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Chicago Auto Show to give away 50,000 Corvettes ... and 1 Suburban

2 February 2000

Chicago Auto Show to give away 50,000 Corvettes ... and 1 Suburban

    CHICAGO, Feb. 1 -- In what show organizers believe to be an
unprecedented event, the first 40,000 people through the turnstiles on the
Feb. 11 opening day of the nation's largest auto show will receive a red
Corvette.  While patrons may start to salivate and head for their garages to
clear out a space for what has been called "America's Sportscar," perhaps a
place on the den shelf might be more appropriate, as a Hot Wheels C-5 Corvette
doesn't take up all that much room.  More formal dens will look better with
one of 10,000 additional black Corvettes that will be given to those in
attendance at the show's black-tie First Look for Charity, Feb. 10.
    "With our show opening on Friday, we thought a commemorative Corvette
would be an exciting draw," said Bill Stasek, 2000 Chicago Auto Show Chairman.
"What a fun way to kick off the biggest automotive party in the country.  The
Bowling Green, Ky. Corvette plant is already building as many full-sized
Corvettes as they have capacity for, so we promise not to cause them overtime
with our special edition Chicago Auto Show Hot Wheels cars."
    "The Hot Wheels replicas will be given to ticket holders as they enter the
show," said show general manager Jerry Cizek.  "Many of these little cars have
become valuable to collectors, and our production run is relatively small.  It
should make these 'Vettes a very special remembrance.  The black model we're
giving at the 'First Look' will be unique to that event."
    The Hot Wheels Corvettes have been given distinctive Chicago Auto Show
paint and logo decals, identifying them as part of the small-production run of
the popular toys.
    "We'll keep giving them until we run out," said Stasek.  "But those
wishing to get in early on opening day of the 92nd Chicago Auto Show will be
able to take home a rare memento."
    The Chicago Auto Show is the nation's largest and has been held more times
than any other exposition of its kind.  The show is produced by the Chicago
Automobile Trade Association, representing more than 800 franchised new-car
dealers and allied members in Chicagoland.
    The show opens Friday, Feb. 11 and runs through Sunday, Feb. 20.  Hours
are from noon to 10 p.m. on opening day and then from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
thereafter.
    "By the way, the Chevy Suburban will be given to a lucky ticket holder at
the First Look for Charity," said chairman Stasek.  "And that one is full-
scale."