Imagine you find yourself in a conversation with a stranger over a 1965 Mustang Fastback. You may not be a car aficionado, but this person is. You’re both talking about how the vehicle is a beauty. You say something like “what a gorgeous classic car.” Then you get a sinking feeling as the person looks at you before saying “Um… actually…” You may have just committed a faux pas, at least in that person’s eyes. So how can we accurately describe and classify cars? Well, it depends on who you ask.
Many look at convertibles as the ultimate in luxury driving. Having that top down as you cruise the city streets has been an appealing piece of car culture for as long as anybody can remember. However, despite its innovativeness, convertibles aren’t as lavish as people may think. In fact, there was a time when ALL automobiles on the road were open-topped, and we imagine it wasn’t all that great. Before the turn of the nineteenth century, if you were out driving in your fancy motor-powered vehicle and encountered some inclement weather, well, you either had to be pretty innovative yourself, or you needed to find a tree to park under! Read on for an interesting look at the history of the convertible.
Spending a month or two driving across the country - exploring national parks, adventuring in the forests of the Pacific Northwest, relaxing on pristine coastal beaches - sounds like a fantastic dream. The reality however, generally has something to do with the expense of a trip like that. We simply can’t afford that kind of travel. Or can we? What if we could cut out all of the lodging costs? What if we didn’t have to eat out at restaurants? What if we could simply travel city to city, or park to park, and pull into a campground each night? Those are some things we could get on board with!
That’s where the travel van comes in. For the sake of this article, and our wallets, we’re going to keep this idea pretty basic. There won’t be a bunch of talk about stand up showers or indoor plumbing. You won’t see any sophisticated entertainment options, or feng shui inspired interiors. We’re keeping it bare bones. That’s how we’ll be able to afford this epic adventure.
We think we have this idea pretty well thought out after doing some research, and that this dream can be put into real life by following these fairly simple steps:
Warning: If you have yet to watch Ford V Ferrari and don’t know the true story behind the movie, you may want to tread lightly. Spoilers ahead!
On the heels of the massive success of the new film Ford V. Ferrari, we thought it would be interesting to learn a bit more about the hall of fame driver responsible for the Ford Shelby winning (sort of) the 24 hour Le Mans endurance race in 1966, after five consecutive years of Ferrari dominance. We knew the name Ken Miles, and we knew about his genius ability to race high powered, high performance vehicles around any race track that was put under his foot pedals.
What we didn’t know, however, was that there were many people that didn’t believe he died in a fiery crash on August 17, 1966 while test driving the new Ford J-car prototype, just two months after racing in the biggest race of his career. The Le Mans race itself is for another blog at another time; today we want to share with you the story of Ken Miles surviving the crash that claimed his life, or…didn’t?
There’s a sort of romance involved in taking on a restoration project. The idea of finding a junkyard gem, long forgotten and tossed aside, and bringing it back to life is on the top of many-a car enthusiasts bucket list. For most of us, it will stay solely on our minds and on that list, along with so many other items that will most likely never to come to fruition. But for those bold enough to follow through with that dream, the reward can be a once in a lifetime feeling.
Did you know that Buick is not only the oldest car brand in the United States, but is one of the oldest in the entire world? Although Buicks are generally associated with wealthier, older car buyers, their distinguishable features are recognized by those of all walks of life, and their popularity has only increased in recent years. Read on to learn about the long history, and more interesting facts, of the brand that continues to stand the test of time.
On August 17th, the Pioneer Auto Show invited those near and far to join in on partying like it’s 1954 at a bash commemorating our 65th year in business! The clear, sunny day provided the perfect opportunity for everyone to join together in festivities for all ages, including kids’ rides, a costume contest, 50’s karaoke, a car show and parade, and a street dance that led into the wee hours of the night. Read on for more fun details about our big celebration!
For the majority of classic cars, an old abandoned prairie farmhouse or a scrap yard becomes their final resting place. Rusted, parted-out, or simply left behind from an earlier generation, these classics will never see the open road again. Far too often we come across one of these once beautiful machines and think, wow, what a waste. Back in ’57, every kid in my neighborhood would’ve mowed lawns from sun-up to sundown to get their hands around that steering wheel. But so it goes, I suppose. “They don’t make ‘em like that anymore” is a very true statement, and probably for good reason. As James May once said, if they were any good, they’d still be made. The fact of the matter is, modern cars are faster, more reliable, more comfortable, and more economical. You name it; modern cars of today are just better machines.
And yet, the classic car is not only still around, but is looked at as a thing of beauty, and the industry is thriving. Why is that? Why the love affair with classic cars? Why do we romanticize the idea of hitting the highways in an old gas hound from the thirties, or tearing around the town at a full speed of 63 mph in a once loved sports model? The answer is not a simple one, but there are several factors that come into play, and each classic car enthusiast surely has their own reason for letting their hearts wander towards the classics.
It all started in 1954, with AJ ‘Dick’ Geisler displaying a 1913 Ford Peddler’s Wagon to attract customers to his new gas station, and now here we are, 65 years later, with over 275 rare and classic cars, 60 tractors, 60 motorcycles, and more antiques and memorabilia than can be seen in a single day. That’s right, Pioneer Auto Show is turning the big 65 and we want to celebrate this monumental occasion with all of you! On Saturday, August 17th, 2019, we’ll be offering $1.00 admission to the museum, and will also be hosting an event chock full of fun for all ages, complete with a car Show and Shine, street dance and much more. Read on for more details about this all day bash!
Here at the Pioneer Auto Show, we’re gearing up for an extra special summer, as this year marks 65 years since our museum was started by AJ ‘Dick’ Geisler! Over the last 65 years, many things have changed: cars, music, technology, the list goes on and on. But one thing remains the same – the Pioneer Auto Show is the place to go for a peek into the past while surrounded by good old-fashioned Midwest hospitality. Since 1954 was the big year for Pioneer Auto Show, we wanted to take you back to that magical time!
In recent years, there has been a lot of talk about easy ways to conserve natural resources, with many hopping on the bandwagon of making changes in their life to be more energy-efficient. In the last 20 years or so, car producers have also joined in on the quest to be more sustainable by making huge strides in the development of electric cars, allowing them to be more attainable by the public. Read on to learn more about this growing trend, which doesn’t look to be disappearing anytime soon.
The arrival of spring means many things to many people. For some, it means green grass, flowers in bloom, and the rebirth of leaves on the trees. For others, it means tan lines and lake days are just around the corner. But for some of us, it means one thing; it’s time to get that classic out of the garage! Yessir, she has sat there, idle for months, giving us those doe-like eyes with her headlights that practically plead for us to just give her key a turn, and perhaps a gentle step upon the throttle pedal. She has been so lonely out there, freezing her bumper off, with not so much as a refuel, or soft cloth ran along her fenders. But now, it’s time to rekindle your relationship, and give her all the love and attention she deserves!
That was the price paid in June 2018 for a 1963 Ferrari 250 GTO, the most expensive car sold at auction to date. According to Marcel Massini, one of the world’s top collectible Ferrari experts, it was sold in a private sale by German racecar driver Christian Glaesel to businessman and car aficionado David MacNeil, founder of WeatherTech.
Today, radio is often regarded as an older technology that has been surpassed by inventions such as televisions, cell phones and the internet, but radio is the forefather in the widespread communication of news, programming and music, and is still a vital component in our society. Learning the history of the radio is a great peek back into history to see how the world connected before the modern age. Take some time out of your day, tune to your favorite FM, AM or satellite radio station, kick up your feet and read all about the evolution of the radio!
For some, the thought of Christmas immediately brings to mind the dreaded task of holiday shopping: wracking your brain trying to figure out the perfect gift for each person, fighting the crowds at the store, and wrestling over the last must-have toy on display. While we can’t ward off the masses at the mall or ensure you’re able to snag the highly sought-after gadget of the season, we here at Pioneer Auto Show can help you with some ideas for Christmas gifts for the classic enthusiasts in your life. And even better – many of the following are items you can purchase online or right here at the Pioneer Auto Show, eliminating the need for a frantic trip through busy stores. Read on for some inspiration, then go cross some names off of your holiday shopping list!
Here in South Dakota, the arrival of winter can often be a very unpredictable event. Some years, shorts and flip flops can be worn well into November, while others require digging out the snow blower in early October. However, one thing is for sure – in order to smoothly transition from one erratic South Dakota season to the next, being prepared is a necessity, and one very important, and often overlooked, item that requires some prep before winter is your car. Here at Pioneer Auto Show, we’ve learned a thing or two about proper fall car maintenance, and are here to let you in on some tips to help you get from point A to point B, no matter what Old Man Winter throws at you.
While it may be hard to imagine everyday life without items such as cell phones, computers, televisions and mp3 players, those living in the early 1900’s not only survived without those modern conveniences, but were also accustomed to life without things we now consider necessities, such as refrigerators, cars and grocery stores on every corner. Continue reading to learn more about some of the key differences between early American life and our experiences today, and what a typical day looked like for those living at the turn of the 20th century.
In addition to the Pioneer Auto Show, there are many fun, interesting destinations located close to I-90 throughout South Dakota. Best of all, many attractions offer very affordable, or even free, admission prices, making them must-stops for families traveling on a budget. We’ve outlined some of those points of interest so you can easily plan your trek through the Mount Rushmore state, all while keeping more money in your wallet for when you arrive back home.
With the start of the school year right around the corner, we are bombarded with “Back to School” commercials reminding us to hurry up and stock up on the necessities before the highly anticipated first day of classes. Although it is pretty uneventful to shop for most of the items that make it to school supply lists, there is one that has allowed us to showcase our creativity and share our interests for almost 70 years – the lunchbox. Before you head out to brave the shopping masses, read a little more about the interesting history behind these important contraptions, and how they have become a staple in our day to day life.
What better way to spend a beautiful, sunny summer afternoon than by enjoying the fresh air and beautiful scenery of South Dakota mounted atop a roaring motorcycle? As the home of the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally and miles upon miles of stunning scenic roads that are popular among visiting and local motorists alike, the state is a premier destination for those that love to ride, or are simply fascinated by, the two-wheeled mechanisms. We’ve compiled the interesting history behind the development of the present day motorcycle so you can impress your friends and family with your knowledge on this famed regional pastime.
Not only does the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally bring in hundreds of thousands of bikers each August, but the beautiful scenery of South Dakota makes it a popular destination among motorcyclists all summer that are seeking an exciting ride while surrounded by a breathtaking view. Yet, visitors and residents alike are often caught off guard by the large influx of bikers that flow into the state each year. Knowing how to safely share the road with bikers is crucial, especially when you consider that multi-vehicle crashes involving motorcycles accounted for 60% of motorcyclist deaths in 2016. Here at Pioneer Auto Show, we take motorcycle safety seriously and are here to help you prepare for your trip with some suggestions for maneuvering safely around bikers during your South Dakota vacation.
Named the most influential car of the 20th century, the Ford Model T made its rightful place in history by becoming the first automobile accessible to the growing middle class in the early 1900’s. Envisioning a car “so low in price that no man making a good salary will be unable to own one,” Henry Ford enlisted the help of Childe Harold Wills and Hungarian immigrants Joseph A. Galamb and Eugene Farkas to help design the car in 1908. The result allowed working class families to enjoy the convenience of automobiles, something that was only available to the wealthy up to that point.
The snow is (almost) gone, the sun is shining and the birds are chirping, which can only mean one thing – spring is here in South Dakota. After a long winter of freezing temperatures, salt-covered roads and piles of the white stuff, you may be itching to take your classic car out for a spin, and we don’t blame you! But before you reintroduce your beauty to the world, follow these car maintenance tips to ensure your first drive of the season results in smiles and not tears.
Check out a piece of Hollywood history, right here at the Pioneer Auto Show!
As one of the most iconic cars from television’s yesteryears, the 1969 Dodge Charger dubbed “General Lee”, or simply “The General”, stole the hearts of The Dukes of Hazzard fans in the 70’s and 80’s. And, lucky for its admirers, the car made an appearance in every episode of the show, except for one. The buzz surrounding the trademark automobile even led to it receiving an astonishing 35,000 fan letters a month during the Duke’s heyday.
Deep in the heart of the Pioneer Auto Show Prairie Town is a WNAX sign. While many may assume it is for a gas station, they would only be partially right. The popular WNAX sign that stands tall not only represents an old gas station, but also a radio station which was popular among farm towns in the Midwest. What initially started as a way to promote a seed store, quickly grew to become much more than that.
