Members Rides: Jim Hughes
Jim Hughes 2000 SS/Z28
On the warm day of July 11th, 2003, Raquel came into my life. On a desperate quest for the perfect Camaro, I endlessly searched every dealership in the northwest suburbs. I owned a truck at the time, and even though I loved the truck, my passion for the speed, power, and prestige of a Camaro made me succumb to the urge that was spreading inside me like a cancer.
I finally found her, gleaming in the sun, calling my name from the lot of Elmhurst Chevrolet. I remember she was sitting on front edge of the lot, staring me straight in the eyes. Needless to say the search was over. Getting out of my truck, I looked over every square inch of her. Endless hours later of paperwork, she was mine. The drive home with the t-tops off was invigorating. I felt indestructible.
A 2000 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 was now under my control. Midnight Metallic Blue (or Dark Navy Blue depending on which book by Chevrolet you read), automatic, all power options and air conditioned. “A factory rocket ship with A/C,” is how my dad described her, and I think he was more than a little jealous.
Soon thereafter, I became involved in the “Muscle Car Community.” Walking around Chevy-Vette Fest, I came across the Illinois Camaro Club. After talking with several members, I was sold. In went my $18.00. Boy, I had no clue what I was getting into.
I remember meeting club members for the first time at the Christmas party. I was slightly overwhelmed, yet I had this weird feeling I would fit right in. Foreshadowing at its finest. I had asked if I could help with our website, as it was very, very basic and I thought it would be a great way to get involved right away. That translated into “yes, you can help, and by the way, now you are in charge of it.”
I welcomed the task at hand. Watching the club grow, along with myself, I soon found myself as the Vice President of the club. The Illinois Camaro Club has truly become one of the greatest groups of people I’ve ever met.
The Camaro, which has been named “Raquel”, because we all know that cars get female names, started as a 315 hp automatic car. I added the SS hood with functional Ram Air and have installed some bolt-on goodies to make her go faster. She has 3” exhaust strait back, no cats of mufflers ( and yes, it still passes emissions ), ported/polished throttle body, upgraded MAF, upgraded Ignition system, 3:73 Richmond Gear, computer tune, Underdrive pulley and modified 4L60E Trans, you get the point. Father’s day weekend, it ran 12.9 @ 108mph. Our estimate is about 400HP is being produced.
My thanks go out to my Dad first and foremost. If it wasn’t for him, I wouldn’t be as involved, nor would I be as grateful for the car in my possession. Secondly my thanks go to the ICC. I have made great friendships that will last forever. I welcome the new friendships to come, and cherish the current ones.
