Motor City

Summertime in the Motor City. Every week ,in various towns, in cities vast and small, a car show is usually taking place. Now, this is not just a gathering for any vehicle. These machines with wheels are the crème de la crème, at least through the eyes of an antique car fan or owner.

I must admit, I am not very knowledgeable about these treasures. However, when I attend a show, my quest is to gain at least one piece of information. So far, through my "self taught mechanic class", I can proudly state that I know that when an 396 is stamped on the engine, it indicates the size of the engine!

The owners are more than happy to discuss car facts, stories about “the good ol' days”, engine size, paint color, when they purchased it and how much money was drained from their savings account. Basically, they will talk about anything and everything about their prized possession.

I gaze in awe at the 'Cadillac with the large rear fins, the creamy mint green Fairlane with it large body, a 1977 Mark IV, a souped up Chevy Nova (my mom had a very conservative 1977 Nova) and one of my favorites, a '69 Chevelle. Canary yellow, metallic blue, the color is irrelevant - I really wish I could say I owned a Chevelle. Heck, I wouldn't mind just driving one for a few minutes.

I wander a bit more, peeking inside the cars and wondering what the little box is above the glove box. I asked one of the gentleman nearby and he replied that it was a record player!! Yes, it actually held '45's and played the music - operates in a fashion similar to a cd, cassette or 8 track tape player !!

Ok, there she is...the pretty Mustang!!! 1967, green with white leather interior. The steering wheel is soo thin, the back seat incredibly small. Oh, but it is a beauty...and indeed one of my favorite all time cars.

The sound of laughter echoes in the background, somebody shouting, "look at this" and the music from the 1950's blares from the speakers. The lavender and rose horizon transforms to an almost evening sky on this memorable summer night in Michigan, home to the Motor City.