Classic Cars Take Center Stage at Summer Events
The glimmer of paint. The striking curves. The connection with true Americana.
Classic car rallies have it all, and summer is classic car rally season.
“Even if you are not a ‘gearhead’ and don’t’ follow the automotive industry closely, the events are a great history lesson on wheels,” said Betsy Bennett, director of communications for Good-Guys Rod and Custom Association.
“It offers the glimpse into the history of the design and engineering of the cars that we all use today as transportation.”
There are more than 70,000 members worldwide. Some are humble gatherings with only a few automobiles. Others are flashy, featuring hundreds of vehicles, industry celebrities and an almost overabundance of attractive models.
Classic car rallies are designed for young and old alike, Bennett said. Major rallies usually attract some 4,000 custom vehicles, hot rods and classic cars. They feature live music, exhibits and–of course–fireworks.
“It is a beautiful sight to see thousands of them gathered together in one spot,” Bennett said.
- Hot August Nights, Reno, Nv. This year’s festivities run August 4 through 9 and features hundreds of classic cars with gleaming paint and polished chrome. The multi-day showcase is largely free of cost and includes drag races and a swap meet.
- Bloomsburg Nationals, Bloomsburg, Penn. The event takes place August 14-16 and features motorcycles, cars and trucks from a bygone era.
- Rolling Sculpture Car Show, Ann Arbor, Mich. This July 10 event runs from 2 to 10 p.m. and is free to the public. More than 300 classic cars are expected to be on display in the heart of downtown.
- Shenandoah Region Antique Automotive Club of America Southeastern Fall Meet, Louisville, Ky., July 15-18. The show encompasses vehicles from all eras, with an emphasis on muscle cars.
Below are some websites that can help you locate a car show near you this summer: