In mid 1968, these ads appeared in" Drag World," publication of the American Hot Rod Association. (AHRA) While most knew these cars were different than the newly introduced 396-375 that other dealers could only sell with a stick shift, little did they know that these were built for Fred Gibb Chevrolet only under the COPO process? Fred Gibb, who was interested in Chevrolet high performance, saw the need for Chevrolet to compete against Ford & Chrysler in the automatic classes, as Chevrolet had nothing available being built as a Regular Production car with a high horsepower, solid lifter engine until these 50 were built for his dealership. The National Hot Rod Association's minium requirement for setting up a different class, was a minium of 50, which would now qualify these to participate in the automatic classes of Super Stock.

http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb303/DH427Nova/68NovaAd.jpg

http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb303/DH427Nova/68NovaAd2.jpg

http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb303/DH427Nova/GibbCOPOAd12.jpg

This is a letter from GM to informing NHRA of the building of the 50 Novas for Fred Gibb Chevrolet.

http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb303/DH427Nova/10-18-2005053333PM.jpg

Another letter from GM about the same order of Novas, but with a little extra information at bottom.

http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb303/DH427Nova/10-18-2005052933PM.jpg

This is an interesting bit of history. Keep it coming I like reading this stuff!

I got a call into Mr Peabody to get the Way Back Machine fired up and ready to go back to July 1968 to get one of them 50 COPO's :D

While this is not Nova, many may not realize that Fred Gibb was also the dealer of record in getting 50 all aluminium 427 powered ZL-1 Camaros built under the same COPO process as the 68 Novas were built? Both of these batches of 50 were built for competition purposes to help keep Chevrolet competitive at the drag strips of both NHRA & Ahra.


http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb303/DH427Nova/DragWorldZL-1Ad2.jpg

An early picture of Fred Gibb Chevrolet
http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb303/DH427Nova/GibbChevrolet.jpg

Later picture of Fred Gibb Chevrolet
http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb303/DH427Nova/FredGibbDealership-1.jpg

Picture of the former Fred Gibb Chevrolet dealership taken at the Fred Gibb Memorial Show in 2001. All the cars in this picture are COPO's from Fred Gibb Chevrolet except the one on the end, which is "Lil Hoss," in which Herb Fox drove to the 1968 World Final AHRA Points Top Stock Championship in 1968.
http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb303/DH427Nova/FredGibbDealership2.jpg

My Dad bought a '61 Corvette at a dealership smaller than Fred Gibb. But the owner was pals with Zora Arkus-Duntov! I then worked at Nickey Chevrolet in 1965-66 and from 1968 - 1970, I used to drive over to Fred Gibb Chevrolet and look at the cars and buy a copy of Drag News. I was 24 in 1968 and working my way thru Parsons College, Fairfield, Iowa - on Highway 34 some 90 miles west. I graduated in 1970 and immediately headed west. God bless Fred Gibb. Doug Marion, age 63 and looking for a '69 with 4-speed.:cool:

Welcome aboard Doug :waving: You only have a few years on me. It was a wonderful experience having all those muscle cars available new. I worked at a Chevy dealer in Mesa, AZ from 68 to 70. I was in the new car prep department and test drove every 4 speed car that came in. At the time I had a 68 Chevelle SS with an L78. So I was always comparing the new arrivals against that benchmark. One day I drove a 70 SS that surprised me. It was an LS6, but at $4200 I could not afford to buy it. I wished now I had bought several and stored them for 37 years :D

Good to have you aboard, Doug. In your post, you mention about the 61 vette and Zora Duntov. In thinking about this name, I will never forget the in-thing of the rodders during the early 60's buying either a 3/4 or Full Race Duntov cam for their rides. They did make a small block Chevy sound good for a pretty reasonable price?

You mention being employed at Nickey Chevrolet in Chicago. There was another heavy hitter during the golden years of Chevrolet. Their involvement in Chevrolet history is another benchmark that holds a lot of interesting thoughts that many would love to hear? Would like to hear you tell some of the things you observed while employed there, possibly in a new thread in this section?

Philip, I don't know if I should brag about this, but I was born in 1941. Have seen many changes, but still enjoying the automotive hobby and the many friends I have become associated with. Some of the best people in the world are these very people who share their stories, thoughts, and information.

Though not Fred Gibb related, but it is interesting information about the 68 L-78 Novas. Notice is being given NHRA that the 50th car was built, but were manual transmissions only until the Gibb cars were built the first 2 weeks of July. Another document designates the 73rd being built by May 3rd.


http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb303/DH427Nova/50thL-78NovaBuilt.jpg

To clarify the above post, it might be useful to those interested in knowing when the 396 Novas were first built? While not an exact date, it does let us know it was probably sometime in mid-April of 68?

Philip, I don't know if I should brag about this, but I was born in 1941. Have seen many changes, but still enjoying the automotive hobby and the many friends I have become associated with. Some of the best people in the world are these very people who share their stories, thoughts, and information.


That's quite a statement, coming from one of the most knowledgable, and one of the finest Gentlemen in the hobby.

Ray Morrison and Doug Marion discussing the history of Fred Gibb and Chevrolet High Performance. I think I've died and gone to Heaven.

That's quite a statement, coming from one of the most knowledgable, and one of the finest Gentlemen in the hobby.

Ray Morrison and Doug Marion discussing the history of Fred Gibb and Chevrolet High Performance. I think I've died and gone to Heaven.

Glad to see you found this Dennis! For those interested, Dennis is one of the loyal folks of the Gibb clan that has been a great part of the revival of the past history surrounding Fred Gibb Chevrolet. That part of history is the fact that Dennis is the original owner of an LS-6 Chevelle purchased at the Gibb dealership. Thank you for the kind words, and join in with pictures or other comments you have concerning Fred Gibb Chevrolet and the past history it was such a great part of during the golden era of Chevrolet high performance.

Below is 1 of the 50 COPO Nova's that Fred Gibb and Dick Harrell made into a race car. It was painted a brilliant fuscia color. That is Fred Gibb by car.

http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb303/DH427Nova/FredGibbWithNova.jpg

As can be seen on the fuscia colored, not original color, COPO built Nova for the Fred Gibb dealership, another name appears on the car's quarters. Some of this number of COPO Novas would be sent to Dick Harrell Performance Center located in Kansas City, MO for additional upgrades.

This document discloses the business relationship that Fred Gibb & Dick Harrell teamed up to do for Chevrolet High Performance. Though this document does not say anything about the COPO Novas, stay tuned.

Sorry, can't find all this article, but there is sufficient information to get the picture of what was taking place.

http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb303/DH427Nova/FredGibb-DickHarrellBusinessAdventu.jpg

As the story continues to unfold on these Nova's, as previously mentioned, some of these would make their way to the Dick Harrell Performance Center in Kansas City, MO. A complete book could be written about Dick Harrell (MR CHEVROLET) and his involvement centered around the advent of Chevrolet history, but in keeping with the trend of the original post and the history behind the 50 COPO Nova's these posts are all about, displayed here is an ad about the Nova's with some of the Chevrolet dealer network established to sell these cars he was tweaking in K.C., MO at the time.

http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb303/DH427Nova/10-13-2005090450PM-1.jpg

Several of these COPO Nova's were modified by "MR CHEVROLET" at Dick Harrell Performance Center. As can be seen in this article by Dan Botts, many answers to questions that many have had concerning the tweaked and modified original 396-427 powered COPO Nova's can be answered by fully reading this material. Though mentioned about these cars being bought through authorized Chevrolet dealers, the purpose of this was to retain the factory warranty and financing. Either version could be modified with aftermarket parts to the customers wishes, still carry the factory's 90 day warranty, and be financed by GMAC, even so far as racing slicks. The exact number of Dick Harrell converted and tuned COPO Nova's is not known, but an estimated guess of 15-25 received some sort of treatment? This includes both the 396 & 427 versions.




http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb303/DH427Nova/63to68DickHarrell125-1.jpg

http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb303/DH427Nova/63to68DickHarrell126.jpg

http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb303/DH427Nova/63to68DickHarrell127.jpg

http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb303/DH427Nova/63to68DickHarrell128.jpg

In mid 1968, these ads appeared in" Drag World," publication of the American Hot Rod Association. (AHRA) While most knew these cars were different than the newly introduced 396-375 that other dealers could only sell with a stick shift, little did they know that these were built for Fred Gibb Chevrolet only under the COPO process? Fred Gibb, who was interested in Chevrolet high performance, saw the need for Chevrolet to compete against Ford & Chrysler in the automatic classes, as Chevrolet had nothing available being built as a Regular Production car with a high horsepower, solid lifter engine until these 50 were built for his dealership. The National Hot Rod Association's minium requirement for setting up a different class, was a minium of 50, which would now qualify these to participate in the automatic classes of Super Stock.

http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb303/DH427Nova/68NovaAd.jpg

http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb303/DH427Nova/68NovaAd2.jpg

http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb303/DH427Nova/GibbCOPOAd12.jpg

Helen Gibb's (widow of Fred Gibb) Fathom Blue Nova, is car #50 of this previous post. These cars were all built with the same specifications listed plus these were all radio delete, equipped with Firestone Wide Oval Redwalls, and though mentioned about the 4 colors, it doesn't list the colors, which were Tripoli Turquoise, Matador Red, Grecian Green, & Fathom Blue. Two interior colors were available with the first mentioned 3 colors getting the Black interior and all the Blue's came with Blue interiors. This car still has the original window sticker, though a little for the wear of the past 39 years.

http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb303/DH427Nova/HelenGibbs50Nova.jpg

a lot of fantastic history.To bad we couldn,t bring it all back for one day .walk around with Fred Gibb and Don Yenko.It would be the best car show ..............I was 18 in 1969 .....what a year.

a lot of fantastic history.To bad we couldn,t bring it all back for one day .walk around with Fred Gibb and Don Yenko.It would be the best car show ..............I was 18 in 1969 .....what a year.

While being about 25 years old during this time, I was fortunate to be able to be just a small part of this, not really giving any thought about what the future would hold? Now, the circle has come back on much of the dealer installed and factory COPO programs that really took off during this era. Drag Racing and performance cars may have had more interest during these years than at another time in history? This era now, has generated a great deal of interest by focusing on several reunions each year, which reunites a lot of the people you may been affiliated with some 30 plus years ago. Much like a school reunion, a lot of past history and memories are rekindled.

Understanding this is a Nova site with only one of these being such, but here is a picture that totally relates to the Fred Gibb Dealership. These 3 cars were taken together at the 2005 Fred Gibb Memorial Show. These 3 cars are still owned by the original owners and are as follows. 68 Fred Gibb/ Dick Harrell prepared 427 COPO Nova, A 1969 Fred Gibb COPO ZL-1 of Ken Barnhardt, and the 70 LS-6 Chevelle of Dennis Cumby. Fred Gibb Chevrolet was a great asset to the people who lived Chevrolet performance.



http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb303/DH427Nova/GibbOriginalOwnerCars2005.jpg

Well yes it is a Nova site, but history of all the GM line is great to read and see.
When looking at the times these cars turned, many will not realize how hard it was to get a street car into the 12's back then. I had a 68 Chevelle, L78/M22 with 4.10 gears. After several modifications it would turn mid 12's. Today the technology has enabled small block cars to getting into the 11's.

Here's a rare sight these days. This shot shows three of the four colors available, and the only known Matador Red car currently in the public's eye. At the time of this picture (November 05) the red car was owned by John Oehler. The Blue car beside it is owned by Rick Thayer of Massachusetts. Behind Rick's car is Annie Hartweg's Grecian Green # 15 car and to her left is Helen Gibb's Fathom Blue #50 car. Also attending that year was Tommy Kusmiesz's Gibb/Harrell "Tuned" 396 car. More on that car next.

http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m57/dmcumby/GibbCorral.jpg

Tommy Kusmiesz is the proud (you have to see the smile on his face when he's with this car) owner of this Gibb/Harrell Tuned L-78 COPO Nova. At the time this picture was taken (Nov. 05), the guys at the "Supercar Workshop" had just finished the full restoration of this car. Tommy, along with Brian Henderson and Joe Swezey, had decided to do the car the way Tommy would have specified it if he were placing the order directly to Dick Harrell Performance in 1968. One of Dick's many options was a Tri-Power set-up from the 435 HP Corvette. Since Tommy is also a big Corvette fan, (and since he already had the Tri-Power set-up at home), it was a no-brainer. Tommy also had one of the "Stinger" hoods made by A & A Fiberglass that came as part of the package when he bought the car so that went on as well.
It's been my extreme pleasure to see Tommy's car and Ray Morrison's (COPO-2) car together a couple of times. Two of the most unbelievable examples of Chevy High Performance you can imagine, and two of the finest, most sincere gentlemen in the hobby.

A closer look at Tommy's Gibb/Harrell COPO Nova.

http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m57/dmcumby/TomKNancyG.jpg

http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m57/dmcumby/Tommy3.jpg

[Quote]
When looking at the times these cars turned, many will not realize how hard it was to get a street car into the 12's back then. I had a 68 Chevelle, L78/M22 with 4.10 gears. After several modifications it would turn mid 12's. Today the technology has enabled small block cars to getting into the 11's.

Phillip,

You are exactly correct on this as a 12 second car was considered pretty fast? I well remember the first 12 second pass I was fortunate enough to make in a car that actually ran modified as 9 lbs per cu. in., running low 12's, and it was competitive. Later on, the 427 Harrell prepared Nova would yield about the same figures, by neutral starting, 9" Good Year slicks, and open headers. As you mentioned about the small blocks running 11's and quicker, this is now very true.

Just get 4.56s or 4.88s thats what we have in our 1969 Chevelle SS396 with a 454 and we get about 8 or 9s

[quote]
When looking at the times these cars turned, many will not realize how hard it was to get a street car into the 12's back then. I had a 68 Chevelle, L78/M22 with 4.10 gears. After several modifications it would turn mid 12's. Today the technology has enabled small block cars to getting into the 11's.

Phillip,

You are exactly correct on this as a 12 second car was considered pretty fast? I well remember the first 12 second pass I was fortunate enough to make in a car that actually ran modified as 9 lbs per cu. in., running low 12's, and it was competitive. Later on, the 427 Harrell prepared Nova would yield about the same figures, by neutral starting, 9" Good Year slicks, and open headers. As you mentioned about the small blocks running 11's and quicker, this is now very true.

[quote=1968Chevelle300Deluxe;12689]Just get 4.56s or 4.88s thats what we have in our 1969 Chevelle SS396 with a 454 and we get about 8 or 9s

Are you saying by gearing to the mentioned gears, these times could be expected from a basic, factory stock BB Chevrolet, even the 454, for the 1320', or are we talking a shorter distance?

[QUOTE=1968Chevelle300Deluxe;12689]Just get 4.56s or 4.88s thats what we have in our 1969 Chevelle SS396 with a 454 and we get about 8 or 9s



This has to be 1/8 mile.

To clarify the above post, it might be useful to those interested in knowing when the 396 Novas were first built? While not an exact date, it does let us know it was probably sometime in mid-April of 68?


Ray, I have seen one 68 396 SS with a build date in April. Nice car. It was a blue 4 speed car with bench seat and deluxe interior. Thanks for posting the pics and articles. have you ever noticed in the Dick Harrell article that the header bolt that holds the dipstick is barely threaded into the head in the pic of the 427 swap ?.... I hope they got that one tightened up before flight :D:D..


Tommy :)

Tommy,

Wondering if you might have more information as to the week in April the Nova you referenced in the previous post? Just going from the information I have, would seem the first L-78 Nova was probably built around the 10th or later of April 68?

Yes, I had noticed this picture with the loose header bolt. Maybe that bolt is still laying along side KCIR somewhere, who knows?

Ray, I will try and find out for you. I haven't spoken with him in a while but need to place a call anyway. :)

Tommy :)

Another beautifully restored Fred Gibb COPO Nova has been completed. This is car #21, which is one of the original Grecian Green cars of 10 total, ordered by Fred Gibb Chevrolet. It is owned by Jude Huttick of Atlanta, GA.

http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb303/DH427Nova/COPONova21.jpg

http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb303/DH427Nova/JackWalkerNova-1.jpg

This is one of the former 68 BB DHPC team Nova's, that ran in the AHRA circuit. It ran mostly in the areas surrounding Kansas City & Tulsa International Dragways. Anyone know anything about this car?

Those Novas are sweet, I wish I was 20 back in those days I would have loved my life :)

Hi Ray,I'm pretty sure you know this already because 3 years ago I shared it with Dave Libby. Courtsey Chevrolet in Phoenix AZ sold 4 1968 Copo Novas. I know 2 were converted to 427's. One was kept 396 and the fourth,not sure. They also sold 2 68 Harrell Camaros and 2 68 Harrell Chevelles. Dan

Dan,

Would you have any additional information about the Courtesy dealership in Phoenix, AZ., with the COPO Nova's you mentioned, especially if you should know what colors they were? We already know of 1 Tripoli Turquoise car from that dealership and a Fathom Blue from the same chain in CA. The cars you mentioned could be some other than the known ones, certainly at least 2, maybe 4? Dick Harrell was sponsored by Courtesy Chevrolet at one time in his racing career. Ray

Ray,The vin numbers I have on the sheets I copied show paint codes. EE for all 4 Novas,EE for one chevelle,KK for the other chevelle,VV for one Camaro and RR for other Camaro. Delivery dates were 4/11/68 on the 2 Camaros.One Chevelle delivered 2/19/68.One Chevelle delivered 6/18/68. 2 Novas delivered 9/16/68. 2 Novas delivered 8/12/68. Dan

Dan,

Thanks for the input on the 4 you mention. By doing a little simple math, it would be safe to say that Courtesy Chevrolet would have gotten at least 6 of the Gibb/ Harrell Nova's? By taking into account the known Tripoli Turquoise one and 4 Fathom Blue ones you mention there is another documented Fathom Blue one that was bought at one of the Courtesy dealerships in CA. Courtesy Chevrolet had several outlets in the Western region during the time these COPO Nova's were being distributed.

This summer at the NOVA nationals I had the privlige of meeting MRS Gibb and having diller withe her and her family. She is by far one of the nicest ladies I have ever meet. I also had the oportunity to sit in her number 50 Nova. Wish I could have driven it though.

Jeremy,

I totally agree with you!!

Though I had been around several of the AHRA races they were competing in, I don't believe we had ever met until 1989, when I had some questions about the car I own. Fred was still alive and still liked to talk about times past, yet he was very interested in my personal car's history. With their help and committment, a lot of unkown history by most of us was brought out of the shadows. From the first conservation until present, it has been nothing but pleasure to be around this fine family and talk of their past contributions in Chevrolet high performance.

This summer at the NOVA nationals I had the privlige of meeting MRS Gibb and having diller withe her and her family. She is by far one of the nicest ladies I have ever meet. I also had the oportunity to sit in her number 50 Nova. Wish I could have driven it though.


I didn't get to drive it either.. Wonder if Ray will let me drive his. :thumbsup:

Tommy :)

Here is the same 68 Grecian Green Nova, this was at the Super Car Reunion in Collinsville, IL 2007.
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j11/Nova_Guy/IMG_0523.jpg
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j11/Nova_Guy/IMG_0522.jpg
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j11/Nova_Guy/IMG_0521.jpg
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j11/Nova_Guy/IMG_0520.jpg

Hers is another 68 Gibs car at the sameshow.
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j11/Nova_Guy/IMG_0519.jpg
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j11/Nova_Guy/IMG_0518.jpg
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j11/Nova_Guy/IMG_0517.jpg

Nova Guy,

The bottom Nova is the Fathom Blue car that Helen Gibb now owns. The history of this particular car is known back to the original owner, who was handicapped, but since it was an automatic was able to compete and enjoy drag racing. This car actually had less than 17,000 miles when located in Gladstone, MO. It is the #50, or last of the Gibb COPO's built and made the circle back to the Gibb Family in LaHarpe, IL.

The Grecain Green car shown, however, I believe is the one owned by Annie Hartweg. This car, too, has made somewhat of a loop back to it's origin as Annie's deceased husband's Father, worked at the Gibb dealership. Before his untimely death, Annie's husband was instrumental in obtaining 3 of the original 50 Gibb COPO Nova's for the Hartweg collection. The Grecian Green car shown, a 396 Fathom Blue sold by Courtesy Chevrolet in CA., modified by Dick Harrell, and a 427 transplanted Fathom Blue car prepared by Dick Harrell, which was sold to the original owner from Topeka, KS.

Hopefully, Nova Guy, you are who I think I met in Cedar Rapids at the Nova Nationals? Looks to be the same Nova I remember? If you are Jim, formally from Warrensburg, was stationed at Knob Knoster at the time, then I would like to say hello? If not, I apologize. Ray

As earlier shown, the Fred Gibb COPO Nova's were built for a special purpose, which was to get Chevrolet involved in the automatic classes of NHRA competition. These 50 Nova's were the benchmark of high performance solid lifter engines combined with an automatic. While these redesigned turbo 400 automatic's were actually called 69's since it was so near the tail end of the 68 Nova's built, these transmissions were actually built in June of 68 for these Nova's. This document was published after the initial building of the experimental Turbo 400's for the Nova's, in July of 68.

http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb303/DH427Nova/Turbo400DealerBulletin002.jpg

Hopefully, Nova Guy, you are who I think I met in Cedar Rapids at the Nova Nationals? Looks to be the same Nova I remember? If you are Jim, formally from Warrensburg, was stationed at Knob Knoster at the time, then I would like to say hello? If not, I apologize. Ray Sure is; I don't stop in to often. I take it you are Ray Morrison? I'm over at Scott AFB now; I moved over here in December 2005. I didn't go to far.
I really like the green 68, that is the color my car was wen it was new. I always show that to people and they almost always say they like the red much better.

Sure is; I don't stop in to often. I take it you are Ray Morrison? I'm over at Scott AFB now; I moved over here in December 2005. I didn't go to far.
I really like the green 68, that is the color my car was wen it was new. I always show that to people and they almost always say they like the red much better.

Nice to have you on board, Jim. Stop by a little more often and keep us updated on your service to our country as you are enjoying the red 68 Nova.

Nice to have you on board, Jim. Stop by a little more often and keep us updated on your service to our country as you are enjoying the red 68 Nova.
I stop by here a couple times a week. I spend most of my time over at Steves site. Next time your in the Sl. Louis area shot me a PM and we can meet up somewhere for dinner.

Nice to have you on board, Jim. Stop by a little more often and keep us updated on your service to our country as you are enjoying the red 68 Nova.


Hear-Hear !!!

+1 ;)

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y258/64Flyer/328212228hAeDeC_fs3.jpg

I stop by here a couple times a week. I spend most of my time over at Steves site. Next time your in the Sl. Louis area shoot me a PM and we can meet up somewhere for dinner.


couple times a week ??? tha's not right :rolleyes:

i'm ever in yer area and the :beers:'s on me :D

Hey Shifty,

Good picture you posted of Nova Guy's car. Sitting here admiring it, I don't know why it come to mind, but thinking if there had been 51 of the COPO's built, I would be checking this red one out.

Johnny,

Notice you are into the earlier model Novas. Before the 68, in fact up until I bought the 68, I owned a 66 L-79 I bought new. It was white with blue interior, non SS, with M-21 Muncie 4 speed, and geared 3:31. It was dangerous with being geared that high, especially with the brakes they came with. It became awfully light when the reins were let out a bit.

oh i like all year ChevyII/Novas really... as long as it's a SEDAN that is ;)

yeah, i guess i'm partial ta 1st Genners, but agree James' '68 is nice ;)

i especially like the bumper guards (not pictured) :D

Ray and John if either of you are ever in the area be sure to get ahold of me. If the Supercar show in in Collinsville next year I'll most likely go to it again next year.

Quote: Ray and John if either of you are ever in the area be sure to get ahold of me. If the Supercar show is in Collinsville next year I'll most likely go to it again next year.

Jim,

The 11th annual Supercar Show is scheduled for the Gateway INN in Collinsville, IL for the weekend of August 28, 29, & 30. Hopefully I will make it this year?

Jim,
The 11th annual Supercar Show is scheduled for the Gateway INN in Collinsville, IL for the weekend of August 28, 29, & 30. Hopefully I will make it this year?
I be in the area that week for sure. I have to be at my temporary job during the month of September and October. I'll for sure be here that weekend. The best part is the show is only about a 15 to 20 minute drive from my house and I get in free with my military ID card.

Pretty neat article on Fred Gibb in the new Hemmings Muscle Machines, page 64.

http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb303/DH427Nova/FredGibbArticleHMN002.png

thanks for posting copo-2, that's some good reading there!

Ray, Thanks for posting a pic of my car from when it was at Vettefest last fall. It's easy to confuse my Nova with Annies. I believe they are the only 2 restored Grecian Green COPO Nova's.
The #21 Nova was purchased by a soldier on leave from Viet Nam on 3/26/69. He immediately added T bars, headers & street slicks & raced it. He sold it with 1200 miles to someone in the KC area where it got an L88 and this paint job. It was sold again, registered in Iowa in 1974 and raced at Eddyville Raceway & on the street in Moulton, Ia
Shoney did the resto last yr, but the weather's so bad that we've had to store it in Ia til it can be run a little bit...so, I have yet to see or drive it.


http://i26.tinypic.com/2i0xesy.jpg
http://i29.tinypic.com/20rk4rk.jpg

Sitting here admiring it, I don't know why it come to mind, but thinking if there had been 51 of the COPO's built, I would be checking this red one out.
Ray: I think it was Dale Berger that told us that Berger Chevrolet got a single '68 L78/400thm Nova (in red, I think?) also...I'd forgotten you owned a '66 L79, what happened to it?

Rob,

This is the best picture I could find of my old 66 L-79 Nova. Your question about this car in reference as too the history of it after my ownership, is the fact that it was traded in on the 68 Gibb-Harrell Nova I still have. I was allowed $1750.00 in trade-in value from Knowles Chevrolet. The person who next owned the car blew the original engine, crashed it backwards into a light pole pretty much destroying the original car. Yet, a couple of other local guys owned this car later, but was never the same, again. This particular car was probably the most dangerous car I ever owned? Would get very light on top end and the brakes were not good at all. Bench seat car, blue interior, and of course 4 speed M-21.


http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb303/DH427Nova/66L-79Nova2.jpg

Jude,

Thanks for posting the vintage pictures of your Nova. The first thing I noticed was the wheels and tires. Novas don't have a lot of room for tire clearance as can be visually seen in these pictures. Just wondering what size slicks those are on the rear? The largest slicks that I personally ever was able to use and not stick outside, was 10:50X15", but had to roll the inner lip and use air shocks. I have an old vintage B&W picture with those tires mounted.



http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb303/DH427Nova/BWNovaRace2.jpg

Hey Ray...you better make it to this years reunion! I still remember talking to you and Larry Clain (RIP) out in the parking lot at SCR8...and almost missing dinner because of it! Thanks to Charley...we all got a ride to the door..LOL

Here are my picture additions to this thread....

Annie's COPO from SCR8

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v645/xplantdad/Super%20Car%20Reunion%208/tn_DSCF1714.jpg

Annie's car at the track with Frank Magallon giving her racing tips!:D

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v645/xplantdad/Super%20Car%20Reunion%208/tn_DSCF1676.jpg

YOUR Nova...SCR8...indoor display!:hurray:

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y9/yenkopictures/SCR8/tn_DSCF1717.jpg


Helen Gibbs COPO...:thumbsup:

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y9/yenkopictures/SCR8/tn_DSCF1716.jpg

A couple more...At Vettefest.

Helen and Tommie K.'s together!

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b156/lotsayenkopics/Vettefest/Thumbnails/tn_DSCF6199.jpg



Tommy's....

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b156/lotsayenkopics/Vettefest/Thumbnails/tn_DSCF6200.jpg



Formerly John Oehler's...


http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b156/lotsayenkopics/Vettefest/Thumbnails/tn_DSCF6239.jpg

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b156/lotsayenkopics/Vettefest/Thumbnails/tn_DSCF6240.jpg

Just a few more...

Not a Nova...but a cool set up none the less...Mr. B's ZL-1 and Ramp Truck

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b156/lotsayenkopics/Vettefest/Thumbnails/tn_DSCF6269.jpg

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b156/lotsayenkopics/Vettefest/Thumbnails/tn_DSCF6270.jpg

No explanation needed...;)

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b156/lotsayenkopics/Vettefest/Thumbnails/tn_DSCF6310.jpg

And finally...one of my favorite pics that I have taken of Helen...

(I made an 8x10 enlargement of this and sent it to her for Christmas one year;))

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b156/lotsayenkopics/Vettefest/more/tn_DSCF6314.jpg

By the way, Ray....YOU are one of the most sincere...nicest people I have ever come across!:beers:

That's Bruce, always trying to butter things up:p great shot of HG and Gage....he should have her on his show...that would add some real class.

wilma

Yo Wilma...what's up! Giving that Tibor guy a hard time...I see:D

How come you aren't at the reunions?:confused::D

BTW...for 5 extra bonus points...name the guy standing in the background on the left in the shot with HG and Pringles dude!(with the cup in his hand):hurray:

Hey Bruce,

Good to see you chime in on this thread. Thanks for posting all the pictures that definitely go along with the Fred Gibb dealership.You always seem to have good taste in photographing not only the cars, but shots of people or items that many of us miss even though we are at the same show. For instance, the shot of Dennis Gage and Helen Gibb? That is priceless!! Even though it is not a Nova, the original owned ZL-1 Camaro of Ken Barnhardt's definitely belongs on this thread as it came the Fred Gibb dealership, having been a race car all it's life. The old ramp truck is another vintage piece of history if you were around the race tracks in the late 60's & 70's?

As for Tom, if you didn't read about his interesting well documented Nova on an original 68 L-78 project he has underway, take a look? That will be a nice addition to the others in his collection and will be done correct.

I definitely remember meeting up with You & Charlie. Always enjoyable talking with those who love not only the cars, but the people and history associated with them. Ray

I definitely remember meeting up with You & Charlie. Always enjoyable talking with those who love not only the cars, but the people and history associated with them. Ray

Ray...it's my pleasure. Listening to the stories that you and Helen have of the great times with Fred Gibb make the trip so worthwhile...the friends that we have make it fun...and the cars are the icing on the cake...so to speak!

The photography stuff is something that I really enjoy...and I like to share the pictures with everyone...so that if they aren't able to make it to the reunions...they can at least see some of what transpired

Tom has some awesome Novas...and I was just goofing with him a bit. He's having some fun with Ken Tibor on the Yenko site right now...LOL

I am anxious to see his '68 L-78, too!

We just need to find a way to get him to the reunion:yes:(and get you back there, too!)

This would be the #3 Tripoli Turquoise Gibb COPO Nova that was modified by Dick Harrell Performance Center.

Other pictures that have been posted have shown the Fathom Blue, Grecian Green, Matador Red, and now this one, showing all the original colors of these 50 cars that Fred Gibb Chevrolet received. As mentioned and the article from the November 1968 issue posted earlier, Dick Harrell received an unknow number of these COPO Nova's for 427 transplants and 396 upgrades.



http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb303/DH427Nova/3Harrell427Nova-1.jpg

The #4 Tripoli Turquoise Gibb/ Harrell prepped Nova, originally one of the 396 cars that later received an L-88.

http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb303/DH427Nova/BelksDHNova2.jpg


Vintage picture of it in action.


http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb303/DH427Nova/EdCNova2-1.jpg

Helen Gibb with her Fathom Blue and John Oelher's Matador Red 9738 COPO Nova's. Picture taken in front of the former Fred Gibb Chevrolet building.

http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb303/DH427Nova/MatadorRedFathomBlueCOPONovas.jpg

matador red is a great color...

Helen Gibb with her Fathom Blue and John Oelher's Matador Red 9738 COPO Nova's. Picture taken in front of the former Fred Gibb Chevrolet building.

http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb303/DH427Nova/MatadorRedFathomBlueCOPONovas.jpg

The greatest lady in the hobby :thumbsup:...but Nancy does run a close second ;)...looking forward to seeing them both this summer.

wilma

Just and FYI...

Helen Gibb was voted into the "Legion of Honor" at the Musclecar Reunion & Nostalgia Drags @ Gateway last weekend...was a *very* cool deal, with a nice ceremony both days, and in addition to Helen's induction were Don Garlits, Diane Sox, Larry Reyes, and Roland Leong.

Just and FYI...

Helen Gibb was voted into the "Legion of Honor" at the Musclecar Reunion & Nostalgia Drags @ Gateway last weekend...was a *very* cool deal, with a nice ceremony both days, and in addition to Helen's induction were Don Garlits, Diane Sox, Larry Reyes, and Roland Leong.

Congratulations!! A well deserved tribute to Helen and the Chevrolet dealership that helped keep Chevrolet competitive with new ideas. They were a small town dealer with a big time influence in getting 100 Chevrolet's built under the COPO process to help Chevrolet fill voids not available with GM's Regular Production Program. As time progresses, more and more are beginning to realize the impact they had in the field of Chevrolet Hi- Performance during the late 60's & early 70's?

Also, to all others mentioned above, their records and achievemnts are many. They too, had a great impact as the popularity of competitive drag racing was soaring during these same years mentioned. Congratulations go out to all mentioned.

As drag racing began to gain popularity, the sport went through different stages of getting to and from the track. At first, the cars were mostly driven or towed with tow bars in the early days. Next came the open trailers in the early and mid sixties. Then came the ramp trucks.

http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb303/DH427Nova/FredGibbNovaRaceCar2-1.jpg

http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb303/DH427Nova/FredGibbDickHarrellCarHaulers69-1.jpg

York US30 "Legion of Honor" awards will be presented on Friday, July 11th at 6 p.m. at special ceremonies honoring twelve annual recipients. Receiving the prestigious awards will be Herb McCandless, Alamance, NC; Ed Hedrick, Washington, NC; Dave Reitz, Pasadena, MD; Jack Werst, Langhorne, PA; Jon Lundberg, Oro Valley, AZ; Ken Montgomery, Jenkintown, PA; Joseph McNally, Hatboro, PA; Ed Miller, Chesapeake, VA; Dale Smith (posthumous) Oldsmobile; Ed Eaton, Boca Raton, FL; Fred Gibb (posthumous) Laharde, IL; and Darwin Doll, York, PA.

The award for Dale Smith will be received by Jeannine Mayo on behalf of her husband Paul. The award for Fred Gibb will be received by his wife Helen Gibb.

Good News!!! Thanks for sharing this information.

ya know it's sure cool ta see & read about the stuff from yesteryear, thanks for posting all this info... keep it up OK ???

US30 show starts on Friday July 11th...looking forward to seeing Helen and Nancy and the gang. Hope some of you Nova folks can make it...just look for all the 68 Novas:hurray:

wilma

Here is a link from the SYC...helen receiving the award.

http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/showflat.php/Cat/0/Number/347937/an/0/page/0#Post347937

Thanks for the heads up on posting the thread, Tom. In just a short time, the annual Gibb Memorial Show will be held on Sat., August 2nd. Would be a nice chance to meet the family in LaHarpe.

Fred Gibb Reunion this weekend...hope everyone has a good time.

wilma:beers::thumbsup:

Got back from LaHarpe last night and had a GREAT time! This was my first time at this show and I will be going back next year for sure!!!! BIG thanks to Helen, Nancy and Bob for inviting me down!!!!:thumbsup::hurray:

Jeremy,

Glad you were able to make the show. 10 years ago, this show began as an experiment to see if enough interest could be generated in the small town of LaHarpe, IL to continue in the future? The mayor of LaHarpe Ken Brown & his staff, have done such a good job with their ever ending devotion, that this show has grown and draws many enthusiast's from several different states. One will never meet any nicer people than Helen & Nancy Gibb, or Bob L., as you mention?

you are correct!

I am sure many of you have already seen this but for those who have not click on the link it is an interesting read!

http://www.fredgibb.com/gibb_history.html

Bruce,

I'm sure you took the picture of another of the Fred Gibb COPO Nova's at the Super Car Reunion? Could you post a picture of this, yet another of the known Gibb cars?

Ray...It was a great surprise to see you on Saturday at the reunion...:hurray:

Here you go...

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b156/lotsayenkopics/SCR%2011/Saturday/tn_DSCF3366.jpg

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b156/lotsayenkopics/SCR%2011/Saturday/tn_DSCF3367.jpg

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b156/lotsayenkopics/SCR%2011/Saturday/tn_DSCF3368.jpg

Lots of the reunion pictures can be seen here:

http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/showflat.php/Cat/0/Number/354848/an/0/page/0#Post354848

Bruce

[quote=xplantdad;37548]Ray...It was a great surprise to see you on Saturday at the reunion...:hurray:

Thanks Bruce,

Originally I had planned to be there on Friday, but my plans got changed. Hate I missed the action at the track, but enjoyed seeing and visiting with many of you. Alway's a pleasure!!!

Again, you came through with many pictures. Got to visit with Rick T. and admire another of the Gibb COPO Novas. As always, the guys in Latrobe did a marvelous job in their restoration. Just one more of the original 50 has been brought back, given new life again to a nice family from the N.E. There were also two other of the Gibb COPO's in attendance with those of Annie Hartweg's & Tommy K's.

Ray...sorry I wasn't able to sit and talk longer...

I will have to get Annie to send you something...something that I think you will like!:D