The Hoosier Vintage Wheels Swap Meet & Show-2025

The Hoosier Auto Show received a new name in 2015; The Hoosier Swap and Car Show. Scott Willis keeps the event alive, using the same dates in May and September. The Johnson County Fairgrounds is the new home for the former show, which was held at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway from the 60s to late 70s. From there, it relocated to the Marion County Fairgrounds until the promoters ended it in 2014. 

The show is one of the largest Auto and Vintage Swap meets in the Midwest. In May, it  included “Modelrama,” a Model Car swap meet and show in Scott Hall, The “Rocket Reunion” Oldsmobile car gathering and the “Big Mike & Friends” open car show. Ice cream vendors and quality food were served for breakfast and lunch, featuring the Spark Plug Café with plenty of seating.

Jereme Pelton runs the  "Big Mike & Friends Car Show," named after a good friend of his. The sewing machine trophy was one of the unique trophies to be won. It also featured raffle items and a 50/50 drawing.  The "Rocket Reunion" was a gathering  of Oldsmobile cars.  Shirts and merchandise were designed by Nick Gaylor, owner of "T-Shirt Express" in Franklin. Every year, their goal is to have a unique piece of artwork that has a vintage look. This year featured a Felix the cat.

New this year was Kevin Willis, spinning golden oldies.  Kevin started his own business of bringing arts and entertainment to our nursing homes where people cannot get out to enjoy them. The "Modelrama" and "Rocket Reunion" were also added. Modelrama was a neat display of model cars and car related themes. They also sold model kits and parts, as well as distributed awards.

You can find just about anything at the swap.  It is a flea market/car parts/vintage lover's dream.  Old bicycles are common and some ride them around the grounds. Antique and vintage toys are fun to rummage through, such as toy cars to an Atari.  Old signs are perfect for that man cave or bar. Who needs a vintage belt massager? Mechanic style shirts can be found, motorcycles, blueprints of cars, vintage car brochures, parking meters, shop equipment, car parts, license plates and even an early 70's, electric City Car, which were prevalent in Florida, owned by David Pierce. 

Ed Ragsdale had one of the largest, if not the largest, license plate collection. He belongs to the Automobile License Plate Collectors Association (ALPCA) which holds a national show in Fort Wayne this June or July. Who knew there was a club? Speaking of clubs, Dale Price can be found near the entrance with his Early Ford V-8 of which he belongs to, you guessed it, the Early Ford V-8 Club of America.  

There are so many ways to participate and things of interest to discover at this swap and car show, along with loads of fun! If you missed it, the next one is September 19-20. In addition to the swap meet, there will be the  A.D. Nationals 49-54 Chevy Truck Show and the car show on Saturday.  Admission is five dollars with free parking and kids are free. You should know that it is a CASH ONLY event, and you'll want to bring lots for all the treasures!