Some cars are forgettable little boxes or jellybeans, but others are true works of art. And the great thing about living in the shadow of the Motor City is being so close to the art of the automobile, regularly on display throughout the summer in Washtenaw County.
The most prominent event of the year is almost certainly the Rolling Sculpture Car Show. The non-profit business organization Main Street Ann Arbor will be shutting down the main drag of Main Street from 2-10pm on July 11 to bring a whole series of beautifully restored old classics, fascinating even to the least well read gear head for their sheer sculptural beauty.
“The Rolling Sculpture Car Show is a celebration of timeless design, unparalleled craftsmanship, and the passion for classic cars. Hosted annually in the heart of Ann Arbor, Michigan, this event brings together car enthusiasts, collectors and families for a day of admiration and nostalgia,” Main Street Ann Arbor explains on their website. “From sleek muscle cars to elegant vintage models, The Rolling Sculpture Car Show showcases over 300 automobiles spanning decades of automotive innovation. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or simply appreciate the beauty of a well-preserved classic, our event offers something for everyone.”
But that’s just one night. For more regular car focused social get togethers, Depot Town hosts Cruise Nights every Thursday. The main drag of Ypsilanti’s second downtown fills from the railroad tracks to the bridge with classic cars, providing a laid back atmosphere to socialize while you go from one car to another.
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In the same neighborhood, you can find the Ypsilanti Automotive Heritage Museum. Built into what was once a Hudson dealership — a long gone luxury car dealership that once came out of a also closed department store chain — two and a half dozen old classics, and a vintage police car.
Saline also has its own cars and coffee from 7:30-10am every Saturday. They meet at Brewed Awakenings – a café at 7025 East Michigan Avenue.
“Saline Cars and Coffee recently celebrated 10 years of gathering at Brewed Awakenings Café,” Kim Kaster, Brewed Awakening’s owner, told Current. “A group of men and their cars meet here every Saturday morning to talk, enjoy coffee and inspect each of their cars. I have been lucky to get to know this group and watch it grow over the years.”
Drew Saunders is a freelance business and environmental journalist who grew up just outside of Ann Arbor. He covers local business developments, embraces his foodie side with reviews restaurants, obsesses over Michigan's environmental state, loves movies, and feels spoiled by the music he gets to review for Ann Arbor!
