It doesn't seem like too many years ago when the car hobby was pretty much a seasonal activity. In the summer, you could play with your old cars. When it snowed in winter, you put the cars away and suffered withdrawal symptoms for several months.

As the car hobby grew, people realized that it was fun to go to indoor shows in the winter. Most of these events aren't as big as the summer shows, but if you are looking for parts and products, you can find good bargains at winter shows. Vendors are more anxious to sell stuff . . . especially this year. Simply put, there are good buys around.

It is supposed to snow this weekend here in the Midwest, but I say "snow what!" I'm driving to Roscoe, Ill. to give out free samples of Old Cars Weekly at the Lefthander Chassis Racer's Seminar & Trade Show (www.lefthanderchassis.com). If you're anywhere near Roscoe (a few minutes from Rockford) come by and pick up a complimentary copy. 

If you belong to a car club, I recommend you go across the street and visit Wayne Lensing's fantastic Historic Auto Attractions classic car museum www.historicautoattractions.com. When summer rolls around, this museum is a great destination for car club tours. It is convenient to Chicago, Ill., Milwaukee, Wis. and Madison, Wis. It has over 90 vehicles, many once owned by heads of state, actors and other VIPs.