I’d like to thank those of you who traveled long and far to join your fellow enthusiasts this past weekend in Bowling Green.
It was a great weekend to ‘end the season’ if you will. It also allowed us to revisit old friends – make new friends – and meet those who we only might meet up with on the various websites.
We hope you enjoyed the tour of Bowling Green Assembly – home of the Corvette. It is a great way to see the intricate details that go into building one of the world’s best automobiles. Suffice it to say that the Camaro and Firebird Assembly process was similar. The Corvette Museum told a great story of how “America’s sport scar came to be – and being that this is the 50th anniversary of the Vette, there were special displays.
We hope you enjoyed the special Firebirds and Camaros that we brought from Detroit…as well as the GTO and SSR – and a special “thank you” to Charley Lillard for bringing the “real – original” 1967 Indy 500 Camaro Pace Car to display in the museum.
We raised nearly $7,000 for the museum at the auction on Saturday evening. (and everyone got to see what I looked like many many years ago……….) Thank you for your kind generosity!
I thank Tom Peters for spending a few days with us – and for his very informative presentation on GM Design Studios. Also, a thanks to Scott Scheel for his Firebird Historic presentation – as well as Howard Kirchenbauer and Jim Hairston for their presentation on Pace Cars at Indy.
Also, a huge thank-you to Steve and Teri Heino – Andy and Sherry Archer – and Karen Lewis for their time and effort in planning this event.
Thank you to the Ellis Family – for allowing us all to take part in a very special delivery of a beautiful new 2002 Camaro SS to Elizabeth.
Thank you to Wendell Strode – Executive Director of the National Corvette Museum -- and his great staff for inviting us once again to the museum – and for putting together a great weekend of fellowship. I hope I will one day see a Camaro/Firebird museum!
Thank you – all of you – for the plaque that you presented to me “from the cars themselves” – that was really a surprise – and an emotional experience for me. Yes, I had a hand in the later cars – and I will remain the number one “cheerleader” at GM – and will not be satisfied until we bring you another great edition of these cars that truly deserve the nameplates. But please keep in mind that there are and were tens of thousands of people – working together – to bring you “the best bang for the buck” for over 35 years. I’m just a small part of that – and please – never forget that there are those who truly deserve the name “Fbodfather” much more than I.
But most of all – thank YOU for coming together once again to celebrate these great automobiles. YOU are helping to keep the dream alive. And, at least in my mind, the best parts of the weekend were in the evenings in the various parking lots – where we could all sit back, relax, and enjoy some very special company with each other. That’s what this hobby is all about – and it’s part of what adds to the pleasure of ownership of a Firebird or Camaro. The love and passion – the hours upon hours of lovingly caring for your cars leaves me speechless at times.
And I would be wrong not to mention how very much I enjoyed getting to see your Camaros and Firebirds. To me, it is a very moving experience when I get to see the pleasure these cars have brought to you. It’s also a thrill to see how you have personalized them.
We’ve set a tentative date for next year’s gathering….the weekend of September 23, 2004. I hope you’ll be able to join us again.
I know there were some hiccups…….and we will address those in the next two weeks. But even with some problems, we hope you found it well worth the trip and you’ll join us again next year – and please – bring a few more friends.
Meanwhile – it’s been a great season – and I look forward to seeing you again next year at one or more of the shows held around this great country of ours.
Scott (aka Fbodfather aka Red Planet)
Posted by Hawkeye (Member # 88) on :
Scott, well said, but thanks also to you!
Your passion, much like ours shows through. You truly enjoy the autos and the fine people who own and operate them.
I can't imagine any "other than family" cause that could see people from such diverse backgrounds and geographical areas all come together to celebrate each other and the cars.
The cars may not be with us for life, but the friendships made will certainly be.
I had no idea in July of 98 when I bought my SS, that I would know and love the people I do now, simply because I called the Chevy dealer to "get me one of those SS Camaros". I can't imagine what it would be without it now. I can honestly say it changed my life!
'nough of that!
Thanks Scott, and to the many thousands who've made it possible - now and in the future.
Hope to see you all again soon.
Sincerely,
Hawkeye.
Posted by poSSum (Member # 119) on :
Wow, the two of you pretty much summed it up.
Marion and I were really touched by how the f-body community, and more specifically the SSOA group, sympathized with us not being able to have our SS there. It went well beyond words as we were able to ride and/or drive an f-body whenever we desired.
I'd also like to add a thank-you to the Nashville Corvette Club for doing a great job of running the autocross. They made adjustments to the program that really helped out, especially for the "newbies".
Thanks Scott, for pouring your heart and soul into the F-bod community.
[ 23. September 2003, 08:02 PM: Message edited by: poSSum ]
Posted by DaddySS (Member # 848) on :
Well said all, a pleasure to know you and share the paSSion. Posted by DaddySS (Member # 848) on :
Well said all, a pleasure to know you and share the paSSion. Posted by Harry (Member # 1834) on :
quote:Originally posted by DaddySS: Well said all, a pleasure to know you and share the paSSion.
Well Said DaddySS. I couldn't agree with you more.
Posted by Elie Garfinkel (Member # 1635) on :
So I'm gonna have to add my voice to everybody else's on this one... Here I am, at 53 years old, having been a total car lunatic, ever since getting my hands on a Dinky Toy for the first time when I was 3 or 4 years old... I've gone thru the progression of growing up as a teenager in the 60's and experiencing the muscle car dream - as it evolved. Finally getting my driver's licence one month after turning 16... and being fortunate enough to have driven one of those original 602 '67 Z28s (sprained my left knee trying to work the clutch that night on the M22 "Rock Crusher") and thought for a moment or two why anybody in their right mind would want to drive a car that had no power steering and sure wasn't happy being in a gear any higher than 2nd during normal city driving. But what the heck - 1 stab on the loud pedal sure answered that question for me! Same with the '64 (Canadian) 409 Pontiac Parisienne Custom Sport and the 427 4-speed Malibu SS I managed to con a test drive in, from a Toronto used car dealer. To put it all in perspective, I've owned performance cars in various iterations from day one. Datsun 510s, the first '75 VW Rabbit, Corvettes, 5.0 Mustangs, Taurus SHOs... but none of those matter... This '98 SS of mine has become a part of me as none of the others have. What is the difference? I think I've managed to pinpoint what it is, exactly. All of the other cars started off as an emotional high for me when I first bought them... and then the level of enjoyment that I got from them slowly, but surely began to diminish as the novelty of ownership wore off. This SS is exactly the opposite. I bought it on a high and almost immediately was able to perceive that this one was gonna be a whole 'nuther ball game! Because instead of the novelty wearing off, the level of enjoyment just kept on growing and growing, as did my bond with the car. And it still is growing! You guys and gals out there know exactly what I'm talking about. To me, this car is downright scary in that respect - since in all my years, I've never experienced this feeling before. My friends would always laugh at me because whenever I bought a car, I'd always say, "I'm gonna keep this one for at least 10 years!" Of course, the joke was on me afterwards when I'd get tired of it and dump the thing after a few years. But as has been stated by many before me - it's the bond of friendship that absolutely blows me away. The friends and relationships that have been forged within our Toronto F-body club, and more recently, within our SSOA gang are the absolute bonus! Who'd 'a thunk that all this would have come about as a result of owning a particular type of car?!? This car is definitely one for the history books. ... and let's just hope that its history ain't quite over yet!
Best regardSS,
Elie
Posted by 35TH ED/ed (Member # 1709) on :
All the friendships we renewed or made this past weekend is because of Scott's pasion for the F-Bodies . Thank you Posted by cytruffle (Member # 1733) on :
quote:Originally posted by Elie Garfinkel: I've gone thru the progression of growing up as a teenager in the 60's and experiencing the muscle car dream - as it evolved.
This SS is exactly the opposite. I bought it on a high and almost immediately was able to perceive that this one was gonna be a whole 'nuther ball game!
Because instead of the novelty wearing off, the level of enjoyment just kept on growing and growing, as did my bond with the car. And it still is growing!
To me, this car is downright scary in that respect - since in all my years, I've never experienced this feeling before.
This car is definitely one for the history books. ... and let's just hope that its history ain't quite over yet!
THESE WORDS RIGHT HERE NEED TO BE ETCHED ONTO THE CONTACT LENSES OF EVERY EXECUTIVE AT GM.
Thank you, Mr. Garfinkel! What an eloquent statement for the cars....and the dream...
Posted by 99 HOSS (Member # 109) on :
It was great to be a part of the event, the cars and the people.
Thanx, Scott, for helping us with our enthusiasm for all of the above
Posted by blkragss02 (Member # 1801) on :
quote:Originally posted by cytruffle:
quote:Originally posted by Elie Garfinkel: I've gone thru the progression of growing up as a teenager in the 60's and experiencing the muscle car dream - as it evolved.
This SS is exactly the opposite. I bought it on a high and almost immediately was able to perceive that this one was gonna be a whole 'nuther ball game!
Because instead of the novelty wearing off, the level of enjoyment just kept on growing and growing, as did my bond with the car. And it still is growing!
To me, this car is downright scary in that respect - since in all my years, I've never experienced this feeling before.
This car is definitely one for the history books. ... and let's just hope that its history ain't quite over yet!
THESE WORDS RIGHT HERE NEED TO BE ETCHED ONTO THE CONTACT LENSES OF EVERY EXECUTIVE AT GM.
Thank you, Mr. Garfinkel! What an eloquent statement for the cars....and the dream...
Ditto!and I finally got to meet the F-bod father, I thought he was only a MYTH!
Posted by RagSS (Member # 1127) on :
Thank YOU Scott!! for your dedication and support for these cars, ...but more importantly for your friendship. As always I wish we had more time to sit and chat... ...Like Elie, Brian, Rich and others mentioned, the pleasure of owning one of these cars grows with the friendships we make. It is truely amazing the bonds formed, all because of a common thread, ...the Camaro and Firebird. From Canada to Texas; From New York to Portland; From Florida to California, ...it is truely heartwarming to have met and be with such a great group of people, ...a "family" I'm sure glad to be a part of. ...YOU, ...all of you, are what makes this car so great...
Kevin
Posted by 2002Z4CSS (Member # 1393) on :
Although Kathy and I could not make it to this years event,we would like to thank you Scott for all you do with the F-body community. GM needs more LEADERS like you! Posted by Kevin V 2002 SS (Member # 1025) on :
Thanks Scott, Steve, Teri and the others who helped make this happen. The fact that the SSOA and its friends made up about 1/3 of the registered participants of the event says ALOT about this club. It was such a great experience getting to meet everyone in person, hopefully I'll remember most of your names.
I think SSOA Thursday was one of the best things about the event. All the people from the board getting to hang out and meet each other. It was great.
Hope even more SSOA folks will be able to attend next year.
Posted by JohnS (Member # 1073) on :
Everything that I wanted to say has been said.
great people + great cars = a super great time
[ 24. September 2003, 12:47 PM: Message edited by: JohnS ]
Posted by DanA_F99_1977 (Member # 118) on :
Me too. I have met most of the people that have already posted in this thread and said so well how I know we all feel. It made it that much more difficult not to have been there with you all.
Hope to see some of you soon!
[ 24. September 2003, 08:06 AM: Message edited by: DanA_F99_1977 ]
Posted by DGOETZ (Member # 1846) on :
quote:Originally posted by JohnS: Everything that I wanted to say has been said.
great people + great cars = a super great time
I have to agree one without the other is not as much fun.
Posted by CamaroSSgal (Member # 1870) on :
I already have September planned for vacation next year!!!! Both the hubby and I, along with our babies WILL be there!!! No way I am going to miss that one!!
So...what was the deal with the Ellis family and the delivery of the 2002 SS???
Posted by sscamaro (Member # 1330) on :
What can I say,that wasn't already said. It is one of the brightest times in our lives,when we can get together with so many good friends. I have met so many wonderful people at these kind of events. Scott and the Camaro-Firebirds are what keeps us together as a family.
Posted by Bill Mason (Member # 1807) on :
Thank you Scott, Teri, Steve and the NCM staff for a fantastic weekend. Alice and I had a wonderful time. We especially appreciated the SSOA hospitality (even for Firebird owners ). Thank you, thank you, thank you.
I echo a lot of Elie's sentiments about these cars. Alice and I have always owned sports cars (including a 1978 Z-28), but this Firebird is truely unique. For a number of reasons I had walked away from motorsports in the mid '80's and early '90's. Then I heard about the LS1 F-Bodies. It rekindled something in me and I HAD to have one. After 5 years of ownership I STILL get excited every time I get behind the wheel, and it has brought me back into motorsports. Becaause of these cars I have met a lot of great people and made some life long friendships.
Thank you GM for these cars and the F-body community.
I look forward to the next F-body sometime in the future. Until then I am quite happy with my Firebird and hope to have it for a long long time.
Already counting down to next year's event.
Bill M 98 TA
Posted by Xsta Z 28 (Member # 740) on :
Thanks to everyone, for putting together another fine event.
Albeit the "end of a season" (which brings about other feelings . . .) I always look forward to the event.
Keep up the great work, everybody take care, keep those F-bodys looking and running great and see you next year! Posted by HTWLSS (Member # 117) on :
My biggest thank you and a huge hug to all of you. It is your participation that makes it all worth while.
An additional thanks to those of you on our route back home (Pam, Dave, Matt). With a quick phone call and a few hours notice, we were able to stop in for a short visit, catch a quick sleep, and continue on the road home. The hospitality extended to us as if we were family is so heart warming. We value all of you for your friendship and kindness. Next year's event is just around the corner......
"It starts out about the cars, but ends up about the people." Posted by ss_rs_z (Member # 1888) on :
quote:Originally posted by cytruffle:
quote:Originally posted by Elie Garfinkel: I've gone thru the progression of growing up as a teenager in the 60's and experiencing the muscle car dream - as it evolved.
This SS is exactly the opposite. I bought it on a high and almost immediately was able to perceive that this one was gonna be a whole 'nuther ball game!
Because instead of the novelty wearing off, the level of enjoyment just kept on growing and growing, as did my bond with the car. And it still is growing!
To me, this car is downright scary in that respect - since in all my years, I've never experienced this feeling before.
This car is definitely one for the history books. ... and let's just hope that its history ain't quite over yet!
THESE WORDS RIGHT HERE NEED TO BE ETCHED ONTO THE CONTACT LENSES OF EVERY EXECUTIVE AT GM.
Thank you, Mr. Garfinkel! What an eloquent statement for the cars....and the dream...
Sorry it took me so long to see this reply and I TOTALLY AGREE !!!!!!!
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