[calvin]

Just back form the route 66 car show in Springfield IL where the Midwest Opeler’s made a strong showing. There were three GT’s, two Manta’s and a Kadet. Also in attendance were about 800 v-8 muscle cars, hot rods with the odd MG A tossed into the mix. The MG A wisely nestled up with the Opel’ for safety in 4 cylinder row.

The weather on Friday night curtailed the planned official parade of the show participants through the state capital of Illinois. 22 blocks of downtown was closed off and given over completely to the cars. The Opel’s were placed in a good sport right in front of the capitol building. Although the official parade was cancelled on Friday night we had our own march of the Opel’s on Saturday morning for about 6 miles from the Opel HQ at the Baymont hotel to the shadow of the capital building.

There were four different stages with an assortment of free bands of every genera of music going at any given time plus street artists, jugglers yo-yo experts and a variety of other street entertainment. There was a plethora of selections in the food department enough choices to make any pallet happy. Prices were also at a reasonable level. The local shops in the downtown area that normally would be closed also opened to help accommodate the some 45,000 attendees.

John was the local host and did a great job and even took us all to breakfast (many thanks again for that act of generosity). The evening activities included the exciting nightlife of Springfield (which has a lot more going on than one would imagine).

I think everyone had a really good time. Bill came from the furthest away from Kansas City followed by Bill who came down via Chicago. Half the group got to kick tires on a 72 Rally manta that was for sale there in town that could be a fairly nice car given some restoratin TLC. Though somewhat overpriced for it’s current condition it had potential.

Opel deals were made and mechanical know-how swaped. Electrical knowledge got put to the test, as thanks to everyone’s help, my tail and brake lights actually now work correctly. Also a very nice after market sway bar destined for one of Kevin’s Manta generously donated one of it nuts and bolts to replace the one that bailed off the bumper on the trip up from St Louis.

This proved to be a very good venue and really should become “THE” show for Midwesterner Opeler’s to take it place along side the OMC picnic and Carlisle, Tacoma and other big Opel events

 

[sawdust]

Just back form the route 66 car show in Springfield IL where the Midwest Opeler’s made a strong showing. There were three GT’s, two Manta’s and a Kadet. Also in attendance were about 800 v-8 muscle cars, hot rods with the odd MG A tossed into the mix. The MG A wisely nestled up with the Opel’ for safety in 4 cylinder row.

The weather on Friday night curtailed the planned official parade of the show participants through the state capital of Illinois. 22 blocks of downtown was closed off and given over completely to the cars. The Opel’s were placed in a good sport right in front of the capitol building. Although the official parade was cancelled on Friday night we had our own march of the Opel’s on Saturday morning for about 6 miles from the Opel HQ at the Baymont hotel to the shadow of the capital building.

There were four different stages with an assortment of free bands of every genera of music going at any given time plus street artists, jugglers yo-yo experts and a variety of other street entertainment. There was a plethora of selections in the food department enough choices to make any pallet happy. Prices were also at a reasonable level. The local shops in the downtown area that normally would be closed also opened to help accommodate the some 45,000 attendees.

John was the local host and did a great job and even took us all to breakfast (many thanks again for that act of generosity). The evening activities included the exciting nightlife of Springfield (which has a lot more going on than one would imagine).

I think everyone had a really good time. Bill came from the furthest away from Kansas City followed by Bill who came down via Chicago. Half the group got to kick tires on a 72 Rally manta that was for sale there in town that could be a fairly nice car given some restoratin TLC. Though somewhat overpriced for it’s current condition it had potential.

Opel deals were made and mechanical know-how swaped. Electrical knowledge got put to the test, as thanks to everyone’s help, my tail and brake lights actually now work correctly. Also a very nice after market sway bar destined for one of Kevin’s Manta generously donated one of it nuts and bolts to replace the one that bailed off the bumper on the trip up from St Louis.

This proved to be a very good venue and really should become “THE” show for Midwesterner Opeler’s to take it place along side the OMC picnic and Carlisle, Tacoma and other big Opel events

There is a lot of history here if you just go look for it.

 

[opeljohn]

Hans
Thanks for digging up this old gem. This would have been the first of the Route 66 Fest meets. Three of those pioneers still make it about every year. We have not had the pleasure of seeing Calvin and his hotrod Manta in some time. Most all of our major meets started out this way, a handfull of dedicated Opelers ready to get together. I think Carlilse started about the same way and now regularly gets about 50 Opels. The next benchmark is to have 100 or more of us meet somewhere. I am sure we can do it.

 

[sawdust]

I hope I live long enough to see 200 Opels somewhere.......

 

[opelnut_1]

All ya need to do is attend one of the Euro shows. an WOW is all I can say besides thanks to digital cameras so the pictures dont cost to much

 

[Gordy]

My wife keeps telling me if I keep looking/buying Opels, we may have 200 right in our driveway. Seems like we do now when it comes time to renew plates/ insurance etc.

 

[Janusgelb]

So you have to come to germany on 22th - 24th may this year. In Frankfurt/Main is the european meeting of Opel GT - about 300 GT´s are there in every color and from many countries of europe. Of course are the most GT´s from germany. If you want, you can see the photos from last year in Aggertal/Germany on google: Opel GT Club Aggertal - then click on : Bilder 2009
best regards from germany

 

[opelnut_1]

Yes Aggertal Was a great meet and where else can you see a GT Couch and talk with Ehart (designer of the Gt) . Had a blast an the hospitality towards Gt enthusists form the US was Great. I cant say enough about my treks to see the euroshows. The Quality of the cars from show room stock to some of the wildest mods you can imagine is beyond amazing. for a small glimpse of what its like to be there Opel GT source does sell videos of some of the meets. This only is able to capture a fraction of what its like to see it in person ...

All I can say is get that Passport and go. especially this year as you wond NEED to rent a car an worry about driving its an easy flight to frankfurt, hop the train to Russelsheim an there you are. Opel Factory an I believe the meet is close by.