Understanding event Coverage: BaT at the 2026 CLASS Car Show in Clear Lake, Iowa
After 2025’s massive turnout, BaT was elated to be asked back to sponsor the Clear Lake Auto Social Society (CLASS) Car Club’s 42nd annual car show in Clear Lake, Iowa, on August 7th and 8th. Our intrepid staffers made the trek down from the Twin Cities Friday afternoon through what can only be described as “torrential” rain, but the skies soon cleared for the yearly cruise-in and ceremonial lap around the lake.
Set in downtown Clear Lake, Iowa, the main show takes place on Saturday each year, with the eponymous lake offering a perfect backdrop. A reported 464 cars were registered for this year’s show, competing for awards in 32 categories. CLASS volunteers made our people feel right at home again in 2026, and many familiar faces stopped by the BaT tent to provide updates on projects shared last year, tell us what they’re looking at on the site, and introduce their uninitiated friends and family to what Bring a Trailer is all about.
Local enthusiasts Keith Kearns and Jay Marks graciously offered their 1967 Amphicar and 1932 Buick Victoria 96, respectively, to be staged next to our tent. Keith tells us he often takes to the lake in his amphibious drop-top four-seater, and Jay playfully complained about not winning “best original engine” for a second time.
Users @Chevy3Wind32 and @EricIowa had their recent BaT purchases on display downtown; Eric’sZ28 Camaro IROC-Z was won from BaT Local Partner The_Dude_Abides in May 2026, and Tim picked up his Chevy 350-powered ’32 Ford Victoria in December 2025.
Dave Fritz, CLASS president, announced awards in the mid-afternoon sunshine, with Best of Show going to an orange 1930 Model A. Special thanks to the CLASS car club, our friend at CLASS Dave Heath, and the Clear Lake Mirror Reporter’s Chanse Hall. We’re looking forward to 2027’s show!
