Venerunt. Viderunt. Ad iudicem.
For those a little rusty in Latin, the quick translation would be, “They came. They saw. To judge.” That seems about right for the NCRS Southeast Chapter Summer Meet held at Buyavette in Atlanta.
And much like Latin scholars, these National Corvette Restorers Society (NCRS) members were studious in their endeavors. But unlike Latin scholars, you could tell they enjoyed what they were doing.
If you’ve never attended an NCRS event, you’re missing out on a vital segment of the Corvette hobby. This organization’s judging is recognized worldwide as the standard in determining originality.
And as such, the NCRS and its members are faithful custodians of the Corvette legacy. However, the event at Buyavette in Atlanta wasn’t all about matching numbers and originality.
There was a palatable sense of community here which was clearly born from a shared passion for America’s Sports Car.
The National Corvette Restorer Society has many chapters throughout the country. One of the largest geographically is the Southeast Chapter encompassing Alabama, Floridia, Georgia, Mississippi, Tennessee, and the Carolinas.
This active chapter organizes three judging events every year in the following locations: Pigeon Forge, Tennessee; Summerville, Georgia; and Atlanta, Georgia.
Southeast NCRS Chapter
Fortunately, we were able to pry Tom Beuglas, President of the Southeast Chapter, away from his judging duties for a few minutes to talk about the event.
Rod Worley – Editor – Tom, can you tell us about your event today? And what is it about the NCRS that draws members into the fold?
Tom Beuglas – Southeast NCRS Chapter President – We’re having a chapter judging event for six cars today at Buyavette. Our standards are based on a new vehicle of that year and model as delivered to the selling dealer.
We’re looking at these cars in terms of both condition and originality.
Today is a chapter meet, but several Regional level meets occur across the country, culminating in a yearly National meet. The standards are the same at every level.
Our job at the chapter level is to prepare people for the Regional and National level.
So, regarding the interest in the NCRS, we draw people who want to learn how their car originally came from the dealership. They’re also interested in preserving the rich history of the Corvette brand.
Some of our members drive their cars daily, while others trailer them. Either way, they want to preserve their Corvette in the condition it was when it rolled off the assembly line.
Today, we’re fortunate that at least one of our two judging team members is a Regional or National level judge. Their experience and insights are invaluable to car owners looking to take their Corvettes to the next level.
Four Star Bowtie Winner
Rod Worley – Editor – Richard, thank you for bringing your pristine big-block 1967 Corvette to the event today.
Are you the original owner? And what’s next for this stunning Four Star Bowtie award winner?
Richard Esham – Four Star Bowtie 1967 Big Block Owner – Yes, I’m the original owner of this Rally Red big-block with side exhaust and black stinger hood. Back then, the 435 engine option wasn’t available with air conditioning.
The big block has three two-barrel carburetors and is fun to drive. The car normally will run on the middle carburetor. But when you get up to about 4000 rpm, the front and the rear carburetors kick in fuel.
When that happens, it’s like you’ve got another gear. You can certainly feel it when the other carburetors feed that extra fuel into the engine.
It has 6,800 miles on the odometer, mainly because it sat for many years. We were fortunate to receive the Four Star award last July at the National convention in Mobile, Alabama.
The Four Star award is the most difficult for an original, unrestored Corvette. The car must earn scores of at least 80-85% original in four categories (exterior, interior, chassis, and engine.)
Now we’re showing the car at several Chapter and Regional events to qualify for the Fifth Star. To get a Fifth Star, the car must be shown at four NCRS Meets, including one Regional.
Deep Sense of Community
We appreciate Richard & Jeanie Esham bringing their Four Star Bowtie 1967 to today’s event. While not being judged, the big block was an excellent educational tool to show others what the original parts looked like in 1967.
Overall, the event at Buyavette was as much about education and camaraderie as it was about recognizing excellence in restoration, performance, and preservation.
Times have changed since the summer of 1974 when Volume 1, Number 1 of The Corvette Restorer, was mailed.
But what has yet to change is the deep sense of community among members of the NCRS. Their objective remains the restoration, preservation, history, and enjoyment of all Corvette models and configurations.
If you love America’s Sports Car, you owe it to yourself to drop by an NCRS event to learn more about this vital organizaton.
National Corvette Restorers Society
Website: NCRS
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 513-760-6277 – Fax: 513-201-8875
Buyavette
Website: Buyavette.net
Address: 3762 Dekalb Technology Parkway Atlanta, Ga 30340
Social Media: Facebook, YouTube
Showroom Phone: 770-414-5552 Toll-Free: 866-497-2281 Fax: 678-205-2901
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