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INTRODUCTION
Welcome to the home of The
Monte Carlo
Owners Association! With 6 generations of
Chevrolet Monte Carlos, we are here to bring Monte Carlo owners together. If
you own a nice original, restored, or customized Monte Carlo we want to see
and allow you to show others your car. Members of the National Monte Carlo
Owners Association can have the
Monte Carlo pictures published on our web pages.
HISTORY
In 1983, Ben Shipe had an idea for a
Monte Carlo club.
At the time, Ben owned a 1971 Monte Carlo and found that there were no car
clubs anywhere in the country that catered exclusively to the Monte Carlo. To
Ben, it seemed that a really great car was being overlooked. Ben knew what he
wanted to do, but he wanted a partner in this venture that would share both
the expenses and the work involved. That is when Ben turned to his old high
school buddy, Larry Ashcraft. As luck would have it, Larry was also employed
at the same place as Ben. Larry was very enthusiastic about the idea.
The first thing that they had to address about starting an association
exclusively for the
Monte Carlo,
was the cash investment that this new venture would require. Ben and Larry
knew that to get this new organization up and running in a BIG way, that it
would take thousands of dollars. They knew they would need to be everywhere
with the advertising…. and that only the more expensive display ads would give
this new national organization a chance to get “off the ground”. It was
pretty tough in the beginning, and they did have some concerns that they would
not get enough members to keep the NMCOA going.
The first issue of our bi-monthly magazine "Class of Monte Carlo" was
published in March of 1984. Even though some of our first members wanted to
have a Convention the very first year, Ben and Larry didn’t feel “safe” that
they could pull enough members together to make it a successful event. The
first annual Monte Carlo Convention was held in 1986, the club’s second year
of existence. The first Convention/Show went really well, so they decided to
have one every year. Our BEST turnout was in the early ‘90’s in
Columbus
Ohio when we had 265 Monte Carlos at the show.
We began with a handful of Chevrolet Monte Carlo enthusiasts and in a few
short years have grown to include members in all parts of the United States,
most provinces of Canada and numerous foreign countries. We have seen more
than 16,000 members come and go over the years. That is hard to believe for
some, but not for us. Things change for everyone over the years… and 19 years
would be a long time for someone to keep a car… any car! Life changes, folks
move on to other things… our lives are constantly changing.
Ben said that “if someone would have told me that we would still be around in
2003, I probably would not have believed them.” “Our plan… it’s simple! As
long as there are enough members out there who enjoy being members and will
support their club, we plan to be around”.
The NMCOA is dedicated to the preservation and restoration of the Chevrolet
Monte Carlo automobile. It doesn't matter if your Monte Carlo is original or
customized, new or old. We have a place for you. We are the only club
exclusively for Chevrolet Monte
Carlo owners and enthusiasts. We pride ourselves on being a family-oriented
organization and prefer to promote events that will involve the entire
family. The best opportunity to meet and associate with other Monte Carlo
enthusiasts is at the annual
Monte
Carlo Owners Association National Convention
(Monte Nationals), which is held in a different location each year. In
addition to the national club, the NMCOA also sponsors local chapters across
the country.
Our first priority at NMCOA is
to provide our members with an up-to-date bi-monthly magazine and to help them
find parts and information they may need. Members of the NMCOA are also
permitted free classified ads in our club magazine. One of our most valuable
services that we offer to our members is our efforts to keep the
Monte Carlo tradition alive and well.
Passing the Torch............
After 22 years of owning and managing the NMCOA, Larry Ashcraft and Ben
Shipe have transferred the ownership of the NMCOA and all rights associated
with this organization to the Harvey's. The transfer was completed on
October 21st, 2006.
First and foremost, I want to thank Larry Ashcraft and Ben Shipe for over 22
years of devotion to the NMCOA. Both gentlemen have been very helpful during
this transition and I truly appreciate their input and help.
Before I share some of our vision for this organization, I would like to
introduce my family. I have been married to Cindy for 24 years. Cindy is my
love, my friend, and my support. I am so lucky to have a wife that enjoys
the same interests as I do....... maybe more than I do! We have 2 wonderful
daughters. April is now 23, graduated from the University of Pittsburgh, and
is employed as a computer software analyst. Melissa, now 17, is a junior in
high school. Both of our children have grown up around our Monte Carlos and
the car clubs that we all enjoy.
Prior to taking over the NMCOA, I have served this organization in many
capacities since joining in 1994. Most recently, I have served 4 years on
the Convention/Monte Nats committee; serve as the current webmaster and
moderator for the NMCOA website & discussion forum; serve as a Gold Class
judge at the show; and just about anything else I could do to help Larry,
Ben, and the members of the NMCOA.
Cindy, April, and Melissa have also been heavily involved in the annual
Convention for several years.
The Harvey's are committed to giving 100 percent effort to this
organization. However, it is you, the member, that is the backbone and
support that will keep this organization fun, family oriented, and around
for all of our children, family, and friends to enjoy in the future. It will
be important for us to help keep the Monte Carlo history, tradition, and
fellowship available for others to experience and appreciate.
Thanks.......... The Harvey's
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