24th-Annual AACA Spring Meet features factory stock in Mt. Juliet

You might think that having a car show on the same weekend that Goodguys is in town, on a cloudy, misty day, might not be a recipe for success. And while the car count may have been a little light for the 24th-Annual AACA Spring Meet at the Wilson County Bank in Mt. Juliet, I would still consider it a win. As usual, there were some very nice cars out there. I’ve always liked this event because it draws in a lot of interesting, unmodified cars. I like hot rods, but I also like to see things the way they came from the factory. Many of the car owners at this show do a great job of preserving that history. 

Consistency is key at KC Classic Auto Display

I was recently back in Kansas City, so naturally I had to get some car thing in. This time dad and stopped by KC Classic Auto, something that we’ve done many times in the past 25 years. Cars may come and go here, but the atmosphere always stays the same. The place is as grungy as ever. A guy always chases you down to get a dollar to look at the cars. Most of what’s there is decent, but not Concourse-quality. And yet, every once in a while, you find a gem. In a world of change, KC Classic Auto remains the same. I think that’s what I like about it. Not everything needs to be the latest and greatest. Sometimes you just need a place like this.

2014 Chrysler 300S Hemi test drive review. Even better than they used to be

They don’t make ‘em like they used to.  You hear people say that all the time when it comes to the current state of new cars.  And for the most part, that’s probably true.  There aren’t many places that you can buy a large, V8, rear-wheel-drive car anymore that can devour highway miles like they did 20-30 years ago.  But I can tell you from firsthand experience that there is at least one place—your Chrysler dealer.  I just spent a week driving a loaded 2014 Chrysler 300S, and it combines everything you loved about those old cars with all the new features people expect and crave. 

Kansas City Mecum Collector Car Auction turns out to be a great car show

The joy of car shows is often a result of hanging out with friends and talking to people about your car.  But if you really like looking at other peoples’ cars, and aren’t as much into the social aspect, one of the best car shows in Kansas City turns up twice a year in Bartle Hall.  The December installment of the Kansas City Mecum auction was last weekend.  Where else can you see 700 cars, all in top, ready-to-sell condition, parked without the restrictions of ropes and stanchions?  From an automotive standpoint, there are few car shows that can top this around here. And if you bring your checkbook, every one of these vehicles has the potential to go home to the highest bidder.

Quality is the key at Wagner's Classic Cars

A couple of weeks ago, I had the opportunity to check out the inventory at Wagner’s Classic Cars in Bonner Springs.  I really like going there, because they have some of the nicest cars around.  But I held the story back so I could present it when I had fewer car shows to write about.  But believe me, this place is as good as any car show.  Let’s take a look at some of the exceptional cars that were on hand during our visit.

2013 Ram 1500 SLT 4X4 V6 test drive review. Better than I wanted it to be

I’m a diehard Chevy truck guy.  Always have been.  So when the nice folks at Chrysler delivered this 2013 Ram 1500 SLT Crew Cab 4X4 to let me try out for a week, I really didn’t want to like it.  But dammit, this truck was too good not to like.  Why did they have to go and mess with everything I believe in?

2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit 4X4 test drive review. Luxurious SUV muscle car

The Fourth of July was last week, so what better vehicle to drive during that all-American holiday than a new Jeep?  I had the opportunity to celebrate Independence Day behind the wheel of an all-new 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit 4X4, and it really was a great experience.  I’ve been in some pretty rough vehicles with the Jeep badge affixed to them over the years, but this ain’t one of ‘em.  The new Grand Cherokee is about as refined and luxurious as you could ever want.  There’s not much here to remind you of the old Army Jeep of yore.