10AM-2PM,SUNDAYSEPTEMBER15TH
UNDER THE HOOD...
Art Director: Matthew Loeb
Advertising & Sales: Jerry duPhily
Digital Services Director: Michael O’Brian
Editorial & Research Team: Jerry duPhily, Larry Lazareff
Contributing Writers: Frank Adkins, Larry Lazareff, Ben Notaro, Lou Sitaras.
Contributing Photographers: Lindsay duPhily, Joe Grace, Ben Notaro, Bob Sliwecki
Founder and Special Consultant: Larry Lazareff
Four issues published annually (Spring, Spring-Summer, Summer-Fall, Fall-Winter)
Cruising Magazine, LLC. All rights reserved.
Cruising is designed and produced by TSN Media, Inc.
Mailing and business address: 164 Christina Landing, Wilmington, DE 19801
Contacting Cruising Magazine:
Send all written correspondences to:
Cruising Magazine, c/o TSN Media, 164 Christina Landing, Wilmington, DE 19801
Phone: 302-655-6483
Email: Contact@TSNPub.com
CruisingMagazine.net
Show and Go
Garage
A classic at this year’s British Motor Club of South Jersey ice cream social at Five Points Custard in Vineland, N.J. This was the 28th year for the event. Photo by Ben Notaro
SNEAK PEEK HOT SHOWS
September 14: 33rd Annual Downtown Millville Car Show
High Street next to Broad Street, Millville, NJ 08332 11am-3pm Info: 856-825-2600 (ext. 7394)
September 15: 32nd Annual Pennsauken Car & Bike Show
Pinsetter Bar & Bowl, 7111 Maple Avenue, Pennsauken, NJ 08109 10am-2pm Info: PennsaukenEvents.com
September 15: Hagley Car Show
Hagley Museum, 200 Hagley Creek Road, Greenville, DE 19807 10am-4pm Info: Hagley.org
September 15: Soul Riders Auto Club’s Car Show
VFW Hall #3792, 5695 Summit Bridge Road, Townsend, DE 19734 3-7pm Info: 302-998-5951 or Tony Lewis @ 302-858-3672; comp1deej@yahoo.com
September 21: 10th Annual Hockessin Auto Show
Hockessin United Methodist Church, 7250 Lancaster Pike, Hockessin, DE 19707 noon-4pm Info: carshows4nonprofits@gmail.com
October 2-6: Fall Carlisle Carlisle Fairgrounds, 100 Bryn Mawr Road, Carlisle, PA 17013 Wed Sat: 7am-6pm; Sun: 7am-12pm Info: 717-243-7855; CarlisleEvents.com
October 5: 4th Annual Victory Christian Fellowship Car Show 100 Wilton Blvd., New Castle, DE 19720 noon-3pm Info: carshows4nonprofits@gmail.com
October 5: 15th Annual Wings & Wheels Festival Delaware Coastal Airport, 21553 Rudder Lane, Georgetown, DE 19947 10am-4pm Info: 302-856-1544; Georgetowncoc.com
October 5: Cars for Kacie 6180 Morgantown Rd., Morgantown, PA 19543 8am-3pm Info: Kaciescause.org/cars-for-kacie
October 6: 51st Annual Little Big One Run & Picnic Bellanca Airfield, 2 Centerpoint Blvd, New Castle, DE 19720 9am-3pm Info: 302-420-7236; Qualityent03@aol.com
October 12: 13th Annual Greater Woodbine Chamber Car Show & Swap Meet
501 Washington Avenue, Woodbine, NJ 08270 9am-3pm Info: 609-780-3088; WoodbineChamber.com
October 13: Soul Riders’ “Let’s Put Breast Cancer in Rear-View Mirror”
VFW Hall #3792, 5695 Summit Bridge Road, Townsend, DE 19734 3-7pm
Info: 302-998-5951 or Tony Lewis @ 302-858-3672; comp1deej@yahoo.com
October 20: American Wheels 2024 Car & Truck Show
Nifty Fifty’s, 4670 Route 42, Turnersville, NJ 08012 9am-2pm Info: 609-774-8929; kmbsathome@aol.com
November 2: 13th Annual Salute the Troops Car Show
Delaware County Veterans Memorial, 4599 W. Chester Pike, Newtown Sq., PA. 19073 10am-2pm Info: Thomas Manning at 610-329-2830
November 2: 27th Annual Pumpkin Run
Fleming’s Auto Parts, 353 Zion Road, Egg Harbor Township, NJ 08234 8am-4pm Info: FlemingsPumpkinRun.com
December 7-8: East Coast Indoor Nationals
Maryland State Fairgrounds, 2200 York Rd., Timonium, MD 21093 Sat. 9am-7pm; Sun. 9am-4pm Info: MotoramaProductions.com
LAST OF THE BUCKET LIST CARS
IBy Frank Adkins
eased out the clutch and swung the wheel to the right as I pulled onto Marble Road in western New York. Emotionless thoughts swirled through my mind as I ran the shifter up through the gears, but then I felt a knot forming in my stomach. I knew it well — the pang of regret. I thought: What have I done? But I knew what I had done, and I was sick about it. I had paid too much for a car that was in much rougher condition than described, and now I was reeling from my mistake. Worse still, I had 500 miles to dwell on that mistake.
The car was a 1969 Dodge Dart GTS, largely disassembled, but said to be complete. It included its original numbers matching 340-cubic-inch engine and A-727 automatic transmission, as well as its other unique pieces such as exhaust manifolds, intake manifold, carburetor, valve covers, and more. It also included a set of correct style seats, though they were not original to the car.
Some pieces were missing, such as the 340-specific motor mounts, transmission cross member, some inner door hardware, front bumper brackets, some dash pieces, and probably much more. But it was the body that was the main issue. As a true South Carolina car, it had been spared the ravages of harsh New York winters, but it had sat for 40 years, most of it apparently outside.
thousand extra dollars I paid for it, as well as the few thousand dollars in additional metal it required, would be insignificant.
I knew what I had done, and
Debris had collected in the lower extremities, causing rust to form in many areas of the floor, trunk and lower body. The seller had disclosed that it would need a patch in the lower rear portion of the right quarter panel and a few patches in the floor, but in reality it needed a full floor, full left-side quarter panel, rightside fender patch, hood, and trunk lid as well. Most of these pieces are available new, but at a considerable expense.
“It’s a numbers-matching GTS, and one that we can afford,” I said aloud. My voice rang with uncertainty.
I had convinced my wife that this was the car to buy based on the seller’s description. “The body doesn’t need much,” I had said. “I can fix this one pretty easily, and it won’t take long.” But the car I had purchased was not the car I had sold her on. How would I justify this wreck to her? I should have walked away, I thought. Why didn’t I walk away?
I reminded myself again that it was a true GTS, and that it wore a desirable color (light blue metallic with a white “bumble-bee” tail stripe) with its original numbers-matching engine and transmission. I did my best to rationalize that by the end of the restoration, the few
As I made my way east on I-90 the tail end of my little Dodge Dakota bobbed and swayed under the weight of the engine, transmission, and numerous other heavy pieces from the GTS. I had given the seller half of the purchase price, and we had agreed that I would return in a few weeks to pick up the car and the remaining pieces. In Syracuse, I turned onto I-81 South, which led to I-476 in Pennsylvania. Along the way, I opened a notebook to a clean page and began scribbling all the positive aspects of the car: Affordable. I can fix it. Nice color. Mostly complete. Solid bones. Real GTS. Original engine and transmission. No air conditioning. Hard to find pieces are present. And then the clincher: My last bucket list car.
I had wanted a GTS since I was a child. I owned one for a few years in my late twenties, but I was forced to sell it prior to my divorce nearly 30 years ago. If this was the last car I ever bought, I could die a happy man.
My gut loosened as I read over the list. I read it again, and again. Yes, this car needed an awful lot. Yes, it would be a long and expensive road to bring it back to its former beauty and brawn. But it was the last car on my automotive bucket list, and one that I had wanted for a very long time.
It would require an exorbitant amount of money and a commensurate amount of work, but that work was within my skillset. Over the next few hundred miles, I surrendered to the condition of the car and made peace with the half-truths that had led me to its purchase. Perhaps this was, indeed, the right car to buy after all. By the time I wheeled into our driveway, my dread had given way to excitement. I couldn’t wait to go back and take delivery of the rusty hulk!
THEROES OF OUR HOBBY
The men and women who strive to make our hobby better
By Lou Sitaras
raveling 600 miles to do an interview for Cruising Magazine probably sounds a bit on the wild side but getting the opportunity to spend a few hours chatting with the stunning Michaela Brass made the entire trip a pleasure.
Michaela (pronounced Mi-Ky-La . . . oh heck, just call her Micky like all of her friends do) is the daughter of Mopar enthusiast Frank Brass III and his late wife Ro. Inheriting the beautiful looks of her mom and the classic car intellect of her dad has given this young woman a fascinating perspective on life and, in particular, the classic car hobby.
Even at a young age, Micky knew she was a car gal. Her dad worked at a Mopar dealership and drove his daughter around in his 1962 Chrysler 300 — a car he still owns today. Unfortunately back then, cars did not have seat belts so Frank had to chain in a car seat to drive his daughter around safely. It was a different world in those days. Seatbelts were not federally mandated for cars until 1966.
It was at the dealership Frank worked at that he met his beautiful wife Ro. She understood Frank’s passion for cars and even though she wasn’t an enthusiast, she never tried to change him and never tried to diminish his classic car enthusiasm. It’s a good thing because Frank passed that excitement onto his daughter, who has grown to become a well-known promoter of classic cars in her own right. Part
Michaela Brass Michaela standing in front of her 1972 Dodge Charger.
Photos courtesy Michaela Brass
Despite graduating from Gwynedd Mercy University with a degree in psychology, Micky had come to realize that the work just wasn’t for her. I understand her dilemma well, because I attended college for accounting and also came to realize that my chosen profession just wasn’t for me. What to do? Well, Micky was given an opportunity to sell new Fiats at Lansdale Chrysler Jeep. It wasn’t a dream come true, but it was a way to break into and learn a business she loved. A few years later she moved up the corporate ladder and began selling Dodges, Jeeps, Chryslers, and whatever her broad base of repeat customers were looking for.
A turning point for Micky came in 2010 when she hosted the car show “Hot Rods For Heroes.” Desperately trying to round up participants for this charity show, she came across several Mopar guys. She asked them to come to the event when the one owner replied, “I’ll come to your show and bring all my friends as well, if you can tell me what engine is in my car.”
It was a challenge! The owner was certain there was no way this young woman knew anything about cars. Micky took one quick look and proudly stated, “That’s a Hemi!” Challenge accepted — and won. The owner showed up, brought all his friends, and from that point forward, Micky became known as Miss Mopar . . . a title she still proudly carries today.
These days Miss Mopar hosts quite a few events including the Ambler Car Show, the Lansdale All Mopar Show, and several Cars & Coffee events. She also acts as a celebrity judge for the Chrysler Nationals event at Carlisle. Her crowning achievement came in January of this year when Chrysler Corporation pulled their display from the Philadelphia Auto Show. The organizers were faced with a huge empty space right in the middle of the auto show. In the wee hours of the morning, they called Micky asking if she could help. (Editor’s note: it’s never good news when your phone rings in the wee morning hours). Miss Mopar scrambled, made phone calls, reached out to her contacts, and put together a display of 13 unique Mopars for the visitors to see and photograph. Out of an abundance of caution, she was even in attendance throughout the event to make sure these classic Mopars were supervised and cared for.
It’s for these reasons that Cruising Magazine is honored to name Michaela Brass, Miss Mopar, our final “Hero Of Our Hobby” for 2024. She not only has a passion for classic cars, but she also shares that passion and inspires others to participate, enjoy, and reap the benefits of the classic car hobby. It’s an honor well deserved.
As a celebrity judge at the Carlisle Chrysler Nationals, Michaela is responsible for naming her favorite car of the event.
Michaela with a 1968 Road Runner and a 1973 Barracuda at the Summer Cars & Coffee in Lansdale, Pa.
Atlantic County 4-H Car Show
The 4-H organization has been around for many years. Its purpose is always to encourage the youth of our society to participate in positive and characterbuilding activities. The 4-H organization in Atlantic County, NJ added an annual car show to their fine list of events. The Atlantic County 4-H Fair and John Gunrow Memorial Car Show had a great day for their event. It was a good time with cool cars and their owners sharing a positive activity for young and old to enjoy.
The 4-H organization held their car show at the Atlantic County Fairgrounds in Mays Landing, NJ and the show brought out a large variety of cars and trucks. A county fair and a car show are always perfect together.
Christmas in July Car Show
July is just as good a time as any to have a Christmas car show. That is just what parishioners of Saint Padre Pio Parish did when they held their annual car show on the church grounds in the eastern section of Vineland, NJ.
This show saw nearly 100 rides from all makes and models, along with a very fine breakfast buffet. When cruisers get together it’s always a holiday feeling of camaraderie and the gift of good conversation and smiles. Also holiday music was played along with the oldies tunes that were filling the air thanks to the “Friar” from oldies station WVLT 92.1 FM.
Every time there is a gathering of cool car owners, one can bet it’s always a great time. But the merriment of “Christmas in July” just adds more to the fun.
— Text & Photos: Ben Notaro
— Text: Ben Notaro / Photos: Robert Sliwecki
Cruisin’ In Winter
During the off season of car activities, cruisers usually look for something automotive to keep the “juices” flowing. A few cruisers got together and made an appointment to go for a tour of a professional restoration facility. They agreed that watching a show-quality ride being constructed and being able to ask the proprietor questions can be a very motivating thing.
Gallery Pizza Cruise
After a fun, long weekend of cruising and enjoying car shows, one looks forward to the start of a new week. What better way to welcome each new Monday than to cruise over to Erial, NJ and enjoy a cruise staged by the great guys and gals of the Blacktop Villains Car Club. The Villains teamed up with Gallery Pizza to welcome cruisers with delicious pizza and many Italian delicacies for all to enjoy. Let’s not forget also the enjoyment of sharing some time with great car guys and gals. One can say that pizza and cars is another great idea to enjoy along with cars and coffee.
Enter Tom Rightler who is the owner/operator of Mid-Atlantic Muscle Cars located in Bridgeton, NJ. Rightler is no stranger to restoring muscle cars and has animpressive list of clients and accomplishments. It’s also safe to say his passion for the Chevelle served as special inspiration.
While at his shop, one guest (Jim Solomon) presented Rightler with his watercolor artwork depicting Rightler’s reconstructed General Lee. A walk-through had guests checking out an area that had an original contemporary Shelby Cobra frame ready for the body (as well as related parts) and assembly to be completed.
—
Text: Ben Notaro / Photos: Robert Sliwecki
Visiting a shop that specializes in classic and specialty rides is a great way keep the spirit alive and get to see another side of our hobby. Check out Mid-Atlantic Muscle Cars at 8 AND 9
WE SELL NEW AND REBUILT 8” & 9” Ford Third Members, all parts in stock for same day pick-up or
House of Brews Cruise
The Nostalgia Knights Classic Car Club has been a long-running group of car enthusiasts that has held car events for over 20 years. One of their long-standing cruises was held at the House of Brews American Grill. The cruise saw over 60 cool rides come out on a warm Sunday afternoon in Turnersville, NJ. It was a good time to enjoy the summer weather, partake of a large selection of adult beverages, and indulge with good food. It was also a time to soak up the good vibes of cruising!
Midas Muffler Cruise
The sweet sound of exhaust rumbling is music to a car guys’ and gals’ ears. The Midas Muffler shop in Northfield, NJ decided after an exhausting day of work to relax and hold a car cruise at the shop. Lots of rides participated and there was no shortage of foreign and domestic vehicles to check out.
Car fun comes in all “flavors” and the sound of a well-tuned engine baffled with the perfect exhaust system is like listening to a philharmonic orchestra.
— Text: Ben Notaro / Photos: Robert Sliwecki
— Text: Ben Notaro / Photos: Robert Sliwecki
Mood’s Farm Market Car Show
Mood’s Farm Market in Mullica Hill, NJ held their annual Mood’s Farm Market Car Show, and the event was well attended by many enthusiasts. With over 100 rides composed of cars and trucks, there was no shortage of eye candy at this hot summer’s day gathering. The show was sponsored by the Pharaoh’s Car Club of South Jersey and this longtime organization ensured that everything ran as smooth as silk.
Music was provided by a popular deejay from oldies station WVLT 92.1 FM, and on that hot day DJ Chris “Bad Boy” Randazzo kept the cool music playing to entertain the crowd.
Summer car gatherings teamed with South Jersey farms always guarantee a bountiful harvest of fun.
— Text: Ben Notaro / Photos: Robert Sliwecki
More Cruising Fun
Many of the members of the car community participate in the hobby by attending a cruise or a show. During the summer months, many times, there are other ways to enjoy one’s ride. It could be a group of cruisers going to a drive-in (in South Jersey we have a great classic drive-in theater). Another activity is checking out the local community summer concert series. Many towns have music by local cover bands and individuals who are entertaining, and the cost is free. Most all these events are weekly, too.
Get a hold of some cruisers and caravan to your local park and enjoy summer another way. Cars, music, friends…all part of the endless Summer of 2024.
— Text & Photos: Ben Notaro
Soul Riders Christmas in July
It must be July because the Soul Riders, Santa and Mrs. Claus and friends are delivering toys and other items to the Nemours Children’s Health in north Wilmington. Escorting us on the cruise this year were the New Castle County Police, bringing toys were Brandywine Region of the Antique Automobile Club of America, local chapter, and the Delaware Valley Camaro Club members. We also like to thank those who brought items to the car show on Saturday, July 13th, plus those who came along for the Sunday ride.
— Text & Photos: Tony Lewis
EVENT LISTINGS
Area CRUISES
Cruising Magazine makes every effort to ensure all listings are correct. However, event listings are subject to change. Please call ahead to avoid a wasted trip. ►
Every Monday year-round
Mighty Joe’s Cruise Nights
Mighty Joe’s Gas Grill & Deli, 1231 Route 206, Shamong, NJ 08088
Lineup between 4-4:30pm
Good food, good friends, cool cars. Info: 609-268-0303
Every Tuesday through November
Millsboro Dairy Queen Cruz-N
Dairy Queen Grill & Chill, 129 Main St, Millsboro, DE 19966
6pm-8pm
Info: Rusty 302-934-7377
Every Tuesday through October
Rita’s Ice Kent Island Cruise
Rita’s Italian Ice, 210 Kent Landing, Kent Island, MD 21666
5pm - until…
Weather permitting. Come on out to Rita’s Ice on Kent Island and see what rides show up!
Every Tuesday through October
Street Rollers Cruise Night
Wood Lanes, 1173 Route 40, Pilesgrove, NJ 08098
5:30pm-8:30pm
All are welcomed: hot rods, trucks, classics, motorcycles. Whatever your passion is, bring it, show it off! A place to make new friends. Info: Cyrus Zaluske 856-628-7350
Every Tuesday (except the 3rd of the month)
Bellmawr Cruisers
Behind Auto Zone, 700 US 130, Brooklawn, NJ 08030
5pm-8pm
No charge, no hassle, no misbehaving. Come and go as you please. Older cars preferred, but no restrictions. Come out and have a good time with friends.
First Wednesdays through October
Salem County Road Knights Cruise Night
Pat’s Pizzeria 102 South Broadway, Pennsville, NJ 08070
5pm-8:30pm
2nd & 4th Wednesdays through September (Sept. 11 & 25)
Back Road Cruisers Classic Car Get Togethers 2nd Wednesdays at Woodstown Diner, 16 East Avenue, Woodstown, NJ 4th Wednesdays at Mullica Hill Plaza, Rt. 77, Mullica Hill, NJ 08062 5pm-7pm
All vehicles welcome. Bring your friends and family for a fun time, great food, a 50/50 and door prizes. The Back Road Cruisers is a VMCCA chapter classic car club.
Info: Lavern 856-308-5921; John 856-468-5107
BackRoadCruisers.net
Third Wednesdays through September
South Jersey Region AACA Cruise Nights
Bobbit Auto, 595 Salem Quinton Road, Salem, NJ 08079
5pm-7:30pm
Snacks and beverages (provided by Hitchners Furniture) for all drivers who bring their special auto every night. Music by Ed Counsellor. Info: Ron Scott at 856-629-6085 or Martin Erdner at 856-935-0537; sjraaca.com
2nd & 4th Thursdays through September (Sept. 12 & 26)
Mr. Bill’s Cruise
Mr. Bill’s of Winslow Township, 453 Route 73 South, Hammonton, NJ 08037 4pm start (weather permitting)
Great food, custard, and friends. Info: 609-839-1410
Third Thursdays through September
Delaware Valley Road Runners (DVRR) Cruise Night
Falls Township Community Park, 9061 Mill Creek Road, Levittown, PA 19054 6pm-8:30pm
Handicap accessible, food, kids, music, all vehicles & new members welcome, 25 plaques each cruise night. Rain date following Tuesday. Info: 215-510-6629 or lenpribish@hotmail.com; DelawareValleyRoadRunners.com
EVENT LISTINGS
Third Thursdays through September
Bourbon & Brews Cruises
2001 Delaware St., Paulsboro, NJ 08066
5pm start
All vehicles and newcomers welcome. Info: Laura 856-599-0732 or LauraGilmore200@yahoo.com
Every Friday through October
Street Survivors Friday Cruise Nights
To the left of Burger King by Tractor Supply, Park 97 East Park Shopping Center, 7988 Crain Highway, Glen Burnie MD 21061
5:30pm-9pm
No Entry Fee. All vehicles allowed. Plenty of parking. Music and 50/50 every week. Car show flyers and club shirts and sweatshirts are available at the trailer. Food available at nearby establishments.
Info: Tom Pattan at 443-838-0948 or Rick at 443-829-5658; StreetSurvivorsOfMaryland.com
Second Fridays through October
Grotto Pizza Presents Cruise Nights
Grotto Pizza, 309 Auto Park Drive, Middletown, DE 19709
5pm-9pm
Come out and show off your ride and enjoy food and drinks. Rain date 3rd Fridays. Info: carshows4nonprofits@gmail.com or 302-983-6966
2nd & 4th Fridays through September (Sept. 13 & 27)
Historic Smithville Car Cruises
Smithville Village Greene, Smithville, NJ 08205
5pm-8pm
Cruise on down to Smithville and hang out! Drive to the side parking lot of the Village Greene and near the red covered bridge, you will see orange cones set up. Move a cone and park your car.
First Saturdays through October Corvette Club Monthly Car Show & Cruise Fox Run Shopping Center, Bear, DE 19701
4pm-8pm (October show hours: 3-7pm) Street Rods, classic, antique, race, trucks and motorcycles. Bring whatever you have! No entry fees. Handicap accessible, food, kids, music. Rain date the following Sunday. Info: Bruce Norman 908-342-4293; VetteClub.org
First Saturdays through October
Chesapeake Classic Car Club Cruise-In Westlake Village Shopping Center next to Chick-Fil-A, Easton, MD 21601 5pm
Handicap accessible, food, kids, music. All vehicles welcome.
Info: info@ccccofeaston.org; CcccOfEaston.org
First Saturdays
Chesapeake Cars and Coffee
357 Pier 1 Road, Stevensville, MD 21666
9am-11am
Open to all makes and models. Info: sales@showclip.net
Second Saturdays through October
Cruise Nights at the Bobcat Creamery
The Bobcat Creamery, 117 South Main Street, Manchester, PA 17345
4pm-8pm through August; 3pm-7pm Sept & Oct
Presented by Motor Menders Rod & Custom. Rain date is the following Saturday. All vehicles welcome. Dash plaques, 3 trophies, 50/50, Oldies music. Info: NortheastWheelsEvents.com
September 14 (Saturday)
Cars and Coffee
Delaware County Veterans Memorial, 4599 W. Chester Pike, Newtown Square, PA 19073
8am-11am
Cars and coffee gathering of all vehicle types to get some java and walk around and talk about all the different types of cars and trucks.
Info: Thomas Manning 610-329-2830 or 610-328-2289
2nd & last Saturdays through October 12 (Sept. 14 & 28, Oct. 12)
Del Rods Cruise Nights
Green Tree Shopping Center, Route 8, Dover, DE 19904
5pm-8pm
Fee, handicap accessible, food, kids, music, trophies. All vehicles welcome. Sponsored by Hardees.
Info: DelrodsCarClub.org
Third Saturdays through October
Yesterday’s Chevrolet Club Cruisin’ 2024
Fox Run Shopping Center, Routes 40 & 72, Bear, DE 19701
4pm-7pm, October10am-2pm
No bowtie required. All makes, models and years are welcome, but please remember we are a family-friendly event. No burnouts please! Music by DJ RIV.
Info: Mike Wills at 302-757-3664 or Warren Shanks at 302-540-5604
CAR & TRUCK SHOW
OCTOBER 20, 2024 9AM TO 2PM
RAINDATE – OCTOBER 27
WHERE: Nifty Fifty’s 4670 Route 42, Turnersville NJ
Top 40 and Specialty Trophies
Basket Auction, Live DJ, 50-50 Raffle
$20 Registration Fee at the Gate Basket Drawing & 50-50 at 1pm Trophies at 1:30pm
Partial proceeds to benefit The Cumberland County TEC Automotive Program
Silver Sponsors
Garton’s Rigging D&D Kuzmicz Construction Bott Electrical Contractors Adam Marks Plumbing Bronze Sponsors
EVENT LISTINGS
Last Saturdays (Sept. 18, Oct. 26)
Caffeine & Chrome at Gateway Classic Cars of Phila.
1228 Forest Parkway, Ste 200, West Deptford, NJ 08066 9am-noon
Our showroom features over 200 classic cars offered for sale. We also love to see your vehicles, so find a parking spot and pop your top! We offer free coffee and baked goods, while they last, during the event. We are a consignment dealership, so if you are looking to sell your classic, we can assist with that too. Info: Philadelphia@GatewayClassicCars.com
Fifth Saturdays (November 30)
Cruisin’ For Caffeine
June 29 location: Bagelmania, 416 Suburban Drive, Newark, DE 19711 9am start
Rain or shine. Join BRAACA every month that has a fifth Saturday at different locations. Location suggestions welcome. Info: I-Cin@comcast.net
First & Third Sunday through November (Sept. 1 & 15, Oct. 6 & 20, Nov. 3 & 17) VFW Cruise-In
Veterans of Foreign Wars, 355 Glebe Rd, Easton, MD 21601 9am-11am
All car enthusiasts are welcome and invited to join us for a couple of hours of cool cars, great people, and good conversation. Always free to participants and the general public, and a cup of hot coffee can be had for a small donation to the VFW. Dust off that classic, antique, hot rod, custom, or what have you, and plan on joining us. Info: Don at 410-463-0542
Area SHOWS
Cruising Magazine makes every effort to ensure all listings are correct. However, event listings are subject to change. Please call ahead to avoid a wasted trip. Check www.CruisingMagazine.net for rainout updates. ►
September 14 (Saturday)
Wings & Wheels Expo 2024
18450 Showalter Road, Hagerstown, MD 21742 9am-4pm
See military & civilian aircraft, cars, trucks, and more. Enjoy museum exhibits & food. Entry by donation ($10 per vehicle). Please have show vehicles on-site by 9am. First 200 vehicles receive a custom event dash plaque. Airplane rides available in PT-19 trainers. Proceeds to benefit the Hagerstown Aviation Museum. Info: HagerstownAviationMuseum.org/events
September 14 & 15 (Saturday & Sunday)
The Bridge VIII Weekend
1180 Millstone Road, Bridgehampton, NY 11932
2pm-7pm (Saturday); 9am-11am (Sunday)
The Bridge is a by-invitation gathering with a highly curated guest list. Held at The Bridge golf club, it’s set on the hallowed grounds of the former Bridgehampton Raceway. Marked by the historic Chevron Bridge, attendees pass through it before winding up the hill to find some of the world’s most rare and gorgeous cars scattered across a sprawling green lawn juxtaposed against the blue-gray expanse of the Peconic Bay. On Sunday, revel in vintage and collector cars at The Bridge Cars & Coffee. Attendance to Sunday’s event is complimentary and open to the public. Info: Suzanne Wellington at 404-543-3623 TheBridgeHamptons.com
September 14 (Saturday)
Chariots of Fire Fall Fest Car Show
Classic Auto Mall, 6180 Morgantown Road, Morgantown, PA 19543 10am-3pm
400 barn finds on display inside. 2,500 vehicle capacity outside. Great variety of all vehicles. Car photos, door prizes and great food! Info: Pastor Lawrence Weed at 610-322-1622, pastorweed@hotmail.com
September 14 (Saturday)
33rd Annual Downtown Millville Car Show
Rain date September 15
High Street next to Broad Street, Millville, NJ 08332 11am-3pm
Hosted by the City of Millville in partership with SJ Noise Makers on High Street. All makes & models welcomed. Registration begins at 9am. Free to all car participants. Auto swap meet, food, refreshments, kids zone, music and more.
Info: 856-825-2600 x 7394 • Millville-nj.com
September 14 (Saturday)
Pitman Methodist Church Car Show
Broadway & Lambs Road, Pitman,NJ 08071 10am-3pm
Food Trucks, Activities, Contestants Choice Voting, Trophies, $10.00 registration fee. Info: William Stetch 856-589-1941 or wfriedrich@verizon.net
September 15 (Sunday)
Soul Riders Auto Club’s Car Show
VFW Hall #3792, 5695 Summit Bridge Road, Townsend, DE 19734 3pm-7pm
Handicap accessible, food, kids, music, trophies. Info: 302-998-5951 or Day of Show at 302-858-3672
September 15 (Sunday)
Hagley Car Show
Hagley Museum and Library, 200 Hagley Creek Road, Wilmington, Delaware 19807 10am-4pm
Experience the wonders of automotive innovation. Browse through more than 500 antique and restored cars from the late 1990s all the way back to the early 20th century. The show features vehicle parades, motoring music, and a food court. The event will be held rain or shine. Use Hagley’s main entrance off Route 141 in Wilmington, DE. Registration open now. Info: 302-658-2400 or carshow@hagley.org
SWAP MEET
EVENT LISTINGS
THE CAR CLINIC
September 15 (Sunday)
32nd Annual Pennsauken Car & Bike Show
Pinsetter Bar & Bowl, 7111 Maple Avenue, Pennsauken, NJ 08109
10am-2pm
Presented by Pennsauken Township and Pinsetters Bar and Bowl. There will be food, music, and fun. Awards given in every class. All spectators free.
Info: Juan Vazquez; 856-665-1000 x151; jvazquez@pennsauken.gov
September 21 (Saturday)
10th Annual Hockessin Auto Show
Rain Date September 28
Hockessin United Methodist Church, 7250 Lancaster Pike, Hockessin, DE 19707 12-4pm
Info: carshows4nonprofits@gmail.com or 302-983-6966
October 2-6 (Wednesday - Sunday) Fall Carlisle
Carlisle Fairgrounds, 100 Bryn Mawr Road, Carlisle, PA 17013
Wed-Sat: 7am-6pm; Sun: 7am-12pm
October 5 (Saturday)
4th Annual Victory Christian Fellowship Church Car Show
Rain date October 12
Victory Christian Fellowship, 100 Wilton Blvd., New Castle, DE 19720 12-3 pm
Free Event. Open to all makes and models. Professionally judged. Food trucks. Info: carshows4nonprofits@gmail.com
October 5 (Saturday)
Wings & Wheels 2024 Fall Festival
Delaware Coastal Airport, 21553 Rudder Lane, Georgetown, DE 19947 10am-4pm
Sponsored by the Greater Georgetown Chamber of Commerce, the Delaware Aviation Museum and HVCCDE. Vintage plane fly-in and car show. All makes and models welcome. Registration is $20 per car. Over 30 trophies in 7 classes. Free admission for spectators—fun for the whole family. Event parking $5. Info: 302-856-1544 or info@georgetowncoc.com
October 6 (Sunday)
First State Mustang & Ford Club
2024 Fall Show
Fall Carlisle marks the end of the Carlisle-based show and automotive flea market season! This massive automotive flea market, featuring 8,100 vendor spaces, is one of the best opportunities to get your hands on all things automotive before the winter non-picking blues kicks in.
Info: 717-243-7855 • CarlisleEvents.com
October 5 (Saturday)
Cars for Kacie
Rain date October 12
6180 Morgantown Road, Morgantown, PA 19543 8am-3pm
Cars for Kacie serves as the primary fundraising program for Kacie’s Cause. This very special program is considered to be the largest car show in the country dedicated specifically to raising funds to fight substance use disorder. Bikes, trucks, imports, classics, new generation, all makes and models welcomed. Registration is onsite & begins at 8am. Show is free for spectators and will feature guest speakers and a special auction of donated items and services. Top 100 awards with NUMEROUS 7 foot specialty awards.
Info: kaciescause.org/cars-for-kacie
October 5 (Saturday)
Concord Liberty’s 2024 Fall Car Show 256 Bethel Rd, Glen Mills, PA, 19342 10am – 2pm
Family-friendly show showcasing musicle cars, classic cars, custom cars, and hot rods, plus food, drinks, music & DJ. Registration is free & starts at 9am.
Info: concordliberty.org/special-events or George Rendell at 610-613-9297
Rain Date October 13
Porter Ford, 600 Ogletown Road, Newark, DE 19711
9:30am-3pm
Registration starts at 9:30 am. All cars must be Ford family and Ford powered. Charity auction, 50/50 raffle, trophies, dash plaques to first 100 vehicles, food, and live DJ. No refunds on registration. Pre-registration fee $15; $20 day of show. Pre-register online at firststatemustangandford.com by Sept. 22. Info: George Long 302-218-2703 or grl5252@comcast.net
October 6 (Sunday)
Delaware Street Rods 51th Annual “Little-Big One” Rod Run & Picnic Bellanca Airfield Inc, 2 Centerpoint Blvd, New Castle, DE 19720
9am-3pm
$20.00 Per car at gate. Top 15 awards as well as many sponsor awards. Dash plaques for first 150 cars. Surprise grand prize for both men & women. Many door prizes for the whole family. Event T-shirts available on site by Rocky’s T’s. Music and food trucks. Info: Brandie Laird at 302-420-7236 or Qualityent03@aol.com
October 12 (Saturday)
Greater Woodbine Chamber of Commerce
13th Annual Car Show & Swap Meet Rain date October 20
501 Washington Ave, Woodbine, NJ 08270
9am-3pm
Dash Plaques to first 250 entries. PreRegistration $15 by Oct. 1, Day of Show $20. All vendors must call first. Show cars & antiques, muscle cars, race cars, rods, Jeeps, trucks, military vehicles, Hit N’ Miss engines, anything unique. Swap meet—bring all tour extra parts (rent a space $35). Live broadcast on WIBG radio. Benefits Woodbine American Legion Post 298. Info: Lisa at 609-780-3088 WoodbineChamber.com
October 13 (Sunday)
Soul Riders Auto Club’s Car Shows “Let’s Put Breast Cancer in Our Rear View Mirror” VFW Hall #3792, 5695 Summit Bridge Road, Townsend, DE 19734
3-7pm
Handicap accessible, food, kids, music, trophies. First come, first parked. $20 per car. Info: 302-998-5951 or Day of Show at 302-858-3672
October 19 (Saturday)
The 2024 Fall Festival & Car Show Fox Run Shopping Center, Routes 40 & 72, Bear, DE 19701
10am-2pm
Hosted by Yesterday Chevrolet Club. Trophies, music, and food. $10 entry fee. Benefits Humane Animal Partners, VFW and The Scleroderma Foundation. Car show will be located on the opposite side of Fox Run near the M&T Bank and Thurston’s Pub.
October 19 (Saturday)
DVRR Halloween Car Show
Rain date October 20 Falls Township Community Park, 9061 Mill Creek Road, Levittown, PA 19054 2-6pm
Registration: $15. Auction, music, best costume, best decorated cars.
Info: Len Pribish at 215-510-6629 and lenpribish@hotmail.com
October 20 (Sunday)
House of Brews Cruise
Rain date October 27
House of Brews, Walmart Plaza on the Old Black Horse Pike, Turnersville, NJ 08012 12-3pm
Free cruise, all vehicles welcome. Trophies, door prizes, 50/50 music, food discount and more. This is our toy collection cruise—please bring one or more new unwrapped toys in support of the children at Archbishop Damiano School. Info: Bill Nese at 609-381-3249 or bn67fairlane@gmail.com
October 20 (Sunday)
American Wheels 2024 Car & Truck Show
Rain date October 27
Nifty Fifty’s
4670 Route 42, Turnersville, NJ 08012
9am-2pm
Hosted by Corvettes Unlimited Corvette Club Inc of Vineland, NJ. Top 40 and specialty trophies, basket auction, live DJ, 50-50 raffle. $20 registration fee at the gate. Basket and 50-50 drawings at 1pm, trophies at 1:30pm. Info: Bruce Shaw at 609-774-8929 or 609-231-9086 or kmbsathome@aol.com
October 26 (Saturday)
Del Rods Fall Wrap-Up Car Show
Rain date October 27
Greentree Plaza, Rt 8, Dover, DE 19904
10am-2pm
Registration fee: $15. All years and makes welcome. Food available, DJ, trophies, 50/50. Profits benefit local nonprofits. Info: 302-222-2525 & rsludge47@aol.com • delrodscarclub.org
October 27 (Sunday)
4th Annual Gears and Ghouls
Tots Park @ VFW Post 5118, 355 Glebe Road, Easton, MD 21601
9am-3pm
Presented by the Chesapeake Classic Car Club. A trunk and treat event where even the cars are in costume! Registration from 9am-noon. Award presentation at 2pm. $15 registration with toy donation. 50/50 raffle, door prizes, independent judges, food and beverages. Info: info@ccccofeaston.org • ccccofeaston.org
November 2 (Saturday)
18th Annual Salute the Troops Car Show
Delaware County Veterans Memorial, 4599 W. Chester Pike, Newtown Sq, PA 19073 10am-2pm
Delco Cruisers annual car show gathering. $20 donation—proceeds will be donated to various organization that support the troops. Info: Thomas Manning 610-329-2830 or 610-328-2289
November 2 (Saturday)
27th Annual Pumpkin Run
Fleming’s Auto Parts, 353 Zion Road, Egg Harbor Township, NJ 08234
8am-4pm
Show cars & trucks, engines & tractors, flea market, food vendors. Info: Harry at 609-926-2079 FlemingsPumpkinRun.com
EVENT LISTINGS
November 3 (Sunday)
Galena Lions Club Annual Car Show
Rain date November 10
Massey Aerodrome, 33541 Maryland Line Rd., Massey, MD 21650
10am-2pm
Entry Fee: $20; Registration: 10am-12pm; Judging: 12-1:30pm. Awards Presentation: 2pm.
Presidents Trophy & Top Ten Plaque Awards, Dash Plaques to First 50 Vehicles. Door Prizes, 50/50, music, food & beverages. All vehicles welcome. Spectators welcome (no charge).
January 4-5 (Saturday & Sunday 2025)
DRAGFEST — Drag Racing Showcase and Custom Car Show
Lebanon Valley Expo Center
80 Rocherty Road, Lebanon, PA 17042
Saturday 9am-6PM; Sunday 9am-4pm
Info: Chris Conner(410) 708-4889 or chrisconner53@icloud.com.
December 7-8 (Saturday & Sunday)
East Coast Indoor Nationals
Maryland State Fairgrounds (Cow Palace) 2200 York Road, Timonium, MD 21093
Saturday 9am-7pm; Sunday 9am-4pm
Over $10K in cash, awards and prizes. Variety of makes, models, and years on display. More than 100 awards from weekend drivers to professional show vehicles. 50+ auto-related vendors, live entertainment, pin striping expo and more.
Info: motoramaproductions.com
December 8 (Sunday)
18th Annual Holiday Cruise for Kids
Rose Tree County Park, 1671 N. Providence Rd., Media, PA 19063
9am-11am
Delco Cruisers present a Toy Run & Cruise held in conjunction with U.S. Marine Corps Toys for Tots program. Info: DelcoCruisers.org
Over $5K in cash awards and prizes. Enjoy an exhibition filled with 200+ race cars and shop for drag racing related toys and models, memorabilia, magazines, apparel, vintage photos, books, posters, race car art and more. Info: motoramaproductions.com
February 15-16 (Sat. & Sunday 2025) Motorama — Races and Shows PA Farm Show Complex
2300 N. Cameron St, Harrisburg, PA 17110
Saturday 9am-10pm; Sunday 9am-5pm
Over $15K in cash awards and prizes. In conunction with the largest indoor motorsports event on the east coast, with over one million square feet of live motorsports racing action. More than 100 awards from weekend drivers to professtional show vehicles. All makes, all models, all years welcome. Info: motoramaproductions.com
March 22-23 (Saturday & Sunday 2025)
Mid Atlantic Indoor Nationals
Greater Philadelphia Expo Center
100 Station Avenue, Oaks, PA 19456
Saturday 9am-7pm; Sunday 9am-4pm
Over $10K in cash, awards, and prizes. A variety of makes, models, and years on display. More than 100 awards from weekend drivers to professional show vehicles, 50+ auto-related vendors and live entertainment. Info: motoramaproductions.com
SHIFTIN’ GEARS
By Ben Notaro • red63vetnj@comcast.net
As I was sitting at my computer looking at old photos, I came across a car that brought back many found memories. The car that awakened my collective memory was a photo of an MGB convertible. Back in my college days, my commute to Glassboro State College (now Rowan University) was in a 1963 MGB. The story of how I obtained this car in is rather interesting.
It all started one evening when a friend of mine stopped by my parents’ house to show me his MGB. This spiffy little red British ride was a neat piece of machinery. So, we proceeded to head out for a test ride in this car to the then unfinished Route 55 off my hometown of Vineland, NJ.
My buddy tells me how his dad just had the engine rebuilt and he wanted to see its limits. So now it’s off the exit and onto the highway. This car was a peppy pocket rocket and my buddy kept building up the revs and the speed. I soon heard the engine making noises that were more like a call for help — I suggested we slow down.
Well, my genius friend said there was plenty more to get out of the ride and proceeded to keep going faster. I had a bad vibe this was not going to end well for either the car or us. I stared at the tachometer as the needle kept creeping right and heading for the red zone. Well friends, we suddenly heard a bang, and the sound of the engine went silent. Upon inspection of the engine, there was a gaping hole in the engine block where a piston went through. So now here comes my entrance into the world of owning a British sportscar.
The next day I stopped to see my friend as well as see his Dad’s reaction to this situation. His father was so angry he said he’ll sell the damn thing for $150. I bought it.
So, here I am the owner of a British sports car that I have no real experience with and it’s not a size I was used to driving. But after a new engine installation, the minute I drove it I knew it was going to be a fun ride to have.
I had some unique car type activities in this car and some unforgettable moments. For instance, there was the time the brakes failed in my driveway, and I crashed into old wooden garage doors. Funny part is I did not damage the car, but I did push the doors in. Then there was the time I tried to drive through a large puddle (lake?) in the road after a rainstorm. It floated — for a bit — and soon I experienced the Titanic effect. We pushed the car onto a school driveway and the next day I retrieved the car by jumping in and simply driving off.
My point is, to us car guys and gals these rides that we used to have weren’t just cars, they were memories that had a time, date and circumstance in an automotive way. Each ride that we strongly remember is like a book in the automotive library of our minds.
That MGB was a special part of my driving life and memories of it will always be etched in my car driving history.
Department of Energy: Gas prices are on the rise. I filled my tank for just $19 — my push lawnmower that is.
Department of Labor: It always works to make one’s ride the they want . . . fun work.
