Attendance at car shows continues...
Attendance at car shows continues to grow, with more and more top-quality restored cars being displayed at Super Chevy Shows across the country.
There are still plenty of restoration purists out there. Roger Gustin of AutoStar Productions, which produces the Super Chevy Shows, notes that the car show portion of these events has been growing, and he attributes much of the growth to a class that was introduced three years ago. "We created ... the Gold Class for the really perfected, professionally built cars-both stock and modified," says Gustin. "We did this, for one thing, to recognize the people who have that level of car, and secondly, so that the average guy who builds or restores a car himself doesn't have to compete against these professionally built cars." Gustin adds, "Before, so many of the really high-quality cars [at Super Chevy Shows] were modified cars. And now we're seeing a bunch of these people that are showing up in the Gold Class-and the regular classes-with really quality restored cars."
Apparently, we're having a Dickensian moment as we cruise into the 21st century. It's either the best of times or the worst of times, depending on whom you speak to. On the one hand, as Chevy lovers, we've never had more custom and reproduction products to choose from-or more companies catering to our needs. We've got good racing on TV. We've got car shows and dragstrips and roundy-round tracks nearby throughout much of the country. Heck, some race tracks even have permanent restroom facilities these days.
But on the other hand, the energy/cost crisis in California is straining many manufacturers. Consolidation in the industry has made some products harder to come by, and it could make some enthusiast magazines extinct. Rising fuel costs have affected retail prices, as well as our ability to fill 'er up at will. And we continue to fight some pretty ugly proposed regulations and legislation across the country.
First, The Good NewsAccording to Jim Spoonhower, vice president of market research for SEMA (the Specialty Equipment Market Association), the specialty auto accessories industry is growing at a terrific rate. This part of the industry-which includes all the stuff you want to put on your car, as opposed to the replacement parts you have to install-has grown 17.27 percent in just two years, with total retail sales of $24.86 billion in 2000. For comparison's sake, General Motors is ecstatic when it has a 4 percent increase in sales from one year to the next.
Restoration products for Third-Generation...
Restoration products for Third-Generation Camaros are finally coming to market, and some experts believe the upcoming demise of the F-Car will make all Camaros more collectible soon.
Obviously, a whole lot of people are restoring and modifying their cars and trucks-both new and vintage, domestic and import-to make them more fun, more stylish, more comfortable and convenient, safer and more high-tech. What does that mean to you as a Chevy lover? More parts to choose from than ever before and parts availability for more models, too.
Restored & RestifiedThe restoration part of the industry remains very healthy. According to SEMA research data, back in 1998, retail sales of restoration accessories totaled $933 million. In 2000, they had climbed to well over a billion dollars-an increase of 9.75 percent.
This growth is due in part to some serious increases in product availability. For example, Bob Brennan of Classic Industries, which specializes in Camaro resto components, says, "1982-85 owners can no longer scream, 'We're being left alone.' All your pleas for help are not being ignored. Third-Generation Camaro stuff is starting to come out." He adds, "The [Camaro restoration] industry is going to keep getting bigger and bigger and bigger, as people discover not only the First- and early-Second-Generation cars are collectible, but the Third- and Fourth-Generation cars, too."Another trend: According to Tony Genty of Original Parts Group, which specializes in products for Chevelles and El Caminos, "More and more people are restoring wagons and four-doors." This consumer demand is leading manufacturers to introduce restoration accessories for these previously passed over vehicles.