Jim Campbell's 2004 Corvette chassis retrofitted with a 1962 body won best of show Nov. 7 in the 16th annual Corvettes in Paradise show in the Florida Keys. Painted a distinctive metallic tangerine, the Corvette is known as a resto-rod because it is a restored body combined with new technology.

Dave McLellan of Michigan, Corvette's second engineer serving from 1975 until his retirement in 2002, chose Campbell's car for the best of show award.

McLellan's wife, Glenda, also chose her favorite entry. Patti Hutchinson's 1996 Grand Sport received Glenda's Choice award because it was a convertible and a love story. The 1996 Grand Sports were only available in a hardtop, but Patti's husband converted it to a convertible for her.

About 85 curvy and coveted Corvettes were entered in this year's Corvettes in Paradise show in Islamorada, the 15th year held at Holiday Isle Resort and Marina. Hosted by the Florida Keys Corvette Club (www.flkeyscorvetteclub.com), with much of the hard work done by volunteers Tony and Marie CuCulino and their three daughters of Summerland Key, judging took place in 21 different classes. (See separate awards story to come.)