Behind the Scenes at Savoy Car Museum's Connection Show
About this episode
Mary Agruza from the Savoy Car Museum discusses the impressive growth of the annual Connection Car Show, now in its third year. With record attendance and a diverse array of vehicles, including a notable collection of Duesenbergs, the event has become a highlight for car enthusiasts. Mary shares insights about the museum's exhibits, the challenges of managing such a large event, and the community's support. The episode also touches on the various activities surrounding the show, making it a vibrant weekend for attendees.
The Savoy Car Museum's annual Connection Car Show has evolved into a spectacular gathering of automotive enthusiasts, exceeding all expectations in its third year. Located in Cartersville, Georgia, between Atlanta and Chattanooga, this expanding event showcases the passion and diversity of car culture across the Southeast.
Mary Argusza takes us behind the scenes as spectators line up before dawn, eager to experience both the outdoor car show and the museum's impressive indoor exhibits. The museum itself spans 60,000 square feet with five distinct galleries, featuring a strategic rotation system that ensures fresh experiences for repeat visitors. Currently, guests can explore exhibits like "Harvest to Highway" with agricultural vehicles, small block muscle cars, racing Jaguars, and an extraordinary collection of ten Duesenbergs representing every iteration of these legendary automobiles.
What makes the Connection Car Show particularly special is its organic growth through word-of-mouth and collaborative relationships with regional car clubs. Though organizers capped show car entries at 300 vehicles, spectator turnout far exceeded expectations, with parking overflowing onto grassy areas surrounding the facility. The event has expanded into a two-day experience featuring a Friday driving tour culminating at the Georgia Racing Hall of Fame, followed by Saturday's main show with People's Choice awards and the coveted Savoy Award.
Unique vehicles dotted the landscape, from pristine classics to modified hot rods, with surprising finds like a Minneapolis Moline tractor featuring a cab and jump seat – capable of 40mph speeds but requiring "the length of a train" to stop due to its rudimentary drum brakes. These automotive treasures, primarily from Georgia and surrounding states, showcase the remarkable collections hidden in garages throughout the region.
Ready to experience automotive history through a fresh lens? Plan your visit to the Savoy Car Museum and mark your calendar for next year's Connection Car Show – an event that celebrates our enduring fascination with wheels, engines, and the freedom of the open road.
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car show
"This is our, this is the third year that we've done a car show. My husband and I were out up at the front..."
A car show is a gathering where people show off their cars. You can see different types of cars, including old and special ones, and sometimes there are prizes for the best cars.
A car show is an event where car enthusiasts gather to display their vehicles, often including classic, vintage, or custom cars. These events can attract large crowds and often feature awards for different categories of vehicles.
GMC Envoy
"...And inside is general. And of course, we have our envoy cars in there. So I'm trying to give you a look a..."
The GMC Envoy is a type of SUV, which is a bigger car that can carry more people and stuff. It was made between 2002 and 2010 and is known for being comfortable and having a lot of space inside. People often talk about it when discussing good family cars from that time.
The GMC Envoy is a mid-size SUV that was produced from 2002 to 2010, known for its comfortable ride and spacious interior. It was designed to appeal to families and outdoor enthusiasts, offering a blend of utility and style. The Envoy often comes up in discussions about reliable SUVs from the early 2000s.
Chrysler PT Cruiser
"What are you actually drive? A PT cruiser. Oh."
The Chrysler PT Cruiser is a small car that looks a bit old-fashioned but is very practical. It has a lot of room inside and was made from 2000 to 2010.
The Chrysler PT Cruiser is a compact car that was produced from 2000 to 2010. It is known for its retro styling and versatile interior space, making it popular among drivers looking for a unique vehicle.
Jaguar XJ220
"Probably the recoil list. The XJ220. Yeah."
The Jaguar XJ220 is a very fast sports car made by Jaguar in the 1990s. It was famous for being one of the quickest cars you could buy back then.
The Jaguar XJ220 is a supercar produced in the early 1990s, known for its high performance and distinctive design. It was one of the fastest production cars of its time, featuring a twin-turbo V6 engine.
drum brakes
"The only problem was it only has a drum brakes on the back. Here's our short nose."
Drum brakes are a kind of brake that helps stop the car. They work by pressing parts against a round drum that spins with the wheels.
Drum brakes are a type of braking system that uses friction to slow down a vehicle. They consist of a drum that rotates with the wheel and brake shoes that press against the drum to create stopping power.
40 miles an hour
"But with drum brakes on the back, if you got it up to 40 miles an hour, you would need about the length of a train to stop it at that speed."
40 miles an hour is a way to measure how fast a car is going. It's like saying the car is moving quickly, and it helps understand how long it takes to stop.
Driving at 40 miles an hour refers to the speed of the vehicle, which is a common reference point for discussing stopping distances and vehicle performance.
IMSA
"Now you got IMSA next week, actually the 21st of September. They're going to be at the Indianapolis motor speedway."
IMSA is a group that runs car races, especially for sports cars. They have different types of races and are well-known in the racing community.
IMSA stands for the International Motor Sports Association, which organizes sports car racing events in North America. It features various classes of racing, including prototypes and GT cars, and is known for its prestigious WeatherTech SportsCar Championship.
NHRA
"NHRA is coming up on the 11th through the 14th of this month."
NHRA is a big organization that runs drag races, where cars speed down a straight track to see who can go the fastest. It's a popular type of racing in the U.S.
NHRA stands for the National Hot Rod Association, which is the largest drag racing organization in the world. It hosts events where cars race in a straight line over a short distance, typically a quarter mile, focusing on speed and acceleration.
Indy
"She won Indy as her fourth win of Indy, five time champion. She's going places. So congratulations to her."
Indy is short for the Indianapolis 500, a famous car race that takes place every year in Indiana. It's known for fast cars and a lot of excitement.
Indy refers to the Indianapolis 500, one of the most prestigious automobile races in the world, held annually at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. It is part of the IndyCar Series and is known for its high speeds and large crowds.
Craftsman Truck Series
"Playoffs for the Craftsman truck. I'm going to be starting Thursday at Bristol Motor Speedway."
The Craftsman Truck Series is a NASCAR racing series where drivers race pickup trucks. It's popular in the U.S. and features exciting races on different tracks.
The Craftsman Truck Series is a pickup truck racing series that is part of the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR). It features modified trucks competing on various tracks across the United States.
Bristol Motor Speedway
"I'm going to be starting Thursday at Bristol Motor Speedway. If you've got FS1, it's going to be televised there."
Bristol Motor Speedway is a famous race track in Tennessee where many exciting car races happen. It's known for its steep banks and close racing action.
Bristol Motor Speedway is a short track located in Bristol, Tennessee, known for its high-banked oval and close racing. It is one of the most popular venues in NASCAR due to its unique layout and enthusiastic fans.
Xfinity Series
"Exfinity is going on today. It is the Worldwide Technology Raceway."
The Xfinity Series is a NASCAR racing series where drivers compete in cars that are a step below the top-level NASCAR Cup Series. It's a place for new drivers to show their skills.
The Xfinity Series is a NASCAR racing series that serves as a feeder series to the NASCAR Cup Series. It features a mix of established drivers and up-and-coming talent racing on various tracks.
Worldwide Technology Raceway
"And they're going to be running there for the Exfinity boys. And then the Cup Guys, they're also going to be at the Worldwide Technology Raceway."
Worldwide Technology Raceway is a race track in Illinois where different types of car races take place. It's known for hosting big events like NASCAR races.
Worldwide Technology Raceway is a motorsports facility located in Madison, Illinois, near St. Louis. It hosts various racing events, including NASCAR and IndyCar races, and features a road course, oval track, and drag strip.
Enjoy Illinois 300
"It's the Enjoy Illinois 300."
The Enjoy Illinois 300 is a specific NASCAR race that takes place at the Worldwide Technology Raceway. It's part of the NASCAR Cup Series and is popular among racing fans.
The Enjoy Illinois 300 is a NASCAR Cup Series race held at the Worldwide Technology Raceway. It is part of the NASCAR schedule and attracts many fans and drivers each year.
Formula One
"And Formula One, the Italian Grand Prix is tomorrow. It's at the Auto Drone in Manza. It's a 53 lapper."
Formula One is a type of car racing that takes place on special tracks. It's famous for fast cars and exciting races.
Formula One is a premier international auto racing sport known for its high-speed cars and competitive races. It features a series of races known as Grands Prix, held on various circuits around the world.
Italian Grand Prix
"And Formula One, the Italian Grand Prix is tomorrow. It's at the Auto Drone in Manza. It's a 53 lapper."
The Italian Grand Prix is a famous car race that happens in Italy. It's part of the Formula One series and is known for being very fast and exciting.
The Italian Grand Prix is one of the oldest and most prestigious races in the Formula One calendar, typically held at the Autodromo Nazionale Monza, known for its high-speed layout.
first US Auto Show
"Coming up in 1900 was actually the first US Auto Show in New York."
The first US Auto Show happened in 1900 in New York. It was an event where many car makers showed off their vehicles, starting a tradition that continues today.
The first US Auto Show took place in New York in 1900, showcasing 66 vehicles from 40 different automakers. This event marked the beginning of a long tradition of auto shows in the United States.
horsepower
"And the name of the car was sweepstakes, 26 horsepower."
Horsepower is a way to measure how powerful an engine is. The Sweepstakes car had 26 horsepower, which tells us how strong it was for racing.
Horsepower is a unit of measurement for power, commonly used to describe the power output of engines. In this context, the Sweepstakes had 26 horsepower, indicating its performance capabilities.
Sweepstakes
"And the name of the car was sweepstakes, 26 horsepower."
Sweepstakes was a car built by Henry Ford in 1901. It had a powerful engine for its time and was important because it helped Ford win his first race.
The Sweepstakes was one of Henry Ford's early race cars, notable for its 26 horsepower. It marked a significant moment in automotive history as Ford's first racing victory.
Cadillac
"General Motors bought Cadillac. I was surprised $4.5 million."
Cadillac is a brand that makes luxury cars, often seen as very stylish and high-quality.
Cadillac is a luxury vehicle brand owned by General Motors, known for its high-end vehicles and innovations in automotive technology, including the electric starter.
General Motors
"So this year, this week in auto history in 1909, General Motors bought Cadillac."
General Motors is a big company that makes cars. They own several well-known car brands.
General Motors, often abbreviated as GM, is one of the largest automobile manufacturers in the world, known for producing a wide range of vehicles under various brands, including Chevrolet, Buick, GMC, and Cadillac.
electric starter
"And I did not realize that Cadillac pioneered the electric starter in 1912."
An electric starter is a part of a car that helps start the engine automatically, making it easier to drive. Cadillac was the first company to use this in their cars.
The electric starter is a device that uses an electric motor to start an internal combustion engine, eliminating the need for hand cranking. Cadillac was the first to introduce this technology in 1912, marking a significant advancement in automotive engineering.
Ford Model A
"Then in 1927, the Ford Model A was actually completed, the prototype."
The Ford Model A is a car that Ford made in the 1920s. It was better and newer than the older Model T.
The Ford Model A was a car produced by Ford Motor Company in the late 1920s, designed to replace the Model T. It was known for its modern features and was a significant step forward in automotive design.
Ford Model
"...l of the luxury and innovation. Then in 1927, the Ford Model A was actually completed, the prototype. And it w..."
The Ford Model T is an old car that was made a long time ago, from 1908 to 1927. It was important because it was one of the first cars that regular people could afford, thanks to new ways of making cars faster and cheaper. This changed how people traveled and helped shape the car industry.
The Ford Model T, produced from 1908 to 1927, is one of the most significant cars in automotive history, as it introduced assembly line production to the masses. This innovation made cars affordable and accessible to the general public, revolutionizing personal transportation. Its impact on society and the economy is profound, making it a frequent topic of discussion in automotive history.
Chevrolet
"...it was really set to compete against Chevrolet and Plymouth. And by 1931, more than $4 million of these cars were sold."
Chevrolet is a popular car brand in the United States, known for making many different types of vehicles, including cars and trucks.
Chevrolet is a well-known American automobile brand that produces a wide range of vehicles, from trucks to sports cars.
Plymouth
"...it was really set to compete against Chevrolet and Plymouth. And by 1931, more than $4 million of these cars were sold."
Plymouth was a car brand in the U.S. that made affordable vehicles for many years before it was discontinued.
Plymouth was an American automobile brand that was active from 1928 until 2001, known for producing affordable cars.
seat belts
"...this is where they started putting things together like, dashboard, seat belts, recessed steering wheels."
Seat belts are straps in cars that keep you safe by holding you in your seat during sudden stops or accidents.
Seat belts are safety devices in vehicles designed to secure passengers and reduce the risk of injury during a crash.
Ford Edsel
"...1957 Ford Edsel was introduced. Now, this was designed to be a medium-priced package car..."
The Ford Edsel was a car made by Ford in 1957 that didn't sell well. It was meant to be a mid-priced car but ended up being a failure.
The Ford Edsel was a car brand introduced by Ford in 1957, designed to fill the gap between the Ford and Mercury brands. It is known for its unique styling and was produced for only a few years due to poor sales.
Gulf Coast Auto Shield
"Why not let Gulf Coast auto shield protected? Houstonian John Gray invites you to his state of the art facility..."
Gulf Coast Auto Shield is a business that helps protect your car's paint and windows. They offer services to keep your car looking new and safe from damage.
Gulf Coast Auto Shield is a company that specializes in automotive protection services, including paint protection and ceramic coatings. They cater to car enthusiasts looking to maintain their vehicle's appearance and integrity.
ceramic coating
"...to massage your original paint to a like-new appearance, apply a ceramic coating. Install a paint protection film."
Ceramic coating is a special liquid that you put on a car's paint to protect it. It makes the car shiny and helps keep it safe from dirt and scratches.
Ceramic coating is a liquid polymer applied to the exterior of a vehicle, providing a protective layer that enhances shine and protects against environmental contaminants. It helps maintain the car's appearance over time.
paint protection film
"...apply a ceramic coating. Install a paint protection film."
Paint protection film is a clear layer you can put on your car to keep the paint safe from scratches and chips. It helps protect the car's surface from damage.
Paint protection film is a clear, durable material applied to a vehicle's surface to protect the paint from scratches, chips, and other damage. It's often used on high-impact areas like the front bumper and hood.
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