2nd-Annual Auto Fair at Fairgrounds Speedway Nashville brought hot rods to the high banks

Once a month, there is a big flea market at the Nashville Fairgrounds. We went to that on Saturday, and it really is enormous. But just as we thought we couldn’t take another step, it was time to pass through the gate of the Fairgrounds Speedway Nashville, where they were holding Auto Fair, a car show, swap meet, and track day for local enthusiasts. Morning rains and hot, humid conditions probably kept some participants at home, but those that were there seemed to be having a good time in the pits of the historic speed plant.

Surprise cruise at the Mt. Juliet Chick-fil-A

Normally I go out of my way to find car events, but sometimes I find them by accident. Such was the case Saturday night when we went to see How to Train Your Dragon 2 in Mt. Juliet, Tenn., and just happened upon the Mt. Juliet Cruise-In in the Chick-fil-A parking lot. I do like going to the movies, but when I get to see a car show before I go into the movie theatre, well, that’s pretty hard to beat. And although this wasn’t the biggest event I’ve been to, the quality made up for the quantity. Here’s some of the good stuff.

Tri-Fives highlight the Fontanel Cruise

It’s summertime in Nashville, and that means the Fontanel Mansion holds their classic car cruise every Thursday night in Whites Creek. This week, the featured club was the Mid-Tenn Classic ’55-’56-’57 Chevy Club. So after a nice Italian dinner and live music at Café Fontanella, we walked outside for more live music and a neat collection of cars highlighted by shoebox Chevys. This is one of the more picturesque places for a car gathering. Normal people would probably be happy coming out here without the cars even. But I’m not a normal person. Let’s check out the cars!

Return to the Hendersonville Cruise

Check this out. I’ve been a Nashvillian long enough now that I’m actually starting to hit some of the car stuff for the second time. Friday night, it was a repeat visit to the Hendersonville Cruise, where I got to see a bunch of different cars that I hadn’t seen before. This is a pretty big event, and organizers try hard to make this a fun, family get-together. Door prizes and kids dancing to the Hokey Pokey are all pretty nice perks, but as you know, I’m there for the cars. Let’s take a look at some of the standouts.

Wagner's fly-by

A couple of weekends ago, I was able to get back to Kansas City. Whenever I do that, I like to try and hit a car place or two. One of my favorites has always been Wagner’s Classic Auto in Bonner Springs, Kan. Yes, this is a dealership, and their primary function is to sell cars. But the inventory seems to change every time I go there, and the quality of cars on display often surpasses most car shows I go to. I always enjoy going there. Let’s look at some of the cars and maybe you’ll see why.

1953 Ford is ridiculously original

On July 2, 1953, Edward Lamb from Greenville, Tenn., walked into Green County Motor Company with a used car trade-in and $627 cash, and drove away with a brand-new Ford Customline Fordor.  Edward’s Glacier Blue sedan may not have been the flashiest car on the block, but it commemorated Ford’s 50th-Anniversary.  Today, 61 years later, this amazing time capsule has only amassed 31,000 actual miles.  From top to bottom, this car is pristine, untouched, and absolutely original.  It may be the nicest, most honest old car I have ever seen.

C.A.R.S. Car Show at McPherson College was very educational

McPherson College in McPherson, Kan., is well-known for their automotive restoration program. So it stands to reason that they would have an extracurricular club devoted to the subject. For the past 15 years, C.A.R.S. (College Automotive Restoration Students) has put together a big car show at McPherson College that brings together an exceptional collection of cars from throughout the Midwest. This year, my mom and dad met up with our good friend from Colorado Pat Casey to check out all the happenings. Pat was kind enough to send some pictures to share with HMC readers.