Love of classic cars drives reunion of best friends

A love for antique and classic cars reunited two best friends after 20 years.

David Muntzel, of Sedalia and Robert Young, of Bunceton, attended Bunceton Elementary and High schools, where they met in first grade and their passion for cars began.

“We grew up putting model cars together,” Muntzel said.

The two played with cars together through the years until graduation day came. Young graduated in 1968 and Muntzel graduated the following year. After school, the two parted ways for 20 years.

Young enlisted in the military while Muntzel attended college at Central Missouri State University.

“We’ve always had a strong interest in antique and classic cars,” Muntzel said.

During Muntzel’s 20-year high school reunion, the two reunited and Muntzel sold Young a 1967 Chevrolet Impala Super Sport.

In 1999, the two decided to start a swap meet in Sedalia to provide antique and classic car enthusiasts with parts and tools.

“The purpose is to help restore and revive classic and antique custom cars and pickups,” Muntzel said.

This year marks the 10th annual Automotive Swap Meet on the Missouri State Fairgrounds. Each year Muntzel and Young, along with their wives, Ann and Ruth, and other family members organize the event.

“It’s a big, big draw for Sedalia,” Young said.

About 140 vendors from Indiana, Iowa, Nebraska and Missouri will be selling car parts, tools and accessories. Last year, about 1,500 people attended the meet.

“It gives people a good outlet to sell their parts,” Young said.

There will be a few vendors selling other items including ceramics and items for women.

“There’s stuff here you can’t find in stores,” Muntzel said.

The meet will feature a car corral where people can buy and sell vehicles.

Today, Muntzel works for the Missouri Farm Bureau and Young is a full-time farmer. They both still restore classic cars and look forward to the meet each year.

“It’s cheap entertainment,” Young said.