Hundreds of chrome-polished fenders, roaring engines, and stories that span generations filled DeKalb County this week as the Antique Automobile Club of America (AACA) brought its Central Spring Nationals to Indiana’s proud ‘Home Of The Classics.’
A Festival of Automotive History
Starting July 2, vintage car enthusiasts converged on Garrett, Auburn, and the wider DeKalb County area. The weeklong celebration gave people a chance to see — and hear — American automotive history up close.
Saturday’s grand finale, the Central Spring Nationals car show at DeKalb High School, capped it all off with rows of glistening machines, each one a rolling snapshot of an era long gone but never forgotten.
One line here: From roaring Fords to elegant Packards, every make and model told its own tale.
Heritage Days in Garrett: Small Town, Big Wheels
Garrett’s Heritage Days was first on the itinerary, drawing crowds downtown to see classics parked like museum pieces you could touch.
Families strolled by open hoods while owners polished their cars with the kind of pride you just don’t see every day. Local kids leaned in close to peer at giant steering wheels and dashboard radios that looked nothing like the ones in Mom’s SUV.
“It’s like stepping back in time,” said Carol Stevens, who brought her grandchildren to see the show. “You don’t just see the cars — you see the people who love them.”
Auburn Cruise-In: Rolling Nostalgia
Midway through the week, the cars made their way to Auburn, another Indiana gem famous for its auto heritage. The ‘Historic Home Bus Tour’ paired stately old houses with these stately old cars — a match made in nostalgia heaven.
One line here: The Auburn Cruise-In turned downtown into a vintage parade route, engines rumbling through brick streets lined with cheering onlookers.
AACA member George Temple, standing proudly by his mint-condition ’57 Chevy Bel Air, said, “It’s not just about the metal and the chrome — it’s about the stories. My dad taught me to drive in this car.”
The Central Spring Nationals: Where Classics Take Center Stage
By Saturday, the energy peaked at DeKalb High School’s expansive parking lot. Here, owners from across the country showcased vehicles ranging from pre-war beauties to muscle cars of the ’60s and ’70s.
One small paragraph: Judges moved slowly down the rows, clipboards in hand, admiring spotless engines and spotless paint jobs.
People gathered around their favorites — there was something for everyone:
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1930s Auburn Speedsters, all flowing fenders and elegance.
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Bulky yet beautiful Cadillacs from the postwar boom.
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Muscle cars like the Dodge Charger, flexing their V8s.
A Snapshot: How Big Was It?
To put it in perspective, here’s a quick look at the Central Spring Nationals by the numbers:
| Detail | Count |
|---|---|
| Cars Registered | 350+ |
| States Represented | 20+ |
| Spectators | Estimated 5,000+ |
| Oldest Vehicle | 1915 Ford Model T |
| Youngest Eligible | 1999 Ford Mustang Cobra |
What’s the Draw? A Chance to Belong
Why do so many people pour time, money, and love into keeping these classics alive?
One line here: For most, it’s not about trophies — it’s about connection.
Retiree Sharon Kelley, who drove in from Ohio with her husband, said, “This community is like family. We see the same folks every year. We swap parts, swap stories. We keep each other on the road.”
First-timers were easy to spot, gawking wide-eyed at rows of machines that would look just as at home in a museum as they do rumbling down the street.
DeKalb County: A Classic In Its Own Right
Hosting an event like this is no accident for DeKalb County. This place is steeped in automotive history. Auburn was once home to the Auburn Automobile Company, famous for the Auburn, Cord, and Duesenberg brands that defined luxury in their day.
Locals still call Auburn the “Home Of The Classics” — a badge of honor they wear proudly. The Auburn Cord Duesenberg Automobile Museum remains a must-see for any car lover passing through.
One short line: For DeKalb, cars aren’t just cars — they’re legacy.
Revving Up Local Business
The car show didn’t just bring nostalgia; it brought dollars too. Hotels were booked, restaurants stayed busy, and local shops enjoyed the spike in foot traffic.
Garrett Mayor Michael Schuck said, “Events like this prove we’re more than just a small town. We’re a destination for folks who appreciate craftsmanship, community, and a good story.”
Looking Ahead: Next Year Already in Sight
As the last tail lights faded from the high school parking lot, organizers were already hinting at next year’s plans.
One short line here: Bigger. More cars. More stories.
Longtime AACA member Jack Larson summed up what keeps him and so many others coming back: “These cars connect us to the past — and to each other. As long as we’re around, they’ll never die.”
