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I have had a few days to rest now that the 4th Annual Fred Gibb Memorial Car show is over. Here is a short review from my clouded memory.

Bill Porterfield unveiled his 2002 Fred Gibb/Dick Harrell ZL1 at this years show. When you read the future articles about this car, you will want to make note of the special engine and drivetrain in this one car. It is a one of a kind car. At the end of this month, in Michigan there will be an "asphalt" dyno test between the 2 #1 ZL1's. The new one even comes with a 12 disc CD! So much for radio delete in a racecar. Doug Marion, Executive Editor from Chevy Rumble magazine was back in LaHarpe. He used to buy all his race parts from Fred when he was a young whipper snapper. I'm sure the trip jogged his memory.

The SuperCar cars and owners that come to mind are Ray Morrison and his 427 Gibb/Harrell Copo Nova, Tony Cetta and his original paint/drivetrain low mileage '68 Gibb Copo Nova, Dennis Hartweg and his 427 Gibb/Harrell Copo Nova, Gary Holub and his former Reggie Jackson Fathom Green #27 ZL1 (bat and all), Ken Barnhart and his #16 Hugger Orange ZL1, he bought new from Fred Gibb, the #1 ZL1 owned by Bill Porterfield, Carl Stuber and the #65 ZL1 (with the most wins by a ZL1, and Carl, thanks for the use of your trailer & cold ones) and Dennis Cumby with his original owner Fred Gibb Chevy 1970 Black LS6 coupe (Dennis used to be a starter at Whitehall racetrack, and started "Little Hoss" in 1968). There were also 3 Yenko Deuces, I met Ken S., one of the owners, but not the other two, sorry. All these great SuperCars were under the main tent, with a cute little red sb Camaro they also let under the tent.

Under the second tent with Matt from GMMB and the #1 2002 ZL1 was Dennis Barker from Berger Chevrolet with his black 2002 preproduction prototype ZL1, and the Hot Rod Magazine 2002 Camaro SS. Hope I got this straight.

There were also several of the folks that helped Fred Gibb Chevy in the '60's to mention; Helen Gibb, who just turned 80 was as sharp and friendly as ever, with her daughters Connie and Nancy. Nancy got a 1st time ride in "Little Hoss", (hope the police don't send any belated tickets). [img]/ubbthreads/images/icons/grin.gif[/img] Herb Fox, the world's greatest ZL1 salesman, is the nicest fellow you would want to meet, and for a first time back in LaHarpe in 30 years, Ray Sullins returned to see what the show was all about. To witness him meeting Herb again was something else. He will be back next year, and was given a ride in the #1 ZL1, which he wrenched on and drove for Fred in 1969.

There were also a couple of retired GM Flint MI engine plant employees, who built the first Z28 engines. It was a great introduction Craig Schindler had for me, when he walked up to me and told me he helped assemble the motor that came from Chevrolet in "Little Hoss". [img]/ubbthreads/images/icons/cool.gif[/img] Craig also happens to be the owner of a very special car, more on his car for another thread in the future though.

There were close to 400 other cars, from all the manufacturer's, #1 showcars to daily drivers, and more than the population of LaHarpe were in attendence. The night before, the City of Monmouth hosted a cruise night, with over 900 cars attending this year, and at least one boat. All the above Gibb cars and folks attended the cruise, and we all had a fun time. They even gave away a new Harley.

My good friend Rich McCabe was given permission from Helen to start the "official" FredGibb.com web site. He has graciously hosted the Gibb Chevy info. on his web site 1967Z28.com. More on this later.

This event is about as hometown and apple pie as you can get, and I thank God we live in America, and can celebrate the way we do. I want to thank Ken Brown, Mayor of LaHarpe, Jerry Burford, former Gibb employee, and Steve Albert, of Monmouth for all the hard work they put into these events. I cant' wait for next year. See you in Collinsville.

Ken Boje