On any given weekend in Oklahoma, it’s not hard to find collections of stunning old cars lined up in rows like shiny jewels. These aren’t just cars; they’re stories on wheels.
From Tulsa to Tishomingo, antique car lovers gather at car shows, swap meets and parades, typically stationed in small towns and city parks. They come in muscle cars from the 1960s, shiny Model A Fords from the 1930s, pickup trucks that once hauled hay bales, and everything in between. Some of these cars are more than 100 years old, yet still run like champs and allow their owners to show them off. Oklahomans love their historical narratives, and antique cars are a way to keep history alive. Each one has its own story.
Bill Ruedy, member of the Tulsa regional chapter of the Antique Automobile Club of America – TRACCA – and editor of their newsletter (who likes to show off his 1913 Ford Model T Touring Car, if you’re asking), shares that stories are a component of what brings people to their club. Participants share an “interest in antique automobile preservation, opportunities to show our cars and talk about their history, and fellowship of people with like interests,” he says.
And speaking of history, with the centennial celebration of Route 66 coming up in 2026, many clubs are planning related events. TRACCA board member Michael Halley shares that their club will be rolling out for the Tulsa Veterans Day Parade in November 2026, which will be celebrating the Route 66 Centennial. In the past, the club has showcased more than 20 vintage vehicles ranging from a 1913 Model T to a 1970 Datsun 240Z, says Halley. They hope to bring out even more for this special celebration.
But if you don’t want to wait for 2026, Halley says, “there are more car shows, Cars & Coffee style get-togethers, cruises, benefit poker runs and other events in northeast Oklahoma than one can shake a stick at.”
The VW Club of Oklahoma, which serves Volkswagen enthusiasts of all ages, hosts monthly get-togethers, cruises and car shows. They also sell all kinds of fun VW-themed merchandise for those who love the “funky little car that brings a smile to people’s faces,” says Angela Bumgarner, who helps run the club.
Bumgarner shares how this love of vintage automobiles can spark conversations, transcend age and allow the older generations to pass on the love and hobby of cars to the next generations.
Antique car culture in Oklahoma isn’t so much a hobby as a way of life. It teaches respect for craftsmanship, pride in hard work and the joy of sharing stories across generations. It’s history you can touch, smell and drive.
How to Get Involved
There are plenty of ways to get involved in antique car culture within Oklahoma. Whether you have an old car you would like to show off or you want to learn more about the stories behind these cool conveyances, the internet is the place to go to find out more.
Search online for a Cars and Coffee (or occasionally Coffee and Cars) event near you to try out an easy, casual way to meet people and see cool cars.
