Mustangs and Chargers and Corvettes, oh my!
And those were just some of the cars in the parking lot at Motor Magic, held this Labor Day weekend at the North Dakota State Fairgrounds in Minot.
A full slate of activities ensured there was something for everyone to see and do. Along with the numerous races today, there is also a historic military vehicle display and simulated impaired driving experience.
Inside the State Fair Center are several events, including a vintage and racing snowmobile display, classic car show and classic car auction.
The auction, which is in its 13th year, features just over 100 vehicles that run the gamut from '80s Ford Mustangs to a supercharged Dodge Durango SUV.
George Masters. owner of the classic car auction, said they have sold out all available auction spaces once again this year.
"Our most unique is probably a 1939 Bentley, up through and including a 2004 Dodge Viper," Masters said. "We have a great variety."
As for cars that get Masters' blood pumping, he mentioned a 1935 Ford and 1967 Chevrolet Camero.
The auction will be held today at noon, and each car will have its moment in the spotlight as it is put on a red carpet right in front of the stage and sold to the highest bidder. Masters said the cars come from owners that span North America, including Canada, Colorado, Minnesota, South Dakota, Montana, and, of course, North Dakota.
An exciting addition to the classic car auction this year is the pedal car auction, which featured 14 custom pedal cars that were auctioned off to the highest bidder, with all proceeds going to Souris Valley United Way. That auction was held Saturday afternoon.
Masters said the idea for the pedal cars came from life-size horses that used to sell for upwards of $10,000.
"These were more manageable, and since it's a car event we thought the pedal cars would be just (perfect), and you can see they're pretty neat," Masters said.
Even though this is the first time the pedal car auction has been tried, Masters was confident it was going to be a hit. Each pedal car is sponsored by businesses in Minot and even one from Bismarck. The cars, which were purchased from Speedway Motors in Nebraska, came painted in a plain gray primer, giving each business carte blanche to come up with a unique final design.
Clowns, flames, American flags and beavers were just a few of the design choices made by the various businesses to create the most custom pedal car around.
"There's one that's painted with an American flag and has a B-52, so that's very patriotic. And there's one made out like a drag-strip car because that guy's into dragging. It's got big, fat tires on it. He actually put bicycle pedals inside. One has working taillights and headlights, LED lights," Masters said. "Some really unique thought went into (them). The one guy in Bismarck painted his to match his car down there."
Each car will have a minimum bid of $100, meaning United Way will get at least $1,400 from the venture. Masters wasn't aiming for a specific total to raise during the auction, but said every pedal car will definitely have an audience interested in it.
"I really don't know what they're going to do, but each car will appeal to a different person," he said.
Just across the State Fair Center was the Dakota Cruisers classic car show. Jerry Black, vice president of Dakota Cruisers, said there are approximately 100 cars and trucks on display. Asked what his favorite cars in the show were, Black didn't hesitate with his answer.
"Any car's a favorite of mine. (I'm) a car nut, love cars period," Black said.
He noted two cars in the show are among the Car of the Year winners this year. The award is given annually in several different categories. The award-winning cars visitors can see at this year's show are a black 1932 Ford Roadster owned by Colin and Marlan St. Croix and a blue and white 1955 Ford Crown Victoria owned by Ron and Carol Penfold. The third award-winning car this year, a 1964 Chevrolet Impala owned by Tony Marsh, is not at the show because Marsh is out of town.
Black noted it is a very high honor to have your car picked as Car of the Year because each owner can only win the award once in his or her lifetime, no matter how many cars they might own.
"This is quite an honor that your peers have picked your car as Car of the Year," Black said.
The theme of this year's show is the "Super '60s." An entire room in the back is dedicated to classic cars and trucks made from 1960-69. Themes from past shows include muscle cars, Mustangs and Mopar cars.
Along with the classic car show, the club is also holding a raffle funds from which will be used to support the club and its college scholarship program. Each year the club gives five $500 scholarships to automotive-related colleges.
Each $1 ticket gives participants the chance to win one of several prizes. The grand prize is a General Motors 350 crate engine or $1,000 cash from Ryan Chevrolet, second place is an Astrostart remote car starter from Minot Chrysler Center, and third place is a set of four Bridgestone/Firestone tires valued at up to $300 from Fisher Motors.
The drawing will be held Sept. 18 at the club's Season Finale at The Vegas Motel.
Wayne Freeman and his 8-year-old son Cole Turner made the trip from Brandon, Man., to check out Motor Magic. It was a little bit of everything that lured the father and son down to Minot.
"The car show, the classic cars, and the racing, and just the all-around car spirit here," Freeman said.
This is the first time Freeman has taken in the show, and he said it was fun, although he noted the car show could have been a little bit bigger.
"But the racing is really big and the street course is cool, and the auction will be a neat thing," Freeman said.
Although Freeman wasn't planning on bidding during the auction, he did mention he has a 1949 Chevrolet pickup truck he might bring down in the future.
When compared to most modern cars, vehicles like Freeman's '49 Chevy or a 1965 Ford Mustang must seem like a breath of fresh air to the many car nuts strolling around the classic vehicles. Black said the difference between cars made then and now is pretty clear, and it's what keeps fans coming back year after year.
Like a fine wine, these cars just keep getting better with age.
"They have character. They're not like the cars of today where everything looks the same," Black said. "They have a different character about them, and people like that."
"If you're a car nut this is a good show to come see," he added. "If you like looking at cars, Motor Magic is a great weekend if you like any kind of cars - racing, classic cars or whatever."
