Cruis'n the South

The collector car hobby in the South is in full force from mid-March to late November, and it's exciting to be a part of all the activity in the area! On any given day, your bound to drive upon a cruise-in at a local restaurant, ice cream store or downtown venue. Each event has a unique style or method for creating a great car event with various activities for the young and young at heart.

Ford Roadster (Cruisin the Plantation-Mooresville)

A cruise-in has a unique atmosphere drawing together a group of classic car owners and enthusiast from all over the area. The exciting part surround a cruise is there will always be a rare or unique classic car rolling in the venue. Once you notice a group of enthusiast hovering over a classic then you know there is something special about that car. The cruise-in event is usually during the week later in the day from 5:00 to 9:00 pm and includes entertainment, 50/50 drawing, music and more. The cruise-in is a great social scene for enthusiast to "kick tires and talk cars."

1968 Shelby Cobra (Brusters Cruise-Huntersville)

The event provides excitement of the hobby and creates entertainment for the whole family. For me, I love the relaxation of the cruise-in, and listening to the stories of why a classic has value to the car owner. The cruise-in creates an escape from the work week for enthusiasts. For example, the anticipation of the cruise-in each Wednesday night is a great way to spend the evening with other enthusiasts and talk about the unique stories behind their favorite classics!

1923 Rolls Royce (Cars and Coffee-Charlotte)

More than ever cruise-ins are being hosted by car clubs, which raise donations to a charity of choice. This is an exciting way to spark interest in the collector car hobby while showing goodwill to their special charity. This shows the collector car hobby is one of the greatest hobbies throughout!

1955 Chevy Bel Air (South 21 Cruise-Matthews)

1970 Mercury Cougar Eliminator (DQ Cruise-Hickory)

1955 Buick Roadmaster (Oakboro Cruise)

1965 Shelby Cobra 289 (Downtown Mooresville Cruise-In) I think Mr. Tom Cotter would like this car...

Click on the following cruise-in links, and mark your calander for the next event!

1. http://www.mooresvillenccruisein.com/

2. http://www.yadkinvalleycruisers.com/

3. http://www.rockhillcruisers.com/

4. http://www.hotnightshotcars.com/

5. http://www.oakborocruisein.blogspot.com/

6. http://charlotte.carsandcoffee.info/

7. http://www.piedmont-cars.com/

8. http://www.firstflightcruisers.com/

9. www.timelesscruizers.com/cruiseins.html

10. http://www.sandhillsclassicstreetrods.com/

11. http://www.colonialcapitalrodsandclassics.com/events.asp

Click on http://www.cruisincarolinamagazine.com/ for complete listing of classic car cruise-ins and related event in North and South Carolina!

Click on http://www.atlantacarshows.org/ for complete classic car action in the Atlanta area!

See you at the next cruise!

AACA Grand National host by First Capital

The 2010 AACA Grand National meet hosted by the First Capital chapter (www.ncregionaaca.com/firstcapital) captured the style of Southern hospitality in the historic town of New Bern, North Carolina! The town of New Bern is celebrating their 300th birthday, and it seems fitting to host the 75th anniversary of the AACA (http://www.aaca.org/) along side this historic town.

The AACA Grand National is invitation only, and hundreds of gorgeous classics lined the streets of New Bern. There were thousands of enthusiasts walking the streets and spending time catching a glimpse of their favorite classic.

The First Capital chapter of the Antique Automobile Club of America welcomed enthusiasts, owners and friends with Southern charm, which lasted until the last award was handed out during the Awards Banquet. The event was well organized with Membership Round Table, Judging School, Carolina Pig Pick-In's, Take-Apart-T program, Youth Program and ended with the Awards Banquet. Congratulations to the AACA First Capital chapter on a successful event!

Please enjoy the following photos and video from the 2010 AACA Grand National from New Bern, North Carolina.

1971 Dodge Challenger Convertible

1951 Ford Crestliner Tudor

1952 Nash- Healey Roadster

1902 Rambler C Roadster

1905 Buick Model C

1931 Chrysler CG Roadster

1935 Auburn 851 Formal Sedan

1967 Triumph GT6 Fastback


Click on the video below to view a gorgeous 1949 Cadillac 62 Series Convertible

Click on the video to view this 1905 Buick Model C, which cost $1,200!

The AACA is celebrating its 75th anniversary, and will be having an multi-day event June 30th - July 3rd 2010, in Louisville, Kentucky. Please click on http://www.aaca75.org/ for additional information.

Click on www.ncregionaaca.com for information on the North Carolina Region AACA.

JCNA 2010 Western States Meet

The LA Jaguar Club of North America (JCNA) http://www.jcna.com/ hosted the 2010 Western States Meet in Santa Maria July 26th-30th. The Historic Santa Maria Inn made for an amazing home base for the week http://www.santamariainn.com/. I had the opportunity to be a part of all the festivities. The LA club made sure to keep all 200 participants from all over the United States, Canada and Europe busy for all 5 days.

They kicked things off right with a wonderful arrival reception full of good food and great people. No time was wasted. Tuesday was spent in a beautiful park with 94 Jaguars on display for the Concours (See pictures below) and ended with the awards dinner at the Historic Santa Maria Inn. I was very excited for Wednesday, which started with a spectacular tour up to the Hearst Castle and dinner at the Ventana Grill overlooking the water in Pismo Beach. On Thursday we all spent most of the day in an empty parking lot for Slalom racing (See the JCNA Western States - Slalom Racing blog http://hagertyblog.blogspot.com/2010/05/jcna-western-states-slalom-racing.html for videos.) Keeping with the theme of the week, Thursday night we dined Old Hollywood style at the Santa Maria Inn. Guests showed up as their favorite "Old Hollywood" actor who may or may not have actually spent the night at the same hotel. The JCNA members sure know how to have a good time. To wrap-up the week, Friday morning was the farewell breakfast. I think I am still tired from this crazy week!

A special thanks to all of my new friends and the JCNA for allowing me to be a part of their 2010 Western States Meet. I hope to be a part of the 2012 meet in Las Vegas!

Pictures from the Concours....

A 1958 XK 150 OTS. Steve the owner gave me a ride over to the Concours. It is the first Jaguar I have ever been in!!
1999 Jaguar XK 180 Roadster Concept car. There were only 2 ever made!

1959 XK 150S FHC

1967 E-Type SI Roadster

Tools on display.

1962 Mark II Saloon

1972 XJ6 SI

1986 XJ6 SIII

1964 E-Type SI FHC

1965 E-Type SI FHC

1954 XK 120 OTS

1953 XK 120 FHC

1962 Mark II Saloon

1953 XK 120 FHC

1963 E-Type SI FHC

Les Schwab Classy Chassis Parade & Car Show

During the WA State Apple Blossom Festival this year, Classy Chassis celebrated their 25th anniversary. A classic car parade held Friday evening, April 30, attracted thousands of locals and visitors to the East Wenatchee area. The sidewalks were completely filled with spectators as families gathered to celebrate the annual tradition. On Saturday, May 1, cars from the parade and many others from around the region returned to Eastmont Community Park for their car show. Hundreds of beautiful cars were on display on this lovely sunny Saturday. The majority of the participants are local, but the event draws entries from all over the Pacific Northwest, California, Montana, and Canada. The 2009 Traveling Tire Award, given to the participant who comes the farthest distance, went to a 1971 Datsun 240z from Brentwood, Tenn. The Classy Chassis has grown to 30 potential award categories, as well as Best of Show, all chosen by participants. Needless to say, the show attracted quite a crowd of car enthusiasts!

Apple Blossom Princesses lead the way in the parade Friday evening!