[PICS] The 2024 Bloomington Gold Corvette Show

Photo Credits: Steve Burns

The hood has been closed on the 51st edition of the Bloomington Gold Corvette show. This year’s event was held June 21st and 22nd on the campus of Illinois State University in Normal, IL. The show was 2 full days of mid 90’s temperatures, abundant sunshine, Corvettes, and great friends.

The main event at Bloomington Gold each year is Certification judging. This year roughly 50 cars competed for Survivor, Gold, and Benchmark honors when measured against how they left their respective factories. Certification candidates ranged from 1954 all the way up to 2019. This show always brings out the best Corvettes and 2024 was no different. There was the usual myriad of big block 1967s, 1963 SW coupes, and other lovely C2s. The C3 group featured several LT-1 cars, a great unrestored L89, and a 289-mile 1978 pace car. The late-model cars included a red 1990 ZR1, a rare Inferno Orange C6 ZR1, and a yellow 2009 GT1 edition among others. Several of the fuelies in the Gold Collection we’re going for the Gold as well. Speaking of the Gold Collection, this was the first time ever that all 4 Gulf Oil Corvette racers had been together in the same place. Be sure to check out our coverage of the Gold Collection and its fiesta of fuelies here.

Outside, the 1953 VIN 001 Corvette drew a crowd all weekend. Owner Corey Peterson was on hand eagerly answering questions from curious onlookers. He held 2 formal question and answer sessions that walked the car’s known history since new. You can check out our coverage of the Saturday session here.

Other seminars included modern Corvette modifications with Ken Lingenfelter and a great L88 overview hosted by David Burroughs with well over 100 people in attendance. His talk began with a LOUD startup of the two 1967 L88 racers and ended with a showing of the short film Roar and Peace. Those two L88s absolutely echoed throughout the building! Another session featured Burroughs and Mid America’s Mike Yager musing about the early days of Corvette events.

Those seeking their next Corvette could select from the cars offered in the Goldmine and peruse the cars available from local dealers. The for-sale cars were located across from the swap meet. There, the search was on for all those hidden treasures needed for your current or future projects. Other vendors located inside the fieldhouse sold everything from shirts to vintage Corvette literature. A pair of 1967 L88 racers greeted guests as they entered the building.

As usual, the event wrapped up Saturday night with the traditional road tour. This year the drive was led by Mike Yager in the last C4 Corvette. The white 1996 coupe has been in Mid America’s collection since new and had less than 50 miles on it before the tour. Now it’s sporting a healthy 88 miles on the clock after its jaunt through the Illinois countryside.

Bloomington Gold 2024 again brought out some of the best Corvettes on the planet. From the racers and fuelies in the Gold Collection to the rare birds getting judged, attendees got to lay eyes on some the rarest and most unique Corvettes out there. We can’t wait to see what turns up at the 2025 event.

Until then, enjoy our gallery from the 2024 Bloomington Gold Corvette show.

Source:

Photos by Steve Burns

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[VIDEO] 1953 Corvette VIN 001 Presentation at Bloomington Gold

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