Murphy Last year, I missed the World of Wheels in Omaha, but I made up for it by hitting dozens of car shows across Nebraska and Iowa over the summer. So when I walked into the 70th Annual World of Wheels on March 7-9, 2025, at the CHI Health Center, I wasn’t entirely surprised to recognize about 75% of the cars from those sun-soaked events. For me, it wasn’t a groundbreaking revelation but more of a refresher—a perfect warm-up to get my engine revving for the real deal: the outdoor car shows. You know the ones—small-town main drags where the heat climbs past 100 degrees, and you earn your car viewership with every bead of sweat. I’m not complaining, though. This indoor showcase was exactly what I needed to kick off the 2025 season.
It also got me thinking: this summer, we’ve got to mix it up. Nebraska and Iowa are great, but I’m ready to hit the road for shows in Kansas, Missouri, South Dakota—maybe even farther. The familiar faces at World of Wheels were a comfort, but I’m itching for some fresh chrome and new stories. Here are six standout vehicles from the show that made the trip worthwhile (and don’t worry, I’ve got photos to back these up!).
The White ’77 Dodge Charger
Right as I stepped into the show, this pristine white 1977 Dodge Charger grabbed my attention. Its clean lines and bold stance were like a handshake from the past, welcoming me into the sea of steel. It’s not the flashiest car in the lineup, but something about its understated muscle made it impossible to ignore—a perfect start to the day.
The Blazing Orange ’67 Firebird
If I had to pick one car to drive home, it’d be the 1967 Pontiac Firebird in blazing orange with a black convertible top. This thing is a masterpiece. The color pops like a sunset, and that sleek drop-top design? I’d trade a kidney for it without a second thought. It’s the kind of car that makes you dream of winding roads and summer nights—pure automotive poetry.
The 2010 Nissan Boat Car
Then there was the 2010 Nissan boat car—a wild, amphibious creation I didn’t know I needed to see until it was right in front of me. Yes, it drives on land and in water. It’s quirky, unexpected, and honestly, a little ridiculous in the best way possible. You don’t see this kind of ingenuity every day, and it’s proof that car shows can still surprise you.
The Dark Matter Chopper
The dark matter chopper stopped me in my tracks. With its alien mannequin display and glowing light bars, it’s equal parts sci-fi and badass. Staring at it, I couldn’t help but miss my old motorcycle days—the rumble of the engine, the wind in my face. This custom beast was a nostalgic punch to the gut and a highlight of the show for me.
The Jack Daniel’s Rat Rod
One of the wildest builds I stumbled across was the Jack Daniel’s rat rod. This gritty, rough-around-the-edges ride had a belly-up bar built into the left side, complete with a spigot that dispenses Jack Daniel’s straight from a bottle when you’re parked. It’s tailor-made for tailgating, blending car culture with a shot of whiskey-fueled fun. I could already picture it at a summer show, drawing a crowd of admirers sipping and swapping stories.
The Black and Gold Pontiac Trans Am
Before I left, I had to double back for the black and gold Pontiac Trans Am. That classic bird on the hood screamed retro cool, and the color combo was pure perfection. It’s the kind of car that demands a second look—timeless, bold, and unapologetic. It was the cherry on top of an already great day.
The 2025 World of Wheels didn’t reinvent the wheel for me, but it didn’t need to. It was a reunion with old favorites and a teaser for the adventures ahead. Now I’m ready to chase new shows and new rides across the Midwest and beyond. Bring on the heat—I’m ready!
