A Classic-Car Lover’s Guide to Cabarrus County

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If you’re a classic-car lover, you’re in good company in Cabarrus County. Here, there’s always car-related fun to have and other car enthusiasts to meet — at museums, cruise-in events, AutoFairs and more.

August 18, 2022

When most people think about cars and Cabarrus County, they automatically think about major motorsports events at Charlotte Motor Speedway, like the Coca-Cola 600 in the spring or the Bank of America ROVAL 400 in the fall. But Cabarrus County is a dream destination for all kinds of car fanatics — here, you’ll find events year-round for lovers and collectors of classic cars.

These events just might introduce you to new friends, hard-to-find parts or, quite possibly, your next classic car.

AutoBarn Classic Cars, Concord

Ready to shop for your new ride? Located at Gibson Mill, this 60,000-square-foot indoor showroom offers plenty to tempt car lovers, including classic cars, concept cars and race cars. If you’re up for some less-expensive shopping, they also sell memorabilia, like old gas pumps, license plates and even jukeboxes. AutoBarn is just a 10-minute drive from Charlotte Motor Speedway, and it’s a fun stop after a day at the track.

Morrison Motor Car Museum, Concord

Technically, this is a car museum — but for true classic-car lovers, it might as well be an art museum. More than 50 sports cars and muscle cars from the past century are exhibited here. And like any proper museum, Morrison Motor Car Museum has a souvenir shop — a car lot on the property sells collector cars, including Mustangs, Camaros, Corvettes and trucks.

Mustang Owner’s Museum, Concord

Mustang lovers, find your crew at the Mustang Owner’s Museum. More than 25 Mustangs — including classics, racing and modified vehicles — are on display. The museum switches up the showcased cars throughout the year, so each time you come back, you’ll have new Mustangs to admire. Museum memberships are available for individuals and families, which offer perks like free tickets, Hall of Fame voting privileges and merchandise discounts. The Mustang Owner’s Museum also regularly hosts car shows and cruise events.

Charlotte AutoFair, Concord

The Charlotte AutoFair is a must for lovers of classic and custom cars. More than 150,000 car collectors and restorers descend on Charlotte Motor Speedway for the Charlotte AutoFair to see thousands of cars. Whether you’ve got your eye on buying a car, shopping for memorabilia or finding a car part that you can’t find anywhere else, this is a show that impresses devout classic-car enthusiasts.

Curb Motorsports Museum, Kannapolis

Most people know Mike Curb as the founder of a big record label, which has included artists like Wynonna Judd, Tim McGraw and Lyle Lovett. But Curb is also a huge car enthusiast with significant involvement in motorsports — and at the Curb Motorsports Museum, he shares a collection of storied cars with fellow enthusiasts. Beyond his collection of NASCAR and Indy cars, Curb also showcases cars that hold special places in motorsports history, like Dale Earnhardt’s No. 2 car that he drove in his first Winston Cup Championship.

Streetside Classics, Concord

Streetside welcomes the public to its 70,000-square-foot showroom to browse the impressive collection of street rods, muscle cars, vintage cars, exotics and more. The space houses over 300 classic cars for sale. Stop by to view the vehicles on display or take in a car show.

Cars and Coffee, Concord

Every month, auto enthusiasts meet at the Fan Zone at Charlotte Motor Speedway for free cruise-in events. Come with friends and make new ones over a shared love of cars during the monthly Cars and Coffee event. Bring your own classic car to show off, then admire the ones brought by others. Events are the third Saturday of each month from 8-11 a.m.

Looking for More Car Events and Shops?

We’ve got plenty of ideas for you! Check out the Motorsports Mania itinerary for inspiration — whether you want to visit NASCAR race shops or get behind the wheel of a real race car yourself.

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Destination Guide