A Ford Model A drives into downtown Faribault on Central Avenue during the July 20 Faribault Car Cruise Night.
I NEVER THOUGHT I would find old cars and trucks interesting. Not in a million years.
But I’ve acquired, in recent years, an appreciation for the vehicles of yesterday displayed at local car shows. I credit my smart and talented automotive machinist husband, who is like a walking Wikipedia when it comes to knowledge of vehicles, for my interest. Randy finally convinced me to tag along once to a car show and that was it.
HIS VIEW: Not my color, not at all. MY VIEW: The graceful curves of a swan hood ornament draw my eye to this street rod.
Our reasons, though, for appreciating these cars and trucks of the past differ. He’ll peer under the open hoods and such while I’m admiring hood ornaments and emblems, the curve and sweep of metal, paint colors and more.
HIS VIEW: Lotta teeth there. MY VIEW: Can you see my reflections in the shiny, curvy bumper art on this car?
My interest springs from an artistic and photographic perspective. His is more mechanical and practical.
And as a bonus, if I overhear or discover a story or two at these shows, I value the displayed vehicles even more. Watch in upcoming days for several interesting stories from the July 20 Faribault Car Cruise Night. It was quite a night for stories, as you will read. Until then, enjoy these photos.
HIS VIEW: Let’s buy one, but not a yellow one.
MY VIEW: Look how the setting sun glints across the hood as I photograph those magnificent, detailed wheels.
HIS VIEW: That would be a nice old pickup to own. MY VIEW: Loving the stylish sweep of the front end.
HIS VIEW: Why are you photographing that taillight? MY VIEW: Just look at those shimmering reds, the honeycomb effect and that royal art.
HIS VIEW: A good cruisin’ car. MY VIEW: It’s the stripes, the stripes, oh, yes, the stripes that lead my eye across the trunk and beyond.
HIS VIEW: I’d love to own that 1930s vintage Chevy truck. MY VIEW: I know you would, dear. It is pretty sweet.
HIS VIEW: I didn’t know grasshoppers grew that big. MY VIEW: Thanks for making me laugh and bringing back memories, for me at least, of all those grasshoppers on the farm when I was growing up.
HIS VIEW: That’s the inside of a 1967 Chevy Impala Super Sport. MY VIEW: Look at all those circles, circles, circles.
HIS VIEW: A good looking Pontiac Firebird. MY VIEW: Art.
HIS VIEW: Insert key here. MY VIEW: I’ve never noticed a rocket emblem before on a car (Oldsmobile Ninety Eight).
HIS VIEW: Check out the motor. MY VIEW: One sweet Chevy.
HIS VIEW: Just the front of a Buick. MY VIEW: Vertical lines on the front of the car and the building behind create a pattern.
MY VIEW and maybe HIS VIEW, too: Nice curves.
MY VIEW: A fancy, schmancy MG with a royal air. HIS VIEW: I never cared too much for British cars.
OUR VIEW: Lost in the 50s, 60s, 70s…on a Friday evening in downtown Faribault.
© Copyright 2012 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
Minnesota Prairie Roots 
And that is the reality: His view–And what size is that engine???
Her view–And what color did you get???
LOVE IT!! “Women are from Venus and Men are from Mars”!!
I almost included that book title in my post. We women even think alike.
DH would say that that fact is so true and very scary!!!
Ha. Ha.
I love both of your views. I have always been a fan of old, well taken care of cars. It is a good way to show your pride in your ride. We, at one time, had a ’57 Chevy. It was a maroon colored 2 door hardtop with all the chrome and “circles” on the dash. That was almost 50 years ago, shortly after we were married. Paid 250 dollars for it. We were living near Assumption back then and had our two cars parked on the road in front of the house, facing each other with an old 2-wheel trailer sitting between the cars. A kid came along, drunk, and fell asleep. Of course he hit the ’57 in the rear, loading it up on top of the other car and sandwiched the trailer between them. Now I wish that digital cameras had been around back then! It was quite a site. The kid didn’t get hurt, but the cars and trailer were destroyed. Back then you could buy a good old used car for less than 100 dollars so we went and bought another car, sold the wrecked ones and with the insurance money we received, had money to make a down payment on the hobby farm where we still live today. Still miss that Chevy!
Wow, that’s quite a story. A dollar went a long ways back then.
Great Photos – thanks for sharing! Happy Tuesday!
Thank you. It was a fun event to photograph, to try and come up with different photo ideas than your typical stand and shoot.