our 50th anniversary should be in the city where Chevrolet had its roots and beginnings,” said David Miner, 2011 VCCA Meet Chairperson.
Miner and more than 1,600 VCCA members from all over the world will spend a week in the Flint area starting July 17. And while many of the group’s activities are for members only, on July 21 locals will have the opportunity to meet and greet members during a Chevy-only car show on the bricks of downtown Flint. The show runs from 6-9 p.m. and is for members’ cars only.
“We will be blocking off the street in downtown and parking by year of manufacture,” said Miner, who is nearing the end of a restoration of his 1966 Chevelle Malibu convertible. “We should have almost every year of Chevrolet displayed from 1914 through the 1980s.”
The VCCA has an organizational focus on the restoration and preservation of all Chevrolets. The group publishes a monthly magazine to promote new and different ways to rebuild and restore Chevys. The VCCA also holds national judging meets to encourage excellence in restoration.
Miner said this anniversary meet is even more special because they are sharing the spotlight with Chevrolet and its 100th anniversary.
VCCA members will be able to take part in Chevy-themed activities across southeastern Michigan including several in the Flint area.
“The VCCA has attempted to interface with the Chevrolet Motor Company in any way that we can,” Miner said. “The Sloan Museum has been excellent to work with. Tim Shickles from the Sloan has ordered a special Chevrolet exhibit for our event, revamped the Buick Gallery to include a Chevrolet theme and also arranged for the VCCA to have our Judging Event on the grounds of the Sloan Museum.”
Group members will also be touring Flint Assembly and taking part in a history lesson provided by the UAW on the significance of the 1936 Sit-Down Strike on the development of organized labor.