*2022 Sneak Peek
1978 Dodge Magnum GT
2022 MCACN Malaise Era Muscle Invitational Participant
Owner: Brad Schroeder, Illinois
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Stepping Forward: Presenting MCACN Malaise Era Muscle
If you attended or watched the recent Mecum Kissimmee Auction, you witnessed history in the making. There is no doubt that the level of passion and enthusiasm for our hobby is at fever pitch. And it's not just because prime collector cars are selling for big bucks. I saw several emerging patterns that I think drive home the message that our hobby is expanding. And part of that expansion is bringing in a new breed of enthusiasts. And that is why we will be doing something very different this year. Allow us to present our new Malaise Era Muscle Invitational.
So what the heck is Malaise Era Muscle, you may ask? Well, for the most part it is the new breed of collectible cars that fall between the years 1973-1987. (The Malaise Era- an era where multiple oil crises affected cars being produced) This includes the General Motors Collonade cars, like the G.S. and the Laguna along with the Grand Am. For Ford it would be Mustang II Cobras and even SVO and Saleen Mustangs. Of course, there are quite a few from the Mopar Camp, like the gorgeous Magnum GT shown above, owned by our Malaise Era Muscle Host and MCACN staff member, Brad Schroeder.
Like many, Brad has other cars, like the Mr. Norm's Challenger T/A that he showed at MCACN last November. We got to talking a while back about the noticeable interest in these cars, along with the Trans Ams, Aspen and Volare Super Coupes and Street Kit Cars and so many others. It didn't take long to decide it was time to extend the invitation to the owners who may just be ahead of the curve on these cool cars! Sure, they may not pump out the ponies like the Muscle Cars we all love, but there is no doubt that they are bringing in new people, and I also know of quite a few high-end collectors that are jumping in, grabbing prime examples of cars (and trucks!) of this era.
1979 Pontiac Trans Am 10th Anniversary
2022 MCACN Malaise Era Muscle Invitational Participant
Owner: Scott Maren
While we had not even formally announced what we were planning, Brad was able to round up several prime cars to join us, along with his Magnum. I mentioned how I always liked the '75 Roadrunner, and he promptly found a gorgeous example. I put out some feelers, and the owner of the '79 Anniversary Trans Am responded. This super low mile unrestored original is definitely among the finest, and it is a 4-speed! And then I remembered one of our longtime supporters has several super low mile original '74 Z/28's. When was the last time you saw one of those? So we're off and running...
A few of the cars we would love to have in this gathering: the aforementioned Laguna and a King Cobra, perhaps a '73 454 SS Chevelle, Volare or Aspen Super Coupes and Kit Cars and how about a Monza Mirage with a V8 under the hood? A Cosworth Vega would be fun and come to think of it, Yenko and Baldwin-Motion built a few wild rides, even though the writing was not only on the wall, but demand was, well, nearly nonexistent.
So we know this may not be for everyone and some may scratch their heads, but the bottom line is that these cars are clearly coming into their own. Call it the "next generation" or whatever you like, but rest assured, when people start paying over 100k for clean original '77-78 Trans Ams, they aren't going away. And besides; we like to be leaders, not followers, and most importantly, we like to have FUN and help you bring back some memories.
If you own or know of a prime example of a Malaise Era Muscle car and would like to join us, please send pictures and information to bashton426@gmail.com. As always, we will accept only the best of the best and the rarest of the rare. We have no intention of lowering our standards, so if it isn't prime, please don't ask, and as always, priority will be given to factory stock vehicles, unless it is Day2 Dealer modified, aka Nickey and Yenko.
And speaking of the huge Kissimmee Auction, congrats to our Title Sponsor Mecum Auctions for not only setting records, but smashing them in so many ways. It was an amazing run and once again proves that Nobody Sells More Muscle Than Mecum...NOBODY! Congrats also go out to all of you that bought or sold out there! We know of a whole lot of happy MCACN participants that bought and sold vehicles, some that you will see at MCACN in November.
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Official Host Hotels: Links are now up for the DoubleTree, the Embassy Suites, aLoft, Hilton and the Hyatt. The links for the Crowne Plaza will be up soon. These six are the ONLY Authorized Official Host Hotels, all conveniently located with special MCACN spectator and participant rates along with extra exclusive MCACN perks. Click here for information and direct booking links:
CAR ENTRY: Car Entry: We are now accepting Muscle Car, Muscle Bicycle and Mini-Bike applications through our website. To "Pre-Qualify" send pictures and information to bashton426@gmail.com. Priority is always given to rarely, if ever, shown vehicles and our emphasis is on factory stock Muscle Cars and prime Corvettes.
Vendor Space: We are 100% automotive and do not allow head-set hawkers, home improvement companies, travel agencies or other non automotive. If you are interested in vending with us, send your business information to bashton426@gmail.com. Same space spots are held for our previous vendors until 4-1-22, at which time remaining spots are sold and assigned as received. If you are a returning vendor and are ready to commit for 2022, email Vicki for an online link or form.
If you aren't automotive, please don't ask!
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Yes indeed...we are off and running again, so please put the big red circle on November 19-20 on your new 2022 calendars. It isn't too early to plan on joining us, whether you are showing, selling or showcasing your products and services, or as an all important spectator.
Bob Ashton
MCACN, LLC
Managing Member
Our Title Sponsor
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