Edition 13 | Spring 2026
Newsletter of the BC Corvette Club
60th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION
CLUB SPONSOR PROFILE - JELLYBEAN AUTOCRAFTERS
BY ALEX DOWNIE
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In this issue we feature a conversation with Ewald Penner, co-owner of Jellybean AutoCrafters. Ewald graciously gave his time to answer questions about ther restoration business he runs with his brother Kurt. We discussed the history of the firm, industry trends and advice to consider when restoring your vintage Corvette.
Tell us about how you became involved in the auto restoration business?
My parents were born in Eastern Europe and fled to Paraguay after the war. Shortly after they then moved to Brazil, where I was born. Our family moved to Canada in 1967 when I was only four years old. About a year later, a ‘57 Chevy came driving past our house, revving its engine. As I looked out our front window the car’s clutch blew with a loud bang, sending parts, sparks, and debris everywhere. That’s when my passion was ignited, and I haven’t been able to shake it since! We belong to a family of 12 kids, with Kurt and I being the youngest. One of our older brothers also fell in love with cars, and he later worked as a Porsche mechanic for many years.
As kids, we were always tinkering with cars, doing tune-ups, changing camshafts, or putting a flare kit on my brother’s Firebird. When I was 14 my older brother bought a dune buggy which I helped to get running. That’s how I got started working on cars.
Years later Kurt and I started our auto business. Our older brother Otto also works with us today, so you could say we are a family enterprise. We started out in Kurt’s garage and within six months we outgrew it and rented a large warehouse, and things just grew from there. We started out doing a lot of metal shaping, having mostly taught ourselves, this being the days before the internet. We built a ‘46 Chevy cab-over truck, with completely hand-formed or modified panels to change the body lines. This required a lot of metal fabrication. We took this truck as a work-in-progress to a few car shows and people were blown away by the work we had done. It became our ‘poster child’, and soon we
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FEATURE STORY:
JELLYBEAN AUTOCRAFTERS
PRESIDENT'S REPORT
KRUISE FOR KIDS 2025
BCCC Newsletter is published quarterly in digital format and distributed to all current BCCC members.
had lots of new customers for our fledgling business.
That ’46 Chevy truck isn’t finished, now 16 years later, as the demands of our business have grown. It’s one of our bigger mistakes, not finishing it instead of taking on other projects. It’ll be our retirement project now.
How long have you been in business?
We’re into our 21st year. And we’ve seen a lot of changes in that time. We moved into our current location about 9 years ago.
What is the origin of the “Jellybean” name?
Years before we started the shop, we were into buying and selling cars. We had over 200 cars run through our hands, with Kurt buying a bright blue ’64 Falcon for his wife. A friend saw the car and said “Hey, it’s a jellybean car!” We weren’t sure what he meant, but the name kind of stuck! When we started our restoration business a few years later, we didn’t have a name. Kurt suggested we call ourselves “Jellybean Hot Rods”. I thought that was a stupid name, but in the absence of something better, we went with it. A few years later a client brought us a 1938 BMW 327/28 Cabriolet to work on. He told us that he hated the “Hot Rods” in our name, citing this as the reason he had gone to two other shops before selecting ours. He suggested we drop the “Hot Rod” part of our name to attract higher-end and import cars. We took his advice, replacing “Hot Rods” with “AutoCrafters”, and soon began attracting Porsches, Ferrari’s, and Mercedes Benz to our shop.
Do you primarily focus on chassis and body restoration, or do you undertake mechanical work as well?
We do nearly 100% of everything. We’ve been farming out the interiors, and are looking to bring an upholstery guy into our shop. Everything else we do in house. Nine years ago, we opened our mechanical division to perform maintenance on specialty vehicles, things like brake jobs, tune-ups, wheel alignments, etc. Our guys love the old stuff, and can tackle jobs that regular shops lack the experience or inclination to do. Our mechanical bay is busy all the time. We subcontract engine rebuilds, and machining, but do the assembly in-house. We handle all aspects of body restoration, from metal forming and fabrication, rust repair and fiberglass work, and body refinishing, from high-level street to concourse quality paint jobs. We don’t do entry-level paint work as there are plenty of other places are doing this work.
How many people are employed at Jellybean?
We have 16 full time employees.
What sorts of restorations do specialize in? Stock build or resto-mods?
We’re focused on middle to high-end projects. Our passion is Restomods. We also have a major love for concours restorations. For example, we’re now restoring a Corvette C4 to NCRS standards. For this car we drove down to California to get a set of original wheels and tires with less than 10k miles on them, with
matching date codes. We take this stuff very seriously. Our technicians do a lot of research to ensure a correct restoration.
What has been one of your more challenging restoration projects? How did you overcome the challenges involved?
We’re currently doing a 2002 Chrysler Prowler, converted to Tesla electric drivetrain, using a Tesla Model S 450-hp motor. This project has been challenging. Our tech has done a ton of research to sort things out like battery flow testing to heat and cool the 16 batteries in the car to ensure the right size water pumps are fitted, among other things. Extreme challenges have needed to be overcome on this vehicle to make it actually work. We’ve had three competitors that tried doing electric conversions and all three gave up. Most of the info on the internet about these conversions is wrong, so we’ve had to pretty much figure it out ourselves.
Finding correct parts for restorations can be difficult. Finding proper parts for the C4 Corvette has been challenging, almost as hard as it was for the ’38 BMW Pebble Beach concourse restoration that we did earlier. For the BMW, only 17 parts were available from the factory, and we needed something like 500 parts! Motor parts and transmission parts were obtainable, but not much else. We spent 3 years searching for parts on the internet. We finally found a guy in Germany who had all the weatherstripping we needed. But he wouldn’t deal with us because we had “Hot Rods” in our name at the time, and he said he would not do business with hot rod shops because they “destroy cars”. Once we changed our name to “AutoCrafters”, his reticence evaporated and he was more than happy to supply us with the needed parts!
The BMW was extremely rare, with only 200 examples made. No used parts were available. It used metal and aluminum body panels which were unobtainable. We had to fabricate switch handles and door pulls and other small parts. We rebuilt about a third of the body in our shop. We fabricated replacement panels, all shaped by hand. It was an awesome car when finished, and it took numerous 1st Place awards. The owner’s dream was to show it at Pebble Beach, arguably the most prestigious car show in the world. However, it had several non-stock and modern upgrades, including 12-volt conversion, electric overdrive transmission, and metal underbody panels, so strictly speaking it wasn’t a true concours car. Nonetheless, we took the car down to the show, where judges quickly determined it to be ineligible due to the modifications. The head judge said “Nobody has done what you’ve done, congratulations! But rules are rules and as such I must disqualify your car.” All the owner wanted was a photo of his car on the Pebble Beach show ground, so we met his requirement and he was happy.
Another neat project was a 1959 Mercedes 190SL with a Corvette motor. This restomod did fantastic at the shows. That was a love it or hate it car. The owner loves it, It is controversial, as the Mercedes guys thought it was a chop job, and the Vette guys thought we destroyed a Corvette for the motor. We didn’t destroy any cars - that Mercedes was destined for the recycler and the Vette engine came out of a wreck. Our build won 2nd Place at Grand National Roadster Show in California, and a 1st at the Sacramento Autorama.
Another cool car we worked on was a body-on restoration and mechanical work on a 1977 Ferrari 308 GTB. Kurt did a pick and file restoration on its body to make it dead straight and perfect. There’s less than a cupful of filler in that entire car. This car took home the 1st Place trophy at the Crescent Beach Concourse d’Elegance event,
The last car I’ll mention is a 1954 Studebaker Champion, built by a husband-and-wife team. On this one, genders switched roles, with the wife specifying a Chevy LS3 powertrain and hubby the rest! It has a hand-built frame, Speed-Tech suspension, giving it Corvette C5 level handling. We took this car to the Medford Rod & Custom Show in Oregon. They didn’t have a category for what we created, but were so impressed with the car that they created a new class for it. Of course, it took 1st Prize!
What has been your involvement with restoring Corvettes?
Years ago, I owned a yellow ’74 Corvette coupe with black interior. It belonged to the “dog” years of low factory performance. I did a bunch of mechanical work on it, including body and paint. I changed the body colour to red, and swapped the stock mild 350 for a built-up 327. That ’74 was a great car. I have a special affection for the C4’s, but all Corvettes are cool in their own way. When we opened our shop, one of our first hires was a guy named Troy, who worked for Coast Corvettes and Corvette Specialties for many years. He’s been with us for about 16 years. Troy is really knowledgeable and does all our Corvette technical stuff.
Are there any specific challenges to restoring fibreglass bodied cars, such as the Corvette?Corvette bodies are fiberglass, requiring specific techniques to repair and refinish properly. We find that a modest impact can create hairline cracks 4 or 5 feet away, especially where the front fenders join the rest of the body. Fiberglass cars must be stripped down by hand, because media blasting can cause a lot of damage. We carefully use power tools to take the finish down, and never use chemicals to strip the paint. Fiberglass is porous and the use of chemicals will contaminate the surface, resulting in paint bubbling and lifting later on. Corvette frames are steel, thus subject to rust. The more challenging repairs involve rust in the steel ‘birdcage’ around the
passenger compartment of C2’s and C3’s, especially around the base of the windshield. The body seam here starts to separate due to rust, temperature changes, and vibration, making for a challenging repair.
We’ve worked on a lot of Corvettes, many of which are from the BC Corvette Club. I want to thank the club for trusting us and supporting us. We’re honoured to work on your pride and joy, and are proud of our relationship with the club.
What changes have you seen in the business and how has this affected your business?
Until recently, segregated shops were the norm. Those who worked on domestic cars didn’t do imports, Ford shops wouldn’t touch Chevy’s, etc. Nowadays it’s quite intertwined. We do imports and domestic cars of all marques in our shop. We don’t work on new cars, but if it’s a cool Datsun 510, we’ll do it! The attitude has changed so there’s less snarl and more acceptance between factions of the car hobby. The demand for high quality is greater than ever. People want the best, and it’s a little concerning because it is extremely expensive. It used to be “Let’s just get her running”. Now, customers want fuel injection and bigger brakes, smart choices to make because they make the car safer and more reliable.
We build our cars reliably and maintain them regularly, checking everything before a road trip to minimize problems. When I took my wife’s ’67 Camaro convertible on a trouble-free 4,000 mile to California, I didn’t take a single tool with me. That was probably tempting fate! Kurt drove his ’65 Beaumont Sport Deluxe convertible, one of about 170 made, to Newfoundland and back in 2024, raced at a high-speed street rally, and completed the 19,000 km round trip without problems. This speaks to the value of servicing your special interest car regularly, so it won’t leave you stranded far from home.
I see a lot of guys today building quality rat-rods. They save themselves all the money on the paint jobs and fancy interiors and still have a really cool ride. These cars are being much more accepted in the industry. It used to be that the concours cars were the most expensive. Of course, a ’63 Split Window Corvette is going to be worth a lot of money, but I find that many restomods are now selling for more than stock vehicles are. When they’re fully done, with LS motor, 6 speed transmission, modern suspension disc brakes, and modern amenities, they bring serious money at auction.
Advice would you give someone contemplating the building of a restomod, or the restoration of their vintage Corvette?
If you’re going to modify a car, have good reason for doing it. The reason for the price inversion between restomods and concours cars is not because the stock cars have lost value; they continue to appreciate, but at a slower pace. This is due in part to the fact that new cars drive so well, and when a guy gets into his old classic he realizes: “This thing doesn’t handle and drive nearly as well as my daily driver!” This prompts an interest in upgrading or resto-modding his old car so it will go, stop, and handle better, while being more reliable. These are the guys that are buying up restomods, which are cheaper to buy than they are to build. The older generation is slowly dying off, and the younger ones are attracted to restomods because they provide a superior driving experience.
Give yourself an honest talking to. I know you love your ’72 Corvette. Will it be cheaper to buy a car that’s been restored, or to restore the one you have? Are all your memories tied up in the car worth the expense to bring it up? Consider that it’s often cheaper to buy a car that’s been restored than one that needs a lot of work. We get folks buying cars on eBay or at Barret-Jackson, and under the bright lights they look fantastic. Put them up on a hoist and they often look much less appealing. If you’re considering a purchase, we’d be happy to put it on our hoist and have a look at it, asking: Can we give you value by restoring this vehicle? Or can we give you better value by buying another one in better shape? We want to see clients getting the best bang for their buck, which sometimes means replacing a car instead of restoring it. I’m speaking from experience here. I embarked on a 3-year, high-end restomod restoration of my wife’s ’67 Camaro. I could have bought one in better shape back then for $70k, change this and that and have a driving car in six months. But, my wife was really passionate about this particular car and I allowed my mind to be clouded by that. If I had sold this car and upgraded another one, I would have saved myself a lot of time and money!
Not everyone can afford to restore their Corvette #1 Concours condition. What would a realistic budget be to restore a #3 or #4 driver condition car to a high #2 or #1 condition?
If your Corvette needs a paint job it will be expensive. Count on $50-60k for a high-level street paint job. This is because body prep on fiberglass cars is very labour intensive. The cost difference to take a #4 car to #3 condition is not a big as taking a #3 car to #2. Achieving #1 concours condition is exponentially more expensive, as people expect showroom condition or better. Those tiny details are costly, so six-figures comes on really fast. We only charge $150 per hour, but the hours add up quickly on complex restorations. If you want to spend less, then stay away from a lot of mechanical and custom body/paint work. It’s cheaper to replace a worn-out motor with a crate engine, unless you’re worried about matching numbers.
Which is the easiest generation Corvette to restore? The most difficult?
There are two aspects to difficulty: parts sourcing, and the amount of work needed to restore. The 2007 and newer Corvettes are the easiest, as they won’t need much work, and parts are plentiful. Finding parts for C4’s can be difficult, although mechanical stuff isn’t too bad. The early Corvettes from ’53 to ’62 are challenging because the fiberglass can be thin and difficult to work with. Birdcage rust can affect C2’s and C3’s, requiring extensive work to repair. On the plus side, almost everything for these cars can be found, either in reproduction or used parts.
And finally, is there anything else you'd like to share with our readers?
I would like to remind club members that we have a full-service shop with really competent guys to take care of your car mechanically. If you’re looking for brake job or regular maintenance, we have a complete division dedicated to working on specialty cars. Our guys have upwards of 25 years working on Corvettes. So, if you’re looking to maintain, upgrade, restomod or restore your prized Corvette or specialty car, we’re here to help!
PRESIDENT'S REPORT
Tony Bisig
As we ease into the new year, I imagine many of you, like myself, are taking care of repairs and maintenance on our Corvettes. Personally, I need to replace the lightbulbs in my Bose radio—a task that, as any C4 owner knows, requires dismantling several components before reaching the unit itself.
Sometimes I wonder if GM engineers designed things this way to ensure we spend more quality time with our cars! Still, I’m grateful that this isn’t as complex as the heater core swap I tackled a few years ago. Best of luck with your own winter projects—and here’s hoping you have a warm garage to work in!
We’re kicking off 2026 with some new faces on the BCCC management team. Kathryn, Bruce, and I are excited to welcome Leah Hoeve as our new administrator, succeeding Keith McBain, and April Holitzki, who takes over Membership from Harvey Schmidke. However, we still need someone to fill David Coe’s VP2 position. This is a vital role for the club, and I encourage anyone interested to reach out to me—your involvement can make a big difference!
Looking ahead, the Vancouver International Auto Show will feature the BCCC at the Saturday, March 28 Daily Drive Up. Each day of the show highlights a different automotive group. We’re aiming to showcase at least one Corvette from every generation. If you haven’t registered your car yet, please contact Keith McBain or Loren Cocking—details are on our website’s Events Calendar. Last year’s event was a great success, attracting many visitors to our display at Jack Poole Plaza. This year, don’t miss the chance to see GM’s latest innovation: the all-electric Corvette CX hypercar, unveiled in August 2025. Rain or shine, I hope to see you there!
We all feel a bit of cabin fever during these damp, dark winter days, and there’s nothing like a breakfast outing with fellow Corvette enthusiasts to lift your spirits. At our January General Meeting, members suggested a variety of breakfast venues. The Executive is putting together a schedule for weekly informal breakfasts—stay tuned for more details soon.
As we plan for another exciting year of cruises and events, I want to remind everyone that we need new volunteers for the Vettes at the Fort Committee and the Preston Labor Day Corvette Show. Norm is already laying the groundwork for the Fort Langley Show in July, and he’d greatly appreciate extra help. If you’re interested, don’t hesitate to get involved!
On a bittersweet note, we’re saddened by the news that the Hastings Park Race Course will close this year. Our Corvette Shows at this location have been wonderful opportunities to connect with the community and share our passion. The club is now seeking a similar high-profile venue for future events—if you have suggestions, please reach out to me.
For those who missed the fantastic weekend cruises organized by Bruce and Kathryn, you’ll want to keep an eye out for the 2026 cruise—it promises to be another hit! And, if you’re a fan of cruising on the water, Rick Holitzki is planning a 2027 Alaska cruise. More information is available on our website—check out the link for details.
Winter is the perfect season to get cozy and catch up on some reading. I highly recommend checking out newsletters from the Specialty Vehicle Association of BC (SVABC) and the National Association of Automobile Clubs of Canada (NAACC), of which BCCC is a member. These organizations play a crucial role in advocating for the collector car community, such as securing the collector plate program through their lobbying efforts.
In case you missed it, the BCCC was inducted into the Greater Vancouver Motorsport Society (GVMPS) Hall of Fame at last fall’s ceremony. It was an honor to represent the club at this event. The GVMPS brings together people from all corners of the motorsport community, and listening to the inductees, I was reminded that our shared friendships are the true heart of this passion. You can learn more about the GVMPS on their website and Facebook page.
For even more Corvette news, remember that the National Corvette Museum’s website is a treasure trove of information. BCCC has proudly been a lifetime member since 2015. And if you’re still looking for something to read, I’m happy to share my collection of 55 years of National Geographic magazines!
Finally, a special thank you to Bruce and Alex for their outstanding work on this winter edition of Vette News. Enjoy the read!
MEMBERSHIP REPORT
by April Holitzki, Membership Chair
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20 members chose not to renew their membership for various reasons, sold car, moved away (Some we were unable to contact, so please be sure to inform the executive about contact updates or changes, so we can update our records and we can continue to provide you with club news and events).
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We currently have 20 “lifetime members“,with one more scheduled to join them later this year. This means that they have been members of this club for 25 or more years of continuous membership. Several have up to 35 years with the club.
Save the Wave!
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As of February 4, 2026 we have 179 active members.
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Since September of 2025 we have welcomed 12 new members.
BCCC ALASKA CRUISE:
SEPT. 18-25, 2027
Join your BCCC friends on a spectacular Alaska cruise aboard the Discovery Princess, sailing round-trip from Vancouver, September 18–25, 2027. This group voyage offers the perfect blend of stunning scenery, relaxed days at sea, and memorable ports of call.
After departing Vancouver on Saturday afternoon, we enjoy a full day at sea before arriving in Ketchikan, followed by breathtaking scenic cruising through Endicott Arm and Dawes Glacier. We then visit Juneau and Skagway, with plenty of time to explore Alaska’s history, landscapes, and wildlife. Two sea days round out the journey, giving you time to relax and enjoy everything the ship has to offer.
Balcony cabins are featured for this sailing, providing incredible views of Alaska’s dramatic coastline and glaciers. Optional Princess Plus and Premier packages are available to enhance your onboard experience.
This is a relaxed, scenic, and social way to experience Alaska together.
David & June Coe
by Rick Holitzki
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BCCC CHRISTMAS PARTY & AWARDS GALA
The BC Corvette Club brought the year to a memorable close with our annual Christmas Party and Awards Night on December 6th. Sixty-five members gathered for a festive evening filled with great conversation, a fantastic buffet dinner, and a lively night of awards and dancing.
The highlight of the evening was recognizing members whose dedication helps make our club thrive. Harvey Schmidke was presented with the prestigious Bob Boud Award, honoring his outstanding service, commitment, and lasting contributions to the BC Corvette Club. John Hoeve received the Participant’s Award, recognizing his years of
by Bruce Hitchen
Recognition of volunteers who helped make the club successful in 2025.
active involvement and meaningful contributions through consistent participation in club events. Don Tater was honoured with the Newbie Award, celebrating a newer member who has enthusiastically stepped up, taken on responsibilities, and brought fresh energy to the club.
With plenty of laughter, shared stories, and celebration, the evening perfectly captured the spirit of the BC Corvette Club and served as a warm and fitting way to close out another great year together.
A special thanks goes out to June & David Coe who have organized this event for many years!
June & David Coe, Organizers
of the BCCC Christmas party since 2012
Harvey Schmidke receiving the
Bob Boud Award
John & Leah Houve. John was the recipient of the Participant's Award.
2027 Corvette Grand Sport Possibly Spotted During Film Shoot
from GM Authority
A new spy video circulating on social media appears to capture a pivotal moment in the development of the next great Corvette. The clip, filmed on the iconic Angeles Crest Highway in California, shows a professional convoy surrounding two C8 Corvettes – one white and one cloaked in a deep, dramatic blue. The setup of camera vehicles and support trucks clearly indicates an official photo or video shoot, and the blue car exhibits the specific hallmarks of the long-rumored 2027 Corvette Grand Sport.
The most telling clue is the paint. The vehicle sports a rich, dark blue hue that sources familiar with General Motors’ plans to identify as Admiral Blue, a returning color. This color is not a random choice; it is a strategic heritage tribute. Admiral Blue famously adorned the limited-edition C4 Grand Sport and was the signature color for the C7 Grand
Rendering of the C8 Grand Sport
Sport, making its comeback a loud signal of intent. Furthermore, the car features red hash marks on its rear quarter panels, a classic Grand Sport design cue now repositioned to suit the mid-engine layout. Visual details, such as a center-mounted quad-exhaust system and red-accented badging, solidify the identity.
This visual spectacle is expected to be matched by groundbreaking mechanical specifications. Multiple independent leaks from GM’s internal parts system confirm that the 2027 Corvette Grand Sport will be powered by a new, naturally aspirated 6.7L V8 LS6. This Gen 6 small-block will utilize both direct and port fuel injection and is anticipated to produce between 525 and 550 horsepower. In a nostalgic twist for gearheads, 6.7 liters equates to 409 cubic inches, reviving a legendary Chevrolet displacement number.
The coordinated timing of this high-profile shoot is critical. It comes as GM prepares to phase out two existing colors, Riptide Blue and Hysteria Purple, for the 2027 model year, officially replacing them with Admiral Blue and a new gray called Pitch Metallic. The Grand Sport variant, complete with its heritage package and new engine, is poised to be the centerpiece of the 2027 lineup. While Chevy will not comment on unofficial media, the evidence from the roadside and the paperwork is converging. The full reveal of America’s next track-focused sports car hero is imminent.
CORVETTE FUNNIES
KRUISE FOR KIDS 2025
by Tony Bisig
Slightly fewer vehicles than usual participated in the annual Kruise for Kids toy drive and fundraiser held on Sunday, November 2, in Langley City. Nevertheless, a new record for donations was achieved, marking a significant milestone as the event celebrated its 42nd year. Automobile enthusiasts representing various clubs gathered in the main auditorium of Kwantlen Polytechnic University in Langley City to commemorate this longstanding tradition.
Rick Farmer, Chief Executive Officer of the Greater Vancouver Car Club Council, along with his dedicated team, coordinated the collection of toys and monetary contributions. Kruise for Kids has now attained the distinction of being the longest continuously running automotive charity event in Canada, and potentially in North America.
Gord Ramberg and Dan Ward as Santa and Senior Elf
The British Columbia Corvette Club (BCCC) has supported Kruise for Kids through annual donations of $1,000 for many years. In keeping with tradition, Santa Gord Ramberg and Senior Elf Dan Ward contributed to the festive spirit by arriving in the specially decorated red C1 Corvette sleigh, joined this year by club members John Hoeve, Darlene Krups, and Tony Bisig. Approximately 300 participants and 120 vehicles were present at this year’s event, resulting in a total of $37,459.00 raised for the Lower Mainland Christmas Bureau.