What type of “Show Car” for casual car show enthusiast?

[C-Ya]

Where I live, there are multiple Car Shows every weekend. Most are casual events. The cars can be all over the range. Some are trailered to these events, while others are driven.

As I get older, I find myself wanting to get involved in this fun hobby. What keeps me from doing it, is that I don’t want to be constantly wrenching and working on whatever I buy. I want it turn key and reliable. Does this exist with this type of hobby?

I just want to be a casual participant with a cool ride that I drove to event. When I am not taking it to car shows, I am cruising the beach cities with it.

I really like Rat Rods, but they sound like you need to be a master mechanic to own one.

What would you suggest that I purchase? Ideas?

 

[hallett21]

Own a pair of new balances and jean shorts?

 

[Todd Mohr]

I would think a sorted out rat rod would be pretty reliable and turn key, most of them don't seem to be high performance, they are fun to look at though. I'm sure Bones could set you up with something pretty cool.

 

[Flying_Lavey]

My grandpa was a member of a long time car club over here for years. For the longest time he had just his '26 Model T that he built back in the early to mid 80's. He then built a '39 Ford Coupe and traded off between the 2 for the shows. He passed away a few years ago, but we still have the '26. Matter of fact, I think I'm going to take it out tonight. The thing is pretty damn reliable. It has a 3.8 Buick V6 (the same engine as a Grand National but without the hairdryer) backed by a turbo 350 and a 4-linked 9".

Its all about a generally reliable drivetrain and not building it to be on the bleeding edge of its capabilities nor driving it like such.

 

[NicPaus]

I would have @bonesfab build me 57 Chevy Bel Air!

 

[DaveH]

If i was going to have a car show and beach cruiser, definitely T or targa top would be a must.

i think 70's era vettes are somewhat reasonable, and depending on your skill set, not to difficult to work on. Lots of parts for these cars too and do an LS swap with modern electronic trans would be nice. it all boils down to how much you want to spend vs how much you want to do yourself.

 

[Flying_Lavey]

Taking my 2 oldests for a ride in it about 5 years ago.

 

[NicPaus]

Less than I expected. To just buy 1 already done

 

[rivermobster]

Tri 5 Chebby's are beyond played out at the car shows. I'm not a huge Caddy fan, but this one...

This one looks pretty sweet...

Jane Davis on Instagram: "@red_rum1960 ‘s windowless Cadillac. Yep, you heard it correctly. Look at the channels. All sealed in. Bold move on a classic car owner’s part. ▫️ ▫️ ▫️🎥 @bettyzwithchevyz #classiccar #musclecar #hotrod #protouring #restom

299K likes, 2,447 comments - bettyzwithchevyz on June 8, 2024: "@red_rum1960 ‘s windowless Cadillac. Yep, you heard it correctly. Look at the channels. All sealed in. Bold move on a classic car owner’s part. ▫️ ▫️ ▫️🎥 @bettyzwithchevyz #classiccar #musclecar #hotrod #protouring #restomod...

www.instagram.com

 

[ChrisV]

Nissan GTR with an 1500awhp package. Good dick magnet.

 

[DC-88]

I'd go El Camino 64'- 69' , AT/ line lock for some good burnouts leaving the shows

 

[lbhsbz]

If you’re unable or unwilling to work on it, I would start with seeking out local shops that are, and see what you have at your disposal. Then start looking.

My first thought though is if you have to ask that question…maybe show cars / hot rods aren’t for you. There’s a certain pride in having built it or restored it and knowing everything about it to chat about with the attendees of car shows. Without that, it’s kinda like driving your Honda to Starbucks.

 

[clarence]

Porsche 356 (or any) Outlaw

 

[Gripside80]

Wife drives this couple times a week. Granted I do work out bugs time and time again

 

[Gripside80]

It’s all about budget. You can have a brand new turn key old car if funds permit. With the abundance of technology and quality parts these days. It’s very easy to have a turn key driver.

 

[clarence]

I'd love to build (have built for me) a 968 Outlaw.

"Outlaw" 944s....where are they? - Rennlist - Porsche Discussion Forums

924/931/944/951/968 Forum - "Outlaw" 944s....where are they? - Love the style of an outlaw 356 or an R-Gruppe 911. :rockon: But never seem to see they same kind of style and ingenuity in cars like the 944, even though it could be an idea platform for it. Where are all the cars that are NOT track...

rennlist.com

 

[COCA COLA COWBOY]

I would get a pro mod racecar and make it street legal. You would be the talk of every event!

 

[monkeyswrench]

Depends on what you want to do. A clean restomod with AC and EFI would be fun and pretty reliable if done right. A clean Fox body is now considered a collector car, not fast stock, but very reliable and common.

 

[bonesfab]

It depends on what has been done to them and by whom. All I drive for the most part is old classic junk. My 59 wagon has been pretty turn key reliable since day one. A few minor things in 50k miles. The problem with buying a car "done" is you don't know any back story. I joke that people don't sell cars when they are turn key sorted. They sell them when they are frustrated with them. Wiring is one of the biggest issues we come across. The cars are 50 years old plus and have had every Tom, Dick, and Harry "repairing" them. Wire nuts. wires twisted together and taped, power wires through a jagged hole in the firewall. I love them and the smiles they put on peoples faces, but they are not for every one.

 

[bonesfab]

I would get a pro mod racecar and make it street legal. You would be the talk of every event!

He could join street outlaws if he did that.

 

[81Sprint]

I would go resto-mod for sure, nice classic on the outside, modern drivetrain and power and reliability underneath.

If I had NVIDIA money, a 78 TA with an LT4 would be in my garage.

 

[gqchris]

I would go resto-mod for sure, nice classic on the outside, modern drivetrain and power and reliability underneath.

If I had NVIDIA money, a 78 TA with an LT4 would be in my garage.

View attachment 1411584

sweet baby jesus

 

[Cole Trickle]

resto mod...

Some kind of classic chevy/ford with modern ls3/5.0 running gear and vintage air AC.

Way cheaper to buy something done than build your own.

We can find you something. What kind of cars do you like and what's the budget.

 

[Todd Mohr]

I would go resto-mod for sure, nice classic on the outside, modern drivetrain and power and reliability underneath.

If I had NVIDIA money, a 78 TA with an LT4 would be in my garage.

View attachment 1411584

Not a resto mod, but still fun with some modern upgrades, 5 speed, Painless wiring, and Vintage Air

 

[AZLineman]

Buy/build whatever you like. Just make sure it has good brakes with how everyone drives these days. Tons of car shows every weekend starting Thursday night through Sunday all the time where I live. Some 10 minutes away some an hour away and everything in between. I don't drive my car very far because it's on front runners and it's spooled but it's fun sometimes to go to the closer shows. I usually do some big gnarly burnout when I'm leaving. Sometimes some Karen will complain so I'll do a second one

 

[RVR_RCN]

Where I live, there are multiple Car Shows every weekend. Most are casual events. The cars can be all over the range. Some are trailered to these events, while others are driven.

As I get older, I find myself wanting to get involved in this fun hobby. What keeps me from doing it, is that I don’t want to be constantly wrenching and working on whatever I buy. I want it turn key and reliable. Does this exist with this type of hobby?

I just want to be a casual participant with a cool ride that I drove to event. When I am not taking it to car shows, I am cruising the beach cities with it.

I really like Rat Rods, but they sound like you need to be a master mechanic to own one.

What would you suggest that I purchase? Ideas?

If you don't like wrenching, find a classic with LS swap - buy a completed project, always cheaper than paying to build your own! all Barrett-Jackson auctions usually have an abundance of choices ranging from $100k and up.

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[Todd Mohr]

Not all that pretty stuff at B/J is all sorted out, some are put together for the auction and not always as turn key as they look.

 

[Badchoices03]

Own a pair of new balances and jean shorts?

He said he was looking for a car, not a Schiada....lol

 

[RVR_RCN]

My almost finished project-

1969 Stingray
495hp LS3
Tremec 6-speed manual

 

[coolchange]

If you have to ask….

 

[RVR_RCN]

Not all that pretty stuff at B/J is all sorted out, some are put together for the auction and not always as turn key as they look.

Agreed, have to do your homework and inspect onsite!

 

[Badchoices03]

Nissan GTR with an 1500awhp package. Good dick magnet.

I would take this over any car mentioned in the thread so far....RHD would make it even more better...lol

 

[C-Ya]

resto mod...

Some kind of classic chevy/ford with modern ls3/5.0 running gear and vintage air AC.

Way cheaper to buy something done than build your own.

We can find you something. What kind of cars do you like and what's the budget.

I absolutely love the car in the video below. However, there is no way in hell that my wife and I could easily get into and out of it. I need more headroom!

BTW, I’ve seen the car in this video. It is a complete Head Turner!

 

[OLDRAAT]

I would have @bonesfab build me 57 Chevy Bel Air!

Actually anything from @bonesfab would be amazing.

 

[pixrthis]

I like unique hot rods with AC, disc brakes, fuel injection, and an overdrive or 5 speed manual transmission. There are great deals on cars that someone is done with the hobby or ready for their next project. My father in law has sold many cars he has between $85-100K in for $35-50K. I don’t think the scenario is that uncommon.

 

[LakeMeadLavey]

This kid built an over the top rat rod. He actually drives it on the street out here in Thousand Oaks have seen him a few times and the car just sounds nasty. The fabricator who did the chassis is super talented. Pretty sure Bones knows Griffin and this car well. He has a few bad ass cars check his IG @griffinsteinfeld

 

[Willie B]

… Since you are in Florida… You might consider a convertible of some sort… I owned three verts all at the same time… Eeny Meeny, Miny, Moe, which one do I drive today… 73 Buick Centurion convertible… 60 Cadillac convertible… 70 Torino convertible… Still have the Buick…

 

[FENDERFAB]

This one is nice. Not a huge nova fan but looks killer and im sure is fast with that engine setup

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[mash on it]

This was at the Williams car show back in June. Late 40s? Early 50s? Dodge flatbed, not restored. Probably just fixed up. Still had a flat head 6 and manual transmission. Hobart welder looks like you could use it, leads and all.

Dan'l

 

[lbhsbz]

I live in Long Beach and there’s all kinds of stupid shit I see rolling around daily. The one that gets my attention? An absolutely showroom mint ‘86 Caprice Classic driven by an old man with his wife in the passenger seat. Probably the last new car they bought and they’ve not let it degrade at all.

 

[Nosocks]

Own a pair of new balances and jean shorts?

Tuck the shirt into the jean shorts and talk about how much your house has appreciated since 1986.

 

[SoCalDave]

My vote and looks like fun.

Seriously I've always wanted a 66 or 67 Chevy II.

 

[Cole Trickle]

I absolutely love the car in the video below. However, there is no way in hell that my wife and I could easily get into and out of it. I need more headroom!

BTW, I’ve seen the car in this video. It is a complete Head Turner!

I always thought this factory 5 truck was pretty cool. perhaps you could call them and see if anyone is looking to sell.

good modern chassis.

Joey Logano built a pretty cool one.

FFR-Logano Hot Rod Truck Featured by Ridiculous Rides! - Factory Five Racing

Awesome footage of the Factory Five ’35 Drift Truck with Joey Logano! Below are videos from the build-up of Joey’s…

www.factoryfive.com

'35 Hot Rod Truck - Factory Five Racing

Overview Period-Correct Wicked Fast ’35 Truck! The all-new Factory Five ’35 Hot Rod Pick-Up Truck delivers renowned Factory Five handling…

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[stephenkatsea]

If you don’t want to maintain and prepare it, what you need is someone to care for it. They are out there. A local shop or club may be able to recommend somebody. I knew the guy who owned OP swim/clothing at its prime. He had a fleet of collector cars and an unlimited dragster. All he did was drive them. He had others to care for them.

 

[Orange Juice]

Where I live, there are multiple Car Shows every weekend. Most are casual events. The cars can be all over the range. Some are trailered to these events, while others are driven.

As I get older, I find myself wanting to get involved in this fun hobby. What keeps me from doing it, is that I don’t want to be constantly wrenching and working on whatever I buy. I want it turn key and reliable. Does this exist with this type of hobby?

I just want to be a casual participant with a cool ride that I drove to event. When I am not taking it to car shows, I am cruising the beach cities with it.

I really like Rat Rods, but they sound like you need to be a master mechanic to own one.

What would you suggest that I purchase? Ideas?

You can’t go wrong with a a Big Block Corvette

I like the 1966 396 4spd model, in blue

 

[hallett21]

How about a 2007-2015 mustang Shelby?

 

[Sharp Shooter]

Where I live, there are multiple Car Shows every weekend. Most are casual events. The cars can be all over the range. Some are trailered to these events, while others are driven.

As I get older, I find myself wanting to get involved in this fun hobby. What keeps me from doing it, is that I don’t want to be constantly wrenching and working on whatever I buy. I want it turn key and reliable. Does this exist with this type of hobby?

I just want to be a casual participant with a cool ride that I drove to event. When I am not taking it to car shows, I am cruising the beach cities with it.

I really like Rat Rods, but they sound like you need to be a master mechanic to own one.

What would you suggest that I purchase? Ideas?

I've been attending car shows since I was in grade school. My dad planted that seed in me. IMO most old dudes have a car that ties into a memory from their youth. It might have been a car they owned or maybe a friend or relatives' car. Do you have any fun car memories from back in the day? That might help you decide what you want.

You don't need to be a master mechanic for any of these cars. All you need is a competent shop (or friend) or a car that was built and or maintained by a competent shop. You can experience difficulty from any drivetrain regardless of technology if it wasn't built and or tuned correctly. These old cars were daily transportation for people when these cars were new. They drove them across the country just like we do today.

Figure out what kind of car you want and then go shopping. I suggest a finished car from a private party. Take the car to some cruise nights and start making friends with those guys. You'll soon value those friendships enough to keep on cruisin' and meeting up regularly. Enjoying the cars while hangin with friends is what it's all about.

Happy hunting!

 

[DaveH]

got to hot august nights in Reno and bring your checkbook.

 

[mobldj]

prices are fucking ridiculous.have had a few classic show cars.i could never afford to get in the game again

 

[Dog]

It depend what your goal is. If you are in it to win trophy's check out the "classes," find something that fits in one of the smaller classes and make it bad ass...

An old co worker has a 2000's era truck that he shows in a pre-something or other class for trucks and wins trophies almost every weekend. Not a lot of "custom" to it besides paint and interior. He also has a whole display that he sets up.