We talked with several owners, who sat in their lawn chairs close by with the hoods of their pride and joy popped to show off the sparkling and powerful engines, the windows down to display the gleaming interiors, and the owners themselves beaming for each passerby who stopped to ogle over their little piece of American history. Each one had a different story as to how they came to possess the car, what they’ve done through the years to keep it in glorious condition, and how special that vehicle was in their hearts. They came from all over; I saw license plates from places like Tennessee, Florida, Illinois, Texas, and even California, all coming from long distances for one day just to share a common love with over a million others. My trek from Ohio didn’t seem so bad.
There were cars from every year since the automobile was born: hot rods, muscle cars, collectors' cars, customs, monster trucks, antique cars and trucks, and even some novelties like the Monkee mobile and the General Lee. One guy even brought his five DeLoreans. There was only one common thread among this vast collection: very few were foreign. The idea of cruising was an American experience, never truly enjoyed in a Honda.
The day was a thrill not just for me, but for my entire family, including my kids who were reluctantly dragged along, not at all fathoming why they had to look at a bunch of old cars. Their minds quickly changed when they saw the incredible variety of vehicles in a wide spectrum of colors and styles moving together at a leisurely pace. My husband swore that he’d only get the camera out for the very unique cars, but by the end of the first hour he was glad that he'd brought the extra compact flash card. My daughter squealed in excitement at not only spotting a pink Cadillac, but a pink Thunderbird as well. My son jumped whenever a classic Chevy Camaro or Dodge Charger was in view, and there were multiple examples on every block. For my part, I ran around like a kid in a candy store at Mustang Alley in downtown Ferndale, checking out an assortment of both young and old Ford Mustangs, giving each car getting long adoring gazes.
Article comments
1 - Joanne Huspek
I'm glad you enjoyed it. As a person who lives two doors down from Woodward, I have found it necessary to vacate the premises during Dream Cruise Week. This year I was lucky enough to have moved my daughter to college.
Don't get me wrong; I love old cars. I have owned old cars. I wish they would move the venue to somewhere farther away from my house, that's all.
2 - Alice Jester
Joanne - I've heard that complaint by many natives. Given the chaos I witnessed, I understand. There isn't a lot of parking, and cities like Royal Oak allowed parking on the side streets. That's where I parked. That's probably the first big problem right there. It's still so much fun, so hopefully the local communities can find a balance that brings in the business but still doesn't bother the residents too much.
3 - Joanne Huspek
Ha ha... so that was YOUR car in front of my house!? Boy, my husband was POed... :-)