Journey into the Timeless Beauty: Dr. Mark Davis’s Classic Corvette Collection at Mecum Kissimmee 2024 – Plus, an Exclusive Meet-up and Tour!
Welcome to the World of Classic Corvettes
Hey there, Corvette enthusiasts! Today, we’re diving into the exciting world of classic cars, specifically three remarkable Corvettes that are about to steal the show at the Mecum Kissimmee 2024 Auction. These beauties are none other than the prized possessions of Dr. Mark Davis. So, buckle up because we’re about to take a closer look at a 1962 Corvette, a 1967 Corvette Coupe, and a 1969 Corvette Coupe.
Exclusive Meet-Up Announcement
But that’s not all – we’ve got some exclusive news for you. Vette Vues Magazine and Mecum Auction are teaming up for a special meet-up during the Mecum Kissimmee 2024 event. Mark your calendars for Thursday, January 11, 2024, at 10:30 AM (Eastern Time – New York). You won’t want to miss this opportunity to rub shoulders with fellow car aficionados. You can find all the details and secure your spot right here.
In the meantime, explore further insights about Dr. Mark Davis in this engaging article: “The Collector’s Profile – Dr. Mark Davis.”
Vette Vues and Mecum Meet-Up
During our exclusive tour at the Vette Vues and Mecum Meet-Up, you’ll have the chance to meet some remarkable people, including the man of the hour, Dr. Mark Davis. Get ready to pick his brain and learn all about his fantastic cars. The best part? It won’t cost you a dime, and we even have a group discount to sweeten the deal. Hurry, though, because space is limited. So, don’t wait – sign up now!
The 1962 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible
Introducing LOT R665
Now, let’s shift our focus to one of the stars of the show.
LOT R665 – A Timeless Classic
LOT R665, the 1962 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible. This isn’t your run-of-the-mill classic car; it’s an absolute gem. With just 12,014 miles on the odometer, this Corvette has remained untouched, preserving its originality in a way that’s wowed even the most seasoned judges in the Corvette community.
The Journey of the 1962 Corvette
A History of Awards and Originality
It’s raked in a truckload of awards, including Bloomington Gold Benchmark, NCRS Duntov Award, and 5-Star Bowtie, plus it’s been recognized at Concours d’Elegance events. This beauty is a time capsule, boasting a matching-numbers setup, unrestored condition, and obsessive care from only three owners since it rolled off the assembly line in 1961.
The ’62 Corvette’s Unique Features
This ’62 Corvette is dressed in Roman Red with a matching interior and hard top. Under the hood, you’ll find the 327/340 HP V-8 engine paired with a 4-speed BorgWarner transmission. The specs go on with a 3.70:1 Positraction rear end, Off Road exhaust, Wonderbar radio, and classic 6.70-15 whitewall tires. It even comes with an intriguing backstory – it was delivered to its first owner in Walla Walla, Washington, with dreams of passing it on to his son.
However, fate took an unexpected turn when the original owner’s son tragically passed away. Over the years, the car changed hands, with each owner meticulously preserving its originality. It even retained its factory tires and the original Delco battery. And after more than three decades in hiding, this ’62 Corvette emerged to make history.
A Piece of Automotive History
Dr. Steven Campbell of Salem, Oregon, took the reins and introduced this hidden gem to the world. Over 24 years, he solidified its reputation as the most well-preserved and highly awarded first-generation Corvette on the planet. But the story doesn’t end there.
Dr. Mark Davis Takes the Reins
In 2020, the torch was passed to the current owner, esteemed Corvette collector Dr. Mark Davis of South Carolina, who is graciously offering the car to the public for the very first time. This Corvette comes with an impressive stack of documentation, including the original factory and dealer paperwork, the window sticker, the owner’s manual, and more. All the accolades, awards, and magazine coverage are neatly organized, making this a truly iconic piece of automotive history.
As you fire up the engine and take a seat in this ’62 Corvette, you’re transported back to a time when every drive was a thrilling adventure. Don’t miss your chance to own a piece of history at the Mecum Kissimmee 2024 Auction. VIN 20867S101968.
If you’re eager to dig even deeper into this incredible story, we’ve got some bonus files for you: 1.) Engine Run Log since purchased by Dr. Mark Davis. 2.) Important Numbers Breakdown 3.) Written History as documented by the second owner.
So, gear up and get ready for a ride through time with these remarkable Corvettes. And remember, the road to the Mecum Kissimmee 2024 Auction starts here – visit their website!
The 1967 Chevrolet Corvette Coupe
Let’s delve into the next Corvette from the remarkable Dr. Mark Davis Collection, and trust me, this one is an absolute stunner.
LOT R666 – A True Time Capsule
This 1967 Chevrolet Corvette Sting Ray Coupe, bearing VIN 194377S117084, is a living testament to the glory of vintage American muscle. It’s not just any classic; it’s the embodiment of perfection, and here’s why.
The Journey of the 1967 Corvette
A Pristine Survivor
With a mere 32,202 miles on the odometer, this ’67 Corvette stands as one of the most well-preserved, unrestored, matching-numbers specimens you’ll ever encounter. In fact, it’s practically frozen in time, with only a few maintenance items like the battery, tires, and a single radiator hose needing replacement.
A History of Awards and Recognition
The accolades it’s collected over the years are nothing short of impressive. It boasts over a dozen coveted awards from the Corvette community, including Bloomington Gold, Survivor, and Benchmark Certification, NCRS Top Flight honors, and the prestigious NCRS Bowtie Preservation and 5-Star Preservation Awards. But that’s not all – it’s the sole 1967 Corvette to ever be bestowed with the All-Time Preservation Award by the Historical Vehicle Association of America. Plus, it clinched the Best in Preservation Class at both the Hilton Head Concours d’Elegance and the Greenbrier Concours d’Elegance.
This ’67 Corvette even played a pivotal role in shaping the knowledge of top Corvette judges worldwide. It served as a reference car at two NCRS annual judging retreats, training experts from the United States, Canada, Europe, and Australia. The NCRS recognized its significance, featuring it in their 1967 Corvette Judging Manual. To top it all off, it swept every award possible at the annual Corvette Chevy Expo in Galveston, Texas, an event proudly produced by Vette Vues.
The Evolution of Ownership
The story of this exceptional car began on April 26, 1967, at the St. Louis, Missouri, assembly plant. It was then delivered to Hauser Chevrolet in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, where it served as a demonstrator and promotional vehicle. Its first official owner, William C. Zemen of Portland, Pennsylvania, pampered it in a climate-controlled haven for 38 years. In 2005, it found a new home with John Ballard of Louisville, Kentucky, a seasoned automotive paint industry veteran, NCRS member, and a renowned Corvette and paint expert.
But the car’s journey didn’t stop there. In July 2017, it embarked on the next chapter when it was acquired by the esteemed collector Dr. Mark Davis of South Carolina, with just 32,141 miles on the clock.
For those eager to dive deeper into the history and maintenance of this incredible machine, here’s a bonus for you:
This ’67 Corvette isn’t just a car; it’s a living piece of American automotive history, and it’s ready to make its mark at the Mecum Kissimmee 2024 Auction. So, buckle up because the journey is just beginning.
The 1969 Chevrolet Corvette Coupe
Introducing LOT R667
Hold onto your seats because the last gem from the Dr. Mark Davis Collection we’re about to explore is a true automotive time capsule – the 1969 Corvette Coupe.
LOT R667 – A Timeless Classic
Prepare to be amazed by this Cortez Silver Stingray coupe, bearing VIN 194379S703496, which stands as one of the most meticulously preserved, unrestored 1969 Corvettes known to mankind. With just 11,050 miles on the odometer, it’s a showstopper that has bagged every significant award in the Corvette world.
The Journey of the 1969 Corvette
This 1969 beauty is in remarkable original condition, with only routine maintenance items like the battery, tires, and one muffler being replaced. It’s more than a car; it’s a piece of history, and it wears its age with grace. The story begins on October 4, 1968, when it rolled off the St. Louis, Missouri, assembly plant. Ordered through Ferrell-Hicks Chevrolet in Chicago, Illinois, it boasts a black vinyl interior, Soft Ray tinted glass, head restraints, air conditioning, F70-15 red-stripe tires, and an AM/FM radio. Under the hood, you’ll find the L46 350/350 HP small-block V-8, coupled with a Muncie M21 close-ratio 4-speed manual transmission and a 3.70:1 Positraction rear end.
On October 24, 1968, the keys to this marvel were handed over to its first owners, Joseph and Irene Nawalaniec of Hialeah, Florida. But what sets this ’69 Corvette apart is its unique features, a testament to its early production status. It retained various 1968 components until supplies ran dry.
Unique Features and Award-Winning History
This remarkable Corvette boasts an impressive collection of awards, including Bloomington Gold, Survivor, and Benchmark Certifications. It even graced the 2019 Bloomington Gold Special Collection. The list goes on with NCRS Top Flight Regional and National Awards, Performance Verification and Duntov Mark of Excellence Awards, MCACN Concours Gold, and the coveted Triple Diamond Award. It’s one of only 14 ’69 Corvettes to clinch the NCRS 5-Star Bowtie Preservation Award, and in 2022, it achieved the prestigious Greenbrier Concours d’Elegance’s Preservation Class Springhouse Award, making history in the process.
Every inch of this ’69 Corvette speaks volumes about its originality. From the paint, interior, and driveline to the chrome, stainless trim, glass, engine bay, and chassis – it’s all untouched, complete with factory and inspection markings, shim tape, and ink stamps. This gem has also been a benchmark for training NCRS judges and features prominently in the 1969 Corvette judging manual.
The Detailed Documentation
The documentation accompanying this automotive masterpiece is nothing short of exceptional. From the NCRS Shipping Data Report to a treasure trove of factory and dealer-generated paperwork, keys, manuals, and brochures, this collection tells the story of a car that’s lived through the ages. It even includes previous owners’ titles, insurance cards, judging sheets, awards, ribbons, trophies, plaques, and event programs. Additionally, two detailed summaries cover the car’s history and all the matching numbers and date codes, adding depth to this reference-quality 1969 Corvette.
For those eager to dive deeper into this extraordinary Corvette, here are some additional files:
This ’69 Corvette isn’t just a classic car; it’s a legend in its own right.
Dr. Mark Davis’s Collection: Conclusion
And now, for the first time in history, these three are ready to find a new home at the Mecum Kissimmee 2024 Auction. Don’t miss your chance to own a piece of automotive history.
Join Us at the Vette Vues and Mecum Meet-Up!
Are you ready to be a part of an exclusive event that every car enthusiast dreams of? At the Vette Vues and Mecum Meet-Up, you’ll have a unique opportunity to meet Dr. Mark Davis, the distinguished collector of the extraordinary Corvettes we’ve highlighted in our recent article. Get ready to dive into the history and stories behind these iconic cars, all while rubbing shoulders with fellow automotive aficionados. This event is scheduled for Thursday, January 11, 2024, at 10:30 AM (Eastern Time – New York). The best part? It won’t cost you a dime for the tour, and there’s even a group discount for the ticket to sweeten the deal. Hurry, because space is limited! Sign up now to secure your spot and embark on an unforgettable journey through time with these remarkable Corvettes.
