AMSOIL Vaughn Enterprises at 53rd Annual Iola Car Show & Swap Meet

53rd Annual Iola Car Show & Swap Meet

The Iola Car Show is one of America’s largest auto events. We've been a regular there since the start!

July 10-12, 2025

Car enthusiasts attending the 53rd annual Iola Car Show in Wisconsin are treated to 300 acres of showcase space filled with more than 2,200 show cars and one of the region's biggest swap meets. The Car Corral features an additional 1,000 cars for sale – everything from show cars to fixer-uppers.

With 2,500 show cars, 4,000 swap spaces, 1,600 campsites, 350 for sale car corral spaces and some of the best food anywhere, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. The event offers free parking, free admission for children 12 and under, and affordable fun for the whole family. Be sure to check out the special guests, concerts, pin-up contest, unveilings, and other ceremonies throughout the event!

Admission for 1-day is $20 and 3-day is $30. All children 12 and under are free! Parking provided by the Iola Car show is free and a complimentary bus service is included. Follow the signs to Gate #19 for free parking.

Cash & Credit Card Accepted at All Gates. Gates open at 7 AM. Show ends after Concerts

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 early June. Just relax and enjoy yourself!

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.

THEME SHOW CARS - 4x4Fun!

Since the first four-wheel drive made its impact in World War 1, four-wheel drive vehicles that started out as the new war horses have become a staple in our car culture around the world. This year the Iola Car Show gets you where you need to go, in a 4WD with 4x4Fun! Great original and modified examples from as early as the 1900’s to 1995 will be displayed in the theme area. Unique Four-wheel drive vehicles 1996 or newer are welcome to register for our late-model classification. Theme vehicles can be trucks, cars or SUVs. Some examples include, but are not limited to: Willys, Jeep, IHC Scout, Chevy K-series, Ford F-series, Dodge, Plymouth D-series, and Mercury four-wheel drive trucks. AMC and Eagle and other brands of 4 wheel-drive passenger cars are encouraged to participate. All makes, foreign and domestic are welcome to display. There is no fee, but pre-registration is required. Enter at 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 Executive 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 automotive 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. There is a $15 registration fee. Please enter at Gate #5.

Parking & Buses

We offer free spectator parking! Follow the street signs to get to the Iola Car Show Spectator lots, Gate #19. These will locate you near Gate #1, our main spectator entrance. Please note a number of paid private lots surround the show grounds.
The bus shuttle runs from the campgrounds to Gate #16 in the car corral area. It also operates in spectator parking, continually dropping off at Gate #1.

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