Traveling to Effingham, IL and Mid America Corvette/VW

We left Sioux Falls, SD to travel to The Rally in Louisville, KY. Our first day saw us stop in Forest City, IA at the Winnebago facility where we enjoyed a free site and the chance to buy a couple parts at the Winnebago store. This shows us at the Winnebago Visitor Center as we hooked up for the day's travel. Great facility and very nice folks.

While we were at Forest City, a storm blew through and these impressive clouds appeared in front of the sun. A beautiful sight!

We headed toward Effingham, IL and Rick saw a billboard for the Mid America Motorworks, a parts dealer that specializes in VW and Corvette autos. Kind of a unique combination and Rick had ordered parts for the several VWs he restored years ago. Naturally, he wanted to check it out. Driving into the facility, we were impressed.

In addition to the large production facility, there is the Garage and Museum which is great. Starting with these eclectic cows, there are all kinds of cars and related items that are on display and for sale.

As we walked in, Rick was delighted to see this 1954 Corvette in fabulous shape. This is the car that started it all with the Vette and Rick is looking forward to seeing the National Corvette Museum in Bowling Green, KY in a few days.

Of course, he had a really soft spot for these VWs. He thinks he will need another one of these as he has turned virtually every nut and bolt that exists on the air cooled VW.

However, this Corvette line is also VERY interesting! The museum housed many really interesting Vettes such as this racer.

Wow -- this is a unique vehicle. This 1964 Corvette Coupe was specially built for the Chevrolet’s General Manager, Semon E. “Bunkie” Knudson as his personal car in September 1963 and is called the Styling Corvette. Talk about a one of a kind.

Orinda liked this interesting car. This car was specially prepped for the 1964 World’s Fair of New York -- which Rick visited as a kid. He recalled the many cars on display and maybe saw this one.

Corvettes are designated by "generations" (we are in generation 6, also called the C6 models). The museum had two interesting cars such as this one -- the very last C4 generation car built at the factory in 1996. It is absolutely pristine and is still literally new.

Not to be outdone, here is the last of the next generation, the C5. This 2004 Corvette has about 7,500 miles on it and is actually for sale! Check it out at The Last C5