Yesterday was the annual Manitoba Classic & Antique Club Swap Meet at the Red River Exhibition grounds. Attendance was huge, with almost the entire grounds covered with vendor tables, spare parts, and everything else you could possibly want. And it wasn’t just parts–lots of tables were covered with Hot Wheels, toy tractors–there was even one vendor selling homemade perogies.
The number of stunning rides parked in the vendor area would have out-populated a lot of car shows I’ve been to. There were lots of pickups, a Corvette, and this flaming rare 1938 Cadillac hearse:
There were lots of half-built rides as well, just waiting for the right owner to bring them home and make them howl.
Finally, this ‘53 International pickup was parked next to a vendor booth. Proud owner Wayne Link wasn’t willing to part with it, but he’s got a running ‘52 International that needs a good home. It’s good to see these less-common trucks starting to reappear on the roads. I mean, ‘53 Chevy half-tons are beautiful creatures, but what’s wrong with International, or even Diamond T?
The MCAAC brought out their club car as well: a 1918 Model T, converted for use as a passenger bus. The old Ford was owned and operated by Canada’s first licensed female bus driver, making it one of the more historical machines at the event.
On the other side of the swap meet was the car show. There weren’t any formal rules or requirements to getting in; just impress the old guy holding the gate and find a parking spot. The result was a mix of everything old, new, and in between.
And the award for “best attempt to make it look like we didn’t run out of yellow paint halfway through” goes to this ‘49 Ford. The proud (and friendly) owners have been working on this ride for three years, and the hard work really shows through.
Now if you’ll excuse me, I have to blow this popsicle stand (are there even popsicle stands in Winnipeg?). Don’t forget to come back Wednesday to see what’s coming up, and again on Friday to see more great rods (like a ‘53 Chevy Canadian Army recruiting truck) and maybe even some parking lot action from Portage Avenue.
Like what you see? Any image on this site is available as prints, shirts, or even a coffee mug! Click Here to order or find out more!
