A little background and history of the Conquereors and
how the 2010 Lansing Auto Show came to be...
Fifty-three years ago in 1957, rod and custom car shows were in their infancy. The five guys in the Conquerors Car Club, with the help of volunteers from local hot rod clubs, put it on the line for car folks everywhere. That first show got national coverage in hot rod magazines. 'A whale of a show—and an exciting collection of power-packed machinery...110 of the cleanest cars in the Midwest.' Another magazine said, 'Show Time USA'! The Conquerors did it again in 1958 and no Conqueror was yet 21 years old. But growing up and finding careers scattered the club.
With careers winding down, the guys reassembled in 2007 and put on the 50th Anniversary Conquerors II Autorama. 'We still believed Lansing deserves a car show.' they said. In 2007 there were 97 custom vehicles, 21 dealer autos, over 20 auto product and shop booths, continuous music, Elvis, food, beverages and Miss Michigan. A gathering of legendary car guys were also there to meet and enlighten visitors.
2010 will be the fourth autoshow produced by the Conquerors. The present Conquerors II are Ray DeBar, Burt Pierce, Bill Pierce and Jim Gates. All four went to Lansing's Sexton High and all owned hot rods or customs then.
Ray DeBar
During a 42 year car sales career, Ray delivered over 6,000 new Oldsmobiles and as many previously-owned cars. He is a real estate investor and has a stable of collectable Oldsmobiles.
Ray is also the "go to" guy for sponsorship. Call him at 517-281-2023 to find out how to be a part of this fantasitc event. Or check out our sponsorship opportunities on-line.
Jim Gates
Jim is a longtime car enthusiast and was a tool and die supervisor for G.M. following 10 years with Demmer Corporation.
Bill Pierce
Bill
worked for the Michigan Department of Natural Resources for 31 years, instructed 12 years at Michigan State university, is a Registered Landscape Architect and licensed U. S Merchant Marine Officer. He captains a charter boat on Lake Erie.
Burt Pierce
Burt spent 42 years with regional operations management at major national store chains. He resides in South Carolina and travels nationally consulting on mold remediation and other home-based chemical hazards.
