Automobile Museum Spring Auto Show this weekend
SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. >> There are many signs to inform us when spring has truly arrived. But, arguably, one of the most reassuring signs is seeing large numbers of classic cars gathered in one spot.
If you buy into the vintage car theory, Saturday is officially the first real day of spring.
It’s when the Saratoga Automobile Museum is holding its annual Spring Auto Show at the reflecting pool on the grounds of the Saratoga State Park. It’s estimated that about 250 classic vehicles will be assembled between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. The event is free to the general public, though there is a registration fee for the vehicles.
To sweeten the experience, the hope is that a more than ordinary number of vehicles will be from the 1960s. The 60s theme just happens to tie into the museum’s popular exhibit “Wheels of Change: Cars and Cultures of the Sixties.”
Megan Hennessey, the museum’s Director of Special Events, acknowledges the idea does promote the inside exhibit, but she quickly defends the idea by pointing out how the era continues to capture the imagination of the general public.
She claims that the period was perhaps one of the most unique in car styling. “A lot of dramatic changes were taking place under the hood,” she says, “Specifically with safety. But the styling and colors were bold and the size of the car was extremely dramatic.”
She makes the point that when you see a car built and designed in the 60s, you never confuse it with another era.
Hennessey also acknowledges that while cars from the 60s are a focus of the day, all classic cars are welcome.
She also makes it clear there will be more to do than stare at classic cars. “We think of it as a community outing that the entire family will enjoy. We will have food vendors and activities for everyone to enjoy. This is the biggest and most exciting Spring Show we’ve had in years,” she says.
Naming a few of the other attractions, she mentioned free Model-T automobile rides, interactive activities for youngsters, booths manned by the Children’s Museum and the National Museum of Dance, both from Saratoga.
“It’s important for us to emphasize the connection between the many not-for-profits that are part of our bigger community,” she said.
Every owner that registers a car will get a pair of tickets to the Auto Museum, and it is a goal of the event to encourage many of the hundreds of people who attend the car show to return and visit the exhibitions inside the museum.
Hennessey almost gushes when she describes the dozen cars on display in the “Wheels of Change” exhibit. “They are all so unique,” she says, naming off a 1963 Buick Rivera, a 1963 Corvette and a 1966 Jaguar E-Type Series.”
When asked her favorite, she hedges a bit. “It depends on the day,” she answers rather coyly. “How do you not like a 1967 Lamborghini Miura SV?” she replies. She then adds, “I am drawn to the 1967 Austin Healey 3000 MK as well.” However, the enthusiasm in her voice makes you believe the true favorite is the 1967 Toyota 2000 GT, once owned by the 1960’s iconic model Twiggy. “It’s very special and glamorous,” she says.
Indeed, glamorous might just be the word to describe Saturdays “Spring Auto Show” held by the Saratoga Automobile Museum at the reflecting pool from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. (Rain date is Sunday)
For registration and show information go to the website saratogaautomuseum.org, or call 518-587-1935 or visit the museum at 110 Avenue of the Pines, in Saratoga State Park.