100-plus cars ready for classic car show
- The Antique & Classic Car, Truck and Motorcycle Show will be held on May 21 at Huntsville-Madison County Senior Center. Jim True stands by his 1940 Buick Century. CONTRIBUTED
MADISON – Gleaming chrome and buffed finishes will shine at the Antique & Classic Car, Truck and Motorcycle Show.
The North Alabama Region of Antique Automobile Club of America (AACA) will host its annual show on May 21 at Huntsville-Madison County Senior Center, 2200 Drake Ave. SW in Huntsville.
Registration will run from 8 a.m. to noon with awards around 2 p.m. Spectators will be admitted free.
“We’re expecting to see over 100 cars this year … possibly more if the weather cooperates,” local chapter president Jim True said. “Spectators will be delighted by the variety this show draws.”
“We expect to see Model As as they came off the assembly line through beefed-up and heavily modified muscle cars. Two cars can share the same year/model, except one is original and other modified,” True said.
Cars and motorcycles older than 25 years are eligible for judging. Judging is kept on a peer-to-peer level in classes for “Modified” and “Production” vehicles. To-date, 34 classes will compete; each class will have first-, second- and third-place awards. Owners also can register non-judged vehicles.
Special awards are President’s Choice, Mayor’s Choice by Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle, Ron Barnett Memorial, Best of Show (Original and Modified) and George R. Snellen Memorial (Best MOPAR). Gene Moran is show chairman.
Most exhibitors are local, but some owners travel from throughout Alabama, along with Tennessee, Georgia and Mississippi.
Since early childhood, True has appreciated antique cars. In 2011, he built a garage to further his hobby. He prefers vehicles from the 1930s-1950s.
“Surprisingly, it doesn’t take large sums of money to own and enjoy an antique car. My first old car, a 1948 Dodge, wasn’t spectacular but turned heads and didn’t cost a fortune. Plus, I enjoyed the heck out of it,” True said.
Registration fees are $20, first vehicle; $10, each additional vehicle; and $10, non-judged.
The automobile club displays, tours, holds technical sessions and supports other antique car group activities. “We offer innovative, interesting and rewarding antique car programs to the entire membership,” True said.
For more information about the show or AACA membership, email president@naraaca.org or visit naraaca.org.