Hemmings Archives — Auto Trends Magazine

America and Chevrolet in 1969

This Camaro SS was just one of several performance models in Chevrolet’s 1969 product line.

Probably the most significant event of 1969 was the July 20th lunar landing of the Apollo 11 spacecraft. The galactic mission showcased America’s tech prowess in an age when the space program’s computers had less power than the device you hold in your hands today. “That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind,” quipped astronaut Neil Armstrong as he set foot on the lunar surface.

That year also saw Richard Milhous Nixon inaugurated as the 37th President of the United States, Vietnam War protests deepen, while the Woodstock Festival gave us three days of peace and music on a bucolic farm in upstate New York.

On the automotive front, Chevrolet continued to lead the U.S. market in sales, fending off archival Ford for another year. It was also a year when Chevrolet flexed its performance muscle, by supplying several powerhouse engines across most of its model line.

Outside of the compact Corvair (which was in its final year, then succeeded by the Vega), models such as the Nova, Chevelle, Camaro, Corvette, and Impala each offered at least one big block V8. It was also the final year for the Impala SS.

Wagons remained the family vehicle of choice and included such names as the Kingswood Estates, Kingswood, Townsman, and Brookwood among Chevy’s full-size models. In the intermediate group were such models as the Concours Estate, Concours, Greenbrier, and Nomad.

The Chevrolet C/K, a line of full-size pickup trucks, were sold under Standard, Custom, and CST (Custom Sort Truck) trims. Chevrolet had 10 (half-ton), 20 (three-quarter ton), and 30 (one-ton) versions. Both medium- and heavy-duty versions of this truck were also offered. The Chevrolet Suburban utility vehicle was now in its sixth generation. Unlike today’s models, this one offered a single driver-side door and two passenger-side doors.

2019 Piedmont Classic Chevy Club Car Show

You’ll find Chevrolet fan clubs all across the country, including some based on specific models such as the Avalanche, Camaro, and Impala. There’s even a Chevrolet Astro fan club in Japan where this small van is revered. Who knew?

In the area where I call home, central North Carolina, is the Piedmont Classic Chevy Club (check out their Facebook page). Launched in 1980 to celebrate Tri-Five (1955, 1956, & 1957 models), the group later expanded to include all classic Chevrolet models. Today, club members span all U.S. makes and models through 1985.

Memorial Day weekend is important for remembering and honoring U.S. military people who gave their lives in war. It is also favored by classic car enthusiasts, including those without weekend getaway plans. On Saturday, the PCCC folk hosted their 30th annual classic car show, once again choosing Lake Wheeler Park in Raleigh, NC as the site for the show.

And it was a hot Saturday at that! By late morning, the temperature had already topped 90 degrees, with a record within reach. Fortunately, that didn’t stop hundreds of classic car fans and their rides from coming out as well as many more spectators. Proceeds from the event were donated to Raleigh’s Hilltop Home for Children.

Without further ado, the following highlights and photos are from this year’s show.

Check Out Our Related Information

Besides covering classic car shows on this site, you can find updates on our Facebook page. Live updates shared on Twitter and Instagram too.

Additional Spotlights

Spotlight: 23rd Annual Triangle British Classic Car Show

Spotlight: 24th Annual Rod & Custom Show Presented by the Stray Cats

Spotlight: 2018 Piedmont Classic Chevy Club Car Show

2018 Piedmont Classic Chevy Club Car Show

As an automotive writer, most of my focus is on what’s new and upcoming, thus the “auto trends” moniker. But I also know that the industry has a rich history spanning nearly 150 years. Keeping an eye on the past while looking toward the future supplies the right perspective about the motorized conveyances we love.

When an opportunity to take in a local show comes up, I like to seize it. And not just any show, but one featuring the classic cars that define America. The 2018 Piedmont Classic Chevy Club Car Show is one such event, held on the Saturday preceding Memorial Day.

This year’s event was the 29th running of the show and it was a good one. Indeed, Hemmings listed it amongst its featured shows for the weekend. With Lake Wheeler Park in Raleigh, NC, serving as the venue, I knew it was one event I had to attend.

I’m glad that I did, because this car show was better than I had expected. One special note: our war dead were remembered — Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends (John 15:13). What a pleasant surprise to hear a young lady sing the Star-Spangled Banner.

1968 Chevrolet: 50 Years Later

This year’s show celebrated the 50th anniversary of the 1968 Chevy. That year featured such model names as Bel Air and Biscayne; Camaro and Corvette; Corvair Chevelle, and Caprice; Impala and Nova. Not to mention various “C” and “K” trucks and the Suburban.

Most of those models were present and the ones on display were entered for judging. The club welcomed owners of other US brands, including AMC, Buick, Cadillac, Dodge, Ford, Lincoln, Mercury, Oldsmobile, Plymouth, Pontiac and Studebaker. As long as the vehicle was made in the US and was from 1992 or earlier, they qualified.

I did not stay around long enough to learn who won an award. Contestants plunked down $20 to enter, otherwise, admission to the general public was free. Proceeds from the show benefited the private, nonprofit Raleigh’s Hilltop Home. The home serves children with severe developmental and medical disabilities.

2018 Piedmont Classic Chevy Club Car Show

As for the models on hand, the following represent the photos taken. The first group includes stories gleaned first hand from the respective owner.

If I got something wrong, feel free to leave a comment and I’ll make the necessary correction.

1967 Cadillac de Ville Convertible

Several vehicles on hand also prominently displayed “for sale” signs, including a 1967 Cadillac de Ville Convertible. This beautiful specimen of Cadillac hugeness looks factory new with its white body, white sidewall tires and a red interior.

This model is powered by a 429 cubic inch (7.0 liters) V8 engine with a four-barrel carburetor and has a three-speed automatic transmission. This engine makes 340 horsepower.

The owner was present and said he was asking $38,500 for it.

1967 Cadillac d'Ville Convertible

1950 Chevrolet Fleetline

Not displayed on the green, but sitting in the lot directly across from the field was a 1950 Chevrolet Fleetline. This model was also for sale, with a listed price of $8,500. Some wheel well rust was evident and the interior has seated many passengers for nearly seven decades.

The Fleetline was a subset of the Fleetmaster. All models have a 215 cubic inch (3.5-liter) inline six-cylinder engine making 90 horsepower.

1950 Chevrolet Fleetline

Chevrolet Pickup Truck — A lowrider Chevrolet pickup truck with an “aftermarket” umbrella.

1968 Plymouth GTX

The owner of this 1968 Plymouth GTX told me he purchased this model from the previous owner for just $5,000. He replaced the original engine ($7,000) with one displacing 480 cubic inches, otherwise it is true to the original and showroom clean.

With an estimated value of approximately $21,000, the owner stands to enjoy a handsome profit should he decide to sell it. He plans to keep it and keep driving it about three days per week.

1968 Plymouth GTX