Whether you have a passing interest in automotive culture, or you're searching for a specific piece of chrome trim for your '68 Nova project, you're likely to find something interesting at the Pate Swap Meet. In its 40th year, the car extravaganza is being held at the Texas Motor Speedway complex, just outside of Fort Worth, this weekend (Thursday through Sunday).

The swap meet is a get together of gearheads, enthusiasts and their families where vendors offer hard-to-find parts and collectibles, and everything in between. The Pate Swap Meet is the largest event of its kind in the Southwest, and the third-largest in the nation — it's said to be "Disneyland for gearheads." Fans of classic cars, trucks, customs and motorcycles can all find something to enjoy.

The event began in 1972, when a group of antique car enthusiasts and collectors decided to get together to hold a meet. The only hitch was, they had no place to hold it — until fellow car enthusiast A.M. "Aggie" Pate stepped in and offered 180 acres for their use, just outside of Cresson. The event grew over the years, and when A.M. Pate died in 1988, the swap meet was renamed in his honor.

In 1996, the Pate family decided to sell the land, which left the Pate Swap Meet in search of a new home.

It moved to Texas Motor Speedway in 1998, where it has grown and flourished, with amenities that have attracted more vendors and visitors then ever before.

With the 2012 event underway this weekend, the Pate Swap Meet is already building steam for 2013. San Antonio's Dan Kruse Classics has announced it will be an auction partner next year, holding an antique and special interest vehicle auction for the first time. With these auctions, the Pate Swap Meet should continue to thrive and expand in 2013 and beyond.

Attending the swap meet should be high on the list of any enthusiast, collector or lover of old and interesting cars. Admission is free for visitors, and parking is $5.