Local classic car shows
 

Local classic car shows can be a great place to show off a fuel economy project car. Our area has at least two weekly repeating shows during the summer, plus others that are once a year events. The weekly ones especially are simple events with no admission fee, little or no rules, etc. Just a way to get the public to come to the grounds and buy some sodas etc. while they're there.

I've attended one of the events twice now, and both times had a bunch of people that asked me about the car. Each time, I attracted someone with track experience who gave me well intentioned advice on how to improve the mpg. 1/4 mile track concepts don't necessarily translate to mpg but it's interesting to see people's minds at work.

Some props help. I brought along an 11x17 print of my avatar photo (at left) from the Watkins Glen Green Grand Prix, taped to the hood. A mirror about 11x14 so you can see the belly pan. You get the idea. A big sign "I STIFF OPEC every mile!!" would work for most any of us here.

OK, my car's not a classic, and most of the cars on this board aren't either. No matter. I called the organizer in advance, told them my car isn't a classic but I think it's interesting, and that was good enough for him. He said I certainly could be there. I did have to stick up for myself when I showed up the first time, the "traffic director" waved me over towards regular parking. I told him it was a fuel economy project car and he said basically, "OK, pull over in there".

very kewl almost like a grass roots start. great job

brucepick -

Great Job!

I've had that thought in the back of my mind. But I'm too scruffy, or at least my car is scruffy. In order to look the part, I feel like I would need to have the car detailed before the show. I know that I would also be intimidated by the hardcore engine-gurus.

CarloSW2

Thanks, friend.

For a work-in-progress project car, I don't think appearance would matter THAT much. I've seen project cars there that aren't shiny at all, and not even finished by a long shot. Maybe wash it if it has caked on dirt? Just put a big sign on the windshield, "43 MPG. Paid $x000." or something. And be ready to talk it up a bit. People will want to know how you do it.

I don't worry about the people who walk past my car. If I talk fuel economy with a handful of people in an evening, I think that's a win. The more the merrier.

brucepick -

Yeah, on balance I know that it would work out because there would be people that benefit from me being there (aka saving $ on fuel!).

For me I would want to do a lot of prep. When I was a kid I was so scared of oral reports that I would practice them to the nines. I would have the same "instinct" at a car show even if it wasn't necessary.

The nice thing is that I have so much data and mods that I could build up a nice portfolio for the car.

CarloSW2

Classic car shows in Southern California
 

I totally agree. Thanks for posting this thought. There are a couple such shows I know of here that I have wondered about going to with my car. Last week, I asked the hosts of one if I could bring my car when I noticed in a photo that among the Chargers, Vettes, and other muscle cars was a 2006 Prius! I'm planning to go to that one on Sunday Aug 14th. If anyone in Southern Cali wants to come with me... PM me and we'll coordinate. Either way, I'll try to post photos to this thread. Could be funny. It's just a friendly little show in an independent coffee shop lot. Should be fun. I love old GM muscle-cars too.

Neat idea. I always hate when new stock Camaros, Challengers, Chargers, Mustangs etc. show up and take the spots from actual classics. However, this being a modified car it seems like fun. Maybe I'll do it at some point, although one of the local shows is strictly 1975 or older.

If it gets great mileage who cares if it's not show clean? I'd proudly put the "XXmpg, $500" sign on my car.

Last Monday at the local show, a couple came up to see me - who had been sent by someone I talked with a couple weeks before! At every show, I end up talking with several people who actually are interested in what I did and how.

I regularly took cars to local car shows, my 71 CB350 would get 55 MPG while many at the shows were getting 5 MPG on $8+ a gallon cam 2. My next door neighbor has a reproduction Copo 427 Camaro. It costs him $2 a mile to drive it. Last time we talked about fuel consumtion. He told me he uses 1000 gallons a month.

regards
Mech