Corvette Auction’s nets $170k for charity: Terry Michaelis bid $170,000 to become the proud new owner of the “most perfect 1953 Corvette ever built” at the Mecum Auction at Corvettes at Carlisle. The bidding began at $120,000 but Michaelis waited until after $150,000 to even show interest in the car, finally winning the bid at $170,000. Michaelis of Napoleon, Ohio, owns more than 200 Corvettes, but he says his new ’53 will be the centerpiece of his collection. He owns ProTeam Corvette Sales in his hometown and displays his collection there. Chip Miller, co-owner of Carlisle Productions, promoters of Corvettes at Carlisle, teamed up with Al Wiseman, co-owner of Classic Car Restoration and Service Center (CCRSC), Tarpon Springs, Fla., to restore the 1953 Corvette. The decided to have it ready in time for Corvette’s 50th anniversary, and therefore named the project the Restoration Celebration. Only 300 Corvettes were made in 1953, and just more than 200 have survived to the 21st century. The ’53 Restoration Celebration Corvette was restored to “better-than-perfect” condition. Chip and Al decided to sell the car and give all the money to Victory Junction Gang, a camp for children with life-threatening illnesses, founded by NASCAR’s Kyle Petty and his wife Pattie in honor of their late son Adam. Kyle’s father NASCAR legend Richard Petty was on the auction block to get bidders motivated. Corvettes at Carlisle (www.carsatcarlisle.com) is one of the largest all-Corvette shows in the world, with attendance exceeding 60,000 Corvette enthusiasts each year. This year’s event took place Aug. 23-25, and next year’s Corvettes at Carlisle will be Aug. 22-24, 2003.(8-31-2002)
