Wyoming Classic Car Collectors Spend Big on Miniatures

Corvette club members in Casper showcase their pint-sized passion projects.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 7:58pm

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An abstract, colorful image featuring blurred streaks of various miniature classic cars, conveying a sense of speed, movement, and the joy of collecting these diminutive duplicates.A vibrant display of miniature classic cars captures the energy and passion of Wyoming's vintage vehicle enthusiasts.Casper Today

Classic car collectors in Wyoming are taking their hobby to a new scale, spending hundreds and even thousands of dollars on detailed miniature replicas of their beloved vintage rides. The Central Wyoming Corvette Club in Casper recently held a special winter car show featuring these diminutive duplicates, from tiny Hot Wheels to rare one-of-a-kind models.

Why it matters

Collecting and restoring classic cars can be an expensive obsession, but these Wyoming enthusiasts have found an affordable way to indulge their passion by amassing impressive miniature collections. The miniature car show allows them to showcase their vehicles year-round, even when the weather prevents driving the real classics.

The details

Club members like Steve Adams have spent up to $1,200 on rare model car collectibles, building out detailed timelines of Corvette generations. Others like Ray Parnell have been collecting since childhood, with some prized models like a 1963 Matchbox car worth hundreds. The miniature cars are not just for display - many are customized to match the owners' actual vehicles, with matching paint jobs and vanity plates.

  • The Central Wyoming Corvette Club has held its miniature car show for the past 6 years.
  • The idea for the show was first introduced by Ed Downes of the Knight Kruisers Car Club in Douglas, who has been hosting a similar event for 18 years.

The players

Central Wyoming Corvette Club

A car club in Casper, Wyoming that organizes the annual miniature car show.

Steve Adams

A 47-year-old Corvette collector who has spent up to $1,200 on rare model car collectibles for his extensive miniature collection.

Ray Parnell

A Corvette owner who has been collecting model cars since childhood, including a rare 1963 Matchbox car worth hundreds.

Ed Downes

The 75-year-old member of the Knight Kruisers Car Club in Douglas who introduced the idea of a miniature car show to the Casper Corvette club.

Larry Kloster

A Corvette club member who displays his miniature collection, each with a special story attached to the real-life vehicle it represents.

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What they’re saying

“It's an expensive hobby, and this is just one part of my collection. I spent up to $1,200 on a (replica) dragster once.”

— Steve Adams

“The mini-car show was just something to do in the wintertime for our club to get together. I have collected them since I was a kid and have about 5,000 Hot Wheels on my shop walls.”

— Ray Parnell, Corvette owner

The takeaway

These Wyoming classic car enthusiasts have found an engaging and affordable way to indulge their passion for vintage vehicles year-round, building impressive miniature collections that allow them to showcase their automotive interests even when the weather prevents driving the real classics.