Last weekend was the ever-growing Clifford Truck Show, put on by the Great Lakes Truck Club. More than 270 classic rigs were on display and this is an event that stays true to its original mandate, to celebrate classic trucks.

If you show up with a modern tractor, they may let you in the gate, but only if it’s got external air cleaners and exposed stacks. The real focus of the event is classic trucks, especially those more than 20 years old.

There is no judging at this event, and indeed you’ll find some trucks there that haven’t yet been fully restored. I find those ones among the most interesting. Wandering the rows of cabovers I couldn’t help but imagine all the stories these trucks could tell, if only they could talk.

While there’s no formal competition aspect to the show, I just couldn’t help myself. I had to pick a favourite and single it out for some attention on our Website and in the next issue of Truck News.

For me, Steve Constantin’s 1980 International Transtar was the cream of the crop. You can read this truck’s story, in its owner’s words, right here. Also enjoy the photo gallery at the end of the story. And by all means, try to get out to this show next year. It’s only $5 to attend or $25 to enter a truck. Great value and affordable for the whole family. More info on the show and the club can be found here.