Cruisin' Woodward

What started as a small, local commemoration for a road popularized in the muscle car era has become an international sensation.

Words: Ross Ruehle

Over the past 14 years, the Woodward Dream Cruise in suburban Detroit has become a virtual Mecca for auto enthusiasts.

After all, the arrow-straight avenue was home to some of the wildest automotive shenanigans in the world back in the glory days of Detroit muscle. Tire smoke, raw gas and dreams of glory hung in the air as owners of Mopars, bow ties and blue ovals tried anything and everything (mostly illegal) to out-do each other.

To commemorate the famous road and its muscle car past, local organizers started a sleepy event called the Woodward Dream Cruise 14 years ago, completely unaware of the international sensation it was to become.

Now, on one spectacular day each summer, hundreds of thousands and cars, trucks and enthusiasts gather along Woodward to partake in what’s billed by organizers as the largest one-day automotive event in the world. It’s the place to see, and be seen. It’s the 1960s all over again.

Chrysler, Jeep®, Dodge and Mopar® all had a commanding presence at this year’s Woodward Dream Cruise held August 16. Mopar rolled out impressive displays, including the Direct Connection Trailer, Mopar Image Center and Authentic Mopar Gear Rig. Chicago-based cover band Maggie Speaks entertained the crowd as classic Mopars of every description cruised by.

Think summer! Visit www.woodwarddreamcruise.com for information on the 2009 cruise.