Fourth Annual Fred Gibb Memorial Car Show

[68TopStock]

Doug Marion, former editor of Super Chevy will be there for the new mag Chevy Rumble, John Dianna (former HR editor) runs this mag. Doug grew up in Iowa, visited Gibb Chevy many times in his youth, now wants to return the favor with some articles about the cars that will be there.

Eric Trapp, of Lane Collectibles, the designer of the new "Little Hoss" model will be visiting the LaHarpe show, and my friend Stever Roeder, of Super Car Toys may be there.
Helen and Herb can't wait to meet Eric. Its been a little bit like back 30 years ago, with the new found interest in the Gibb cars with the models. There are currently 3 on the market.

Less than 48 hours before I pack up and head to LaHarpe. When I drive there, its just like going home. This is a great hometown atmosphere, with lots of friendly people.

[sixtiesmuscle]

I hope to see a summary of what & who showed up in Laharpe so we can all feel bad we couldn't make it.

[68TopStock]

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

[SS427]

To quote sixtiesmuscle, "I hope to see a summary of what & who showed up in Laharpe so we can all feel bad we couldn't make it".

Amen, the more stories I read on this, the worse I feel for not making it. Hopefully Dennis posts a letter he sent me regarding the show as it was extremely interesting. Next year!

Thanks for sharing that with us Ken. [img]/ubbthreads/images/icons/laugh.gif[/img]

[YENKO DEUCE REGISTRY]

Ken;
Dennis Hartweg's Gibb/Harrell Nova was a 427? I thought he had a 396er, so if he picked up a 427 version that would be extra cool [img]/ubbthreads/images/icons/laugh.gif[/img] Sounds like a super show, one of these years!!

[68 COPO II]

68TopStock,
Very nice summary of a great weekend!!! But before I add a few highlites of my own, I need to ask about this "BOAT" which you mentioned. Now I arrived in Monmouth about 2PM and left the square between 10:30 and 11 PM AND I never saw anything resembling a BOAT!!!! So, I have to wonder, Did you see the alleged boat before or after you visited Capt Carls trailer? Just kidding!!!
Just a few notables from both shows: I met Barry Wright who's dad (Glen) was Freds head wrench. Between he and my dad (Chuck), I think they did all the wrenching on Lil Hoss. Also, talked with Jerry Anders and Brian Bowsman who also worked for Fred. They drove the Dick Harrell funny car hauler with the Fred Gibb ZL1 behind it on a trailer to and from all the races.
Brian had some great stories and pictures of the rig with both cars. Ray Sullins also told the story of the starter going out on the ZL1, so they pulled the starter off the tow truck and put it on the race car...and then switched it back to drive home. Ray also volunteered his drivers shirt for display at the supercar shows. Thanks for sharing the memories guys!!!
John Eichinger was at both shows. He is from South Dakota and was selling original photos of the Harrell F/C, Leatherman car and numerous other original shots which he took. I told him about the Super Car show in Collinsville and he said he would come.
In LaHarpe, they actioned off a Fred Gibb jacket which Matt Murphy won. They also sold a Fred Gibb Chevrolet Clock, a Lil Hoss Model and a Dick Harrell F/C Picture.
Having grown up in LaHarpe with the Gibb family it was great coming home and seeing them All again. I can't wait for next year!!!

[68 COPO II]

Marlin,
Sorry, I didn't answer your question. The car at the show was the 68 Gibb Harrell COPO 396 Nova. However, I did buy Kim Howie's 427 Gibb Harrell COPO Nova. It is currently scheduled for a complete restoration to remove the tubs and rollcage.

Dennis
1968 Gibb COPO "original numbers match" Nova (1 of 12)
1968 Gibb COPO "396 Harrell Perf.Pkg" Nova (1 of 2 known)
1968 Gibb COPO "427 Harrell Conversion" Nova(1 of 3 known)

[YENKO DEUCE REGISTRY]

Dennis;
Good deal, looks like you've cornered all the combinations of the '68 COPO Novas. Hope to see 'em soon.

Did you buy Holubs red COPO Nova?? Good car.
M

[68 COPO II]

Marlin,
No, I didn't get Garys red COPO nova. Did it sell?
My numbers match car is COPO #15, Grecian Green which I also bought from Kim Howie. It's the old Dueces Wild race car which Tommy Johnson SR. once owned. I would post some pictures, But the last time I tried, I ended up with hotel reservations in Tibet!!! @*%$#@!?>.
Tony Cetta has the third original engine Gibb COPO Nova which I hear is FOR SALE.

Dennis

[bbdon]

Dennis,
If you want to have the pictures posted here, send them to me as a email attatchment, I will be happy to post them.
Don
[email protected]