IOLA!!

It's time to do some swap meeting, or whatever it's referred to!!! We're in Iola, Wisconsin for one of the biggest swap meets and car shows of the year in the Midwest. Officially known as the Iola Old Car Show and Swap Meet, this event features over 2,500 show cars, 4,228 swap meet spaces, and over 1000 spots for their car corral! To find out more, check out: http://www.hubcapcafe.com/calendar/2009/100041.htm or http://www.iolaoldcarshow.com/.
It runs through Sunday, with an auction on Saturday. I'll try to update more with photos and videos, but can't promise anything because the days will be LONG!

Fuddrucker's - Lake Forest

The crowd at Fuddrucker's last night was in full force due to the amazing summer weather. If you live or work in South County cruise over to the Fuddrucker's in Lake Forest from 5-8pm every Tuesday night. They offer a free drink for the driver, 50/50 raffle, opportunity drawing, awards, no entry fee, good food and great music.

Camaro Race Car - the owner had to trailer it to the show since it is not street legal!






Jeff "Styles" was showing a potential client what flames would look like on his car. Check out Jeff's website www.socalpinstriper.com/about.cfm

I thought this was so sweet. It reads " Happy Birthday Dad Larry's 40 Dream Ford" To see Larry's Ford check out the pictures below

Yes, there is a running waterfall in the back of this PT Cruiser

More pictures from Fuddrucker's

The next generation!

In my travels, I've witnessed multiple car show events, and have been overwhelmed by the participation of classic car owners and fellow enthusiast enjoying the collector car hobby. This past weekend while attending the Downtown Mooresville Cruise-In I had an "Ah-Ha" moment.

The organizers of the event have a road dedicated for classic cars to enter the cruise-in. While observing the streets lining up with classic cars I noticed a gentlemen driving through in is '28 Ford Model A. It was then I had a "Ah-Ha" moment, because the gentlemen brought his grandson who was in the passenger's seat.

After they parked I ask for a quick picture next to the Model A. The photo tells it's own story, but for me this represents the passing of our hobby to the next generation.

If you have a son, daughter or grandchildren take them to a classic car event or for a ride in your classic, and share the stories behind your classic car. The next generation plays a key role in the stories and passions of the classic car hobby, and it's encouraging to witness moments like this one. Thank you for the photo!

The MAAC 42nd Annual Car Show

The 4th of July is a celebration of our Nations birthday, but it also means there will be plenty of classic cars!

The weekend started on Friday with Mountaineer Antique Auto Club hosting their 42nd Annual Car show and Swap Meet. This three day event was one of the most dynamic events I've attended this year! The events swap meet covered the venue with over 500 vendors with parts and supplies, and collector car owners from across the state traveled the distance to find a specific part to complete their restoration.

The car corral brought in approximately 250 classic to buy and sell. Among the unique collection of cars was a '65 Amphicar in remarkable running condition. Other cars included muscle cars, trucks, resto-mods and a couple newer classics.

The car show was another part of this event, and over 250 classics registered. Classic cars cruised in from neighboring states to participate in the three day event. The show had early era Fords, pickups, street rods, muscle cars and more.

The event only cost $5 for spectators, and free for children 11 and younger. The MAAC organized a great event, and everywhere you turned there were a club member to answer questions. I would encouage car enthusiast to venture over to next year's event. Please visit http://www.mountaineerantiqueautoclub.com/ for additional information on next year's event.

Congratulations to the Mountaineer Antique Auto Club on a successful event!

Happy 4th Of July!!

I wanted to take this opportunity to wish everyone a happy and safe 4th of July. Enjoy your time with family and friends.

Auburns, Cords, Duesenbergs...Oh My!

Hagerty and the Auto Clubs Council of Indiana (ACCI) took to Auburn yesterday, the city that is inidated with automotive history. At one point, Auburn was on the fast track to becoming the next Detroit. I'm not entirely sure what happened, but what is left now is a city that is rich with museums celebrating automotive heritage. We toured the NATMUS (National Automotive and Truck Museum of the United State) and ACD (Auburn Cord Duesenberg) Automobile Museums. The places may have big names, but they have an even bigger history! I'm not an expert on the history, but strongly urge you to check out these historic landpieces in Auburn, IN. If you can't get there soon, go to their websites: http://www.natmus.org/ and http://www.automobilemuseum.org/Pages/default.aspx.

A quick picture from inside NATMUS, it's not classified, so get down there and check it out!
A picture from NATMUS of an old Essex race car.


The staircase above is part of the original Auburn Automobile Company building. The museum sits in the original showroom today. It's amazing to vision yourself stepping back in time and wondering what it must have felt like to walk into such a great facility and pick out your first Auburn. I tried to picture myself walking down the staircase like a 'big wig' back in the day, but couldn't get over the visual image of me falling gracefully to the floor.......

I beleive this is a 1929 Auburn, but could be mistaken. Whatever it was, this vehicle was a masterpiece for it's time.

From left to right:Laura Brinkman, Executive Director of the ACD Automobile Museum; Senator Kruse; Bill Sanders, President of Indy GTO club and chairman of ACCI; and Gary Loveless, President of ACCI.

A big thanks to Don Grogg, Executive Director of NATMUS, and Laura Brinkman, Executive Director and CEO of the ACD Museum, for hosting us yesterday! They shared a great deal of knowledge and history with us. It's also great to hear these museums are strongly invovled in getting kids interested in Automotive Heritage. The ACD Automotive Museum said they have over 5,000-7,000 students tour their facility each year. Can you imagine that?!?

As Beyonce' once put it: "I'm a survivor!"

As Beyonce’ and Destiny’s Child once put it: “I’m a survivor, I’m not gonna give up, I’m not gonna stop, I’m gonna make it, I’m a survivor.” Only they did it with a very catchy tune, I’m just typing it…. My previous blog highlighted a 1954' Corvette that was in original, unrestored condition. Bloomington Gold has a 'Survivor Show' on Sunday after their big Corvette show every year. This is where people can bring their cars and show them off for being original and unmolested. The show kicked off with a brief owners meeting, followed by judging and awards. There were some amazing vehicles on the show field Sunday morning. All of which the owners are extremely proud of. It's amazing that these vehicles are over 95% complete when comparing them to what came off the assembly line that year. This show is going to continue to grow and the vehicles will become more rare as the years progress.