I always make a point to attend the local swap meet which has become much easier to do since the organizers have stopped holding it on Valentine’s Day. I generally don’t buy a lot (with the exception of last year) as most of the parts on offer are for the more common 50s to 70s American classics. I have more … offbeat tastes in classic cars. None the less it is fantastic fun to browse and catch up with friends we can’t seem to manage to get together with on a regular basis. As the first big automotive event of the year there is always a chance to see some classics out in the snow too. So follow along for a quick tour.
There were plenty of classics for sale inside ranging for basket case projects to fully restored drivable dreams. This Canadian market 1970 Acadian was just the right amount of tatty to be tempting. It is, of course, a Nova derivative to be sold at Pontiac dealers.
You don’t see too many of these 1978 Oldsmobile 442 fastbacks around anymore. This one still had factory graphics and a solid looking body with aftermarket rims. The interior was in very rough shape though.
This 1968 Rambler could have been the ticket for those looking for less a project but not requiring a second mortgage. You can’t see it this photo but the seats were also done in a two tone black/orange theme.
There were a couple of these engine analyzers for sale. Perhaps not too much call for them anymore. Or maybe they just eat up too much valuable garage space.
I love the look old the classic, round, analog automotive gauges. I resisted the urge to add to my small collection.
Old small engines and classic license plates. Alberta has recently allowed classic cars to wear period appropriate plates which is why a set is much more sought after than a single.
Despite a bit of snow early in the morning the parking always has some interesting rides. This Chevrolet Bel Air station wagon featured a 327cid V8 with a floor mounted four speed manual transmission.
A well traveled Plodge owned by one of the vendors. It is a driver and has traveled all over western Canada and US with vintage stickers to prove it. Check out that roof rack! It had some very classic style winter tires on it too.
A 1971 Chevrolet Monte Carlo out in the white stuff.
Always a few cars and projects for sale in the parking lot too including this 1966 Beaumont Custom four door sedan. These were built in Canada but sold in a few other markets as well. This one has a 283cid V8 and Powerglide automatic.
How about a 1958 Chevrolet Yeoman station wagon that looked like it had just been pulled out of long term storage. This one had a $3500 asking price.
A lovely and mildly hot rodded 1941 Fargo classic pickup truck. A version of Dodge sold in Canada and other markets. Unlike the Beaumont the overseas market Fargo pickups were generally built in US factories. This one had an asking price of $19k.
I did buy one thing this year and the cost was all of a dollar. It is a 1976 Canadian market Pontiac Acadian owner’s manual. Inside it is identical to the Canadian market Chevette’s. Enerson Motors was a big Pontiac dealer in the late 60 and 70s here in Lethbridge, AB. Ironically this manual was printed in the USA.
I do love walking through parking lots at swap meets. You found some fascinating stuff their. It is usually some piece of printed literature that follows me home as well.
Love swap meets. This year I bought a vintage Pontiac ad (1960 bonneville ‘vert) as wel as a cadillac brochure. Love the old ads/brochures that I can buy at these swap meets!
Some nice gear there I the gauge pile wouldc stop me the local vintage car club moved premises recently and had a big cleanup of their spares the reason my Minx has a full set now.
The Fargo was sold in NZ in fact there was a pickup still serving coffee at the local speedway until recently
During Hawaii’s territorial days, “Plodges” and Fargos were sold here too, in fact, Fargo trucks were sold alongside Dodge Trucks in the Aloha State well into the 60s.
I remember seeing a ’54 Dodge Mayfair sedan in the Mapunapuna District back in ’96 and ’97 as a daily driver.
Today’s a cold, windy day with snow squalls in Western PA. Seems like I was golfing a lot last year at this date. Anyhow, I took the LeBaron out for a ride to WalMart, needed a few things. On the way, I saw a nice red Firenza GT, year unknown. Looked liked the decked out white car with the WWW’s of last week’s feature.
When going through town on my way home, a couple guys were eyeballing the Chrysler. One guy was driving a tiny new Chevy, and the other was driving an Eagle coupe. Farther down the street, I spotted a dark green Sundance coupe, probably a 90 or so. The guy behind the wheel looked ancient, and I wondered when people see me, do I look as ancient. (I don’t think so, but maybe).
I’m going to start carrying a cheap camera in the car for such occasions as today.
Not seen an Acadian since the 60s I think it was in Lendrums? the London GM dealer on a trip there with the family.I want to take the Rambler home and the Bel Air wagon.
I haven’t seen a Beaumont in years. We had a ’67 2-door sedan in a lighter blue with the 6 and a Powerglide. It held together pretty well for the ten years we owned it, but after 5 years or so the inside rear fenders rusted out and we had to patch the inside of the trunk…otherwise the trunk would be full of dust if you went down a back road. It also started using oil as it aged, and my job was to check the oil and top it up as needed. Personally, I’ll take either the Fargo pickup or that ’65 Chevy wagon. Good story.
That Rambler is seeming really attractive to me (maybe I’m just falling for the color scheme). Just please tell me it has a manual trans!
It was a V8 car and I’m pretty sure an automatic.
I saw the V8 emblem on the Rambler’s front fender. Would make a nice Aussie muscle car imitator with a 4 speed stick.
I wonder if swap meets are making a comeback since E-bay motors went down the crapper.
Thanks for including a shot of that beautiful ’65 Chevrolet Wagon, btw.
How did eBay Motors go down the crapper?
Suddenly, the aero back 4-4-2 is seeming attractive. I hope it has a 5 speed manual trans and a Buick 3.8L V6.
anyone have a 67 pontiac acadian horn cap.
thank you