It’s a tradition as classic as his car.
Scott Nolin has been in love with classic cars since he was eight years old, and he has been bringing them to Saskatoon’s annual Show & Shine for more than three decades.
On Sunday, as part of Rock 102’s annual Show & Shine Weekend, people from all over the province will come to Saskatoon to check out the hundreds of classic vehicles filling the city’s streets during one of Western Canada’s largest car shows.
The event has been a Saskatoon summer tradition since the first event was held in 1982.
This year, the show will take over 14 city blocks stretching from First Avenue to Fourth Avenue and from 20th Street to 23rd Street.
Nolin said he still remembers the first time he rolled up to the show with his very first car in 1986.
“I bought it from a farmer. He gave me half a tank of purple gas,” he said, explaining he drove to Saskatoon right after completing the sale and just happened to drive right into what was then known as Cruise Night.
“I’m driving my ‘74 Dart Swinger around proud as heck, with my ghetto blaster in the back pumping away,” he said with a smile.
Nolin said he usually only owns one classic car at a time, but over the years he has collected cars ranging from a 1958 Plymouth Belvedere convertible to a 1968 Dodge Coronet RT.
But, he said, this year’s car is definitely a keeper.
Nolin is revved up to show off the dream car he bought last year: A 1970 Plymouth Road Runner valued at around $90,000.
Show & Shine- a tradition as classic as Scott Nolin’s car
He showing off what you can see on the streets of Saskatoon this weekend! pic.twitter.com/iSRe4jWcZL
— Mia Holowaychuk (@miaholoway) August 17, 2023
“A lot of my friends are probably laughing right now that I’m saying this, but I’m hoping to keep this one forever,” he said.
The car is equipped with a 512 stroker engine, six-barrel fuel injection for more horsepower and LED headlights. Nolin called his current ride a classic with modern conveniences.
He said the flashy colour is one of his favourite things about it.
“Lemon-twist yellow is an amazing colour. I absolutely love it,” he said.
Nolin said maintaining a classic is not as pricey as one might expect, and his previous expertise in finding antique car parts and connections within the car community also make it easier.
The car enthusiast said he’s always on the hunt for his next purchase, and has found cars in places like Alberta and Moose Jaw.
It’s not just about showing off classic cars at these shows, Nolin explained. For him, the real fun is the people.
“It just takes people back to a simpler time. Everyone’s got a story, everyone’s got memories (and) they can talk for hours,” he said.
Show & Shine Weekend runs from Friday through Sunday. More information is available online.