Classic Car Show Etiquette
Who doesn’t love a classic car show? There’s usually good food and great music, interesting people, and of course the cars. As you walk around enjoying beauty after beauty it’s important to know what you should and shouldn’t do – a little classic car show etiquette, if you will.
Whether you are a spectator at car shows or a participant, there’s always “that guy” skulking around. You know the one. He expresses his opinion (almost always loudly and usually negative) about the cars, touches the cars without asking, and is quick to point out every single flaw.
You know, that guy you want to cart off the grounds and ban for life.
Thing is, it’s pretty easy to be “that guy.” You might not be quite as obnoxious, but it is easy to slip into some bad habits that are frowned upon at car shows. So, let’s take a look at the big ones. That’s a good place to start.
Don’t touch!
Rule number one at any car show is simple. Look, but do not touch – without asking first anyway. You can transfer dirt and grease to the car’s surface or even damage the paint job. Plus, it’s just plain rude to put your hands on something that isn’t yours without asking permission first.
Don’t smoke, eat, or drink around the cars.
Smoke is a bear to get out of upholstery. Food and drinks can get spilled and the last thing you want is for it to land on or near a collector car. Have a cig break in the parking lot, away from the cars on display. If there is a food court at the show, enjoy your food and drink there or find a corner away from the cars. It will be appreciated.
Watch your kids.
Bring your kids to car shows. Best to get them started early! But when you bring them, teach them proper car show etiquette.
And keep an eye on them.
Don’t allow your children to run through the show, dashing from exhibit to exhibit, touching cars, squealing, and basically treating the car show like an amusement park. Set an example of good car show etiquette, then reinforce it by teaching them.
Leave your pet at home.
Sure, it’s fun to bring Fido to the car show, but it’s not really the place for him unless the show specifically states that it is pet friendly. Even then, keep a tight leash on Fluffy – literally. You don’t want your pooch hiking a leg on some guy’s pristine resto project or leaving little goodies on the path for others to step in. That’s just not cool.
Best to leave them at home.
Keep the noise down to a dull roar.
Boom boxes are fun to have at your display and it’s just too hard to resist a good rev or two as you show off your Turbosmart blow off valve. But there is a point where you are no longer cool; you’re just annoying. Respect the other people around you and keep the noise down.
These simple rules will make your car show visits or participation much more enjoyable. And the other spectators and exhibitors will like you more too! Best of all, you can let someone else be “that guy.”
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