316 cars attended the first year in 1978, with only 16 vendors. There have been as many as 1462 cars and 140 vendors on certain years since, depending on weather.

The show’s Great Motoring Memories, is a special display within the show that features uniquely special antique, classic, and one-of-a-kind automobiles that have achieved prominence in automotive history.  Many of these cars are extremely rare and seldom seen and are trailered to the show to help preserve them. This part of the show was organized by Bob Pintarelli, since its inception, but is now organized by Michael Keller.

We believe our show is one of the largest car shows in the midwest with typically 12,000-15,000 people in attendance, and cars covering the Brass era, muscle car years, Custom cars, and cars up to 30 years old from the current year.

The first year, there were Trophies in 5 classes, but now there are around 30 classes and some special awards given to best of show and Concours d’Elegance cars. The Car show hours are from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. with an ever increasing number of early arrivals each year.

Since 1982, the Appleton-Fox Cities Kiwanis Club has organized food and beverages for the Sunday event with proceeds going to local charities. 

The Appleton Old Car Show & Swap Meet is a cooperative effort with over 100 volunteers helping from The Appleton Old Car Club, Inc., Fox Valley Street Rod Association, Packerland Region Vintage Chevrolet Club of America, and the Appleton-Fox Cities Kiwanis Club.