Got a wild hair to do something on a sunny Sunday, so we thought we would pack a cooler and go to the Alton All Wheels Drive In Car Showcar show in Alton IL. On a lark, we registered the cars to get a dash plaque and tshirt. So we set up some chairs and opened the hood, doors and trunk and enjoyed the beautiful afternoon.

Go Figure!!! The two red spiders tied for 3rd place among 200 Fords, Chevys and Terraplanes. Some REALLY nice rods and show cars. The two Spiders were a bit short on chrome, but made up for it in polished aluminum. We were fresh from MOFLO and were in fairly clean shape but were really surprised at the result.

Displaying the Fiats at a predominatly muscle car show does have it's issues. About half way through the afternoon, we were aproached by the judges party. Kris read the judge's lips as they came up on the two cars (the only foreign cars there). The one turned to the other one and said "What the ---- are these?" The younger judge said "I think they are MGs" The older judge said "Oh....OK then. They're speciality class." And that was that.

Nice show. Lots of nice people. Everyone walked by the cars and wanted to chat. A couple of people even knew what they were! Yep, a few even said they had one.... Sure!

Later at the end of the show, were we surprised when they called us up!! Kris and I Laughed all the way to the awards stand. Couple of red MGs tied for 3rd in speciality!!! BTW, at the awards ceremony, they did announce them as Fiat Spiders! I guess we're hooked.

While waiting for her new Mini Cooper S to arrive, she got a "loaner" Mini from the dealer , the same color as the one she ordered, to participate in the cruise. There were over 30 Minis participating.

I strongly recommend that you consider getting out there and show your car. Kris' car is a daily driver, but extremely clean. It showed as well or better than all but the best "trailer queens" at the show. My car with a presentable but 15 year old restoration (albeit with new interior and nicely detailed engine) looked better than most of the other cars driven to the shows.

People have shown a keen interest in the cars each time we've had them out. It's surprising how many people hang around the two Fiats compared to the other cars. Costs to show the cars are minimal. We almost always win a hat or shirt door prize, and you meet some other "car nuts" in the process. Many of which know were you can get something done to your car locally that you've been wanting to do...... Try it, you just might like it.

Update:
Tied for third Speciality Class Alton All Wheels Drive In Car Show (Alton, IL)
1st Place 1970-79 at the Lillies Drive In Car show. (Grafton, IL)
Best in Show - Foreign/Import- Alton Color Cruise and Car Show (Alton, IL)