Classic Cars in the Valley

VALLEY– There is a growing trend of Classic Cars in the San Luis Valley. From early summer to Labor Day, There has been no shortage of shiny automobiles representing bygone eras travelling up and down local byways. Not only are there annual events that have been gaining in popularity, outside groups are beginning to take interest in Alamosa and the Valley as a destination.

One of the annual events is the Hot Rod Dirt Drags held outside the Movie Manor in Monte Vista. Nicks Hot Rod Garage of Englewood founded the event. Owner Mike Nicholas wanted to find a location for a racing event that would re-create the 1950s, the early days of drag racing. A search was conducted for an abandoned WWII airstrip. Monte Vista would provide the answer. For 60 years, the area just outside the town has served as home to the Movie Manor drive-in theater. However the dirt airstrip behind the Manor is what serves as a racetrack for the event. Originally dug out in 1931, the airstrip served as an auxiliary airfield in WWII and was eventually closed in the 1980s.  The Dirt Drags are open to 1950s vintage bobbers, hot rods, and customs. The event is held late in May- Early June and has been called the “Best Traditional Hot Rod Event west of the Mississippi.”

The most widely known Classic Car event for the Valley is likely the Early Iron Festival. Held in Alamosa over Labor Day Weekend, the festival is considered a premier event for the region and draws visitors from Colorado, New Mexico, Texas, Arizona, Utah and Kansas. The show has existed for 39 years and brings over 600 participants and enthusiasts to Alamosa.

The Early Iron Festival runs for three days and includes parties, music, vintage nitro, pinstriping, slow cruising and hot rod displays. The Alamosa City Council has even set aside “Early Iron Day” on the Saturday before Labor Day!

Recently, new events such as a visit from the Pikes Peak Corvair Club have also found their way to the Valley. The Alamosa Convention and Visitors Bureau staff has expressed optimism about the growing trend in the area. By all appearances, it seems the trend will not be going away any time soon.