Swannanoa Valley Museum to bring the classics back to Black Mountain

Rock the Classics pulls into town for third year

Fred McCormick
The Valley Echo
July 25, 2023

The 2023 Rock the Classics Car Show, hosted by the Swannanoa Valley Museum & History Center, will return for its third year, July 29. The event, which will feature American and European automobiles from 1900 through the 1980s, will be hosted at 205 N.C. 9. Photo by Fred McCormick

The Swannanoa Valley Museum & History Center is bringing classic 20th century automobiles back to the heart of Black Mountain, from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., Saturday, July 29, with the return of the annual Rock the Classics Car Show.

The free event, which will be held in the parking lot at 205 N.C. 9, will feature dozens of American and European cars from the 1900s through the 1980s.

Previously hosted at the Town of Black Mountain Public Works and Recreation building, Rock the Classics was moved to accommodate the growth of the car show, according to Swannanoa Valley Museum & History Center Executive Director LeAnne Johnson.

“Ingles is supporting the event this year, so they gave us permission to use the parking lot of the former Bi-Lo property, which they own,” Johnson said. “They’re also bringing their vintage Elmer Ingle truck for the show, so we’re really happy to have them sponsoring us.”

Organizers anticipate hosting 100 to 200 classic cars, including Edsels, Shelbys, Chevrolets, Dodsons, Volvos and more. Registration is $10 per vehicle and will remain open through the start of the show, which will also feature a 50-50 raffle benefiting the SVM.

“Most of the entries are local, but we get people from Winston-Salem, Franklin, Charlotte and really all over the state,” Johnson said. “We’ll also be giving out three awards to participants with the oldest car, the Best in Show expert’s choice and the People’s Choice. The People’s Choice is always a fun one because any visitor can vote for their favorite car.”

Six local sponsors - Hensons, My Father’s, Tyson Furniture, Keller Williams, Black Mountain Digital Media and Black Mountain Bistro - will featured on 2023 Rock the Classics Car Show t-shirts will be available for purchase.

“We’re grateful to all of our sponsors this year, which marks the first time we’ve reached out to the community to support this event,” Johnson said. “We’re looking forward to the new location and excited to bring some really cool cars for people to enjoy.”