Classic cars, lasting connections
7/1/2026
Buick, photo courtesy of Kent Carlson
Summer is prime season for classic car shows.
Nearly every weekend, vintage vehicles fill parking lots, grassy parks and iconic gathering spots. With hoods popped open to showcase meticulously restored engines, shiny chrome and even the occasional pair of fuzzy dice, attendees stroll through decades of automotive history.
So what is the appeal of classic cars? Simply put, they do not make them like they used to. Today’s roads are dominated by SUVs that often look similar, making it difficult to distinguish a Honda from a Toyota without spotting the logo. Classic cars, on the other hand, were designed with distinctive personalities, bold styling and craftsmanship that continue to turn heads decades later.
Each year over the Fourth of July weekend, the Goodguys Heartland Nationals attracts thousands of attendees and vehicles. Yet one local show has steadily gained popularity: the Valley Classic Car Show.
The Valley Classic Car Show is held at the Valley Community Center and was started by car enthusiast Scott Longstreet. As a member of Valley Church, he suggested the idea in 2015.
Porsche, photo courtesy of Kent Carlson
“We had a big area for it — at the Community Center. Let’s see what happens,” he recalls.
Initially, organizers hoped to attract 100 vehicles. Today, the show features as many as 500. The entire event is free with no entry fees for vehicle owners or attendees. It is a half-day event, and a free lunch is served.
Awards are presented, and the vehicles run the gamut, including Camaros, Corvettes, Ford pickups, Rolls-Royces, hot rods and more. Although Valley Church is affiliated with the event, it is not worship-related.
“It shocks people that it’s all for free. Good Guys is a money maker. We don’t charge a dime. People ask, what’s the motive?” Scott says. “We’re not preaching. We just love Des Moines, and that’s the point.”
Kent Carlson has showcased vehicles at the Valley Classic Car Show since its inception. A lifelong enthusiast, Carlson has owned more than 300 vehicles over the years and currently owns 10. His favorite is a Porsche 928.
In his 20s, Carlson worked at a Des Moines Mazda-Porsche dealership selling new vehicles. His dream car was the Porsche 928, but he could not afford one at the time. He finally purchased one at age 28. Forty years later, he still owns it.
Valley Classic show, photo courtesy of Kent Carlson
“It’s entertaining to drive, but by today’s standard, it’s not that fast. It’s a cool car that was featured in the ‘Risky Business’ movie.”
Carlson grew up with a father who owned 18 Cadillacs over the years.
“He was a realtor, and he needed a nice car to haul people around in,” Carlson recalls.
His 1957 Cadillac convertible is one of 10 Cadillacs he has owned.
“It’s Orion Blue and looks like it should be on a beach in Miami,” he says.
One of his purchases came after spotting a 1966 Buick LeSabre parked outside a bar on Ingersoll Avenue. He waited to see who owned it and eventually made an offer. The next day, the keys were in his pocket.
Carlson appreciates older vehicles because he can work on them himself.
“Today’s cars need to be taken to a dealer. The styling is nothing like we’ve had in the past. Different era cars drive differently,” he explains. “The 1957 Cadillac is a bear to drive. I turned down a Buick because it felt like I was driving a lumber truck.”
During car shows, Carlson says the conversations are his favorite part.
“The car culture is interesting. Some people are trophy hunters,” he reflects. “I prefer to park my car and walk away to look at others.”
The Valley Classic Car Show will be held July 25 at 4444 Fuller Road in West Des Moines. ♦
Jackie Wilson has written hundreds of articles for CITYVIEW and the Iowa Living magazines. She has covered many ordinary people living extraordinary lives.
