1957 Chevrolet Bel Air by Markus Spiske.

The sense of community and camaraderie is one of the great, if lesser-known, delights of classic car ownership. There are few pursuits in which enthusiasts have such genuine and mutual interest and enthusiasm, and are as keen to hear about other people’s cars as they are to talk about their own.

There is no better place to do so than at a classic car show. There are classic car meets every weekend, from informal gatherings numbering a dozen or so vehicles gathered at a village fete to the great classic car events such as the Syracuse Nationals in upstate New York to the NEC Classic Car Show in Birmingham, UK.

The joy is in the journey

OK understood, there will always be a few trailer princesses that owners cannot bear to expose to the public highway in case they get splashed by a molecule of road dirt. All joking aside, sometimes classic cars are even transported internationally to shows. But most classics get to a car show under their own power, and setting off early to drive there in time for the start is all part of the fun.

Seeing more and more classics around you on the public road as you get closer to the venue makes you feel like you’ve slipped back in time. Inevitably, you will encounter a casualty or two along the way, so be prepared for anything, as it could be you. A fan belt, for example, takes five minutes to replace – but only if you have a spare one at the ready and the right sized spanners!

Last minute grooming

Your car is the star. It doesn’t have to be in perfect condition to be popular at a show – in fact, you often see people taking more interest in classics with patina and even a few battle scars that are still in daily use than immaculately restored period pieces. But still make sure yours looks as respectable as possible.

Focus in particular on the interior as that is where people tend to look. After all, the real nostalgia comes from memories of sitting in the back, surrounded by that “old car smell”, not staring at the outside. Make sure modern day distractions and junk are cleared away.

Don’t be that guy

There’s nothing more off-putting than a “do not touch” sign on a classic. It screams get away from my car! Yes, we’ve all winced occasionally as some small child deposits chocolate fingerprints on the gleaming paintwork of a classic, but it’s only chocolate, it will soon wash off.

Understood, someone else’s unruly and chocolate-besmeared child is not what you need climbing around inside, so just keep the doors locked but the windows down a little to let people get a sniff of that old car interior if you are worried. In general, people at classic car shows are fellow enthusiasts, and the majority teach their children to be respectful, so try to relax!

Share the history

If you’ve been through adventures with your classic, they are all part of its story. A photo board makes a fun addition and people will always be interested in the car’s history. Maybe you’ve owned it for years and have pictures of it in family holiday snaps from years gone by.

Or maybe you bought it as a basket case and have photos taken during the strip-down and restoration.

Join a club

It varies from show to show, but most have a mixture of private exhibitors showing their cars and club stands. Joining a club can be a great way to get the most out of a car show. For example, if you own a classic Plymouth like the one in Christine, the Plymouth Owners Club is active across the USA and has a stand at most shows.

Showing your car on a club stand means you’re guaranteed to have like-minded company, and it is even more special to park your car up alongside others of the same make and model. It also gives you a little more freedom to relax and spend time looking at the other cars on show as you know someone will always be on the club stand keeping an eye on everything.

Use it and share the joy

Classic car ownership is a wonderful hobby. But remember, cars were not designed to sit cosseted in temperature controlled dehumidified garages under dust sheets. Get yours out, drive it and enjoy it.

Even more to the point, allow others to share the joy and nostalgia that an old car brings. There’s nowhere better to do so than at a classic car show – hope to see you at one soon!