📸 Photo thread: The Garage presents the "Decade that Dared to be Different"

1971 Chevrolet Chevelle SS owned by Craig Wiedman of Salina - Photo, Nicolas Fierro

By: NICOLAS FIERRO

Salina Post

The Garage in Salina is showcasing the "Decade that Dared to be Different" with the 70's car show.

Now until August 23, hot rods, bikes, Atari throwback video games, 70's style clothing, Smoky Hill River Festival Memorabilia and so much more is available now at Automotive Museum.

Executive Director, Michelle Peck said the 70's "screamed dare to be different."

"The 70s exhibit bursts with the color, creativity, and individuality of a decade that dared to be different. You’re going to see everything from giant 1972 Continentals — those big ‘boat cars’ of the era — to shaggin’ wagons, muscle cars, pickup trucks, and Volkswagen Beetles. You name it, it’s here,” she said. “But it’s more than just the vehicles. The artifacts, stories, and history behind them really bring the decade to life — from bell-bottom leisure suits and 8-track players to disco balls and music from the ’70s. There’s truly something in this space that everyone can connect with and appreciate.”

1976 Mercury Montego owned by Speedway Museum of American Speed in Lincoln, NE - Photo, Nicolas Fierro

1979 Volkswagen Beetle Type 1 owned by Nicolé Dorman of Abilene, KS - Photo, Nicolas Fierro

1972 Plymouth Satellite, Sebring Plus owned by Mary Shaffer of Salina. Shaffer's Mother-in-law purchased brand-new in 1972 from Marshall Motors (original condition) - Photo, Nicolas Fierro.

1979 GMC Vandura owned by Mike and Lance Waymaster of Bunker Hill, KS. The Waymaster family used this vehicle to transport meals to farmers of their family - Photo, Nicolas Fierro — 1979 GMC Vandura owned by Mike and Lance Waymaster of Bunker Hill, KS. The Waymaster family used this vehicle to transport meals to farmers of their family - Photo, Nicolas Fierro

Throwback Atari video games - Photo, Nicolas Fierro

70's Style clothing - Photo, Nicolas Fierro

Vinyl Collection on loan from Sean Miller-Wells, Cindy Peck, John and Cyndy Knutson, Deb and Dean Lewis. <b>Grand Funk (red record, bottom left) will be performing at the Stiefel Theatre on June 26, 2026. The peak of their popularity was during the mid-70's </b>- Photo, Nicolas Fierro — Vinyl Collection on loan from Sean Miller-Wells, Cindy Peck, John and Cyndy Knutson, Deb and Dean Lewis. **Grand Funk (red record, bottom left) will be performing at the Stiefel Theatre on June 26, 2026. The peak of their popularity was during the mid-70's** - Photo, Nicolas Fierro

Smoky Hill River Festival Memorabilia on loan from Salina Arts & Humanities (1). <b>The Crystalline Vase (top right) was the first purchased public art at the Festival </b> - Photo, Nicolas Fierro — Smoky Hill River Festival Memorabilia on loan from Salina Arts & Humanities (1). **The Crystalline Vase (top right) was the first purchased public art at the Festival** - Photo, Nicolas Fierro

Smoky Hill River Festival Memorabilia on loan from Salina Arts & Humanities (2) - Photo, Nicolas Fierro

Allegheny Coin Counter on loan from <b>Bank of Tescott (Official sponsor of the 70's exhibit)</b> - Photo, Nicolas Fierro — Allegheny Coin Counter on loan from **Bank of Tescott (Official sponsor of the 70's exhibit)** - Photo, Nicolas Fierro

Brett Wellbrock of Salina loaned his miniature motorcycle, the 1970 Honda QA50 for display.

He has been a member and supporter of The Garage for the past four years. Wellbrock currently has motorcycles on loan in both the 70s exhibit and the Hog Heaven exhibit.

“It’s incredibly exciting to be involved with a group of people from all over the U.S. who are passionate about sharing these amazing vehicles,” Wellbrock said.

Wellbrock further stated that his biggest takeaway by being a member of The Garage is "community involvement."

“One of the biggest things I’ve taken away from being part of The Garage is the sense of community. It’s amazing how the museum brings together people from all different backgrounds through a shared passion. What truly makes The Garage unique, is that every quarter features a completely new theme, making it a place you can visit again and again throughout the year, and you will always experience something different.”

Brett Wellbrock on his 1970 Honda QA50 - Photo, Nicolas Fierro

More exhibits at The Garage in 2026 include:

Dane G. Hansen Gallery

Hog Heaven: Now until June 21, 2026

Chrome & Kandy: Now until November 8, 2026

The Tin Lizzie: June 25 - October 25, 2026

Pestinger Family Gallery

Rival Rides, The Pony Car Era: September 3 - December 31, 2026

Over 35,000 people come to visit The Garage and over a third of these visitors, are outside of a 30-mile radius.

Beer and wine are also on tap during these exhibits.

Hours of Operation:

Thursdays: 10AM-8PM

Fridays & Saturdays: 10AM-5PM

Sundays: 1PM-5PM

Closed: Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Years Day.

For more information, click here.