Get revved up at weekend Vettefest muscle car show
Muscle cars will take over the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont this weekend as the Chevy Vettefest, the biggest all-indoor show of its kind in the world, takes place.
The 26th annual event covering 400,000 square feet will feature rare Chevrolet muscle cars. It will include appearances by Duane Mayer from "American Hot Rod" and racing legend Spiro Pappas.
Among the attractions will be what organizers expect to be the largest gathering of Z16 Chevelles ever assembled under one roof. Organized by Z16 historian Dave Miner, the Z16 reunion is attracting cars and owners from Texas, New York, Alabama, Iowa, Pennsylvania and North Carolina.
The show also will feature 14 L78 muscle cars. L78 was a 396-cubic-inch, ultra-high-performance engine package offered on Chevrolet Chevelles, Camaros and Novas in the late 1960s. In 1968, the L78 engine was a $500 option on a Camaro with a base price of the car was $2,670.
The show also will feature more than 50 Corvettes and Klaus Zimmer with his new 8,000-horsepower dragster, an automotive swap meet and a car and truck sale.
Celebrities on hand for book signings include:
• Mike Yager ("The Corvette Bible", 10-10:30 a.m. and 1:30-2 p.m. Saturday
• Colin Comer ("Million-Dollar Muscle Cars"), Saturday and Sunday
• Jerry Heasley ("Corvette Masterpieces"), Saturday and Sunday
• John Gunnell, several books, Saturday and Sunday
If you go
What: Chevy Vettefest
When: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
Where: Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, 5555 N. River Road, Rosemont
Tickets: $14 per person, with children under 12 free
More information: www.chevyvettefest.net