Maybe your partner is keen and reluctantly you've agreed to go. Even if you're not very interested in cars, I guarantee you'll see examples of amazing craftsmanship and artistry, not to mention the most eclectic mix of people.
There's really only one rule... Never Touch A Car!
A car owner has spent hours waxing the paint and buffing the brightwork to absolute perfection. The last thing they need is a big oily handprint on their pride and joy. Lean in close to get a good look, but be sure you don't have any loose dangly bits (jewellery, cameras, water bottles, etc. that could bang into the car. If you've brought a young child, make sure they know this "No Touching Rule." If they can't abide by it, they don't yet belong at the show. Strollers and baby carriages should be used with great car and consideration - keep them well away from the cars. If you rode your bicycle to the show, bring a lock to secure it and then walk through the show.
Ask Questions:
If a certain car catches your eye, look behind it and you'll often find the owner sitting in a lounge chair. Ask, "Is this your car?" If the answer's yes, then be assured almost all: specialty, vintage, hotrod, custom, or high performance car owners like nothing better than to talk about their project. You don't have to know all kinds of technical data to converse with a car guy or girl. Start off with a question like, "How long have you had the car?" If you're looking at a restored car, maybe ask, "What year is it?" Once you get a conversation started, you'll be amazed at what you find out. In Seattle, I spoke to a fellow in his late eighties who'd been driving his 1915 Maxwell for more than 70 years!
Works In Progress
Not every car on display will be perfectly restored or a $150,000.00 professionally built hot rod. Make a point of looking at some of the less polished examples. Cars can take years to build and an owner may show it at various stages. If you become acquainted with a car and its owner early on, it can be interesting to check their progress over the course of a few years.
Family Affairs
Often a project car will be built by a father and son or daughter team, or perhaps a husband and wife. I know of many such arrangements - often one of the team handles the mechanical part of the project and the other the cosmetic. And don't assume it's always the guy turning the wrenches!
Watch for Photographers
There will be many photographers at a car show. If you see one waiting to get a clear shot of a car, please stop for a moment and let them get their picture. When I'm photographing a car, I like to have people in the shot, I try to get them admiring the car, but not blocking it. Easier said than done sometimes.
It's Nice To Come Early
While it's great to walk into a car show in full swing, Arrive early enough to see the cars drive in, and you're in for a treat. Specialty cars are not only a visual experience, but audio as well. It's impossible to describe in words the sound of a five hundred horsepower V-8. It will be a tad loud, but its deep pulsing rumble will stay with you. At the other end of the audio spectrum is the quaint antique sound of a Model T as it chugs by,
Avoid Sensory Overload
There's a lot to see at a car show, but don't rush, take your time. If you find you're glazing over, take a break. Get a snack and drink and sit for a while. Some shows have hundreds of cars on display and a break will give you a chance to digest what you've seen. Once your batteries are re-charged, carry on - but if you decide you've had enough, that's OK too.
Car shows are meant to be fun, social experience for both car owners and spectators alike. I urge you to spend a sunny Sunday afternoon at one. Who knows you might yourself bitten by the specialty car bug!
Posted from Mainz, Germany
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