The Piston Power Show is a world class automotive event geared towards family fun. Our team of experts has assembled a car show program that welcomes both novices and seasoned veterans alike.

Is my car nice enough?

What do you think? Do you love your car? Do your neighbors stop by when it’s in the driveway? Do you get smiles and thumbs up while on the road? The Piston Power Show is not only about the machines, but the people who care for them. All we ask is that it’s clean and you’re proud of it.

If I have a brand new car, is it welcome in the show?

Absolutely, we are in the midst of factory horsepower wars unseen since the sixties. With so many different, new offerings, a lot of these vehicles are instant classics. How about the Corvette ZR1, Shelby GT500, Dodge SRT, BMW M3, Mercedes AMG, Porsche GT2? Even the base models in their wild colors are a treat to see.

How are classes determined?

First of all, only like-type vehicles are classed together. For example cars, trucks, motorcycles and race cars are each places in separate categories. Vehicles within each category are primarily classified by year and body style (coupe, sedan, convertible). Then, vehicles are broken down into stock and modified. Finally, if warranted, vehicles will be divided by make or model. 

How do you decide on year breaks?

Year breaks are decided by long standing traditions and history. For example, Ford’s iconic Model T was produced from 1908-1927, followed by the A and B Models from 1928-1934. Most manufacturers of the era followed Ford’s lead. Major mechanical and styling innovation really took off after World War II (1942-1945). In 1949 we saw the elimination of running boards and the introduction of the “hardtop” style. 1954-1961 was the era of the tail fins, which grew larger each year. In 1962 the “compact car” became popular and evolved into the legendary pony and muscle car. In 1975, pony cars were mutated into personal luxury cars with massive bumpers. 1978 saw the widespread introduction of Front Wheel Drive, as well as the new Fox chassis Mustang. A minor point includes major changes the Corvettes underwent in 1984 (C-4), 1997 (C-5) and 2005 (C-6).