Hail Tulsan buffs for this year’s auto show will sport a spectrum of breathtaking automobiles. New cars, old cars, hot concept cars – just about any car that tickles your auto passion will be right at this year’s Tulsa International Auto Show which starts Thursday.

Charles Taber, general manager of the auto show, said about 600 new and 220 classic and vintage cars, trucks, vans and other vehicles will be part of the exhibition. "The show is three-part focusing on the past, present and future of the automotive industry. They have some of the concept and prototype cars. Some will be produced soon and some will never be produced," Taber said. "We also have the largest classic and vintage show car collection in North America."

Auto giants which are expected to participate in the show include General Motors Corp., Toyota Motor Corp., Ford Motor Co., Honda Motor Co., and more.

Some of the autos to be displayed have never been seen in the territory. They might include "a concept of a car or truck that they're going to be coming out with sometime in the very near future," Taber said. "For example, the 2009 Ford F-150. You can't go to a car lot right now and see one."

Given that many of the vehicles are not seen by Tulsans yet, the show is expected to be a good sales tool for dealerships. "It does give people the opportunity to comparison-shop without driving clear across town," he said. "Here, you can sit in a Ford and then walk 10 or 15 feet down the aisle and sit in a Buick. Everything is in close proximity, and it helps people determine what kind of car they want to buy."

According to Tulsa World, research shows that 46 percent of auto show spectators will purchase a vehicle within 90 to 120 days. "We do know that (car shows) quite heavily impact sales," Tulsa said. "At the end of March and the beginning of April, there are significant spikes in sales."

Tom Basile, general manager and vice president of Joe Marina Honda and Saturn, agreed that potential customers appreciate the ability to get behind the wheel and compare the features of many types of vehicles. "The whole idea is to get all the cars together in one spot instead of having people drive all over town," he said. "And, of course, every salesman is trying to get leads."

"The show provides an opportunity for smaller manufacturers that don't have the broad exposure of high-selling lines," Basile concluded, "and car shoppers like this advantage, too."

From the most environmentally friendly vehicles equipped with reliable catalytic converters, to the most legendary vintage car, Tulsan show will overwhelm aficionados.