The 14th annual Muscle Car and Corvette Nationals (MCACN 2023) has once again set the stage in Rosemont, IL, showcasing unbelievable muscle cars, Corvettes, and dealer-prepped supercars.
Held on November 18 & 19, 2023, at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, this event drew over 500 exceptional vehicles and thousands of passionate automotive enthusiasts.
Simply put, MCACN is muscle car heaven. Hands down, there isn’t a better muscle car event. Bob Ashton and his team deliver the pinnacle of muscle from AMC, GM, Ford, & Chrysler.
Let’s take a look at some of the standout displays from MCACN 2023, shall we?
Table of Contents
Standout Displays at 2023 Muscle Cars and Corvette Nationals
The Muscle Cars and Corvette Nationals 2023 was a vibrant celebration of American automotive prowess.
MCACN 2023 featured standout exhibits like the Ford & Mercury Boss models, the evolution of the Dodge Charger, and unique showcases like the Big Body Buick and Malaise Era Muscle Invitationals.
Highlights included the Class of ’73 and the always intriguing Muscle Car Barn Finds and Hidden Gems. Join me as we explore the key moments of this stunning gathering of steel and horsepower.
Muscle Car Barn Finds and Hidden Gems
Hosted by Ryan Brutt, the Automotive Archeologist, this display featured rare Muscle Cars and Corvettes “off the map,” fresh from fields and barns or hidden away for years. It was a treasure trove of the rare and unusual. This is always my first stop whenever I arrive at MCACN, and Ryan is always there, ready to talk about his travels hunting down rare and unbelievable barn finds. As usual, he was selling and signing copies of his Muscle Car Barn Finds book—which I highly recommend.
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Garner Customs & Restorations presented the Class of ’73 Invitational as a reminder that 1973 still had some muscle to show. From Olds’ W30 455 to Pontiac’s 455 H.O., this display showcased that year’s lesser-known yet formidable muscle cars. The standout was a Black 1973 Plymouth Roadrunner with Orange Stripes restored by Magnum Restorations.
Ford & Mercury Boss Invitational
I was absolutely thrilled by the Ford & Mercury Boss Invitational. The “Red Carpet” display featured the iconic ’69 and ’70 Boss 302 and Boss 429 Mustangs, a rare Boss 429 Mercury Cougar, and the one-of-a-kind 1969 Boss 302 Bronco prototype. The variety and vibrancy of this display, curated by Bob Perkins with Rick Campbell and Jim Cunningham’s assistance, were truly exceptional.
Better Idea Big Blocks Ford & Mercury Invitational
Hosted by Marty Burke, the Better Idea Big Blocks Ford & Mercury Invitational was a unique showcase. It featured non-Mustangs from the 1966-1971 Ford and Mercury intermediate line, including Torinos, Cyclones, and Talledegas. The display of 390, 428, and 429 powered vehicles was a testament to the innovative muscle cars from Dearborn.
Class of 1968 Invitational
Sponsored by NCM Insurance, the Class of 1968 Invitational was a journey back to a pivotal year in muscle car history. From the introduction of the Cobra Jet by Ford to the second year of the Z/28, and not forgetting the Mopar camp’s Hemi Roadrunner, this exhibit was a muscle car enthusiast’s dream. There was even the one of a kind 1968 Oldsmobile 442 “Mod Rod” convertible.
Big Body Buick Invitational
Dr. Ajesh Parikh hosted an incredible Big Body Buick Invitational. This display covered various years and included some of the rarest and most sought-after BIG Buick Muscle cars, like Wildcats and Rivieras, along with some ultra-rare surprises.
Chevrolet Impala Invitational
This invitational was a tribute to one of America’s most iconic nameplates. The Impala exhibit, dedicated to Tom Dietz, highlighted the performance-oriented models from 1958 to 1969, showcasing how a few tweaks to the option list could transform an ordinary car into a muscle powerhouse. The later years were well represented, including several 427-powered full-sized Impalas.
Evolution of the Dodge Charger
Presented by the Wellborn Musclecar Museum, this display traced the evolution of the Dodge Charger from its inception in 1966 through the “Coke Bottle” styling of ’68 and the new design introduced in ’71. It was a comprehensive look at the first three generations of this iconic car. The highlight of the display was a 1-of-1 1971 Dodge Charger R/T in Panther Pink. While multiple cars represented the same year, I was disappointed there wasn’t a 1972 Charger like there was at MCACN 2022.
Malaise Era Muscle Invitational
Focusing on the General Motors Colonnade Cars of 1973-1976, this invitational proved that even with lower horsepower ratings, these cars had a unique charm and performance potential, especially with engines like the 454 and 455. The standout of this display was a 1-of-1 1973 Chevy Chevelle Motion SS 427 Phase III 4-speed. For 1973, it doesn’t get any cooler or rarer than this one!
Nashnutz AMC Invitational Display
Hosted by Rich Corsello, Terry Weiner, and Ian Webb, the Nashnutz American group brought together a fresh collection of AMC Muscle Cars. Multiple AMXs, SC/Ramblers, Javelins, and Rambler American Rogues were on display, adding an exhilarating new element this year.
MCACN 2023 Photo Gallery
Conclusion
As the 2023 Muscle Cars and Corvette Nationals drew to a close, it was evident that this year’s event strived to take the event to the next level.
From the meticulously curated Ford & Mercury Boss models to the diverse and intriguing Malaise Era Muscle cars, each exhibit offered a glimpse into the soul of American muscle and sports car heritage.
The community’s enthusiasm, knowledge, and appreciation for these automotive treasures make this event more than just a show—it’s a vibrant beacon of the enduring legacy of muscle and sports cars.
I’m looking forward to seeing how MCACN 2024 will top this year’s event. It’s not just about seeing the incredible lineup of muscle cars, but also seeing old friends and making new ones.
Ryan
Ryan has owned muscle cars since 1986 and currently owns a 1972 Dodge Charger Rallye. He combines passion and experience to create engaging content for fellow muscle car enthusiasts. In 2018, he founded Muscle Cars Illustrated, authoring hundreds of articles on tips, history, and trends in the muscle car industry. He attends national car shows, auctions, and museums to stay current with the latest developments in the muscle car industry.
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