IOLA ’11 SALUTES DODGES and DeSOTOS
“Delightful Dodges & De Sotos” will take the spotlight as the theme vehicles of the 39th Annual Iola Old Car Show, to be held July 7-10 in Iola, Wis. It is the first time in the starring role for both makes at the Iola Old Car Show, a non-profit event that benefits more than 125 service organizations in central Wisconsin.
Manufacture of Dodge vehicles began with the 1914 models. Dodge became part of Chrysler Corp. in 1928 and continued to be built and sold by Chrysler Group, LLC. Dodge cars were eventually joined by trucks, which are sold today as both Dodge and Ram trucks. De Soto was added to the Chrysler Corp. stable in 1928 as 1929 models. They were produced until November of 1960, when production of 1961 models ceased.
The “delightful” part of the theme is not an opinion of the Iola Old Car Show staff, but rather taken from 1950s De Soto advertising which stated “It’s Delightful, It’s Delovely, It’s De Soto.” The ads were most often seen on the Groucho Marx TV show “You Bet Your Life” as part of the brand’s sponsorship.
Dodge and De Soto cars and trucks are being sought for the 2011 theme tent and surrounding areas. Unmodified examples of both marques up to and including 1981 models are welcome, as well as special-interest vehicles of more recent years. Vehicles that have been modified will reside at the nearby display featuring altered vehicles.
Dodge and De Soto vehicles aren’t the only vehicles to be featured at this year’s Iola Old Car Show. The event accepts vehicles built through 1981 by all manufacturers. The popularity of the show also makes it possible to feature exhibits for these several types of vehicles, guaranteeing there is something for virtually every enthusiast.
For promoting the event, the Auto Historians chose a 1936 Dodge Model LC 1/2-ton pick up owned by Naomi and the late Henry Rehfeldt of Larsen, Wis., and a 1957 De Soto Adventurer Convertible owned by Bob Brown and George Collar of Wisconsin Rapids, Wis., for the Iola Old Car Show poster (above)
Unrestored originals added
A new feature of the 2011 Iola Old Car Show will be a section dedicated to unrestored, original vehicles built for the 1976 model year or earlier. A registration fee will not be charged to owners of vehicles displayed in this area of the show, and vehicles will be admitted at the discretion of the show staff. In order to qualify for this area of the show, participating vehicles must have at least a 75 percent original interior and exterior (this includes such features as the upholstery, chrome, paint, etc.). An original-type power train without modifications is also required, and the vehicle must be completely stock. Participants must pre-register for this area of the show by submitting photos of the interior and exterior to the show staff before the event.
Old cars, young drivers
Returning for 2011 is the Old Cars Young Drivers section of the show. This area is designed to encourage participation of enthusiasts 25 years of age or younger who drive a collector car that is 25 years old or older. Cars and trucks need not be show-quality, but must be presentable and driven onto the grounds under their own power. Stock and modified vehicles are welcome in this area, but must be pre-approved for registration. The registration fee is also waived.
Prewar and postwar show cars
Prewar show cars seem to be disappearing from many events, but not at the Iola Old Car Show. The event encourages prewar show cars (1942-or-earlier manufacture) to participate by not charging a registration fee. However, there is a nominal fee of $15 for postwar show cars (those built from 1945-1981), but Old Cars Weekly subscribers pay only $10 when they pre-register. (Note: Vehicles with primer or rust areas are not considered for this area of the show.)
Modified show cars
Modified show cars built in 1981 or earlier are also welcome to participate in the Iola Old Car Show and pay the same registration fees as owners of postwar show cars. This display area is intended for hot rods, street rods, customs and lead sleds. “Rat rods” showing primer and rust are welcome to participate in the modified area of the show.
Blue Ribbon Concours
One of the most visible areas of the Iola Old Car Show is the Blue Ribbon Concours, an area for cars and trucks of unmodified, trophy-quality condition. Vehicles in the Blue Ribbon Concours are pre-registered for placement in the exhibit upon invitation and application for approval. Owners interested in displaying their vehicle in the Blue Ribbon Concours are invited to contact the car show staff.
Sunday Car Club Day
On the final day the show, car clubs are invited to cruise to Iola for Sunday Car Club Day. Clubs that wish to participate as a group must pre-register so their club can be accommodated on the show grounds, but a fee is not charged and there is not a cut-off date.
Buying and selling at Iola
While show cars are a major draw to the Iola Old Car Show, it’s the buying and selling opportunities that bring in many of the 100,000-plus spectators to the event. The car corral features 1,000 sites in which sellers can sell vehicles from the 2000 model year or earlier. Iola boasts 4,430 swap meet spaces guaranteed to appeal to the automotive enthusiasts. Vendors are required to offer an inventory that is composed of at least 90 percent automotive-related items. There is still a limited number of spaces left in this year’s swap meet and car corral, and vendors are encouraged to contact the show office for availability.
More info
Iola Old Car Show
PO Box 1, Iola, WI 54945
715-445-4000
www.iolaoldcarshow.com
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SWAP SPACES STILL AVAILABLE
Swap spaces are filling up – but are still available. Spaces are 10’ x 30’ – and must be 90% auto related items. Cost is $80 or save $10 if you are an Old Cars Weekly subscriber. If you would like to reserve swap spaces please call 715-445-4000 or write Iola Old Car Show, PO Box 1, Iola, WI 54945 – www.iolaoldcarshow.com.
COLLECTOR TRUCK BANKS AVAILABLE
Each year Iola Old Car Show offers a collector vehicle bank for sale. Manufactured by Liberty Classics and number 22 in their series, this year’s vehicle is a 1:24 scale 1936 Dodge pickup. The cost is $28 plus $8 shipping and handling. Send check or money order for $36 to Iola Old Car Show, PO Box 1, Iola, WI 54945. (Sorry, credit cards not accepted) Click to see the truck!
For more information on the 2011 Iola Old Car Show, visit www.iolaoldcarshow.com.
