Cool Rides Online to salute drivers at the 2012 Iola Old Car Show

Posted on June 26, 2012 by PeteRizzo

The Iola Old Car Show this July will give car owners in the Midwest a chance to showcase their classic rides.

Described by its organizers as the largest automotive swap meet in the Midwest, the Iola Old Car Show and Swap Meet 2012 is set to take place starting July 12. Running until July 15, the 40th anniversary event will feature 4,430 swap sites, 2,200 show cars, including post-war, pre-war, all-original and modified cars, and prizes from your favorite online car site, Cool Rides Online.

Started in 1972 by Chet Krause, the first unofficial Iola Old Car Show was anything but ordinary. To draw collector car enthusiasts from his area, Krause came up with a surefire idea. He would promise everyone who brought a classic car to the 17th annual Iola Lions Club Chicken Roast fundraiser two free chicken dinners.

With more than 20 old cars at the first event, Krause was able to expand the show next year to include 90 vehicles. (The story became so well-known that the Iola Historical Society honored the event with a historical marker in 2011.) Today, officials say the event attracts more than 125,000 visitors.

This year, more than just this history will be on display, however. The 2012 Iola Old Car Show plans to shine a special focus on the recently discontinued American car lines Pontiac, Oldsmobile, Mercury and Plymouth.

Cool Rides Online will also be onhand by providing a Sponsor’s Choice Award to a lucky show attendee. We’ll also be onhand showcasing our great products and speaking about the dangers of ethanol in the event’s learning tent. Car fanatics can watch the whole celebration for $15 or register their show car here.

Those who can’t make the trip for the chance to win our prize can head to Iola for other exciting events this summer. Following the Iola Old Car Show in August will be the town’s Vintage Military Show, which features military machines, special speakers and battle reenactments.