6 Ways to Make a Classic Car Show Fun for Everyone

A Girls Guide To Cars | 6 Ways To Make A Classic Car Show Fun For Everyone - Car 1955Fordtbird 75A2710 Sbc 1
1955 Ford Thunderbird at the Inaugural LA Classic Auto Show Photo: Kymri Wilt

Make a Classic Car Show Feel Like More Than a Walk Through Automotive History

Have you ever been to a Classic Car Show or gathering? Do you ever check out your local clubs when they have an event? The Inaugural Classic Auto Show in Los Angeles was a museum full of art and history in the form of automobiles. It was so much more than a gathering of gearheads and enthusiasts ogling one another’s cars. Don’t think for a moment that a classic car show is just a “guy” thing!

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How to Get the Whole Family Excited about the Classic Car Show

If you are a classic car enthusiast, you’d have been content chasing celebrity autographs of the restoration rockstars like Chris Jacobs of Discovery Channel’s Overhaulin’ and Dave Kindig of Velocity’s Bitchin’ Rides. Perhaps you have been tinkering away on a “project” in the garage for far too long – here, you’ll find just the inspiration, ideas, and means necessary to finally finish it. And whatever classic car you favor, you’ll find plenty of peers to share your enthusiasm.

Women Rock The La Classic Auto Show.
San Diego Corvair Club member Atalanta Jackson (left) and a license plate that proves SHE loves classic cars! Photo: Kymri Wilt

If you just want to check out some cool cars, no matter what you’re interest or level of knowledge about classics, here are some great ideas for the whole family to have a blast at a Classic Car Show.

1. Find Your First Car

Everybody remembers their first car. Perhaps you remember all the stories you listened to about a parent’s first car. A Classic Auto Show is a great place to see if you can find a restored version of your first set of wheels.

1966 Ford Mustang, The Writer'S First Car.
My first car – 1966 Ford Mustang.

Don’t hate, but it just so happens my first car was a 1966 6-cylinder Ford Mustang Pony Edition. I loved the ease of repairs on my straight-6. I learned to change the oil and tires myself! Seriously, how many teenagers are doing that today? Well, at the Classic Auto Show there were plenty of early Mustangs on show, and a few Pony models too.

Mustang Logo At The La Classic Auto Show.
Ford Mustang, Pony Edition (1966). Photo: Kymri Wilt

2. Find Cars from Popular Songs

This is a fun one. Think of any song that has the name of a car in it, and look for that car (or something close). Here are a few that I came up with:

1968 Corvette At The La Classic Auto Show.
1966 Corvette Coupe. Photo: Kymri Wilt
A Girls Guide To Cars | 6 Ways To Make A Classic Car Show Fun For Everyone - Cars Lowriders 6951 Sbc
Gathering of Low Riders at the LA Classic Auto Show. Photo: Kymri Wilt
Chevy Camaro At The La Classic Auto Show.
Classic Chevy Camaro. Photo: Kymri Wilt

3. Find the Ultimate Surfin’ Safari Car or Camper

So now that you can’t get the Beach Boys out of your head, you might be dreaming of going on a “Surfing Safari.” If you don’t surf, perhaps you kayak, canoe, or need racks for skis. Here are some contenders:

A Girls Guide To Cars | 6 Ways To Make A Classic Car Show Fun For Everyone - Cars Larkbystudebaker 75A2608 Sbc 1
The Lark by Studebaker. Photo: Kymri Wilt
1967 Vw Squareback
1967 VW Squareback. Photo: Kymri Wilt

For the win: Another Volkswagen, the 1961 Westfalia SO23 Camper, hands down. I would camp right her eright now in this VW on the Convention Center floor if they’d let me.

1961 Vs Wesphalia S023 Camper At The La Classic Auto Show.
1961 VW Westphalia SO23 Camper. Photo: Kymri Wilt

4. Locate the Ultimate Cross-Country Road Trip Vehicle

For driving across the country, say, on Route 66, my ideal car is a convertible, has plenty of space for luggage, and very comfy seats.

Cadillace V16 Roadster At The La Classic Auto Show.
Built-in “trunk on this Cadillac V16 Roadster. Photo: Kymri Wilt
When The Luggage Matches The Upholstery At The La Classic Auto Show.
Bonus when the luggage matches the upholstery! Photo: Kymri Wilt
Daytona At The La Classic Auto Show.
Room for the dog in a Daytona! Photo: Kymri Wilt

5. Find the Ultimate Drive-In Movie Make-Out Mobile

When it comes to the perfect wheels for a date at the drive-in movies, most (of us who remember) prefer ample space in front, ideally a bench seat. Most of Americana would be favoring Chevrolets, Buicks, and perhaps these:

1958 Pontiac At The La Classic Auto Show.
1958 Pontiac rigged for the Drive-Ins and Drive-Ups. Photo: Kymri Wilt
Classic Cadillac Front Seat At The La Classic Auto Show.
Classic Cadillac with long “bench” front seat. Photo: Kymri Wilt

My taste was more refined. Since I studied French in high school, it only made sense that I dated a guy who drove a Citroen when he picked me up to go to the movies. Yep, that French car that raises and lowers, and made for a real sweet ride.

A Girls Guide To Cars | 6 Ways To Make A Classic Car Show Fun For Everyone - Cars Citroen 75A2653 Sbc
Classic Citroens had hydraulic suspension. Photo: Kymri Wilt

6. Play Scavenger Hunt Classic Car BINGO

Entertain the kids (and yourself) by making a list of special car features to find at the show. Start with these:

      • Rumble Seat
      • White Rim Wheel
      • AM Radio Button
      • Wooden Steering Wheel
      • Hood Ornaments

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Don’t Miss a Classic Auto Show in Your Area

If you missed the Inaugural LA Classic Auto Show, there are more to come. The LA dates are already set for next year, March 2-4, 2018, so you can start planning now to attend this show next year! There also are classic car shows, cruise nights and other events celebrating class cars in cities across the country, like these on the West Coast of Florida, these in South Florida and these in the Midwest.  In California, check out the Automobile Driving Museum, currently featuring the special exhibit  “A Woman’s Touch” portraying the history of women in the automotive industry.  Whether you are in southern California or anywhere else, next time you hear about a classic car show, parade, or gathering, be sure to bring the whole family for a fun day of discovery.

Think Classic Car Shows Are Only For Guys And Gearheads? Not True! There'S Plenty To Entice The Family And These 6 Tips Will Ensure Everyone Finds Something To Love About A Classic Car Show!

Kymri WIlt
Kymri WIlt

Based in Cardiff by the Sea, California, Kymri is a freelance travel photographer, writer, and videographer. Between travels, she enjoys surfing, hiking with her family and dog, and yes, driving. She is equally happy taking long road trips as she is commuting on southern California freeways, and has a particular interest in hybrid, electric, and alternative fuel vehicles.

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