Photos: From classic cars to one-of-a-kind, ready to dazzle at the Casper Auto Show

A classic Ford drives this Memorial Day weekend along the West Yellowstone Highway early Saturday morning. (Clark Bird/Oil City News)

Casper, Wu. – There are staples at almost any auto show in America – a 1957 Chevrolet Corvette, a 1964 Ford Mustang, a 1952 Pontiac Chieftain. However, Casper’s Jane Morridge has a fondness for exotic cars. She brought her 1995 Chevrolet Caprice Classic Wagon, adorned with flames on both sides, to the annual Memorial Day weekend auto show along West Yellowstone Highway.

“It has the LT1 under the hood,” said Morgridge, taking a momentary break from flushing the engine. This car was bought by a lieutenant colonel in the Air Force, and it never left the Cheyenne until the day he died. He just drove her back and forth to the air base. His wife sold it to us.”

“My husband decided, ‘Hey, let’s put some flame on it and make it look unique. “Everything is original. Original paint. The only thing I wore was the hood and the hidden flame.”

The Caprice is one of dozens of classic and newer cars along West Yellowstone Street next to the Yellowstone garage. The street between South Ash and South Oak Streets has been closed for the duration of the show, scheduled to run until 4pm today. Live music will be presented by El Loco Fandango, the ZZ Top Tribute Band, and food carts will be on hand.

Cars were still rolling before 8 am as car enthusiasts and visitors stopped and chatted with car owners. Among those giving their cars a final wipe was John Lannum, who brought his kit from a 1924 T Bucket built with a Chevy 305 engine, 350 Turbo transmission, Ford Explorer rear axle, manual frame and suspension.

Lanum purchased the unique-looking vehicle from owners in Florida. Then he replaced the Model A radiator with a Model T and put a larger visor on it. It’s a nimble and eye-catching car that Lanum enjoys discussing with those who stop by, even though his true love for cars is the Ford Mustang.

“I have four Mustangs and a Shelby,” he said, “and Shelby shot a spring off one of the cylinders a week ago, so I haven’t been able to bring it in this year.”

Lanum didn’t want to miss out on the fun of this year’s auto show, so it’s time once again for the T Bucket to shine.

“There is a lot of noise. It is totally absurd, funny and unnecessary,” he said with a smile. “You know the old saying, ‘The only difference between men and boys is the size and cost of their toys.’”

There is at least one more auto show scheduled this Memorial Day weekend. “Cruizin’ With the Oldies” will take place on Sunday at Antelope Park at Arena Street in Bar Nunn. The full schedule of events is available from the Oil Capitol Auto Club.

Correction on May 28, 2022: An earlier version of this story stated that the auto show would end around 2 p.m.; However, it is already slated to end around 4pm. The story has been corrected accordingly.