Driving in to Classic Car Shows in Greater Cincinnati

I've always loved classic cars. One of my brothers restores 280Zs "just for fun," and even modified one to turn it into a convertible. Someday, when I get around to all of those things I want to do, I will learn how to work on classic cars.

And inevitably, when the weather gets nice, I start thinking again about buying one. My reasons for not buying one in the past include (in no particular order): I don't have a garage. I need a reliable vehicle for road trips.

I'm starting to rethink this again. I can rent a garage, possibly right down the street. And I can rent a car for road trips. The rest of the time, I work from home, so it's not like the wear and tear of a daily commute is an issue. Now the decision becomes, what car to buy?

I'm torn between a classic VW Karmann Ghia convertible (or a coupe with a sunroof) and a host of other classic VWs (Thing, Squareback). At the other end of the spectrum are muscle cars, and I have to admit, I've always been a fan of the 70's Oldsmobile Cutlass convertible. Strictly speaking it's kind of girly for a muscle car, but that's fine by me.

While I'm pondering the classic car I want to buy, vintage car enthusiasts are gearing up for a host of classic car shows in greater Cincinnati:

• The 30th annual Sharonville antique and classic car show is one of the best and most comprehensive classic car shows in the area, offering classic car trophies in almost 30 categories. Sunday, April 29th from 9-5. Downtown Sharonville. I think this one is always free.


• The 37th annual Cincy Street Rods Rod Run and Car Show includes a swap meet and a number of festivities for the family. Sunday, May 20th from 9-4. Butler County Fairgrounds, Route 4 in Hamilton, Ohio. $5 general admission.


• The Concours d'Elegance classic car show also celebrates their 30th anniversary in 2007. This year's theme is The Legends of British Motoring, but this enormous Cincinnati car show features cars of all types. Another special feature this year highlights 30 years of Best in Show Winners. Sunday, June 10th from 10-4. Ault Park. Proceeds benefit the Arthritis Foundation, the cost to go is $20 pre-sale or $25 at the gate day of show.


• The 53rd Annual Antique And Classic Car Parade is an awesome show and because of the location, attracts a lot of pristine cars from up north. Saturday, July 28th. cars on exhibit from 8 to noon, then they take off for the parade and are on display again from 3-5. The parade pretty much shuts down the city, so try to go in the morning. Downtown Hamilton. Free.

There are also about a gazillion classic car cruise-ins at Cincinnati restaurants, one of the cutest, quaintest things about living in the Midwest. Where else can you admire hot vintage cars, listen to an Elvis impersonator howl "Hound Dog" and argue with someone who looks like one of the guys from ZZ Top for 30 minutes about the pros and cons of the Hamilton County demolition derby vs. the Butler County demolition derby? (The Hamilton County demoliton derby is more flashy, but the Butler County version has less rules- if that's possible.)