THE MOTOR CITY CRUISES INTO SUMMER

By Michael Bernstein
Senior Editor
Michigan Bureau Chief
The Auto Channel

As summer downshifts into fall the auto related events in and around the Motor City are just getting started including the M1 Concourse who just shifted out of first gear with the successful conclusion of its Woodward Dream Show on June 19th, the first of its two major events this year.

The event was staged on the complex’s 1.5 mile track and featured several hundred vehicles that were grouped into 14 classes.  This year special attention was paid to the 1932 Ford Deuce Coupe, the 100th anniversary of Lincoln and the Firebird’s 55th birthday, each of which had special displays that showcased their contribution to car culture in this country.

Although this was only the second annual Woodward Dream Show to be held, it is fast earning the reputation as the official kick off to Detroit's annual Woodward Avenue Dream Cruise that began as a fundraiser in 1995 and has grown into a annual event that draws upward of, in my best Dr. Evil voice, 1.5 MILLION spectators that line the nation's first paved road to get a glimpse of classic cars, trucks, hot rods, customs and a few WTF’s!

Woodward Avenue runs like a spine connecting Detroit to its northern suburbs ending in Pontiac, and while it is debatable whether cruising was invented here there is no debate that it was perfected on this fabled stretch of road.

The event allows spectators the opportunity to not only see their favorite classic but hear, smell and well taste the fresh rubber because unlike other auto shows, the vehicles are moving up and down the 15 plus mile stretch of roadway.

There's something to be said about seeing a 1970 GTO driving next to a Ford Model T as it's being passed by a 1968 Jaguar S-type and then a AMC Gremlin comes into view followed by 1955 Chevy Bel Air.

The Woodward Dream Show was held at the M1 Concourse which is a private track club located in Pontiac that opens its gates and its 1.5 mile track to spectators and owners who are free to walk its circuit while admiring all the different makes and models on display.

In addition to all these classic cars the event also included food trucks, hospitality suites and even a live band that played throughout the event. They also had grandstands so attendees could watch all the action on Woodward Avenue.

I spoke to Conrad Foster of Plymouth, MI who brought his 1966 Jaguar E-type to show.  Mr. Foster bought this beauty in 1996 and after a five year restoration it has been transformed into an award winning classic earning the People's choice award at the Concours d’Elegance among other prestigious awards.

If you missed the Woodward Dream Show you are in luck because the M1 Concourse is hosting the American Speed Festival (ASF) in September.  Returning for its second year the ASF is one of the more unique festivals as it features only vehicles that have competed in sanctioned events. In other words, if it raced on a track it is welcomed here. 

Doesn't matter if it was a dirt track in California, a road course in Ohio or a certain Super Speedway in Indiana, if it raced it will be here!

This year the festival will recognize two major motorsports anniversaries-the 60th year of Shelby America and the diamond anniversary of Ferrari.  What separates this festival from other racing showcases is that when the vehicles aren't on display they are roaring around the M1  Concourse’s 1.5 mile track. So if you like it fast and loud then this event better be on your calendar.

Speaking of calendars, mark yours for these upcoming events in and around the Motor City, The Detroit edition of the Concours d’Elegance is moving from its long-time home in Plymouth to Detroit on September 16-18, 2022.

The Stahl’s Collection is hosting its Autos for Autism event on September 15.  Located in Chesterfield this unique collection is a must see for car enthusiasts and frankly anyone who marvels at man’s mechanical achievements because this place pays homage to more than just autos.

Finally, The North American International Auto Show moves from the M1 Concourse to various locations around the city of Detroit beginning on September 17-25.

Of course if you can't make it, the Auto Channel will bring you all the breaking news, reviews and opinions you have grown to expect from the leader in online auto news.