Vroom, Vroom

Recent times haven’t been the best for automakers and auto dealers, and big-time bailouts and sticky-brake headlines have made drivers nervous. But nothing can undo our obsession with cars. A V-8 roaring down the open road, a pimped-out lowrider cruising city streets — these things represent a particular brand of American freedom. Pinpointing the apex of that singular easy-riding feeling — the muscle car — this year’s Greater Kansas City International Auto Show celebrates the 1960s. For the next four days, the show brings eight football fields’ worth of spit-shined beauties — cars, trucks, crossovers and pretty much anything else with an engine — to Bartle Hall (301 West 13th Street). For those who lack romantic illusions about that era, the show offers futuristic hybrids and other fuel-conscious contraptions. In keeping with the theme, psychedelic art and performances by bands that deal in retro tunes — KC All Stars, Liverpool and Woodstock Flashback — are also part of the four-day event. Doors are open from 5 to 10 p.m. today, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. Admission is $10 for adults, and $5 for kids ages 8 through 12. See kcautoshow.com for more information.

Wed., March 3, 5-10 p.m.; Thu., March 4, 10 a.m.-10 p.m.; Fri., March 5, 10 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sat., March 6, 10 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sun., March 7, 10 a.m.-6 p.m., 2010