How I Won “Best in Show” with a Car I Built in My Garage
My home-built ’69 Camaro was up against professionally restored cars worth six figures. I knew I couldn’t beat them on sheer perfection. So I focused on presentation. I created a binder documenting my entire two-year restoration with photos. I displayed the original, rusty parts I had replaced next to the car. This told a story of passion and hard work. The judges walked past the flawless, checkbook-restored cars and spent 20 minutes at mine. I won not because my car was the most perfect, but because its story was the most compelling.
The Unwritten Rules of Car Show Etiquette (Don’t Be “That Guy”)
At a car show, don’t be “that guy.” “That guy” touches other people’s cars without asking. He revs his engine constantly. He blasts his own music over the show’s speakers. He criticizes other people’s builds loudly. I watched a guy leave greasy fingerprints all over a freshly detailed, black paint job. The owner was heartbroken. The rule is simple: treat every car with the respect you’d want for your own. Look, admire, ask questions, but don’t touch unless invited.
Watch This Before You Bid on a Car at a Mecum or Barrett-Jackson Auction
These big TV auctions are pure theater, designed to create urgency. My friend got caught up in the excitement and bid on a Corvette. He won, but he forgot two things. First, the “buyer’s premium,” a 10% fee added to his winning bid, which was an extra five thousand dollars. Second, he hadn’t arranged for shipping. Getting the car home from across the country cost another fifteen hundred dollars. Before you raise your paddle, you must factor in these significant extra costs and have a solid logistics plan.
The “Car Show Pro” Kit: Everything I Bring to a Show
I have a dedicated “show kit” that lives in my classic’s trunk. It’s a small bag with the essentials for a perfect day. It includes a bottle of quick detailer spray and a dozen microfiber towels for last-minute touch-ups. I have a small, folding chair for comfort. I also bring a small magnetic sign with basic info about my car so I don’t have to answer the same questions all day. Finally, a phone charger and a bottle of water. This simple kit ensures I’m prepared, comfortable, and can keep the car looking its best.
How to Talk to People About Your Car Without Sounding Like a Bore
When people ask about my car, I follow one rule: don’t just list facts; tell stories. Instead of saying, “It has a 350 V8 with a 4-barrel carburetor,” I say, “This is the engine my dad and I rebuilt together in our garage. I’ll never forget the day we got it running.” People connect with stories about a car’s history, the challenges of its restoration, or a memorable road trip. That personal connection is far more interesting than rattling off technical specifications.
The Real Reason People Put Mirrors Under Their Cars
At my first big show, I saw a pristine muscle car with large mirrors on the ground, reflecting its underside. I thought it was just for showing off. The owner explained its real purpose. For a high-level judged show, the cleanliness and condition of the car’s undercarriage—the frame, exhaust, and suspension—are just as important as the paint. The mirrors allow the judges (and the public) to inspect the bottom of the car without having to crawl on the ground. It’s a sign of a truly comprehensive, no-expense-spared restoration.
I Volunteered at a Major Auction. Here’s the Chaos Behind the Scenes.
I worked as a volunteer moving cars at a Barrett-Jackson auction. The TV broadcast looks smooth, but behind the scenes, it’s organized chaos. There’s a constant, high-stakes ballet of multi-million-dollar cars being staged, moved, and driven onto the block. I saw a nervous owner stall his rare muscle car just moments before his turn. Another nearly scraped his prized Ferrari. The pressure on the drivers, owners, and staff is immense. It’s a high-stress environment where a small mistake could cost millions.
The Difference Between a “Judged” Show and a “People’s Choice” Show
Knowing the type of show is key. At a “judged” show, experienced judges meticulously inspect cars with a scoresheet, evaluating paint quality, engine cleanliness, and authenticity. My friend spent a week detailing his car for a judged show and won his class. A “people’s choice” show, however, is a popularity contest. The flashiest car with the loudest stereo often wins. It’s more relaxed and about having fun. A “people’s choice” award is great, but a win at a properly judged show is a true validation of your hard work.
How to Get Your Car Featured in a Magazine
My car was featured in a popular classic truck magazine. It didn’t happen by accident. I started by taking high-quality, professional-looking photos of my truck. Then, I wrote a detailed but concise email to the magazine’s editor. I didn’t just say, “Here’s my truck.” I told the story of its restoration, highlighting what made it unique. The editor was intrigued by the narrative. A compelling story and great photos are what editors are looking for, much more than just a perfect car.
The “Cars and Coffee” Phenomenon: Why It’s the Best Part of the Hobby
“Cars and Coffee” is a simple concept: show up early on a weekend morning in a parking lot, grab a coffee, and look at cars. There are no awards, no judges, no fees. It’s the most democratic and enjoyable part of the hobby. I’ve seen a priceless McLaren F1 parked next to a kid’s home-built Honda Civic. The relaxed, low-stakes atmosphere encourages conversation between owners of all types of vehicles. It’s a two-hour celebration of pure automotive passion, and it’s where the real community is built.
I Took My Unfinished Project Car to a Show and People Loved It
I was hesitant to take my Camaro to a show because it was still in primer, with an unfinished interior. I finally decided to do it. To my surprise, it drew a bigger crowd than many of the finished cars. People were fascinated by the work in progress. They asked questions about my welding and my plans for the car. It felt more authentic and relatable to them than a perfect, six-figure show car. It was a great reminder that people appreciate the process and the passion just as much as the finished product.
The Most Over-the-Top, Ridiculous Car Show Displays I’ve Ever Seen
Some people treat car shows like Hollywood premieres. I once saw a custom lowrider with a display that included a velvet rope perimeter, a smoke machine, and a professional lighting rig. Next to it was a 1950s car with a drive-in movie theme, complete with vintage speaker posts, mannequins in poodle skirts, and a screen showing old movies. While my style is more minimalist, you have to admire the creativity and sheer effort that goes into creating these elaborate, attention-grabbing displays. It’s part of the fun of the show.
The Psychology of the Auction Block: How They Get You to Bid More
The auctioneer’s fast-talking chant isn’t just for show; it’s a psychological tool. It creates a sense of urgency and prevents you from thinking too hard. The presence of a cheering crowd and the bright lights add to the pressure. I watched a man get caught in a bidding war. The auctioneer expertly egged him on, saying “Don’t let him take your car!” The bidder’s ego took over, and he paid ten thousand dollars more than he planned. Auctions are designed to make you bid with your heart, not your head.
How to Find the Best Local Car Shows and Cruise-Ins
Finding local shows used to be about seeing flyers at the auto parts store. Now, technology makes it easy. My go-to resource is Facebook. I search for groups like “[My City] Car Shows” and find a calendar of local events. I also use Instagram, following local car clubs and photographers who always post about upcoming meets. Websites like CarShowFinder.com are also great. It just takes a little bit of digital digging to find a thriving car scene right in your own backyard.
The “Trailer Queen” Debate: To Drive or To Tow?
At a national show, I saw a flawless muscle car being carefully unloaded from an enclosed trailer. This “trailer queen” will never see a public road. A few spots down, a guy was wiping road grime off his car, which he had driven 500 miles to the show. The trailer queen will score higher with judges because it has no road wear. But the driver of the other car has stories to tell from his journey. It’s the central philosophical debate of the hobby: are these cars historical artifacts to be preserved, or machines to be driven?
The Secret to a Perfectly Detailed Car for Show Day
A friend of mine consistently wins awards for his car’s finish. His secret isn’t some magic wax; it’s the lighting in his garage. He installed bright, multi-directional LED lights that mimic sunlight. This allows him to see every tiny swirl mark, streak, and speck of dust during the detailing process. He says that if the car looks perfect under those harsh lights, it will look flawless on the show field. Proper lighting is the most important, and most overlooked, tool for achieving a show-winning detail.
I Sold My Car at a “No Reserve” Auction. It Was Nerve-Wracking.
Selling “no reserve” means the car sells to the highest bidder, no matter how low the price is. I decided to sell my classic truck this way to guarantee a sale. Watching it roll onto the auction block was one of the most stressful moments of my life. The bidding started low, and my heart sank. It felt like an eternity as the bids slowly climbed. Thankfully, a last-minute bidding war pushed the price to a fair number. It’s a huge gamble, but it’s also the purest form of market discovery.
How to Join a Car Club That’s Actually Fun
The first car club I joined was full of grumpy old guys who only cared about judging forms and rulebooks. It was no fun. Before joining my current club, I went to one of their monthly meetings as a guest. I saw that the members were friendly, they welcomed all types of cars, and their main focus was on organizing fun drives and social events, not winning trophies. “Test driving” a club before you pay your dues is the best way to find a group that matches your personality and your goals for the hobby.
The Best and Worst Things About Being in a Car Club
The best thing about my car club is the community. When my engine blew, five members showed up at my garage to help me pull it, no questions asked. The shared knowledge and camaraderie are invaluable. The worst thing? The inevitable politics. I’ve seen lifelong friendships end over a disagreement about the club’s annual picnic location. When you get a group of passionate people together, small disagreements can sometimes escalate into major drama.
How to Organize Your Own Successful Car Show
My club organized a charity car show, and I learned the keys to success. First, secure a great location with plenty of parking and restrooms. Second, promote it heavily on social media and local forums for at least two months in advance. Third, make registration easy and affordable. Fourth, have good food and music; it keeps people around longer. Finally, get local businesses to donate cool prizes for the raffle and awards. A successful show is more about creating a fun, festival-like atmosphere than just parking cars in a lot.
The Online Forums That Are the Lifeblood of the Community
My vintage truck had a bizarre electrical problem that stumped me for weeks. I finally posted a detailed description of the issue on a model-specific online forum. Within an hour, I had three replies from experienced owners who had faced the exact same problem. One of them walked me through the fix. These forums are digital car clubs, vast libraries of tribal knowledge connecting a global community of experts who are passionate about keeping these old machines on the road. They are the hobby’s most valuable resource.
The Generational Divide at Car Shows (Old Guys vs. Young Guys)
At a recent show, I saw a perfect illustration of the generational divide. On one side, a group of older men stood by their perfectly restored 1960s muscle cars, proudly discussing originality. On the other side, a group of younger enthusiasts gathered around a modified Japanese import with a wild body kit and a laptop to tune its engine. They represent two different philosophies: preserving history versus personalizing technology. The future of the hobby lies in these two groups learning to appreciate and respect each other’s passion.
How to Network at a Car Show to Find Parts or Help
A car show is a living, breathing classified ad section. I was looking for a rare trim piece for my car. Instead of just looking at the show cars, I started walking around and talking to other owners of the same model. I’d ask, “Do you know anyone who specializes in these cars?” One owner gave me the phone number of a guy in another state who had a garage full of parts. A car show is the best place to make the personal connections that can solve your restoration problems.
The Drama and Politics of Car Club Leadership
I served as the treasurer for my car club for one year. I will never do it again. I spent more time mediating disputes over the fifty-dollar budget for a club banner than I did talking about cars. There were arguments about meeting minutes, disagreements over show judging, and constant gossip. Running a car club is like herding cats, passionate and opinionated cats. It gave me immense respect for the people who volunteer to lead these organizations.
My First Time at the Hershey Fall Swap Meet: A Newbie’s Guide
The AACA Hershey Fall Meet is the largest automotive swap meet in the world. My first visit was overwhelming. It’s miles of vendors selling everything from complete cars to single, rusty bolts. My advice for a newbie: wear comfortable shoes, because you will walk for miles. Bring a wagon to haul your purchases. Have a specific list of parts you’re looking for, but also be open to discovering treasures you didn’t know you needed. And most importantly, bring cash, as many vendors don’t take cards.
The Art of “Swap Meet” Haggling
At a swap meet, the price tag is just a suggestion. I found a part I needed, and the vendor’s price was one hundred dollars. I knew it was a bit high. My strategy is to be polite and knowledgeable. I said, “I know this is a hard part to find, but I’ve seen them go for less. Would you be willing to take seventy-five dollars for it?” He countered at eighty-five dollars, and we made a deal. The key is to be respectful, make a reasonable offer, and be willing to meet in the middle.
The Weirdest Things I’ve Seen for Sale at a Swap Meet
Swap meets are a museum of automotive oddities. I once saw a vendor selling a complete, but non-functional, jet engine from a military drone. A few rows over, a man had a collection of vintage gas station signs worth thousands of dollars. My favorite was a box labeled “Mystery Car Parts – $5.” It was full of unidentifiable brackets, knobs, and gears. Swap meets are a treasure hunt where you can find anything from a priceless engine to a jar of rusty bolts.
The Concours d’Elegance: A World of White Gloves and Rich People
I attended the Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance, and it was a different world. The cars were priceless, multi-million-dollar works of art. The owners were a mix of wealthy collectors and industry titans. The judges, dressed in blazers and white gloves, scrutinized every detail with an expert eye. The atmosphere was quiet, refined, and a bit intimidating. It’s the highest echelon of the car world, where automobiles are judged not just as machines, but as historical artifacts and rolling sculptures.
How Judges Actually Score a Car (A Peek Behind the Curtain)
I had the chance to “shadow” a judge at a national meet. It was incredibly detailed. They work from a scoresheet with a maximum of 100 points. Points are deducted for every flaw. A tiny paint chip might be a quarter-point deduction. A non-original hose clamp could be a full point. They check the engine bay, the interior, the chassis, and the exterior. The cars that win are the ones that lose the fewest points. It’s a meticulous process of finding the most flawless and authentic vehicle.
The “100-Point” Restoration: Is It Even Possible?
The “100-point” car is the holy grail of restorers, a car so perfect it receives no point deductions during judging. In reality, it’s almost a myth. I spoke with a chief judge who said he had only seen a handful of true 100-point cars in his 30-year career. Even cars leaving the factory weren’t perfect. A truly flawless car often requires a level of fit and finish that surpasses the original standards. It’s a near-impossible standard of perfection that restorers strive for but rarely achieve.
Why I Prefer Small, Local Shows to Giant National Events
Giant shows like Goodguys are amazing spectacles, but they can be overwhelming. My favorite weekend of the year is my own town’s small, local car show on Main Street. I know half the people there. We can pull up a lawn chair and spend the afternoon talking and catching up. It’s less about the cars and more about the community. There’s a relaxed, friendly atmosphere that you just don’t get when you’re one of 5,000 cars in a massive fairground.
The “Correct” Way to Display Information About Your Car
At a show, your information board is your car’s silent spokesperson. A good display is clean and simple. I use a small, professional-looking sign on an easel. It lists the year, make, and model. Then, I include a few interesting bullet points: “Original 289 V8 Engine,” “Restored by Owner in Home Garage,” or “Family-Owned Since New.” I avoid listing every single modification. The goal is to give people a quick, interesting overview that sparks a conversation, not to provide a lengthy technical manual.
I Drove My Car on a Cross-Country Rally (Like the Hot Rod Power Tour)
The Hot Rod Power Tour is a week-long, rolling car show across thousands of miles. I did it once in my classic truck. It was the most challenging and rewarding automotive experience of my life. The days were long drives, and the evenings were giant car parties in each new city. I had a minor breakdown, but a group of fellow participants pulled over and helped me fix it on the side of the road. It’s a true test of your car’s reliability and your own endurance.
The Camaraderie of Breaking Down on the Side of the Road
My classic car’s fuel pump died on a busy highway. I was dreading the wait for a tow. Within ten minutes, two other classic cars had pulled over to help. One guy had a spare fuel pump in his trunk that didn’t fit my car but offered it anyway. The other just stayed with me until the tow truck arrived, sharing stories. In the classic car world, a breakdown isn’t just your problem. It’s an opportunity for the community to come together and help a fellow enthusiast out.
How Social Media Has Changed Car Show Culture
Social media has transformed car shows. Before, a show was a one-day event. Now, the event lives on for weeks online. People post photos and videos with the show’s hashtag. Owners can connect with people who admired their car. I once had a guy message me on Instagram a week after a show, saying he had a part I was looking for. It also helps create pre-show buzz and allows people who couldn’t attend to feel like they were part of the experience.
The “Burnout Pit”: The Best or Worst Part of a Car Show?
At the end of a big show, they often open up a designated “burnout pit.” For some, it’s the best part of the day—a glorious, noisy, smoke-filled celebration of horsepower. For others, it’s the worst—a juvenile display that attracts the wrong kind of attention. I see both sides. It’s undeniably fun to watch, a visceral thrill. But it can also reinforce negative stereotypes about irresponsible classic car owners. It’s the wild, controversial soul of the car show scene.
The Unspoken Bond Between Owners of the Same Type of Car
At a large show with hundreds of cars, I always feel an instant connection when I see another car just like mine. I parked my Datsun Z next to another one. The owner and I spent the next hour talking. We compared notes on our restorations, complained about the same hard-to-find parts, and shared tips. There’s an immediate, unspoken bond. You’ve both gone through the same struggles and joys. You’re part of a smaller, more specific tribe within the larger car community.
I Bought a Car at Auction. Here’s the Buyer’s Premium and Fees They Don’t Advertise.
I won a car at auction with a final bid of twenty thousand dollars. I was thrilled. Then I got the final invoice. On top of my bid, there was a 10% “buyer’s premium,” which was an extra two thousand dollars. There was also a three-hundred-dollar “processing fee” and sales tax calculated on the total amount. My twenty-thousand-dollar car actually cost me nearly twenty-three thousand five hundred dollars before I even considered shipping. These hidden fees are a critical part of an auction budget.
The Most Important Thing to Do After You Win an Award
The moment they called my name for an award, I was ecstatic. But I watched another winner do something that stuck with me. After he accepted his trophy, he went and found the show organizers. He shook their hands and thanked them for all the hard work they put into the event. It was a simple act of gratitude. These shows are run by volunteers who put in countless unpaid hours. Acknowledging their effort is the most important and classiest thing you can do.
How to Photograph Your Car Like a Professional
To take great photos of your car, follow a few simple rules. First, location matters. Find an interesting, uncluttered background. Second, timing is everything. Shoot during the “golden hour,” the hour just after sunrise or before sunset, when the light is soft and warm. Third, get low. Shooting from a lower angle makes the car look more dramatic and heroic. Finally, use a polarizing filter on your lens to cut down on reflections and make the paint color pop.
The Rise of “Themed” Car Shows (80s Night, Orphan Cars, etc.)
The car show landscape is getting more creative. Instead of general “all makes and models” shows, themed events are becoming more popular. I recently went to an “80s and 90s Night” where every car was from that era, and they played retro music. I’ve also been to an “Orphan Car” show, dedicated to cars from defunct brands like Studebaker and Packard. These themed shows bring together a specific community of enthusiasts and create a unique, immersive experience.
Why You Should Always Talk to the Old Timer in the Lawn Chair
At every car show, there’s an old guy sitting in a lawn chair by his car, quietly watching the crowd. You should always go talk to him. I did, and he turned out to be the original owner of his 1965 Impala. He spent the next hour telling me stories about buying it new, taking his wife on their first date in it, and teaching his kids to drive in it. He was a living library of automotive history, and that conversation was more valuable than looking at any car.
The “Cost of Entry” for Different Levels of Car Shows
The cost of participating varies wildly. A local “Cars and Coffee” is free. My town’s annual charity show has a twenty-dollar entry fee. A regional Goodguys show might be fifty to seventy-five dollars. But to enter a high-level, judged Concours d’Elegance, the entry fee can be over five hundred dollars, not to mention the tens of thousands you must spend to get your car to that competitive level. There’s a level of participation for every budget, from free and casual to incredibly expensive and serious.
How to Handle Criticism of Your Car at a Show
You will inevitably overhear someone criticize your car. I once heard a guy say my choice of wheels was “all wrong.” My first instinct was to get defensive. Instead, I walked over, introduced myself, and asked, “That’s an interesting point. What wheels do you think would look better?” This disarmed him completely. He ended up being a nice guy, and we had a good conversation. Remember that your car is your personal expression. Listen to feedback, but don’t let negativity ruin your day.
The Future of Car Shows in a Digital World
Some say the internet will kill car shows, but I think it will only enhance them. While online forums and social media are great for connecting with people globally, they can’t replicate the physical experience of a car show. You can’t hear the rumble of a V8 or see the deep gloss of a new paint job on a screen. The future will be a hybrid model: online communities will drive people to in-person events, and those events will be documented and shared online, broadening their reach and creating a stronger, more connected global community.
The Charity Aspect: How Car Shows Give Back to the Community
Many people don’t realize that a huge number of car shows are fundraisers for charity. My local club’s annual show raises thousands of dollars for the children’s hospital. The entry fees, raffle ticket sales, and food vendor proceeds all go to a good cause. It’s a fantastic way for the car community to leverage its passion to make a real, positive impact. It transforms a weekend hobby into a powerful tool for giving back.
The Best Car Show I’ve Ever Been To, and Why
The best car show I ever attended was a small, informal gathering at a vintage gas station that had been restored into a museum. There were only about 30 cars. There were no awards and no judges. The owner fired up the old gas pumps and shared stories about the station’s history. We sat around, talked, and helped one owner fix a minor issue on his car. It wasn’t about the cars; it was about the atmosphere, the history, and the camaraderie. It felt like stepping back in time.
The “Celebrity” Car Owners You Meet at Shows
At a big national show, I saw a crowd gathered around a car. The owner was a well-known TV personality from a popular car restoration show. It’s always interesting to see these “celebrity” builders and owners in person. Some are incredibly gracious and happy to talk to fans. Others seem a bit overwhelmed by the attention. It’s a reminder that behind the TV persona, they are just enthusiasts like the rest of us, who are passionate about their cars.
The Moment You See Your Car Drive Across the Auction Stage on TV
After months of preparation, the moment arrived. I watched my car, the one I had poured my blood, sweat, and tears into, roll onto the brightly lit stage at a Mecum auction. The cameras zoomed in, and the auctioneer started his chant. My phone started buzzing with texts from friends watching on TV. It was a surreal, out-of-body experience. Seeing my personal project presented to a national audience under those famous lights was the ultimate validation of all my hard work.
Why the People Are More Important Than the Cars
I’ve been to shows with priceless cars and had a terrible time. I’ve been to small shows with humble cars and had the time of my life. After years in this hobby, I’ve realized the truth: the cars are just the catalyst. They are the excuse for us to get together. The real value of the hobby is in the people you meet, the friendships you forge, and the community you build. The shared passion for the machines is what brings us together, but it’s the human connection that makes us stay.