Born Classics

[Impalaguru]

I was home recently and digging through some old Super Chevy mags from the early 80s. One thing that I noticed was the pictures of the car shows, they look just like they do now! Early 60s big chevys, 1st gen Camaros and Chevelles galore. Thoses cars weren't really all that old back in 82, 83, 84. There are lots of adds for restoration interiors, repro parts for cars that are only 20 years old or newer! I guess now you can get resto parts for cars that are only 20 years old or newer but this is now and that was then. I just found that interesting. I guess people knew, even then, that they were classics.

Another thing, Why isn't Super Chevy as good as it once was? I used to subscribe a few years ago but I couldn't stand to look at the same cars month after month. Those Super Chevy mags from the early 80s are way better in coverage and variety than the new ones! I also liked how there were pictures of people cars with a little story in the front of the magazine. Also liked the classifieds in the back. The tech articles were more interesting too. I found the complete how-to on building a 409 stroker motor in a 1983 issue. I'd love to see them build another " Project 409"!!!

Maybe some of you guys feel the same way I do.

Ross

[Tom Kochtanek]

Ross:

You should check out Chevy Rumble. It's a magazine that's been out just about a year or so, and features some of these very same autos you speak of. Lots of coverage for the "W" engine each issue. Doug Marion still does the photos and the words for his articles, and he loves those early '60s Chevys and 409s!

If you haven't already, you should get yourself a subscription for Christmas as a stocking stuffer :) :) :)

Cheers,
Tom K

[dq409]

They are just like the radio stations,,,,,, MEGA publications that own lots of other mags. They take the easy generic route to what they think is good coverage,share stories and boast about their events and them selves,,,, let the good talent go and hire the nubsculls from nowere and no brains to run the ship.

I can`t stand the big mags anymore and get sick of all the BS and coverage of the events they run,,,,ie: Power Cruz and garbage like that !

You will see an article in one mag one month followed by the same article in their sister mag the following month !! BS !!

Do check out any mag by Buckaroo Communication( Chevy Rumble, Super Rod,Street Rodder,American Rodder,ETC.) and you will find where all the talented editors and staff writers have found greener pastures !!,,,,,dq :cheers

PS,,,May sound like an ad but it`s the truth,,,,,

[Rockfish39]

What ever happened to automotive literary personalities such as Pat Ganahl, Leo Emaulson, and of course, who could forget ... Ole Dad..

Gray Baskerville ????? They are all gone now..

Todays magazine consortiums are geared towards the advertisers, not the people who read the rags....

Personally, I get tired as well, reading about how Troy Treppanier is once again building another one of his Rad Rides... Who cares ??? My SS is nicer than that 62 mutation that he just got done building anyways...

I dont have $150K to spend on one of his cars, and if I did, I would opt for a new Ford GT40... I know, not a Chevy, but one has to admit...WAY COOL CAR !!!!!!!!!


$$$ talks at Super Chevy and HRM and all the others too........

Rockfish :cool:

[SS425HP]

And, Tom MaCahill, the best of the best! I thought anyway!

[JIMS409]

I couldn't agree more guys. The same is now true for Super Chevy events. When Doug was editor, the shows were well attended and somewhat fairly priced; and guys like Lamar Walden, Bill Burge, Don Nicholson and Tony Schaefer were there to thrill the crowds.

They would spend their time and money to bring some good old fashioned Nostalgia Super Stock action to the masses. After a while and Doug's departure, they were not compensated and were in fact charged fees to attend and race! :confused:

The car show field and swap meet areas also began to dwindle and many regulars (myself included) stopped attending. I never missed SCS Indy from 1984-2000 and have little desire to go now as the "gray hair" bunch (racers, show guys, vendors, swappers) just sorta' quit.:cry

We used to have dinner parties of 8-10 people every year and we could meet centrally at Indy. Now we see each other occaisionally when travelling on business etc. (See you Wednesday Phil);)

Doug Marion is a great guy who incidentley, had some formidable drag racing experience while living in our little town of Wonder Lake; is probably the most responsible for the "W" motor resurection we see today. He now works for John Dianna's Buckaroo Publications and does what he can to keep the legend alive.

I am sure that Doug has to cater to the masses and the magazines must reflect the broad readership base such a title (Chevy Rumble) infers. He (thankfully)always tries to get as much "W" coverage in as possible.

Doug stopped by for a brief visit this summer and had to get back to LA as his Mom is quite ill and he is now staying with her to keep an eye on her and help out. Let's all pray for Doug's Mom and his family as we enter this holiday season.

You can drop Doug an E-mail @ Mrchevyrumble@aol.com He always enjoys hearing from the bowtie crowd!