10 Reasons To Bring Your Classic Car To An Auto Show & 10 Reasons To Leave It In The Garage
10 Reasons To Bring Your Classic Car To An Auto Show & 10 Reasons To Leave It In The Garage
Hop on the Auto Show Bandwagon
Car shows have everything you could want: clear skies, live music, and vintage cars just ready for a snapshot. But between the rows of classic cars lie all sorts of potential issues, and you have to wonder if attending is even worth it. Strap yourself in; we’re here to talk about the pros and cons of car shows.
1. Meet Fellow Car Enthusiasts
The biggest perk to car shows is meeting fellow gearheads. After spending all day in the sun, it’s nice to meet with other enthusiasts you can talk shop with. You also never know who you’ll encounter or which piece of history you’ll lay eyes on.
2. You’re Proud of Your Work
It’s no secret that classic car collectors are proud of their rides. However, many collectors also put their time and sweat into restoring old vehicles, which makes it even more interesting to display. There’s nothing wrong with showing off all your dedication.
3. Support Local Charities
Most car show ticket prices go to local charities, so you’ll always support a good cause. It might not seem like much on the surface, but some of the biggest shows attract thousands of people, and it’s nice to know you’ve contributed.
4. Get Others’ History
With so many old cars around, there’s history at every turn. While most collectors are confined to their own space, you can always chat with those around you to learn more about their vehicle. Who wouldn’t want the story behind that Aston Martin?
5. Earn a Little Recognition
You’ve done your time. You’ve purchased all the parts. Your car is in tip-top shape, and you want to show it off! There’s no greater place to receive compliments or pose for photos with your vintage find. Sure, some people can call it showboating, but they’re just jealous they don’t have a ‘65 pickup.
6. Vintage Parts and Accessories
Car shows are more than just hot dogs and classic vehicles—they’re a great way to find vintage parts, too. Most shows attract buyers and have vendors roaming around, meaning you’ll have every opportunity to find that rare piece. Who knows, you might just score an offer as well!
7. Network With People
Local car shows bring thousands of petrolheads together, which means you can meet anyone from mechanics to auto shop owners. Not only can you talk shop with them, but you can also find reliable resources should you ever need them.
8. Support the Car Community
In an age of phone screens and bored teenagers, it’s never been more important to support the car community! Auto shows encourage real-life conversations and teach attendees the stories of some pretty spectacular whips. If you have kids at home, bring them along to literally step alongside bits of history.
9. There’s a Cool Story Behind It
Was your car featured in an old movie? Did it belong to someone famous? That’s more than enough reason to bring it along. Even if you didn’t build it from scratch or inherit it from a relative, older cars still boast interesting stories, and you never know who sat behind the wheel.
10. Exchange Tips With People
Hundreds of car enthusiasts in one place? You know what that means—efficient tips! You can pick every brain and learn how collectors maintain their vehicles. Don’t just assume you know it all, either; some of the best advice comes from an auto show.
You have music, you have hamburgers, and you have thousands of vintage cars. What’s not to love? As fun as they can be, car shows aren’t always for everyone. Let’s explore a few reasons why you may want to leave your car at home.
1. You’re Not Big on Crowds
Car shows can draw hundreds of people, many of whom want to chat with you. If you’re more of an introvert, you may want to reconsider attending. Even if you don’t display your vehicle, you’ll be surrounded by droves of excited people, their kids, and sometimes their pets.
2. There’s a Risk of Damage
Like it or not, car shows come with their fair share of risks. From haphazard attendees to excitable children, your car might experience the odd ding. Remember: you’re right out in the open with people, and there’s no real way to prevent damage.
3. It’s Not Actually a Classic Car
Classic auto shows highlight the real stuff, not a 2000s Toyota. Though every event is different, look up the rules online before you drive just any old vehicle in there. Most enthusiasts aren’t interested in models they could’ve found in yesterday’s lot.
4. You Don’t Want People Touching Your Car
While it’s customary to ask first, not every attendee follows protocol. Some guests might lay a hand on your car or let their child touch the steering wheel. If you don’t want people getting up close and personal, you may want to leave your baby at home.
5. You Have Places to Be
We hope you scheduled the day off because car shows are no joke. Not only are you expected to hang around all day, but you’ll also have a heck of a time getting out early. With so many people moseying around, you’d be lucky to move at a snail’s pace.
6. The Car Could Use Some TLC
You won’t ever catch a displayed car with rust. You won’t spot a dirty one, either. If you plan to showcase your vehicle, make sure it’s in pristine condition. You don’t want to attract the wrong kind of attention.
7. You Don’t Have All the Answers
Not everyone stops to chat, but many enthusiasts have questions about vintage cars. Brush up on your model’s story before attending! The last thing you want is to fumble through a simple answer or leave someone empty-handed.
8. Parking is a Nightmare
Oh, you thought parking at the mall was bad? Try a car show. You have to get there bright and early to find a good spot, which only makes the day longer. Even if you just plan to attend, expect to park several blocks away for the bigger shows.
9. Your Car Can’t Handle the Weather
Boy, that sports car sure is nice…sure would be a shame if it rained. There’s no controlling the weather, and even clear skies can succumb to random downpours. If you plan to bring your car, make sure it’s protected from the elements. Better yet, reconsider attending if you know it can’t handle adverse conditions.
10. Wear and Tear
We want to preserve classic cars, but car shows put more wear and tear on your vehicle. From unloading lawn chairs to navigating difficult terrain, miles can climb the more events you attend—and so does the risk of damage.
