BJK67 ( Bruce Knierim's)1969 L88 Corvette

[Xplantdad]

Bruce,

Two friends that are members of the Supercar site asked me to forward information to you on this amazing car that they bought from the original owner in April of 2005. The car had been in Chicago from new until they bought the car. It received a Bloomington Gold and National Top Flight in the summer of 2006 and is on its way to the Vettefest for the Triple Crown award in November. Feel free to use this car in the members rides or as the monthly feature car

My membership name is TimG.



OUR L88………#194379S736298

WE PURCHASED THIS L88 FROM THE ORIGINAL OWNER ON APRIL 8, 2005. AT THE TIME, IT HAD ONLY 2,231 ACTUAL MILES AND STILL HAD ITS ORIGINAL MOTOR AND M-22--ROCK CRUSHER IN THE CAR.

AS OF MARCH 19, 2006, IT HAD BEEN SHOWN ON ONLY ONE OCCASION----------------- THE FIRST BLOOMINGTON SPECIAL COLLECTION in 1984.

IT WAS, HOWEVER, THE FEATURE CAR IN THE 1983-3 EDITION OF CORVETTE ‘THE SENSUOUS AMERICAN’. THIS L88 IS THE ONLY KNOWN L88 TO ORIGINALLY HAVE A RED EXTERIOR AND TAN INTERIOR (WITH ITS ORIGINAL LEATHER SEATS).

THE ORIGINAL OWNER, DENNIS AHRENS ORDERED IT FROM DICK WICKSTROM CHEVROLET, ROSELLE, IL. DENNIS RACED IT FROM THE TIME IT WAS NEW. HIS BEST TIME IN THE QUARTER MILE WAS 10.82 SECONDS. THANKS TO DENNIS FOR RETAINING THE ORIGINAL MOTOR, TRANSMISSION, AND EXTENSIVE PAPERWORK FOR 35+ YEARS ON SUCH A RARE & DESIRABLE CORVETTE. IT STILL SITS ON 3 OF ITS ORIGINAL TIRES. THE SPARE HAS NEVER BEEN MOUNTED.

IN 2005 AND EARLY 2006, IT WAS BODY OFF RESTORED TO THE HIGHEST LEVEL

THEN, IN MID 2006, IT RECEIVED A BLOOMINGTON GOLD, AND A NATIONAL TOP FLIGHT FROM NCRS. BOTH TIMES THE SCORE WAS IN THE HIGH 90’S.


BRUCE KNIERIM


http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b156/lotsayenkopics/Members%20Rides/Bruce%20Knierims%201969%20L88%20Corvette/tn_L88atNationalNCRS2006.jpg

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b156/lotsayenkopics/Members%20Rides/Bruce%20Knierims%201969%20L88%20Corvette/tn_L88OriginalTitle.jpg

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b156/lotsayenkopics/Members%20Rides/Bruce%20Knierims%201969%20L88%20Corvette/tn_Retailorderforvehicle.jpg

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b156/lotsayenkopics/Members%20Rides/Bruce%20Knierims%201969%20L88%20Corvette/tn_Theoriginalwindowsticker.jpg


Bruce,

Here's a photo of the L88 launching in 1970 with the original owner at the wheel. He held on to the car until 2005 putting less than 2,300 miles on the car. I believe he was turning in the low 11's high 10's with this set up.

Tim

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b156/lotsayenkopics/Members%20Rides/Bruce%20Knierims%201969%20L88%20Corvette/tn_L88.jpg

[Xplantdad]

Tim will try and get some more pics of this L88 Corvette...but it was too cool not to feature right now! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/worship.gif

[camarojoe]

That's one of the badassest (is that a word? http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif ) vintage pics I've ever seen... I'm not a vette guy, but that is a great car!

http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/3gears.gif

[Bill Pritchard]

I never fail to be amazed by the cars that are brought to light on this site http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/eek.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/worship.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif

Sure would have been neat to see it in its unrestored state though.

[Mr70]

Nice action shot too!
I was just at Wickstrom last week.
Very http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif

[kwhizz]

Another piece of History saved..........Cool !!! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif

Ken http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/flag.gif

[MosportGreen66]

Wow... that is one hell of a vintage shot!
Strong, strong paper with history to back it up...
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/drool.gif I am in awe. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/worship.gif

[737Driver]

This is an amazing vehicle. I had the pleasure of judging it at the NCRS National Convention in San Antonio. I also examined it at the home of the original owner. It is the real deal, no doubt about it original engine the car was born with and a great history. This is one of the last L88s ever built. Awesome! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif

[TimG]

Bruce is out of town and hasn't seen the feature yet. Paul is the other owner and has some amazing cars in his collection including another '69 L88. Paul, chime in here.

[Paul D]

Here are a few more pics of the car when I found it at Mancuso's Ferrari dealership in the north Chicago area a few years ago.

By pure luck a friend and I were over there lusting over some Ferraris when the sales manager drove this unbelievable L88 right into the show room. The owner was a good customer and was selling the L88 through the dealer.

Naturally I went berserk and quit looking at the Ferarris. And..... the rest is history.

After it's race career, the owner had the exterior and chassis restored in the late 70's, and Bruce and I treated it to a more "state of the art" restoration after aquiring it last year. Naturally we left most of the interior original to preserve the patina of such rare low mileage car.

[Paul D]

orig. leather interior

http://www.yenko.net/attachments/223243-110_1074.JPG

[Paul D]

mileage in 2004

http://www.yenko.net/attachments/223244-110_1082.JPG

[Paul D]

engine

http://www.yenko.net/attachments/223245-110_1083.JPG

[DarrenX33]

What a cool car. I just love those orange Delco plug wires...

[71-LS6]

WOW! What a car, what a story. I love it.

[Chevy454]

Simply put, over the top! Love that vintage pic...you had me from "Dennis raced it..." http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/worship.gif

[hvychev]

Absolutely friggin amazing! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif

I have always loved the L88 Corvette. This one being from the Chicago area and all is on the top of my list now. Was this car a really "known" car all these years? What is the story behind the original owner parting with it?

[PeteLeathersac]

Simply THE coolest!!! .

Unbelievable documents....looks like the guy changed his mind about factory side exhaust?
Love to see a shot showing a real radio delete plate and console w/ L88 plate and hi-test fuel warning? .

In the vintage picture is the background sign advertising the upcoming 'Coca-Cola Calvalcade of stars' or whatever it was called? . And what year was the first for the Cavalcade....anyone know?
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/3gears.gif
~ Pete

[Paul D]

I think the original owners "buy" story was probably more interesting then his "sell" story, in that he apparently became less and less interested in the car as gained value over the last few years. I'm sure he loved the car.... after all, he kept it 35 years!

I thought it was really interesting that he made that last minute change as shown on the Dealer Invoice.... trading off side exhaust and rear defogger for the leather seats.

Even more interesting was the chance meeting Tim (my friend who started this thread) had with Dennis (orig. owner) at a vintage race at Road America last year. Dennis said that he was actively considering ordering it as a ZL1, but at the time decided the additional cost wasn't worth it!!!

After all..... it was just another car that he was going to go drag racing with.

He picked up the car at the dealership, and almost before the plastic was off the seats, drove straight to a race shop and had it set up for the drag strip.

[Paul D]

radio delete pic

[Paul D]

fuel warning pic

[Dave Rifkin]

From the paperwork it looks like he traded a 1969 Corvette in on the L88?

[TimG]

Dennis was a hoot to visit with, he was certainly enjoying his new Ferrari that he had in the Ferrari Corral at Road America. He said that Ronnie Kaplan of Nickey fame pumped up the engine. Not bad racing history there. We spoke for 30 minutes about the car and he said there was a time when he got all he could out of the car the way it was set up, he was considering pulling the IRS out and putting in a straight axle rear. I'm glad that he didn't, his son was only in the car once, when Dennis pulled it out to get fuel on it's annual trip on the street.

I see this car regularly and I'm still amazed by it, even though Paul has not let me "light up the tires" yet.

[Mr70]

Bring that Fantastic plastic to Chicago VetteFest this November 18-19.
It is from a Chicagoland dealer afterall.

[Paul D]

Tim, I think the tires would definitely light up big time. When we went through the engine it dynoed at 540 corrected SAE BHP. The engine is 100% factory original specs and was "born" in the car including the carb.

Right now the red car is kind of a Trailer Queen, but Bruce and I did give my other L88 (also '69 open chamber) some excercise a few months ago, and when you get on it in 1st gear at about 15 mph it lights them up until you get out of it. We each did it and put down about 200 yards of two very black stripes both times! Then I put new tires (repro) on it and took it to the NCRS National in San Antonio for the L88 Display.

[Paul D]

We're planning to bring the L88 to the Chicago VetteFest this November.

[TimG]

I heard about the 200 yards of rubber, where was I that day?????? What fun.

[musclecarjohn]

It never ceases to amaze me the cars that are on this board.... http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

Cool car...very cool indeed!Amazing story. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/youguysrock.gif

[supermuscle]

Just incredible !! Beautiful car, docs and that action shot jeez... Didn't see anyone ask yet.. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/Can-I-Have-It.gif

[SBR]

[ QUOTE ]
This is an amazing vehicle. I had the pleasure of judging it at the NCRS National Convention in San Antonio. I also examined it at the home of the original owner. It is the real deal, no doubt about it original engine the car was born with and a great history. This is one of the last L88s ever built. Awesome! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif

[/ QUOTE ] Mark, I remember dicussing the car with you in 01/04. I really enjoyed meeting with the original owner and looking through all the paperwork and seeing his other cars! I am glad that the car went to a good home and look forward to seeing it again in November.

[Tim Penton]

Awesome car, great paperwork, and a great vintage picture. Paul did you ever own a '67 L78 Chevelle that was owned by Skip Cain from New Orleans, La. ? http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif

[KENNY_PASCOE]

INCREDIBLE CAR, GREAT STORY. LOOK FOWARD TO SEEING IT IN PERSON AT VETTEFEST... KP

[Paul D]

The only Chevelle L78 I've owned is my current '66 which is a 13,000 mile original Fremont car.

[Charley Lillard]

[ QUOTE ]
The only Chevelle L78 I've owned is my current '66 which is a 13,000 mile original Fremont car.

[/ QUOTE ]

Is it Corvette Bronze ?

[BJK 67]

Indeed it is---inside and outside.

[Paul D]

Charlie,
The actual color is called Aztec Bronze..... and yes, the 2nd and 3rd owners are from Woodland!! The original owner was in Roseville and the 4th owner was in Ripon (near Modesto). I bought it from him in the late 80's. I understand from Tim that your familiar with the car.

[MYSTERYCHEVELLE]

[ QUOTE ]
Charlie,
The actual color is called Aztec Bronze..... and yes, the 2nd and 3rd owners are from Woodland!! The original owner was in Roseville and the 4th owner was in Ripon (near Modesto). I bought it from him in the late 80's. I understand from Tim that your familiar with the car.

[/ QUOTE ]

I'll bite.. Can we see photos of that 66 L-78.. Pleaseeee http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/worship.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/worship.gif

[Xplantdad]

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
Charlie,
The actual color is called Aztec Bronze..... and yes, the 2nd and 3rd owners are from Woodland!! The original owner was in Roseville and the 4th owner was in Ripon (near Modesto). I bought it from him in the late 80's. I understand from Tim that your familiar with the car.

[/ QUOTE ]

I'll bite.. Can we see photos of that 66 L-78.. Pleaseeee http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/worship.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/worship.gif

[/ QUOTE ]

Sorry Mike! You'll have to wait...just like everyone else. It will be a Members Rides feature really soon...so Paul is saving all the pics for me. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[MYSTERYCHEVELLE]

http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif

[bashton]

[ QUOTE ]
We're planning to bring the L88 to the Chicago VetteFest this November.

[/ QUOTE ]

Yes Indeed, Paul and Tim have agreed to bring these fine cars to Chevy Vettefest November 18-19. In fact...this is where the "Chicago Muscle" Special Showcase originated. You will also be seeing an incredible 67 Z/28 that ruled the streets back then coming in from Texas.

Thanks Guys...it is going to be a great show! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/worship.gif

[TimG]

Can't wait. I've been attending this show for years and it's about time I brought a car to the event. With no Waco NCRS meet this year, it is the perfect time.

[737Driver]

The original owner next to his L88.

Regards,

Mark

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v496/737Driver/tn_DSC00715.jpg

[TimG]

Great shot of Dennis.

[bigblockkid]

Is there any other pictures of the car when it had all the race mods like the drag strip picture?. I see a chrome tach and a chrome roll bar?, what about pictures before it was first restored?, Thanks. I am a big L88 fan.javascript:void(0)
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/worship.gif

[bashton]

[ QUOTE ]
Can't wait. I've been attending this show for years and it's about time I brought a car to the event. With no Waco NCRS meet this year, it is the perfect time.

[/ QUOTE ]

I can't wait to see this one in person. This is the stuff dreams are made of!

[TimG]

I have one in PDF format that I can't post. If anyone can convert, I'd be glad to forward to them. Neat shot from the side/rear with American mags on all four corners and a great Grand Automotive sign in the background.

[Xplantdad]

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
Charlie,
The actual color is called Aztec Bronze..... and yes, the 2nd and 3rd owners are from Woodland!! The original owner was in Roseville and the 4th owner was in Ripon (near Modesto). I bought it from him in the late 80's. I understand from Tim that your familiar with the car.

[/ QUOTE ]

I'll bite.. Can we see photos of that 66 L-78.. Pleaseeee http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/worship.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/worship.gif

[/ QUOTE ]

Sorry Mike! You'll have to wait...just like everyone else. It will be a Members Rides feature really soon...so Paul is saving all the pics for me. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[/ QUOTE ]

Wow...you guys are gonna like this Chevelle! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/eek.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Members Rides in two weeks... http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/burnout.gif