
The History of MSRA’s Back to the 50s Car Show
The Back to the 50s car show in Minneapolis, Minnesota, stands as one of the largest and most beloved classic car gatherings in the United States, drawing car lovers from all corners of the country and beyond. Held annually in June at the sprawling Minnesota State Fairgrounds, the event transforms the venue into a time capsule of mid-20th-century Americana. Each year, more than 100,000 attendees gather to admire over 10,000 vintage vehicles.
The Birth of a Tradition
The show began modestly in 1974, founded by the Minnesota Street Rod Association (MSRA). At the time, the national enthusiasm for hot rods and custom cars was gaining momentum, fueled by a growing nostalgia for the 1950s. The MSRA, formed by local car enthusiasts, envisioned an event that would bring together lovers of vintage automobiles in a celebration of style, design, and culture.
The first gathering took place at the St. Paul Armory and drew a relatively small crowd, mostly consisting of local hobbyists and their families who shared a common interest in classic American automobiles. The venue provided just enough space to display a handful of meticulously maintained hot rods and street rods, many of which had been lovingly restored in home garages. Despite its modest size, the event was a resounding success, igniting a wave of enthusiasm and revealing a significant appetite for a recurring regional event that would celebrate the beauty and spirit of pre-1964 vehicles.
Growth and the Move to the State Fairgrounds
As the popularity of the show grew year over year, it became clear that a larger venue was necessary to accommodate the increasing number of participants and spectators. By the late 1970s, the MSRA made the strategic decision to relocate the event to the Minnesota State Fairgrounds in Falcon Heights, a suburb of the Twin Cities.
The move was transformative. With more space to showcase vehicles, accommodate vendors, and entertain guests, the fairgrounds provided an ideal setting. The tree-lined streets, classic architecture, and ample facilities of the fairgrounds created the perfect vintage backdrop for a celebration of mid-century Americana.
A Showcase of American Automotive History
One of the defining features of the Back to the 50s show is its exclusive focus on vehicles manufactured before 1964. This cutoff preserves the integrity of the "1950s vibe" and ensures that attendees experience an authentic slice of American car culture from that iconic era.
Each year, the show features an impressive display of over 11,000 classic cars, trucks, and custom vehicles. These include everything from restored family sedans to radically customized hot rods. As the years have progressed, trends have come and gone, with everything from ’90s-style street rods and traditional ’50s hot rod builds to modern six-figure resto-mods found throughout the grounds. With attendees traveling from all over the United States and even abroad, the event has become a major highlight on the national car show calendar.
Notable Guests and Vendors
Over the years, the Back to the 50s show has hosted a wide range of notable guests and industry-leading vendors. Automotive celebrities such as Chip Foose, Stacey David, and Richard Petty have made appearances, offering fans a chance to meet some of the most influential figures in the car world. Their presence adds to the prestige and excitement of the show, often drawing even larger crowds eager to hear stories, get autographs, and see custom creations up close.
On the vendor side, the show features hundreds of booths offering everything from rare car parts and restoration tools to retro apparel and memorabilia. Well-known vendors like Speedway Motors, Summit Racing, and Classic Instruments have become regulars at the event, showcasing the latest products and offering advice to enthusiasts working on their own restoration projects. Our custom brands — including Porter Mufflers, Speed Gems Transmission Adapters, Wilcap Transmission Adapters, and Rod Doors — have also been regulars at the show!
A Record-Setting Phenomenon
The scale of the Back to the 50s show is nothing short of extraordinary. In its peak years, attendance has reached over 100,000 visitors across the three-day weekend. The sheer number of vehicles and the quality of the restorations make it a must-see event for anyone with an appreciation for classic American design.
The show has earned numerous accolades, including being named "Best Car Show in the Country" by USA Today readers in 2014. It consistently ranks among the top events of its kind and serves as a model for other regional car shows.
Looking Ahead
As the Back to the 50s car show looks to the future, it continues to evolve while remaining true to its roots. The MSRA remains at the helm, organizing the event with the same passion that launched it decades ago. Efforts to engage younger generations through educational workshops and youth programs ensure that the love of classic cars will endure.
In a time when the automotive landscape is rapidly changing, the Back to the 50s car show stands as a vibrant reminder of America’s rich motoring past.
Leave a comment