Mega Gallery: Check Out the Coolest Cars in Montana

Some people golf or fish. Some people collect art, figurines, or baseball cards... and others restore or collect awesome cars. Stats shared by JP Morgan indicate there are approximately 43 million vehicles in the US considered "collector vehicles", with an estimated insurable value of $1 trillion.

The Vintage Motor Car Club of America notes that most car collectors are white males over age 35. Montana certainly has its share of classic and collectible vehicles, and we recently got to see a whole bunch of them at a car show in Billings.

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Chatting with the owners was half the fun.

I do not currently own a collectible, hot rod, or vintage vehicle, but I would love to get one at some point. During the car show, it was fun talking with some of the owners about their vehicles. Where did you acquire the car? What kind of shape was it in? How much time/money have you invested?

They love sharing their stories about discovering a rusty hulk decaying in a field or tucked into the back of an old shop. The family who owns a stunning green Chevelle shared a wild story about their car getting stolen after a car show in Helena last year (from the hotel parking lot!).  Amazingly, the vehicle was recovered outside of town with minimal damage.

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Most of the folks I chatted with were do-it-yourselfers regarding their restoration projects. Some consider their cars investments, while most of them seem to appreciate the hobby for what it is... a passion for gorgeous motor vehicles.

From Mustangs and Corvettes to rat rods and Bel Airs, enjoy the photos below of some of the most beautiful cars I've ever seen in Montana.