RVers, start your engines! It’s time to add a car show to your RVing itinerary!
I’m convinced. While my husband has enjoyed car shows for years, I only recently discovered the joy of attending one. For decades I believed that only guys attended car shows. Not anymore! Once you learn a little about these events, I really believe you will begin to appreciate them—no matter your gender. I hope this article will encourage readers to visit a show during their RV travels.
Memories
As I walk through a car event, I can’t help but become lost in the nostalgia. Some vehicles evoke memories of my childhood days. Others, remind me of my teen and young adult years: the car I first learned to drive (Ford 500); the first car I owned (Taurus); and the first vehicle of our married life together (a blue Ford stock van). My husband and I customized the Ford van all on our own: cut windows in the sides, installed a platform bed in the back, and put removable captain chairs in the midsection. Those were the days!
Best part
Perhaps the best part of attending a car show is watching my husband’s enjoyment. He talks to the car owners, takes his time to view the engine and interiors, and admires the intricate, reconditioning work that often requires a combination of both skill and determination.
Y’all come!
Car shows come in all sizes. Each event seems to have its own particular “feel” or atmosphere. Here are two examples.
- Concours d’Elegance shows. This French term translates as a “competition of elegance” and dates back to the 17th century when French aristocrats proudly displayed their elaborate, horse-drawn carriages as they paraded through Parisian parks. This practice eventually transferred to automobiles and is, in my view, the origin of the car shows we enjoy today. Today’s American Concours d’Elegance are usually large events that offer visitors a chance to see a multitude of vehicles, enjoy numerous vendors, and talk to vehicle owners, too. You can learn more about the top 100 2024 Concours d’Elegance events held in the United States at this website.
- Small car shows. Local car shows vary in size depending on location. We enjoy our local “Friday Night Cars” event. Loosely organized, this local car show began decades ago. Today you can expect to see 15 to 60 cars every Friday night—weather permitting. Proud owners of various makes and models drive their special rides to the Sonic Drive-In overflow parking lot. They pop open the hood, set up their lawn chairs, and talk to visitors who come to admire. You can find local car shows as you RV around the country simply by entering a zip code here.
Judging and prizes
At larger car events, judges will inspect each vehicle and award prizes. These awards may take the form of trophies or cash prizes—some of which can be substantial! Here’s what the judges may look for as they inspect a vehicle:
- Overall condition
- Detailing
- Interior condition
- Condition under the hood
- Authenticity
As you tour the car show, keep in mind each category the judges may check. I am always amazed at the attention to detail of most car enthusiasts.
What to bring
If you plan to attend a car show, here are some things to consider:
- Wear comfortable shoes. Large events mean you may be walking—a lot!
- Sun protection. Most car shows are held outdoors. Depending on the weather, you may need sunglasses and sunscreen, too. A hat to protect your head is also advised.
- Camera. No doubt you’ll want to show friends the special vehicles you see. Bring your camera or use your cell phone to photograph your favorite rides.
- Water and snacks. Not every car event will have water or snacks available. You may want to pack your own.
What to do
Here are some helpful hints for attending a car show.
- Map it out. If possible, get a map of the car show in order to plan your visit, especially if it’s a large, sprawling venue.
- Stop. Don’t hesitate to stop and talk. Car owners love talking about their pride and joy! You may pick up some helpful tips, as well. After all, detailing products and techniques may also work for your RV.
- Ask questions. Be sure to inquire about the vehicles you see. You may be surprised at what the car might bring at auction. Or you can learn some history about the car and its owner, too.
Add a car show to your RVing itinerary
RVing affords the possibility of seeing and learning so many new things. Why not add “attend a car show” to your next RV trip? You can learn a lot about cars and people and take a trip down memory lane all at the same time.
How often do you attend a car show? Please vote in the poll below, and feel free to leave a comment.
##RVT1153
Thank you for this great article. My husband and our grandson just finished restoring a VW camper bus. For years we have attended car shows Some very fancy and pricey others just a bunch of people getting together at a shopping mall showing off their much loved cars. We always make friends from many different social economic backgrounds. Our favorite is our yearly event at Laguna Seca near Monterey where we can also watch old cars race and talk to their owners and mechanics while camping up in the mountains over looking the track. The show is usually mid August but the mountains are cool and there is something for every price point. We make our reservations the first of the year.
Used to go at least monthly from May-October (no winter car shows in Colorado!). Also visited shows from California to Texas when I was still traveling for work (ie., when I wasn’t paying for the travel!). Still go when we happen to be camped near a town having a car show, but don’t travel just to see a show. Also go to auto museums when RVing in the vicinity, like the Route 66 Car Museum in Santa Rosa, NM. Would love to go to the Scottsdale Barrett-Jackson Auction when we are snowbirding in January, but won’t pay the exorbitant entrance fee!
Hi Gail,
Great article and recommendations. I sent you an email with a couple pictures of a restoration I came across in Moab. Check incoming email to the editor.
Best regards, Dennis
“Hot August Nights” in Reno is a yearly big deal. We went once but the crowds were huge. Now we only go to nearby shows that spawn from Hot August nights. Still lots of nice cars to drool over. Virginia City has a fairly large show as well. My biggest problem is seeing cars I used to own! Whodathunk? I remember paying about $3k for those cars – new. Now I couldn’t touch one for ten times that amount!
Ouch! That must be extremely painful, Tommy. Kinda like when I bought 100 shares of Costco many, many years ago for $10/sh., had to sell it for $20/sh. to put towards a new roof, and it’s now worth more than $700/sh. Ouch! Have a great day. 😀 –Diane
I LOVE car shows, and I always end up finding one I want to buy as many of them are for sale (I really could end up like Jay Leno). But then…I feel the same way about RV’s and boats! Good thing I have shallow pockets.
Thank you Gail for a wonderful article. My husband knew he was in love 34 years ago when I suggested going to a car show on our 3rd date!! We still seek out events. They are free, a great way to get some walking in and always meet the nicest people to talk to.
One main reason we bought an RV is to travel to car shows around the country and save on inflated hotel rooms
Thank you, Gail! 🙂 Well, you certainly have piqued my interest. 🤔 I don’t know that I’ll ever go to a car show, but at least I am more likely to do so now. 🙂 Thanks again and safe travels! 🙂
We do many local car shows in the Yuma, AZ. area. But on the road we always try to go to them when we see them. You see different cars and trucks which makes it interesting. Another suggestion, if traveling near the Candian border, be sure to take in the car shows. Many folks bring them across the border. Then you can check out the differences from GM, Ford, and Chrysler during the 50s-60s that were marketed under different names than in the US. Makes for interesting conversation.