High Point Cruise-In

The cruise-in in High Point, North Carolina probably has the most diversed selection of collectable cars in the area, and on it's15th year has no signs of slowing down! The collectable cars range from muscle, modifies, early/late models, ratrods and newer vehicles. It was great to compare the differences and similarities of the 2010 Camaro and Challenger to the originals.

Click on the video below to catch a glimpse at a '71 Plymouth 340 Cuda bought NEW in 1971! This is a 340 Six Barrel Engine! Can you guess the value on this Mopar?

Check out this '61 Desoto (2 Door)! In 1961, only 911 2 door Desoto's were produced making this classic a keeper! Can you name other model cars with similar tail fins? This was one of my favorites at the show!

This is a remarkable Shelby G.T. 350! Take a look!

The High Point cruise-in is every Thursday from 5:00 to 9:00 pm located at 1628 S. Main Street! If you're eager to cruise in your classic on a sunny day during the colder months then you can cruise to High Point!

See you there!

Ratrod or Opel?

Click on the video below to get a sneak peak at this creative Ratrod! Notice the detail of the barb wire, and the lack of a radiator in the front of the vehicle! The Ratrod gives enthusiasts the ability to create a totally different automobile, and still considered a collector car to the owner. The creativity of this Ratrod makes it really cool!

The Opel has a stylish design, and only in production from 1968 to 1973. This '73 Opel GT is a perfect example! Take a close look at the sleek steel unibody and the pop-up headlights, which are manually operated by a large lever along the center console next to the shifter. Gorgeous classic!

Which car is your favorite? Is it the creative Ratrod or stylish Opel GT? You decide! You can see both of these collectable cars at Brusters Ice-Cream on Wednesday nights in Mooresville, NC.

Old-Fashion Drive-In Movie Theater

The old-fashion drive-in movie theater night was held in Denver, NC for the Denver Days Fall Festival! Driving into the movie venue with your classic car created “drive-in movie style” atmosphere, which was exciting for car enthusiast. The crowd was entering the venue with a view of a large movie screen with classic cars parked to enjoy the movie!

Please click on the video below to view the scene!

Experience the viewing of the large movie screen by clicking on the video!

This isn't your normal cruise-in! There were several people commenting on how this movie night brought back memories of past family activities. This was a great concept!

The Denver Days Cruise-In Drive-In Movie Night also benefits The Dale Earnhardt Foundation (http://www.thedaleearnhardtfoundation.org/) and Doug Herbert's B.R.A.K.E.S program (http://www.putonthebrakes.com/). These are two wondering charities making a difference!

See you on the road!

Classic Weekend!

This past weekend was filled with festival activities with plenty of classics stealing the spot light! On Monday, I saw this sleek '39 Zephyr Custom at the Matthews Festival! This is a gorgeous custom with chrome rotors to provide extra flare! Take a look!

On Saturday, at the Downtown Mooresville Cruise-In you couldn't have missed this Super Bee Six Pack Mopar with an automatic on the floor!

Take a look at Mopar Lane at the Downtown Mooresville Cruise-In! These Mopars where completely restored by Creations By Gemza; The Mopar Specialist.

This was the perfect weekend to be out cruising! The excitement began Saturday morning with Car's and Coffee. This event consists of a wide range of collectible cars. Check it out at http://charlotte.carsandcoffee.info/. The day continued with ride up to Mooresville for the Downtown Mooresville Cruise-In, which host approximately 550 classics! This is always a great event with a family atmosphere. If you're interested in seeing more please click on http://www.mooresvillenccruisein.com/.

The classic car season is drawing to a close with only a couple months remaining, and I encourage you to cruise in your classic car! Where are you cruising too?

American Muscle Cars!

During the Downtown Mooresville Cruise-In your guaranteed to see your favorite American Muscle Cars!

Take a look at this roaring '71 Oldsmobile Cutluss 442 Convertible! Only 1,304 produced.

This '69 Chevrolet Camaro Z/28 with the Rally Sport package is a one owner car! The owner mentioned his father said to keep the car, and NOT to sell! Great advice!

This is no stock '74 Plymouth Cuda! The Cuda is custom built from engine to the paint, and there is no denying the awesome power of the 512ci 600 Hp engine!

Here is a gorgeous '66 Dodge Charger with a 426 Hemi! The owner of this classic serviced the vehicle back in 1967, and after years of searching for the vehicle it's his! The list price was $4,600 msrp!



Go to http://www.mooresvillenccruisein.com/ for more photo's of these beautiful classics!

Cruising Downtown Concord

Location: Union St. Downtown Concord, NC

Time: Every forth Saturday from 3:30 to 9:00 pm

The afternoon started with a Meet and Greet host by the Autobarn located in Concord, NC. The Autobarn has a wide array of classic car inventory including a gorgeous 1957 Fairlane 500 Retractable Hardtop. Find your dream classic at http://www.autobarnclassiccars.com/.

After visiting the Autobarn it was time to cruise through Union St. to downtown Concord. The downtown venue is a great place to park your classic while enjoying the sights and sounds of rumbling classics creeping down Union St. The local merchants are welcoming to classic car enthusiast, and enjoy the benefits of seeing plenty of beautiful classic cars. The trees drape over Union St., and provide welcoming cool shade for spectators and classics alike!

The downtown venue with the organization from the staff really make this Cruise-In the place to be every forth Saturday of the month! Please visit www.concorddowntown.com/cruisingdc/ for additional information!

Congratulations on a great event!

Yadkinville July Cruise-In

Location: Downtown Yadkinville
Time: Every third Saturday from 4:00 to 8:00 pm

This July event host over 200 classics and collectable vehicles! The downtown square venue had classics lining the streets, and welcoming all year collectable cars. This was a special day for the Yadkin Valley Cruisers since gave tribute to the Yadkinville Veterans.

The live entertainment combined with the downtown square created a warm welcoming atmosphere to enjoy catching a glimpse of your favorite classic. A couple of my favorite cars included a '36 Ford Humpback with only 22,000 original miles, and a '07 Shelby GT 500 with the Super Snake package. This GT 500 is signed by Carroll Shelby, Jack Roush, Lee Iacocca and more. This is truly a special collectable car.

Congratulations to the Yadkin Valley Cruisers for host a great event! Please visit http://www.yadkinvalleycruisers.com/ for more information.

Car Cruizen!

How does a thrill ride tour through the Blue Ridge Parkway sound with 11 other classic cars?

Sign me up!

There were 12 classics cruising for the day enjoying the excitement of the roaring engine and scenic view of the Parkway. The day started at 8:30 am and ended near 9:00 pm.

The cruising tour took the eager group of enthusiast through the wining and hilly road of Rt. 268 to the Overlook on Rt. 321, which was a remarkable view of the mountain terrain spanning for miles. The day continued with a stop in Blowing Rock for lunch. While the mini parade of 12 classics was leaving the small town visitors were taking photos and lining the street to catch a glimpse. On the way south, traveling on the Blue Ridge Parkway, we stopped at the Linville Falls where the stream of classic cars were getting more attention from visitors than the falls themselves.

The tour continued to Doug Herbert's Performance Parts store. This was a special stop since Mr. Doug Herbert gave a personal tour of his shop, and told the emotional story behind B.R.A.K.E.S, which in a non-profit organization dedicated to the continued hands on education of driving safety for youths. Please visit www.putonthebrakes.com for more information.

This was a great tour with fellow enthusiast enjoying the beauty of North Carolina! A cruise with fellow enthusiast is a great way to exercise your classic while enjoying the benefits of the hobby. I encourage you to cruise!

See you on the road!

Oakboro Cruise-In

Location: Downtown Oakboro, NC
Time: Every forth Friday from 5:00 to 10:00 pm

The town of Oakboro has a population of 2,000, but when the forth Friday arrives the population triples in size!

Downtown Main St. and side streets were completely filled with classic cars! The show offically starts at 5:00, but classic car owners eager for the perfect parking spot start parking their vehicles at 3:30. It was amazing to see enthusiast of all ages coming out to view their favorite classic car. Classic car enthusiast from 75 miles away travel the long distance to share the stories with fellow classic car owns. The streets were crowed with spectators, and had the unique atmosphere of a "Classic Car Festival."

For me, it was exciting to see the participation of our great hobby, and the cruise-in proves these beautiful classics bring people together. The growth of our hobby is one of the most important issues surrounding the classic car hobby, but after seeing the amazing participation of enthusiast I'm more confident the hobby will continue to grow.

Congratulations to the organizers of this great event! Please visit http://www.oakborocruisein.com/ for additional information on the Oakboro Cruise-In.

Lancaster Cruise-In

Location: Sonic Drive-In-Lancaster, SC
Time: Every last Thursday of the month

On your way traveling down highway 9 you will witness a covering of classic cars throughout the lawn of the Sonic Drive-In.

The Memory Lane Cruisers Car Club hosts the cruise-in with a 50/50 drawing, great food and a live musical performance from Marty Vanderlip. Classic cars surround the Sonic Drive-In from front to back. The Vice President of the club, Tommy Harris, mentioned there were over 90 classic cars present and more drove through looking for a parking spot. The idea to block off an adjacent street was brought up in general conversation to accommodate the classics who missed the event.

For me, the atmosphere of the cruise-in was energetic, and listening to the live vocals while walking through the venue set the tone right away. It was amazing seeing the green lawn complete covered with classic cars.

The Memory Lane Cruisers Car Club was established in 1998, and host two car shows during the year. Please email mlccarclub@yahoo.com to request more club information.If you looking to exercise your classic with a friend or car club then the Lancaster cruise-in is the event for you!

Congratulations for hosting a great event!

Cruise-In at South 21

Location: South 21 Restaurant-Matthews, NC
Time: Every first and Third Friday from 6:00 to 9:00 pm

There is an excitement about the anticipation of a Friday or Saturday cruise-in, because it's time to relax after a long work week! On the first and third Friday of the month you're bound to notice array of classic cars parked at South 21 while driving down Independence Blvd.

The cruise-in officially started at 6:00, but there were eager cruisers parking their classics an hour before the event. It was amazing to see every year vehicle encouraged to park their collectable car, and not only older classics. The passion for the hobby is in every year collectable car.

Take a look at this '55 Chevy Bel Air! Gorgeous classic!

The venue for the event accommodates over 100 classic cars and hundreds of enthusiat! The 50's theme of South 21 Restaurant is the perfect combination to host the cruise-in event. The event officially ended at 9:00 pm, but enthusiasts were still in the parking lot at 9:30 pm. The cruise-in event is not only a way to showcase your classic, but to socialize with fellow enthusiasts about the passion of a common interest.

Congratulations to the organizers of the event!

A day in North Wilkesboro

Location: Historic Downtown North Wilkesboro

Time: Every second Saturday of the month from 4:00 to 8:00 pm

The cruise-in event started with brief rain showers, but ended with clear skys and plenty of gorgeous classic cars!

The members of the Wilkes County Cruisers club organize the cruise-in event the second Saturday of the month in downtown North Wilkesboro. The photo represents only one street of the four, which were filled with classic ranging from antiques, street rods, newer collectables and

vintage motorcycles.

The event host music from Uptunes DJ Services on the corner of 9th and C Streets. While walking through the streets you'll witness a vintage ice-cream machine ready to service home made ice-cream! The event had a 50/50 drawing and a food court for hungry enthusiasts.

Classics were still rumbling into the event at 7:00 to enjoy the family filled atmosphere. There were a couple classic cars with rain drops still on the hood after the brief down poor, but the rain didn't spoil excitement of the anticipated monthly event. These are dedicated cruisers! If you're looking for a family enriched atmosphere which welcomes all year, make and model classics then this event is for you!

Congratulations to the Wilkes County Cruisers for a great event!

Downtown Mooresville Cruise-In

Location: Downtown Mooresville, NC
Time: Every first Saturday of the month from 3:00 to 8:00 pm

The Downtown Mooresville Cruise-In is a great family filled event! On the first Saturday of the month you're bound to witness a gathering of beautiful classics lining the streets of downtown Mooresville! The classics start rolling into the streets lining up around 2:30, and continue until there is no more parking available. The DJ is playing music in the background while enthusiasts stroll along Main and Broad St. catching a glimpse of their favorite or most interesting classic car.

The cruise-in hosts over 400 classics during the five hour event, and with thousands of spectators walking through the streets of downtown Mooresville. Rhonda, the Marketing and Sales Director of the Mooresville Cruise-In said, "The beautiful day set the tone for the event, and it was exciting to see collector car owners and spectators having a remarkable time. Thank you to all who helped in making the event a success!"

The official show tent was located infront of Mad Hatter where the launch of the '09 Mooresville T-Shirts were for sale. The three classic cars printed on the shirts were on display parked infront of the event tent. For me, I need a shirt!

Please visit http://www.mooresvillenccruisein.com/ for further exciting event information.

Were you at this event? If so, what are you thoughts?

See you at the next cruise-in!

Cars and Coffee of Charlotte

Location: Northlake Mall, NC

Time: Every first Saturday of the month from 9:00 to 11:00 am

If you are not already heading to a car show on the first Saturday of the month then you should consider cruising to the Cars and Coffee event at the Northlake Mall!

This was a great relaxing atmosphere with various groups of years, makes and models of collectable cars. The types of cars ranged from early to late Ferrari's, Maserati's, Shelby Cobra Replica's, an assortment of generation Corvettes, a lonely gorgeous '66 Rolls Royce Phantom and more. The crowd in the morning was a wonderful mixture of younger and older enthusiasts enjoying the wide display of classics, exotics, hotrods and concepts.

The Cars and Coffee event spans across the United States and Globally. This is a perfect combination of viewing your favorite collectable car while sipping your coffee in the morning.

Click on http://charlotte.carsandcoffee.info/ for further information on Cars and Coffee of Charlotte.

If you would like a quick glimpse into the world of Cars and Coffee of Southern California click on http://hagertylaura.blogspot.com/2009/06/cars-and-coffee-pictures.html

See you at the next collector car event!

Memories Live On

Tonight, I walked upon a beautiful '69 Camaro Z28, and had a great conversation with a couple who recently purchased the classic. its a new classic, new hobby and with great memories!

This story begins with the purchase of american muscle, and how a couple now relives memories of their first meeting together. He purchased a similar Camaro Z28 when he was 18 years old for $3,800. Mr. loved the sleek design and power of the Chevy Camaro Z28. The couple actually first met while he was driving in the Z28, and they wed years later. The couple owned the vehicle for a period of time before selling it for the right price, but always regrets selling the vehicle.

A couple months ago he noticed this same color combination, year, make and model Z28 for sale while he was driving down the road. Immediately, he stopped and called his wife to view this beautiful classic. The rest of the story is history since they purchased the '69 Camaro Z28. They mentioned the classic brought back all the great memories of when they first met over 30 years ago!

While the owner was explaining the history behind the Z28, his wife kept on smiling at the classic as to say "Thank you for the memories." It's truly amazing how this hobby has such a positive impact on classic car owners and enthusiasts alike.

Thank you for the story!

Cruis-In of the night!

Travel back in time on first and third Monday of the month when driving through historic downtown Mocksville, North Carolina. This cruise-in is for you if you're looking for an escape from the Monday blues!

The Piedmont C.A.R.S. Association organizes the event, and encourages the whole family to participate in viewing the passion of the classic car hobby. On June 1st, the organizers of the event mentioned there were approximately 250 classic cars lining the streets from the north to south side of town. The atmosphere of the event was energetic with classics driving through downtown, spectators lining the streets and music playing in the background. Enthusiasts where smiling ear to ear taking a glimpse at their favorite classic car.

Consider cruising to the Mocksville Cruise-In the next time you plan on exercising your classic car. Log onto http://www.piedmont-cars.com/ for more information.

Where is your favorite cruise-in?

Cruise-In of the night in Mooresville, NC

Location: Mooresville, NC

Time: Every Wednesday from 5:00 to 9:00 pm

The cruise-in of the night was in Mooresville at Brusters Ice Cream. Once I arrived, the parking lot was full of classic cars and enthusiasts of all ages. The event had a 50/50 drawing for adults and children, a DJ providing 60's and 50's music and plenty of ice cream. The organizers of the event encourage the whole family to experience the beauty and unique history behind each classic car.

Tonight, the "Car of the Week" was a '70 Chevelle Malibu, which had a gorgeous gold metal flake mixed with a candy red paint job. The interior was perfect with zero tearing in the front and rear seats. The engine compartment was shining with chrome. The owner of this beautiful classic purchased it 30 years ago!

I had a memorable conversation with a gentleman who had his green '72 Monte Carlo near the back of the parking lot. The gentlemen mentioned his father purchased the vehicle brand new for $3,900. In 1985, he inherited the classic, and repainted the vehicle only three years ago. I asked him if he would ever sell the vehicle, and he replied by saying, "Selling the vehicle isn't a option since the sentimental value of this Monte Carlo has no price."

This was a great night! Thank you for sharing your stories!

See you at the next cruise-in!

Cruise-In of the night in Mocksville, NC

Location: Mocksville, NC
Time: Every first and third Monday of the month from 5:30 to 8:30 pm

The cruise through historic downtown Mocksville was a head turner with shiny classic cars on the right and left side of Main Street.

The Piedmont C.A.R.S Association organizes the event, which includes a 50/50 drawing, live DJ performing 50's music, welcoming downtown businesses and a "The Classic of the Week" parking spot. The parking spot is located in center square, and dedicated to the previous cruise-in winner.

The downtown venue is perfect for classic car owners and fellow enthusiasts walking along to sneak-a-peek at their favorite vintage car. The organizers of the event mentioned there was about 50-60 classics present, but classics will travel from neighboring towns to Mocksville because of the relaxing atmosphere of the cruise-in. Future cruise-in events will have between 80 to 100 classic cars lining up on Main Street.

The downtown venue is perfect for car clubs eager to cruise together since there are convenient parking lots throughout downtown Main Street.

Please log onto http://www.piedmont-cars.com/ for further information.

See you at the next cruise-in!

Cruise-In of the night in Cornelius

Location: Brusters Ice Cream-Cornelius, NC
Time: Every Tuesday from 6:00 to 9:00pm

On Tuesday, May 12th, I drove to Brusters at Kenton Place in Cornelius for their weekly cruise-in. At each cruise-in there is group of enthusiasts hovering over one particular classic car, and this cruise-in was no different.

To my surprise the classic of the night was a '68 AC 427 Cobra...Not a replica! How do we know it's not a replica? Usually, there will be a couple plates labeling the CSX VIN and manufacture. The VIN of this particular model is CSX3168, and the body plate read A.C. Cars Ltd, England. This AC Cobra was built in England by A.C. Cars Ltd, before being shipped to the Shelby American facility. The owner pointed out where Carroll Shelby signed the glove box, but also pointed out he signed the back of the hood after finding out this was a CSX 3000 model.

The owner of this historic car mentioned he purchased the vehicle in 1968 for $6,500. In 1980, he and another gentlemen performed a body restoration of the vehicle. Today, these vehicles range anywhere from $700,000 to $900,000 in value, but the RM Auction results for a 1966 AC 427 Cobra was $675,000 on March 14th, 2009.

This is a great story, and I was excited listening to every part!

Next time your out on a Tuesday you might want to drop by Brusters, because this Cobra might be in the parting lot.

See you at the Cruise-In!

Cruise-In at Sonic Drive-In of Rockwell, NC

Location: Sonic Drive-In in Rockwell
Time: Every Thursday from 5 to 9pm

A motorist zooming past the Sonic Drive-In has a great chance of seeing a line up of classic cars in
the parking lot of the Sonic Drive-In. The classic cars range from a "original" '34 Ford Roadster, '69 Mustang Mach 1, Prostreet C10 to a Ratrod.

It was great to hear the story of gentleman who restored his grandfathers Ford F1, and will always keep the F1 in the family or the man who mentioned he wouldn't ever sell his classic for any price, because of the intangible work he put into the vehicle. The man mentioned it was "perfect!"

Cruise-Ins really are the perfect place to have a insightful conversation about the collector car hobby and listen to the stories behind each collector car enthusiast.

The Sonic Drive-In is a great place to grab a burger while admiring the variety of classic cars. If you're looking for a wide variety of classic cars then the Cruise-In in Rockwell is the place for you!

Remember...Please DO NOT snack over the classic cars!

See you at the next Cruise-In!