Model car exhibition

Imagine being able to see in one relatively small area, dozens of automotive vehicles representing the full range of subjects; from classics to muscle cars, race cars to customs and even rare exotic supercars. Now imagine that display is all located within the comfort and confines of the Dicke Transportation Center located on the grounds of the Dayton History Carillon Park.

The Dayton Concours d’Elegance continues its unique tradition of featuring a scale automotive replica display as part of the annual event and each year, a number of well-known model builders bring examples of their precise, exacting work and display it for the Concours crowd to enjoy.

As you tour the grounds of the Park enjoying the Concours entries, be sure to stop by the Dicke Transportation Center to enjoy the same type of automobiles seen outside, just slightly smaller than their full-size counterparts. Make it a point to talk to the builders of these amazing miniature vehicles to learn how they are able to capture the look and character of a particular automotive subject in a size that fits in the palm of your hand.

The Concours hosts a reunion of the Fisher Body Craftsmen’s Guild, which is made up of originally designed models built by teenagers generations ago who competed for college scholarships in the General Motors Corp.-sponsored Fisher Body Craftsman’s Guild contest.

The guild was a philanthropic initiative of the GM Fisher Body Division during the Great Depression. Initially it offered scholarships for craftsmanship in finishing a model kit of the trademark Fisher Body coach, and then evolved into an original design competition of 1/12th scale model cars. The contest ran from 1930 to 1968. It was a great source of design ideas and talent for GM, and many of the guild winners went into the automobile industry as designers. Guild members display their models and are available to talk with the public.