Dayton Daily News

There are thousands, if not millions of Corvette lovers in the U.S. After all, it is arguably the most significant sports car built; less arguable, the most significant car built in the United States.

But get a group of National Corvette Restorers Society members together, and things get real serious, and when they have a judging meet, well, it's intense. Judges pore over every inch of the car because this group is dedicated to the preservation and restoration of their beloved machine, just as it came from the factory.

No glossy black radiators, no chrome where it was polished, no extra-glossy paint jobs and tires slathered in shiny dressing; it's about authenticity and originality; as it came from the dealer.

The local Miami Valley chapter of the NCRS held its annual judging event June 30 at the Carillon Historical Park in Dayton. Fifteen owners presented their cars for scrutiny from the 40 judges required to get the job done.

The cars are judged in five categories, each with stringent guidelines prepared by the "mother club" over the past 33 years. Operation, mechanical, chassis, interior and exterior are the categories and two judges handle each category. It's a meticulous and time-consuming process, all geared toward the coveted certificate of Top Flight for a score of 94-100. There are two other awards, Second Flight for a score of 85-93 and Third Flight for 75-84. Noel Kendall drove his '65 Corvette from Indianapolis for the judging.

"I came over last year and scored a third flight, but I think I've now got it in shape for a second-flight certificate," he said while keeping a close eye on the team examining his car.

"I've owned this car for 10 years, and I drive it all the time, but I've spent the last two weeks going over everything to make sure it is correct according to the NCRS book."

Correct is the key, which penalizes over-restoration. If overspray was evident on suspension parts when they came from the factory, then make sure your overspray is there. Don't change a single knob on the dash, and make sure every screw is right; no slotted screws where a Phillips head is supposed to be.

Kendall still has original-style bias-ply tires on his Corvette. "The proper term for this car is a 'small block-high horse-solid lifter' Corvette. It will really run, but on those tires on dry pavement, it's a little weird. When it rains, just slow down and grab the wheel," he said.

The local chapter of the NCRS was formed in 2003 and has about 85 members, who own more than 150 Corvettes. Local member Michael Mills, who was an interior judge, said, "I've wanted a Corvette since I was seven years old, and when I turned 25, I finally was able to get one. Now I'm on my fourth Corvette, and I'm like most other members, I have more than one. I've got a '66 and a '98." Mills added that the club meets monthly, holds the annual judging event and has a variety of other events, including a Friday cruise-in each week at the Steak 'N Shake restaurant on Ohio 741 at Lyons Road.

For more about the local chapter, or the National Corvette Restorers Society, go online to www.ncrs.org/mvc.