The affable Brewer has been standing next to his car in Barrett-Jackson’s main tent, chatting with passersby and showing off the thick stack of certificates, awards and documentation. A full-color display board is plastered with awards.

One of the most-important prizes, he said, is the Duntov Award that is named for Zora Arkus-Duntov, the “Father of Corvette” who headed Chevrolet’s performance division and transformed the sports car into a world beater. “For Corvette guys, he’s like our Carroll Shelby.”

Dave Brewer shows the many prizes and certificates that his Corvette has earned. (Photo: Bob Golfen)

The Performance Verification Award was the most grueling, he said, with the judges “nitpicking every little thing.”

“They even checked that the windshield washers hit exactly right on the windshield.”

His admitted obsession with winning car-show awards came through experience, Brewer said.

“I started out with a ‘driver’ that I entered into a show and didn’t win,” he said. “I found out then that I’m really competitive.”

Brewer scoffs at the recent interest in original survivor and “barn-find” cars, he said. “Everybody loves something different. To me, a survivor is just a car that’s ready to restore.”

But it’s not just about the prizes, he added, but the comradery and lasting friendships that have evolved from his participation in competitive shows. “I’ve developed friendships that you wouldn’t believe.”

A set of mirrors shows off the showroom-clean undercarriage. (Photo: Bob Golfen)

He decided to sell his champion Corvette, Brewer said, now that it’s won all the awards and he can move on to his next trailer queen. Brewer is a longtime Barrett-Jackson participant, he said, and the auction has provided him with more opportunities to meet people and make friends.

Brewer wants to sells his car while it’s in proven top condition, something that is readily evident because of its many, recent awards.

“All they really prove is that a third party has had at it,” he said. “It does mean something when it’s the NCRS.”

The evocative car will be crossing the block during Barrett-Jackson’s primetime Saturday sale, when the stars of the six-day auction will be auctioned off. Brewer expects the top-notch Corvette to gain a top-notch price.

“I’d like to get something in the $130-140 thousand neighborhood,” he said.

But for the next few days, he’s just basking in its glory.

The 42nd annual Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale auction is happening today through Jan. 20 at WestWorld, with 39 hours of live coverage on SPEED. For more information about the event, see Barrett-Jackson.com.

Bob Golfen, Automotive Editor for SPEED.com, is a veteran auto writer based in Phoenix, Arizona, with a passion for collector cars, car culture and the automotive lifestyle. SPEED.com fans can email Bob Golfen at