The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.

Car Show Was Superb

by Dessa Rodeffer, Publisher/Owner

 7 August 2002

The 4th Annual Fred Gibb Memorial Car Show held this past Saturday at La Harpe, was the best one yet, I felt, after witnessing the 2002 ZL-1 unveiling ceremonies.

Hearing that this car is a salute to Fred Gibb and his 1969 ZL-1 super cars, and that 2002 also marks the end of the production of the Camaro for the time being, made this unveiling even more spectacular.

The fact that many in the area had purchased cars from the Fred Gibb dealership and personally knew Fred and the power he, Dick Harrell and GM produced with his order of the 1969 ZL-1 Camaros, made this particular unveiling pretty overwhelming.

Co-organizers Jerry Burford, a mechanic of Fred Gibb's, with La Harpe's Mayor Kenny Brown, must both feel very excited in how this car show has blossomed into a haven for Camaro lovers around the United States.

Bill Porterfield's love for the Fred Gibb 1969 ZL-1 that set records and won national and world championships has also been a magnet at the Memorial shows.

His work in finding the 1969 ZL-1 and bringing it back to the beauty it once was undoubtedly has drawn other ZL-1 owners to the show.

Saturday's unveiling of the No. 1 2002 ZL-1 Camaro which Porterfield ordered in a special upgraded package, benefited all admirers of the Gibb racing era as they witnessed the unveiling of this beauty yet mighty machine.

As Matt Murphy of GMMGinc revved its 575 H.P. motor for the crowd, I'm sure it brought back the earlier memories for Helen Gibb when her late husband delighted in the ZL-1s performance.

Not only does this raise the hair on the back of ones neck for many in our area, but it also delights the large following of Chevrolet and racing enthusiasts.

Brown and Burford have received many phone calls, emails and letters of encouragement for their production of such a grand car show, they often share with me, but I felt one I was forwarded this week pretty well shows the effect the show can have on people.

This email was received by Kenny Brown:

Subject: Thank You isn't enough!

Just a quick note to all of you to say how much I appreciated the way we were received Saturday at the show.

It was an absolute thrill to be allowed in the "Hallowed Space" and share the company of such legendary cars and the great people that care so much for them.

I have looked forward to this show since the day I learned of it and my anticipation and expectations were exceeded only by the quality of the people that make it what it is.

I have been it touch via e-mail with Ken Boje and Kenny Brown for almost a year now since learning of the show from Ken at the sYc show in Collinsville.

They both told me on several occasions what a great bunch it is that makes this event so special.

They hit the target "DEAD ON".

My heartfelt thanks to Kenny Brown and Jerry Burford for having the vision to get this rolling.

The Fred Gibb name has been special to me for a long time for obvious reasons. Fred and Herb had the cars at White Hall a few times and I had the unforgettable pleasure of working the starting line and sending the cars down the strip during their glory days.

I also was fortunate enough to have dropped by the dealership one cold Saturday in April of '69 and witnessing a site I'll likely never see again on this earth.

A fleet of painfully plain '69 Camaros sitting in rows just East of the building, sporting nothing but ZL-2 hoods. (Well, almost nothing else).

I guess we really should mention those oddball alloy engines). Anyway, like most of you, I've been aware of the significance of Fred Gibb in the history of Chevrolet performance for many, many years. I am SO happy to see a small group of people do so much to bring this legacy to prominence.

When I bought the car from Herb, I had no idea I would keep it for all this time. I would like to say I had some insight or the like but the truth is, it was just dumb luck. But now, after 32 years together, I see no reason to break up a good thing. We will be together until a greater power than any of us can imagine decides to separate us.

Well, so much for the "quick" note. I just want to thank each of you for making the day so special.

Kenny Brown and Jerry Burford; a simple Thank You doesn't scratch the surface.

I'm sure no one can fathom the amount of time and work you and your families have put into this event.

I just hope you can find some solace in knowing how much we all appreciate what you've done. As the show continues to grow, please know we're here to do whatever we can to help.

This was not a one time event for me. I WILL BE BACK FOR AS LONG AS YOU'LL HAVE ME! Please extend my thanks to your wives and families as well.

Kenny, thank you so much for including me in your notes. It means more than you'll ever know. Jerry, it was a pleasure to finally meet you after hearing so much from Kenny. You're still in our prayers, my friend.

(Watch your mailbox.)

Mrs. Gibb, Connie and Nancy; Thank You for your support and for sharing your lives and memories of this part of history. Your presence and wonderful personalities are a priceless addition to the successes the show has experienced. I am so grateful I had the chance to meet you.

God Bless You All.

Bill Porterfield; I can't imagine what you must have gone through to bring this car back to the condition it's in today. Just know that there are many of us that truly appreciate what you've done to bring back what could have been only memories. Thank you.

Ken Boje; The same as above. When I first saw the car in Collinsville it brought an immediate smile to my face and, honestly, a warm rush through my chest. I love that car! Thank you for keeping in touch this past year.

It's been absolute FUN. Keep me posted on the progress of your project.

I'll do whatever I can to assist you. Can't wait for version two of "Little Hoss".

Ray Morrison and Ken Barnhart; Ken Boje and Kenny Brown both told me

"You'll never meet any nicer guys than these two". Again, they hit the target. To possess those cars would be a dream in itself. To be the original owners is unheard of. I truly enjoyed every minute I spent with each of you. Thank you. You'll hear more from me soon.

Herb Fox; After 32 years, what a treat. I hope your cheeks didn't hurt too much Saturday night and Sunday.

Every time I looked at you, all I saw was the biggest smile in town. Thanks for tolerating my repeated requests for pictures and autographs. I finally got the picture I've wanted for years; Herb handing me the keys to my car. Thank you, Herb. (I'll be expecting some pictures for that other project.)

Dennis Hartweg; I hope we see more of each other soon. It's great to know we have a tie to the Gibb legacy here in our own back yard.

Thank you for the hospitality and for your time. I love hearing about these cars and look forward to seeing all of them in person! Thank you.

Again, just an absolute wonderful day. I had so much fun, I can't even recall how hot it was. I'm already counting the days to the Fifth.

May God bless and protect you all until we meet again.

Dennis Cumby