It’s not a big show, but the annual Olds, Alberta Oldsmobile Rocket Round Up is one of my favorite shows on the summer circuit.
It’s a very friendly event and it’s well-run—those are two big highlights for me so Rocket Round Up is always on the summer agenda.
Jerry Sutherland
These guys are more than a car club—they’re a cult. That’s a trait you’ll see in most orphan car associations, because if you’re not a fierce defender of the brand name, the brand name disappears.

Oldsmobiles were tweener cars because they were a step up on a Chevy or a Pontiac, but just below a Buick. In other words, they were nice enough to get the neighbors jealous about your success, but you didn’t scare your banker when you financed one.

This Rocket Round Up show is an open invitation to all things Oldsmobile, so you’ll see stuff from the 30s, 40s, 50s, 60s, 70s and 80s—but most of the lineup is mid-60s to early 70s.
The thing I always notice about this Olds show is how Oldsmobile could cross many thresholds in the car world. You’ll see a massive Olds 98 parked right next to a ’69 Olds 442 because that’s how Oldsmobile rolled.
Another thing I’ve seen is how younger Olds guys are welcomed as peers at this show. I think it’s because Oldsmobiles are a cult–and no cult can survive without younger members.

These are very knowledgeable guys because they’ll spot stuff that non-Olds guys will never see. If there’s an incorrect clamp or block that doesn’t match up, they’ll point it out–but in a non-judgemental manner. Maybe the 455 didn’t come with the car but it’s fine because it’s still an Olds big block—that’s all that matters.

You’ll see more convertibles per capita at the Round-Up show. I have a theory about that—an Olds convertible is one of the best experiences you can have without a roof. It’s nothing like your buddy’s MGB.

There were two great stories at Round-Up 2024.
Jim found a 1971 Olds Cutlass Supreme 442 SX 455.

This is a very limited production car with an amazing family history. It’s all about what happens when young guys get the keys to a monster in an era when cars like this didn’t carry the same expensive mystique as they do in 2024. Look for the full story later this year on MyStar.
I found a 1966 Oldsmobile Delta 88 two-door hardtop with another deep family connection.

This was a bush car that should never have been saved, but it was rescued because of the family roots. There’s more—it went on a recent road trip with a holiday trailer behind it. Yes, there were some setbacks—you’ll get the full story in a few months when it becomes a classic MyStar owner’s story. It’s a lot better than the fake stuff they do on TV because it’s true.
The annual trek to the Olds Round Up in Olds (Alberta) is worth it for me because I learn something new about the Oldsmobile cult every time I go.

Plus they have great hot dogs at this show too.
Jerry Sutherland
By: Jerry Sutherland
Jerry Sutherland is a veteran automotive writer with a primary focus on the collector car hobby. His work has been published in many outlets and publications, including the National Post, Calgary Herald, Edmonton Journal, Ottawa Citizen, Montreal Gazette, Saskatoon StarPhoenix, Regina Leader-Post, Vancouver Sun and The Truth About Cars. He is also a regular contributor to Auto Roundup Publications.
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