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Show Car registration for Iola 2025 will not be ready for a few months. Please check back or watch Facebook for updates to pre-register a show car for Iola 2025.
The Iola Car Show Is One Of America's Best Car Shows!
Wondering where your classic fits in? We hope the following descriptions will help you to display your vehicle in the area where it will be seen and appreciated most!
Please note the following:
*Some categories have differing requirements for years of production accepted.
*Iola is not a competition. Each vehicle receives a dash plaque, but there are no trophies or awards.
*Each show car receives two wristbands for participant and one guest.
*Confirmation begin Mid-May. Just relax and enjoy yourself!
THEME SHOW CARS - TBD for Iola 2025!
Theme Display: Each year the Iola Car Show is proud to recognize a theme. Although some cars will be asked to park inside the Special Exhibit building, that is usually arranged in advance by the show car director and the WSAH (Wisconsin Society Auto Historians). Theme area also has special parking south of the Iola Car Show Convention Center on the pavement. Pre-registration is required and there is no fee. They will enter Gate #4.
OTHER CLASSIFICATIONS:
Pre-War Display
Open to all vehicles produced up to 1942 with few to no modifications. Vehicles will gather on the west side of the theme area. There is no fee. Enter Gate #4.
Post-War Display
Open to all presentable vehicles produced from 1945-1995. Fee is $15 for duration of event. Parking is west of the tower through Gate #3.
Blue Ribbon Concours
Showcases 1990 and older vehicles that are high quality restorations or fine original examples. Factory paint colors, stripes and decals, interior colors/materials, drivetrain, wheels, and model options are highlighted. This exhibit displays vehicles as if they were originally manufactured and provides correct examples for historical and restoration purposes. The show car director may issue an invitation, but we also accept applications for this area to be reviewed by the committee. Approved vehicles will be added to the Blue-Ribbon Concours invitation list for each year, and they cannot modify vehicle. There is no fee. Parking areas may change from year to year. Spots cannot be reserved or saved except by the show car director. Enter Gate #4.
Fin-Land Display
This area is within the Blue Ribbon Concours across from the Vintage Mobile Station and is developed for exhibiting high quality fin cars 1957 - 1961. This area is limited, must be reviewed, and approved. Enter through Gate #4.
Modified Display
Welcoming vehicles 1995 and older that are considered hot rods, street rods, customized, low riders, rat rods, kit cars, tributes and replicas. Fee is $15 for duration of event. Parking is on the east side of the Iola Car Show Offices. Enter through Gate #5.
Old Cars/Young Drivers
We celebrate our hobbyists under the age of 25 who own and/or have built a classic vehicle. Cars are encouraged to be at least 25 years old but exceptions may be made if approved. These vehicles do not have to be show-quality, but should be visually presentable and in running/driving condition. Stock and modified vehicles of all manufacturers are welcome! Pre-registration is required, and there is no fee.** We do need your Date-of-birth and you would be able to pre-register until they age out. Please enter by Gate 3.
Survivor Display
1976 or earlier production vehicles that are presented as they came from the factory, wearing original paint, interior options, upholstery, chrome, wheels/hubcaps, and original power/drive train with no mechanical modifications. A survivor has been driven and may show signs of wear but is in particularly good, presentable condition and has obviously survived due to great care taken by owner(s), maintenance, and proper storage. It is a time capsule that has been maintained, but retains 80% or more of what it left from the factory with (not including regular maintenance items, such as belts, hoses, tires, exhaust, etc.) Survivor cars must be pre-approved, and there is no fee. **Photographs are required and when approved are allowed in the Survivor Display if they do not make changes. Enter Gate #4, park west of the entrance.
Original Owners
This is a category dedicated to celebrating vehicles that have been owned by the same person, or within the same family, since being purchased new in 1976 and earlier. To qualify and pre-register, we would need you to verify with a copy of your Vehicle Title. Once we confirm it to meet the “Original Owner” category, we will include a window cling badge that you’re welcome to retain with the vehicle at your discretion. Original Owners will park together unless you already qualify for a different class and prefer to park there. A $15 fee is required, and you must pre-register. Enter Gate #4.
Late Model Vehicle
This category celebrates 1996 and newer unique and prestigious late model productions. For this display, vehicles must be pre-approved and there is a $15 registration fee. They will enter Gate #3.
Women With Wheels
This display will highlight and celebrate women in the car hobby. Our goal is to empower others to pursue and participate in the hobby as well as demonstrate that gender is not a determining factor in classic vehicle interest, ownership, or knowledge. Participants will need to pre-register for this section and there is a $15 registration fee. They will enter Gate #5.
For classifications that require it, Please supply quality photographs of all four sides of your vehicle, the engine bay, dash/instrument panel, wheels (1 is sufficient), and seats/interior.
Show cars can arrive at 6:00 AM starting each day of the show!
If you have questions or have a car to be considered for display, send in pictures by March 31st to ali@iolaoldcarshow.com or Iola Car Show, PO Box 1, Iola, WI 54945. Telephone is (715)445-4000.
join our email list To stay up to date on all the show details!
Check out our proposed show car layout! While some areas remain the same year after year, some areas may move due to number of registrants.
Enjoy the show cars!
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