Stuff from the Stone's River Car Club Swap Meet

It’s still winter in Nashville, but that doesn’t mean that people have given up on their automotive projects. There are cars in various states of readiness all over the city. Now’s the time that people are searching for parts and pieces for their pride and joy. Swap meets are happening on a pretty regular basis right now, and one of the best swap meets was the Stone’s River Car Club event at the Tennessee State Fairgrounds. How’s about we take a look-see at some of the more interesting stuff out there.

This looks to be about a 1991 Camaro RS that’s done up in California Highway Patrol colors. Old police cars always draw my attention anyway, and this one would have really been something back in the day. If this was a real CHP car, it probably had the B4C police package. That means it had the RS badges and no hood scoops, but the Z28 suspension and 350-c.i. engine was hidden underneath. Pretty interesting stuff—and actually kind of rare.

Here are some General Motors automotive products that someone had for sale. When my dad went to work for GM in the late 1960s, his first job title was “Reconditioning Instructor.” Basically, he would haul this stuff around to Chevrolet dealerships in his territory, show them how to use it, and hopefully get them to stock some of it in their parts and reconditioning departments. I guess I’m mentioning it because the cans are familiar, as we always had a lot of them hanging around in our garage. It’s funny how something like a can of tar remover can spark memories, but there you go.

I actually tried pretty hard to buy this 1/25-scale plastic Wienermobile promotional model, but the seller and I couldn’t come to an agreement on the price. These came out in 1954. They had a friction motor similar to other promo cars of the day, and were sold in toy stores around Chicago, Ill., and Madison, Wis. They had a little “Bobbing Oscar” that would pop in and out of the top. Later versions of this model had a coin bank slot where Oscar used to pop out. I’m not sure, but I think they were made by PMC, because they have features that are similar to their other promo models of the day.

When General Motors introduced their new colonnade mid-sized cars in 1973, some of the coupes were equipped with optional swivel bucket seats. Not only could you slide the seat forward and backward to reach the steering wheel, but it would spin out toward the door to make it easier to get in. They didn’t build that many Malibus, Monte Carlos, Lagunas, Cutlasses, and Regals like this before they discontinued the option after 1977, but there are a few still out there. Now, if you own one of the cars, but you don’t have the seats, you could have bought this set at the swap meet and, well, swapped them out.

This little ’30 Ford Model A Tudor (two door) was a sharp car. It actually may have been too nice for this venue, because it was beyond the scope of “project car” at this point. Model A production began in 1927, and they started at about $500 brand new. The owner of this one was asking $17,900. That’s pretty good appreciation, but it might be worth it to someone. Over the years, the popular Model A has proven to be one of the most reliable, enjoyable, and affordable classic cars out there. No, it’s not a hot rod, but you don’t always have to go fast to enjoy the vintage motoring experience.

I took 180 pictures at the 2015 Stone’s River Car Club Swap Meet. Check them out in the slideshow below, or click this link for a nicer version.