Corvette Nationals features more than vintage muscle

As the name implies, the Muscle Car and Corvette Nationals is a car show jammed full of vintage vehicles and packed with plenty of muscle and countless 'Vettes. But as the show has grown larger, more and more unusual items and displays are finding their way into the event.

The 2014 show, held Nov. 21-22 at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, was no exception. Here are six unexpected finds that we uncovered.

Don Yenko refrigerator

A refrigerator sure seems out of place at any car show. However, when stationed between two green Chevrolet Yenko Novas, this particular unit fit right in. The battered icebox belonged to muscle-car legend and race car driver Don Yenko. The Pennsylvania native made a name for himself modifying Chevrolets, installing massive 427-cubic-inch V-8 engines into Camaros, Chevelles and Novas. We were informed he kept the fridge at a Pennsylvania racetrack where he hung out and tested vehicles. It was coated in dozens of faded vintage stickers covering all facets of the hot rod lifestyle, making for one ultracool piece.

Muscle bikes

During the 1960s and '70s, the powerful influence of the muscle car even extended to children's bicycles. Characterized by "ape hanger" handlebars and banana seats, nearly 50 of these unique collectibles were gathered together and showcased - some of the finest examples from the era. Dubbed "muscle bikes," the auto influences could be seen with such things as redline tires, center-mounted gear shifters and splashy names like the Apple Krate, Lemon Peeler and Grey Ghost. Many came with a large slick rear tire, which could be easily spun by riders, simulating the burnouts of the V-8 machines riders saw tearing up the streets or on TV.

1962 Shasta Airflyte & 1969 Chevrolet C/10

Visitors entering the convention center were greeted by David and Amy Flore's gorgeous vintage camping setup. The Libertyville couple's breathtaking diorama featured a 1969 Chevrolet C/10, towing a 1962 Shasta Airflyte camper, along with other items such as vintage Honda minibikes, coolers and other camping essentials. The couple purchased the travel trailer in 2010 from a seller in Jackson, Michigan, and performed a full restoration. Two years into the overhaul, the pickup was found and purchased as the color "matched perfectly," they said. Neither David nor Amy grew up camping but they sure enjoy the pastime now, taking their rigs on trips to such scenic places as the Upper Peninsula and Door County, Wisconsin.

2014 Ford Falcon FPV Boss 335

Cars on display come from all over and in this case, from down under. This 2014 Ford FPV Falcon belongs to John Clements who hails from Adelaide, South Australia. Earlier this fall, he shipped his special sedan to Illinois, making for a five-week process. Ford Performance Vehicles (FPV) is the make's Australian in-house tuning group. To create the Boss 335, FPV modified a Falcon sedan ti make a vehicle unique to the Australian market. A supercharged 5.0-liter V-8 was installed underhood, cranking out roughly 450 horsepower. Other modifications include larger four-piston brakes, 19-inch alloy wheels and a special exhaust system.

1967 Plymouth Fury pursuit vehicle

Muscle cars are legendary for going fast but chasing them to a stop would be vehicles like Warren Iverson's 1967 Plymouth Fury. The New Mexico State Police department ordered the vehicle. Iverson, of Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, purchased the Fury in August 1999. It had been abandoned in a Farmington, New Mexico, trailer park and sitting for many years. Iverson spent five years searching for parts to complete the project. He traveled from Minnesota to North Carolina, Toronto, Canada and even New York City to find the right pieces. Three other parts cars were procured before the complete overhaul was finished in the spring of 2010. For the finishing touches, Iverson reached out to the NMPD, which managed to locate archival images and data for such things as the door shield and equipment.

1958 Chevrolet Delray delivery sedan

This 1958 Chevrolet Delray sedan Delivery was one of less than 500 produced. It was special ordered by the National Park Service for use in Yellowstone National Park. Bill Lynch purchased it in 2002 in Denver. He and a buddy drove all the way out there, loaded the vehicle on a trailer and drove nonstop all the way home. The condition was rough but after a full body-off-frame restoration, the wagon looks as good as new. Originally painted in a drab Federal Safety Green, Lynch opted to coat it in a glistening Galapagos Green and Olive Silver paint. The factory installed six-cylinder engine was exchanged for a 348-cubic-inch V-8. Except for the paint, Lynch completed everything himself with the overhaul being finished just the week before the show.