Detroit's famous Woodward Avenue turns into a giant, slow-moving car show this weekend. Here are ten of your picks for great cars to take on the Woodward Dream Cruise.
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10.) 1950 Studebaker Land Cruiser
Suggested By: arozzi
Why It's Cool: 1950 was the first year Studebaker updated the styling of the Land Cruiser. It had been coasting along in its pre-war trim, but was brought up to date with Studebaker's three-point "Bullet Nose" styling. 1950 was also the first year an automatic transmission was offered, and sales were through the roof. Both of these upgrades make the Land Cruiser the perfect car to take to Woodward.
Photo credit: Fairtrade-Advocacy.com
9.) 1955 Lancia Aurelia B24 Spider
Suggested By: Roberto G.
Why It's Cool: There are only 240 Aurelia Spiders, so you're sure to be one of the rarer cars on the Cruise if you go with the old Lancia. While it's not American, it does have more than enough 50's style to make up for it. You'll still fit right in, while showing off enough Italian flair to make a splash.
Photo credit: Car Body Design
8.) 1969 AMC AMX
Suggested By: Bonhomme7h
Why It's Cool: The AMX was only in production for three years, from 1968 to 1970, but in that time it managed to make itself into a pretty cool little car. While ther ewere never any major changes made to the line, there were a number of special cars produced in 1969 that are sure to impress out on the Cruise. For 1969, an AMX could be had in pink, (along with some other go-fast parts) as part of the Playboy Playmate package. Additionally, AMC introduced the Super Stock AMX, which was a stripped down version of the regular car meant for drag racing. Totally uncomfortable and impractical for the road, you might be able to tolerate it for Woodward.
Photo credit: Damox.com
7.) 1969 Yenko Chevy Nova
Suggested By: Wish my Sonata had a V8
Why It's Cool: Of the thirty or so original Yenko Novas produced, only eight are known to still exist today. That's a shame, because according to Don Yenko himself, the Nova was "a beast, almost lethal, a car that they should not have produced; as they were skirting the edge of product liability when they built this car." The Corvette 427 of the day was dropped in the front end, and passengers were told to hold on for dear life. We're sure you probably wouldn't get into much trouble at Woodward, but in the event you did, just remember there's only eight of these left. Help preserve history!
Photo credit: Tuning Fever
6.) 1959 Cadillac Eldorado Convertible
Suggested By: jomac006
Why It's Cool: Featuring some of the most chrome and biggest tailfins of its era, the '59 Eldorado is an awesome car. Big enough to take up a good portion of the Woodward Cruise on its own, the big Caddy seems tailor made for this sort of thing. For a car that's right at home in parades, look no further than a giant Cadillac.
Photo credit: Taringa!
5.) El Camino
Suggested By: jmoum04001
Why It's Cool: All these giant Cadillacs and rare AMCs are cool and all, but let's bring Woodward back to the people! How about something you might have in your garage? How about bucking the status quo with a cherry El Camino? Maybe you've got an old model sitting around at home? Whatever year you choose, just make sure you bring some friends along for the ride. Throw a tarp down in the bed, and let them hang out in your outdoor pool while you chug along Woodward Ave.
Photo credit: C-D Performance
4.) 1970 Plymouth Superbird
Suggested By: yoda2
Why It's Cool: There's nothing not cool about the Superbird's giant nose and rear wing. Originally built as NASCAR homologation specials, many found the 'Bird's extreme styling too much, and they didn't sell in as high numbers as Plymouth had hoped. There probably won't be many at Woodward, but if there are you can easily spot them with their giant wings sticking up over everything else.
Photo credit: xiongdudu
3.) 1949 Packard Convertible
Suggested By: The Second Spitter
Why It's Cool: As The Second Spitter says, "Gotta go with something not-obvious. Something a bit more obscure yet Detroit and completely American." We couldn't agree more. And the convertible is a great choice for hanging out on Woodward. Just check out that giant swan hood ornament! If that's not worth the price of admission into the Packard Car Club, I don't know what is.
Photo credit: HobbyCar.com
2.) 1966-1970 Oldsmobile Toronado
Suggested By: buffcoat and beaver
Why It's Cool: It would be like a shark amongst the whales. A really, really big, whale-like shark. The first generation Toronado needs to be represented at Woodward just because it looks so damn cool. It's also the first American front-wheel drive car since the Cord, so it deserves a spot in line just for its history (and because it looks like a shark, and will eat you).
Photo credit: Super Sport Motors
1.) AMC Eagle
Suggested By: CaptMatt15
Why It's Cool: CaptMatt15 suggests showing up for the Cruise immediately after a day of off-roading, with the Eagle still all covered in dirt and gunk. And while the participants for the Woodward drive are usually bright and shiny, the messy Eagle could be a welcome change. Whether it's dirty or not, it's certainly strange enough to make waves during the drive.
Photo credit: GM Inside News