*2025 MCACN In Review
MCACN 2025 CONTINUES TO THRIVE
There is certainly no doubt that our hobby in general is operating at a fever pitch. With our Title Sponsor Mecum Auctions setting records at nearly every auction, our Official Transporter Reliable Carriers operating more orange trucks from more home-bases than ever and fellow enthusiasts participating in more events every month, we are honored to be right in the middle of all the action.
The recent Muscle Car and Corvette Nationals show again "raised the bar" for Muscle Car enthusiasts and so many more. With a record number of cars (638) joining us from more than 40 states and four provinces of Canada, the stage was set when we opened the doors Saturday morning, November 23. The Donald E. Stephens Convention Center has earned the reputation for being the place to be the weekend before Thanksgiving, and that momentum continues to build with the warm welcome from all of the Rosemont, Illinois community.
Here are some more stats; we hosted 29 Premier Unveilings representing Shelby, four divisions of General Motors and of course, Shelby and Ford and we had well over 100 cars that were shown for the very first time after extensive restorations. We had nearly 30 recently discovered cars in our Barn Finds & Hidden Gems area, several being discovered within months of the show. Shelby and Ford fans had a field day with our largest gathering of Shelby's, Fords and Mercurys since our inception, which included GT350's, GT40's, Boss Mustangs of 302, 351 and 429 origin and a variety of Big Body, Big Block Beasts. GT40's? Check! REAL Cobras? Yes Sir! And if you are a G.M. fan, we had that covered too. The Buick G.S. display again was mind-blowing with the many "matched pairs" of hardtops and convertibles. (Thanks Ajesh...you did it again!). And how about thos 409's and 2+2"s? Big Body Muscle reigned supreme again this year. But perhaps you are a bit younger and enjoy some of the more modern muscle? While small, the Viper Invitational sure was mighty and who didn't smile when you saw the entire row of King Cobra Mustangs, Presented by Dr. John Randalll, that represented each and every color offered, many of which have never been shown. And as you know if you were with us, so much more. And if you weren't with us, let's change that "bucket list" thing to being an annual tradition, like so many of you have. And we truly appreciate that as we have become somewhat of a family reunion for the Muscle Car loyals.
Of course, the Nash Nutz had a blast and speaking of fun, how about that Studebaker Legends display? Kids (and families) loved the Muppet Movie car and speaking of families, our Generations Invitational, Presented by new MCACN Official Sponsor, NPD was a slam-dunk home run, featuring in several cases THREE generations of family enthusiasts. And then we have our Future Generations Invitational. If there is any aspect of the MCACN show that brings us great pride, it is this. If you wonder about the future of our hobby and whether there is indeed a future, all I can say is pay attention!
So while we highlight some of the many features of the show, allow me to express our sincere appreciation to YOU. Since our show viability depends on spectator attendance, it is clear that the word is getting out there. YOUR endorsement is what it's all about and no matter how much bla-bla-bla I put out there it is your word of mouth telling friends and family that MCACN is a Must Do is what is making the difference. Sure..the billboards, online ads and print ads and articles are great, but it's the many of you that make it happen.
And speaking of making it happen, we can't even begin to express how much we appreciate our team. Many have become "family" in a way that is hard to explain. True passion is the best way to describe it. Our crew always make ME look good, but rest assured we could never do what we do without the support of our team. Many hours are spent in planning and of course when we hit Rosemont in early November, our "local" crew, (many of which join us from across the country and Canada) jump in 110%. Their passion shows and trust me, our team members aren't in it for the paltry checks we write after the show! Passion, enthusiasm and desire to be a part of the action is what they offer and as all who joined us know, that is the MCACN difference.
And speaking of Special and Invitational displays, what about our Spring Fever and HEMI Invitationals, Presented by the Wellborn Muscle Car Museum. Dan Pausch and his crew again knocked it out of the park. We welcomed so many "first timers" that we hope will make MCACN tradition. And unexpected surprises? How about the OHC-6 Cammers display or perhaps the Batmobile in our lobby? Talk about setting the stage for fun! Again....we could certainly go on and on so if I am forgetting any of your personal highlights, forgive me as I am trying to keep this brief, which is certainly a challenge considering all we played host to.
So with that being said, the main purpose of this eblast is to offer our SINCERE THANKS to you. Whether you were a spectator, a participant or an all important Official Sponsor, we know we could never do what we do without you. This show is for YOU and we plan on being around for a while!
So get ready, as we are well into planning for the 2026 edition of the Muscle Car and Corvette Nationals show which will take place Saturday, November 21, and Sunday, November 22 at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, (Suburban Chicago area), Illinois. We will again have SEVEN convenient Official Host Hotels, all within walking distance. The links for rooms will be up in January as well as our online car and vendor applications. Pre-Qualification is required and as many of you found out in 2025, all Judging classes are limited in order to maintain integrity so don't waste any time letting us know what you have at bashton426@gmail.com. ALL of our Concours categories and vendor space sold out well in advance and we are sure they will again in 2026.
We welcome your input and suggestions at bashton426@gmail.com. As I always say, the MCACN show will always be a "work in progress" and the entire team strives to make improvements every year. This event, (and it really IS an event!) is for you, your family and friends and we will always be committed to making each and every year better and more exciting.
THANK YOU so much!
Bob Ashton
MCACN, LLC
Managing Member
and
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Our Title Sponsor
January 6-18, 2026
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*Note: We found a set of keys on the Trailer Parking Lot
If you lost a set of keys at the show, let us know, we may have them :)
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In 2009, a group of car enthusiasts banded together to form the MCACN LLC.
Each LLC member brings in a wide variety of ideas and perspectives that allows us to produce a show unlike any other. Click Here to learn more about all the MCACN LLC Members
*Note: Much like accountants in April, our life is crazy busy in the months leading up to the show.
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