Vette5X

I'm considering making the drive from Nashville to this show in Sevierville, Tennessee next month. Anybody ever been? Is it worth the time?



http://www.corvetteexpo.com/

flyeri

I went two years ago. I met some new vendors and picked up some parts I needed, new and used. It was worth the trip from Winston Salem in my opinion and I would go this year if my schedule was not jammed up.

Mick71

I've never been to the expo, but if you go, don't miss the muscle car museum in Sevierville. The place is amazing.



http://musclecarmuseum.com/

doorgunner

I accidentally saw the Expo one year before I became "Vette Conscious". Being from the flatlands/swamps of Louisiana I go to that area often for the great scenery (you are probably "used to the scenery" being from Nashville).....the car show turned out to be a big bonus......"like a kid in a candy store"!

I'd be more than thrilled to trade the 12hour driving time with you...

Trae1976

Been too many times to count, but we're only about 2 hrs away.
Definitely worth your trip from Nashville for the spring Expo. They have one in the fall as well, but it has scaled down recently (some vendors only come in the spring).

Easy Mike

Corvette Expo is usually a good show.

7T1vette

Been there many times. If you drive your Corvette, you get FREE parking RIGHT NEXT TO THE ENTRANCE. They call it a 'Show n Shine' event, so you might clean the car up a bit (not a requirement, however).

This show used to be a lot larger, with NCRS judging going on inside at one area. It's a little smaller now, but still a decent event. You can watch Al Knoch fit convertible tops and interiors LIVE, if you get bored. And, if you any need parts, there are LOTS of vendors...new and salvaged parts. You can usually find whatever you need there.

Auction sale of some cars on Saturday. If you aren't interested in that, Friday is a great day to go; parts aren't already picked over and not as big of a crowd.

P.S. Now that they have the highway construction completed between I-40 and the Expo facility, it's a breeze to get there.

Chadillac2000

I think I might be checking this one out. Only a few hours away for me as well.

Vette5X

Thanks for the replies. I think I will check it out... and def check out the museum while there. Thanks for the tip!

Camivette

I enjoyed it and picked up a bunch of small parts at good prices. Will go again this year and then wander around Gatlinburg for some time. About a week before start a "Who's going" thread and maybe we can all do a meet and greet.

gbvette62

I vended at the show, for many years. It really was a lot better, when it was a 3 day show, at the park in Knoxville.

I stopped going to the show, about 3 or 4 years ago. It just wasn't busy enough, to justify the 11 hour ride anymore. I've been kicking around the idea of trying it again, and may just show up this year.

Alan 71

Hi,
The Expo used to be the 3rd best event for 53-82 Corvette people in the early 90s after Carlisle and Bloomington.
The auction was a BIG draw then since there were 2 lanes running for 2 days because there were so many cars.
It was a chance to see smaller parts sellers that would travel from the South to the show but weren't yet traveling to Carlisle.
As the Carlisle parts area grew, and the Mecum auctions became larger, I think the Expo's attraction dropped off.
It changed from a Corvette event to a Corvette and Muscle Car event and I stopped driving 8 hours to attend.
Regards,
Alan

sweeet76

I went last year. It was a good time but it snowed on the second day. About 90 Vettes cruised through the mountains before the snow and that was an experience. Looking through your rear view mirror and seeing nothing but Vettes as far as you can see is an awesome sight. They also have a show in October which should be nicer weather.

Alan 71

Hi s76,
SNOW!
You want SNOW at Expo?
Regards,
Alan

A LOT of people raced this storm north and west!

http://www.ebay.com/itm/June-1993-Ve...-/390699730839

Banzaitrey

I am heading up to the event this year. Driving from Memphis and planning to stay for 3-4 days. We are building a '60 and '69 convertible, so I am looking to buy some parts to save on shipping and find some good deals. Everyone I have talked to says it is a great event.

CaseyJones

Going, too. I'm about four hours away but if the weather is nice it's a beautiful drive through the mountains. My wife and I plan to spend the night there and come back up Hwy 81 through Abindgon, VA to catch a show at the Barter Theater and get a good meal. Home is about an hour from there.

earl schieb

Hadn't thought about that in years...... I was there, and got snowed in for a few days.
Pretty sure I still have a t-shirt from the FIRST Expo in 1977 It was the very first swap meet I'd ever attended........I haven't been right since
I took in last fall's Expo--first time in maybe 10 years.....my how times have changed

sweeet76

Actually Alan, even though I'm from Florida and it snows in Pensacola about every 20 years or so, I was not expecting snow at the expo. We own a place in Pigeon Forge and usually see plenty of snow throughout the year when we are there. Best part of the show other than meeting a lot of great people was watching Al Knoch craftsmen installing tops and interiors on older C1 and C2 vettes.

71scgc

You drive REEAL slow...
Carter

Trae1976

What's your route, 421/321?

Haven't been to Barter in a few years, but we're in Abingdon frequently for eats & drinks.