DREAM
BACKDROP OF BYGONE ERA
UNDER THE HOOD...
Show and Go Garage
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
On the cover: A classic from last year’s Hagley Car Show. Photo by Becca Mathias
Members of the High Octane Region of the AACA showed up at the Waterford Township Car Show (Camden County, N.J.) with plenty of cool rides. Photo by Robert Sliwecki
SNEAK PEEK HOT SHOWS
September 13: 34th Annual Downtown Millville Car Show
High Street (between Broad & Main streets), Millville, NJ 08332 11am-3pm. Info: 856-825-7000 x7394
September 14: 33rd Annual Pennsauken Car & Bike Show Pinsetter Bar & Bowl, 7111 Maple Avenue, Pennsauken, NJ 08109 11am-4pm. Info: PennsaukenEvents.com
September 20: 11th Annual Hockessin Auto Show Hockessin United Methodist Church, 7250 Lancaster Pike, Hockessin, DE 19707 noon-4pm. Info: 302-983-6966; CarShows4NonProfits@gmail.com
September 21: Hagley Car Show
Hagley Museum and Library, 200 Hagley Creek Rd, Wilmington, DE 19807 10am-4pm. Info: Hagley.org
October 4: Wings & Wheels 2025 Fall Festival
Delaware Coastal Airport, 21553 Rudder Lane, Georgetown, DE 19947 10am-4pm Info: 302-856-1544; Wings-Wheels.com
October 11: Greater Woodbine Chamber 14th Car Show & Swap Meet 501 Washington Ave, Rt. 550, Woodbine, NJ 08270 9am-3pm. Info: 609-780-3088; WoodbineChamber.com
November 1: 28th Annual Fleming’s Pumpkin Run 353 Zion Road, Egg Harbor Township, NJ 08234 8am-4pm. Info: FlemingsPumpkinRun.com
November 8: 18th Delco Cruisers Salute the Troops Car Show Rose Tree Park, 1671 Providence Road, Media, PA 19063 10am-2:30pm. Info: 610-329-2860; DelcoCruisers.org
December 7: 19th Annual Holiday Cruise for Kids Toys For Tots
My Sketchy Dream Car
By Frank Adkins
During my formative years, muscle cars were everywhere. I knew where all the cool cars in my neighborhood were parked, and I would often comb the streets on my bike to visit each of them. Camaros, Chargers, Mustangs, Chevelles, 442s, a ’55 Chevy — I loved them all!
But there was one car with which I was smitten. It was a white 1969 Dodge Dart GTS convertible with a black top and bumblebee stripe and a red bucket seat interior. I found the color combination striking, but it was the exhaust note of the 340 that captivated me. Whenever I saw it coming down the street, I would stop what I was doing and watch it go by. A few years later, I walked past it daily while delivering newspapers on my early morning route, and I would often circle it, admiring the shifter that poked up through the red and woodgrain console as well as the simulated mag wheel covers and the 340 fourbarrel engine call-outs on the hood.
The author's coveted 1968 Dodge Dart GTS.
Photo courtesy Frank Adkins
Time passed, I moved away, and the car vanished, but what remained for me was a permanent longing for a Dart GTS. In early 1990 an article appeared in The Wall Street Journal that specifically mentioned the Dart GTS as a good investment, and this article spurred my hunt. By then I was 24, married, and saving for a house. But I worried that if investors were starting to eye muscle cars, and especially the GTS, I might never be able to afford one if I waited. In those pre-internet days, ads for collectible cars were typically a few lines of newspaper print and, at best, a small grainy black-and-white photo. I couldn’t afford to travel great distances to look at cars, so my search was limited to the mid-Atlantic region.
A couple of months into my quest, my friend Alan attended a car show at the former Englishtown Raceway, and he happened upon a dark green 1968 Dart GTS convertible for sale with a white top, stripe, and interior. I followed up with the owner, who lived northwest of Boston, and I drove up to see it. It was presentable, though far from perfect, and the stiff $7500 price was non-negotiable. It also didn’t run like I thought a 340 should. I suspected that someone had slipped in a 318, but the numbers on the block confirmed that it was, indeed, a 340, and it was most likely original to that car. After discussing it with my then-wife, we decided to purchase it.
On a hot Friday afternoon, she dropped me off at the Wilmington train station where I bought a one-way Amtrak ticket to Framingham, Massachusetts. This train was scheduled to make numerous stops, and my arrival time was to be around 10 p.m. Bob, the seller, had agreed to pick me up at the train station.
I knew the train would have a layover in New York City. Being naïve and having seen enough movies and TV shows involving New York subways, I worried about being mugged. I wore tattered clothes and a denim jacket with internal pockets in which I stashed the cash. I also carried a backpack with clothes, a few tools, a sleeping bag, and a Delaware temporary tag we had acquired the prior day. Fortunately, the train was clean and not occupied by ruffians. Dressed as I was, it was me from whom mothers shielded their young children while casting wary glances.
Later that night, Bob and his girlfriend met me at the train station in the GTS, and we rode back to their house. Bob and I sat at the kitchen table while he wrote out the bill of sale. He pushed it toward me and said, “Well, I guess that’s it.”
I asked, “What about the title?”
He said, "Title? Oh, there’s no title. In Massachusetts, once a car is 10 years old there is no more title. All you need is a bill of sale.”
SAY WHAT? I thought. Surely, all states require titles! A knot formed in my chest. I thought, Oh my God! I’m about to buy a stolen car! Furthermore, that potentially stolen car was to be my ride home! I stammered, “Look, if I go to Delaware DMV and tell them that, they’ll laugh me out of the building.”
Bob insisted that old cars didn’t require titles in Massachusetts. Finally, I suggested that we go to the police station. “If the cops will give me something in writing backing up what you are telling me, I’ll go through
with it.” I was calling his bluff, but he agreed without hesitation. It was a busy Friday night at the Marlborough, Massachusetts police station, and the desk cop had the expected busy Friday night attitude. Though he refused to give me anything in writing, to my amazement, he verbally confirmed Bob’s claim. Back at Bob’s house, I ignored the ache in my gut and reluctantly exchanged 7,500 dollars for the bill of sale and keys. Bob owned a towing business, and we drove to his shop which was a few blocks away. There he gave me some extra parts, including the factory original dual-point distributor, which he had replaced with a Mallory unit for reasons now forgotten. It was well after midnight when I reached the Massachusetts Turnpike. I pulled into the first rest area, parked away from the building, and rolled out my sleeping bag on the ground in the adjacent parking space. At sun-up I went inside, brushed my teeth, and purchased an Egg McMuffin and a large coffee. I made the remainder of the drive home without incident, but in the light of a new day, I couldn’t help thinking about the slip of paper Bob had written and that I had no proof he had actually owned the car. And why would the cop confirm Bob’s ludicrous claim? Had he done so just to get rid of us? I tried to push these thoughts out of my mind and simply enjoy the car and the road instead. No matter how the situation turned out, for the moment I owned a GTS!
Once home, I inspected the car and discovered a misadjusted throttle cable, which was pulling the secondary throttle blades open less than half-way. With the throttle cable adjusted, I reset the points in the factory distributor and installed it. Then I went for a short test drive. What a difference! It ran even stronger than I had expected.
Later, my then-wife returned home from shopping. I handed her the keys and said, “Come on, we’re going for a ride.” With the top down, we basked in the afternoon sun while she drove. On a deserted road not far from our home I instructed her to stop the car. She did, and then I said, “Hit it!” She matted the pedal, the tires shrieked, the engine screamed, and the little Dart wagged its tail to and fro as it clawed for traction while rocketing down the road. She whooped and giggled with delight.
But even in that moment, the lack of a title nagged me.
At work on Monday morning, I watched the time nervously until 8 a.m. when the Department of Motor Vehicles opened. With trembling fingers, I dialed the number. Not wanting to admit what I had already done, I said, “I’m THINKING about buying a vehicle in Massachusetts, but the seller tells me there is no title required for a car once it reaches 10 years old. Is that true?”
The clerk said, “Hold on, let me check.” My heartbeat thudded in my ear as I gripped the receiver in my sweaty palm. After several long minutes she returned and said, “Yes, that is correct. You just need a bill of sale.” Relief washed over me! By day’s end the Delaware DMV issued me a title for the long-wanted car I had purchased on a hope and a bad feeling.
THE BACKDROP of a Bygone Era
By Lou Sitaras
Every day we drive the roadways of this great country and without a second thought, we pull into one of the many gas stations that await our hard-earned money. In fact, it seems to be their goal to separate as much of that money from our pocket as they can. To achieve this, they offer us goodies such as cookies, crackers, candy, slushies, slurpies, hot dogs, chili dogs, cigarettes, and even beer.
You know all the names and you've seen them compete with each other at major intersections. They're everywhere, but especially at the exit ramps of any major highway. They specialize in one-stop shopping and are extremely good at what they do. In their defense, they do provide a service for the interstate traveler who wants to gas up, grab a bite, then return to the road focused on their destination. There was a time though when this wasn't the case.
Everyone knows Wally's Service Station from the town of Mayberry.
A reproduction of this station exists in Mt. Airy, NC, the town that Mayberry is based on.
Photos by Lou Sitaras
Before the advent of interstate highways, it was the journey that motorists looked forward to — the mom-and-pop stores, unique roadside attractions, restaurants that looked like castles and, of course, the occasional gas station along the way. Back then they were called service stations, because along with filling your tank, the attendant would check your oil, clean your windshield, check your tires, and if you needed service before heading back out, the owner of the station could be found back in the garage area ready to change a leaky water hose or patch a tire. It was a different time in our motoring history, a time before corporate America and corporate profits. It was a time of Americans helping Americans.
Three years ago, I packed up my belongings and my life and moved everything to the tiny town of Iron Station, North Carolina. I did it in search of something different, something better. What I found was history, and lots of it.
Small towns, kind and respectful people, quite a variety of old cars in yards, and many different old service stations. Not the typical mega stations you see today, but two- and three-pump stations — most
closed now but some still open — found everywhere on the local roadways. In my local area alone, there are a dozen or so.
Unfortunately, the opposite of history is development and there's a plethora of it here in North Carolina. As I sit here writing, I'm watching a new house being built next to me. It always starts simple enough … a small bulldozer shows up one day. A few days later, there's another bulldozer and a dump truck parked nearby. A few days after that, trees are being flattened, and history is being lost. Sadly, that is probably the fate for many of these former service stations. It's a time in history the younger generation will never know or grasp, but it was wonderful and it's disappearing at an alarming rate.
I've captioned each photo with the location of the service station. If you're up for a vacation, hit the road and check them out along with the many other sites here in North Carolina — old cars, historic barns, clever advertising on the side of old brick buildings.
Development may be encroaching, but there's still time to see and experience the life generations before us experienced.
This Texaco station once serviced weary travelers along Route 70 near Troutman, NC, before the interstate bypassed it. The station is still standing today and surprisingly, the awning has been repaired.
This service station and general store is still open south of Stanley, NC. The owner lives upstairs.
This service station sits along Rt. 150 near Denver, NC. It's been closed for some time now but is still basically intact.
This Super Food Mart & Gas is fully operational and located in Maiden, NC. Coincidentally, as I was getting ready to take a photo, Chris Lamberth pulled up in his 1972 Chevy Nova to gas up. Chris is a regular customer here and appreciates the personal service.
This station, still standing near the town of Casar, NC represents a much simpler time.
A Very Special Cruise
The car community has a common denominator and that, of course, is the cars they drive. This special bond can also be seen in the camaraderie that brings cruisers into a feeling of family. Seeing each other at the numerous events each week cements that bond. When an event is the result of one man’s passion for the hobby and it becomes a weekly ritual of more than 100 cars coming out to cruise, it makes the cruisers very grateful to this person’s energy in getting that gathering together.
The car cruise held in Mantua, New Jersey has become a Monday car event that attracts a huge crowd each week. This one particular gathering in late July held special significance. It was a tribute its founder, car enthusiast Jay P. Hill. Jay’s passion for cool rides was evident in his pristine 1966 Chevy Nova. He would park his car in his signature location and share time and conversation with his fellow cruisers.
Sadly, Jay passed away in a most unfortunate accident in late July and this rocked the many participants of the Monday in Mantua Cruise he started. It was special to see the car family/community pay tribute to the founder of this cruise with a turnout of more than 200 cars. In the end it just goes to prove that we are more than car enthusiasts . . . we are a special kind of family.
— Text: Ben Notaro / Photos: Robert Sliwecki
Soul Riders’ Christmas in July
The Soul Riders Auto Club of Delaware work 51 weeks a year for one weekend. That weekend is “Christmas in July” benefitting the Nemours Children’s Health. On Sunday, July 20, with the aid of New Castle County Police officers, Soul Riders and friends — including Camaro Club, BRAACA and some first timers — traveled to Nemours Hospital in Wilmington. As usual we filled everything the hospital brought out. Then we went in and had prayer for the toys, children and their parents, hospital staff, our friends attending and the officers present. The president of the club spoke as well as representative from the hospital. Also, thanks to Santa and Mrs. Claus. The Soul Riders hoped we left the hospital a little better than the day before.
— Text & Photos: Tony Lewis
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.
Annual Hagley Car Show Returns September 21
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.
8 AND 9 INCH
“Pony Cars” — compact, sporty, highly-styled coupes or convertibles — is the theme for this year’s Hagley Car Show, which many have touted as “The Best Car Show in Delaware.”
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.
More than 500 cars from the early 1900s through the late 1990s will be on display at Hagley on Sunday, September 21, from 10am to 3pm. The show also features a vehicle parade, motoring music and a food court. Spectator passes are $30 and sold by carload (up to eight passengers) with advance purchase only. Available online or at Hagley’s Visitor Center (200 Hagley Creek Rd., Wilm., DE 19807). Visit Hagley.org/CarShow.
— Photos courtesy Becca Matthias/Hagley Museum & Gardens
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 midatlanticmusclecar.com
WE SELL NEW AND REBUILT 8” & 9” Ford Third Members, all parts in stock
Salute to Our Veterans Cruise
Cruisers always take time to remember the veterans who through their time, energies and sacrifices, have allowed us to enjoy the many freedoms we have.
The Veterans’ Memorial Home in Vineland, New Jersey was the location of the 16th annual Salute to Our Veterans Car Cruise. A fine summer day saw around 400 rides and 100+ motorcycles come to honor those men and women who reside at the home. All proceeds for the day went to the benefit of the veterans who reside there. Among the highlights of the cruise was the veteran wheelchair race, in which each participant received a trophy and commemorative t-shirt. The South Jersey Cruisers Association Car Club, Nostalgia Knights Classic Car Club and DJ Steve Tatz teamed up to make this a special day to honor real American heroes — our veterans.
National Night Out Show
The National Night Out is an evening designed to bring community and law enforcement together to promote police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie and to make neighborhoods safer and more caring. The City of Vineland, New Jersey is a fine example of the concept of the NNO. The city police organize an evening of fun, food and a super cool car show. What better common denominator for getting everyone to join the spirit of the event then to host a car show? More than 100 rides of all makes and models were on display at the show. The winner of the evening was the community, police department and the city of Vineland.
— Text & Photos: Ben Notaro
— Text & Photos: Ben Notaro
Inaugural Relay for Life Car & Bike Show
Putting on a first-time event is always an exciting endeavor. Especially when the event is held at a new location. Enter our fellow cruisers from the Blacktop Villains Car Club. Now, this group is no stranger to promoting car shows — they are also known for the quality teamwork that makes their events a success.
Their inaugural Relay For Life Car and Bike Show at the Galloway Diner in Egg Harbor City, New Jersey drew 70+ cars to support the Relay for Life organization in Atlantic County. Relay for Life is a chance to come together in local communities to celebrate cancer survivors, remember loved ones lost, and fight back against every cancer.
— Text: Ben Notaro / Photos: Robert Sliwecki
Pitman Classic Car Show
Small towns in any state have a special charm and individuality. In the southern part of New Jersey is the town off Pitman. Truly, this community has that quaint, small-town feel with its local shops, restaurants and cultural events. So, it’s only fitting that the Pitman Economic Development team stages a summer classic car show. The show was sold out and filled Ballard Park and parts of the main street on Broadway (the town’s main thoroughfare). Music filled the air with tunes from DJ Lou Costello and a great time was held on a weather perfect summer evening.
Carla’s
Classic Car Cruise
Car guys and gals are like kids in a candy store when they go to a business that has classic and cool cars for sale. Automotive eye-candy has a special “flavor” all its own.
Carla’s Classics is a car emporium located in Shamong, New Jersey and has some really unique rides available to the buying public. From Batmobiles to cycles, there’s a most eclectic selection of rides. So, what is a fitting gathering for a classic car business to host? Carla’s hosted a cruise on a lovely day with plenty of neat rides in attendance.
— Text: Ben Notaro / Photos: Robert Sliwecki
— Text & Photos: Ben Notaro
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
5-8pm
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
6-9pm
Info: Rusty 302-934-7377
Every Tuesday through October
Kent Island Cruisers Cruise Nights
Rita’s Italian Ice, 210 Kent Landing, Kent Island, MD 21666
6pm
Weather permitting. Come on out to Rita’s Ice on Kent Island and see what old rides show up!
Every Tuesday through October
Street Rollers Cruise Night
Wood Lanes, 1173 Route 40, Pilesgrove, NJ 08098
5:30-8:30pm
3rd Wednesdays through September
South Jersey Region AACA Cruise Nights
Salem County Auto Repair 595 Salem Quinton Rd, Salem, NJ 08079
5-7:30pm
Snacks and beverages (provided by Hitchners Furniture) for all drivers who bring their special. Enjoy music by Ed Counsellor. Info: Ron Scott 856-629-6085 or Martin Erdner 856-935-0537 or SJRAACA.com
2nd & 4th Thursdays through September
Mr. Bill’s Cruise
Mr. Bill’s of Winslow Twp, 453 Route 73 South, Hammonton, NJ 08037 4-8pm
Great food, custard, and friends. Cruise in for a fun time. Weather permitting. Info: 609-839-1410
4th Thursdays through October Cruise Nights
Rudy’s Family Restaurant
17064 S. Dupont Hwy, Harrington DE, 19952 9-11am
Hosted by the Historical Vintage Car Club of Delaware. Join for a casual meet. Hang out, grab a bite, and meet fellow enthusiasts. Info: HVCCDe.com/shows/cruiseins
All are welcomed: hot rods, trucks, classics, motorcycles. Whatever your passion is, bring it, show it off!
3rd Tuesdays through September
Delaware Valley Road Runners (DVRR)
Cruise Night
Falls Township Community Park 9061 Mill Creek Rd, Levittown, PA 19054
6-8:30pm
Handicap accessible, food, kids, music, all vehicles welcome, 25 plaques each cruise night. Come out for a great time! New members welcome.
Info: DelawareValleyRoadRunners.com
1st Wednesdays through October
Salem County Road Knights Cruise Night
Pat’s Pizzeria 102 South Broadway, Pennsville, NJ 08070
5-8pm
Get ready to rev up your engines and shine those wheels! Pat’s Pizzeria transforms into a hub of car and motorcycle enthusiasts. As a special treat, every car, or motorcycle entry receives a complimentary slice of pizza and a small fountain drink to kick off the night!
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 Hwy, Glen Burnie, MD 21061 5:30-8:30pm
No Entry Fee. All vehicles allowed. Plenty of parking. Music and 50/50 every week. Car show flyers and club merchandise are available. Weather permitting. Food available at nearby establishments. Info: Tom 443-838-0948 or Rick 443-829-5658 StreetSurvivorsOfMaryland.com
2nd Fridays through October
Grotto Pizza Presents Cruise Nights
Grotto Pizza, 309 Auto Park Dr, Middletown, DE 19709 5-9pm
Beginning April 11. Come out, show off your ride and enjoy food and drinks at Grotto Pizza. Rain date is always the 3rd Friday. No burnouts. Info: CarShows4Nonprofits@gmail.com
EVENT LISTINGS
2nd & 4th Fridays through September 12
Historic Smithville Car Cruises
Smithville Village Greene, Smithville, NJ 08205
5-8pm
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
Chesapeake Cars and Coffee
Fisherman Village, 3032 Kent Narrow Way S, Grasonville, MD 21638
9-11am
All makes and models welcome. Speeding, burnouts, and reckless driving not permitted.
1st Saturdays trough October
Corvette Club Monthly Car Show & Cruise
Fox Run Shopping Center, Bear, DE 19701
3-6pm
Street rods, classic, antique, race, trucks and motorcycles. Bring whatever you have! No entry fees. Handicap accessible, food, kids, and music. Info: VetteClub.org
2nd & last Saturdays through October 11
Del Rods Cruise Nights
Greentree Shopping Center Route 8, Dover, DE 19904
5-8pm
Fee, Handicap accessible, food, kids, music, all vehicles welcome, trophies. Sponsored by Hardees.
Info: DelRodsCarClub.org
3rd Saturdays through September Fox Run Cruise by Yesterday’s Chevrolet Fox Run Shopping Center, 10-412 Fox Hunt Dr, (Intersection of Rts. 72 and 40), Bear, DE 19701 4-7pm
Monthly cruise hosted by Yesterday’s Chevrolet car club
Info: Warren Shanks 302-540-5604
3rd Saturdays through October Cars & Coffee
Surf Bagel, 204 NE Front St, Milford, DE 19963 9-11am
Hosted by the Historical Vintage Car Club of Delaware. Join for a casual meet. Hang out, grab a bite, and meet fellow enthusiasts. Info: HVCCDe.com/shows/cruiseins
Last Saturdays through September Cars and Conversation
St. Paul School parking lot, 250 James St, Burlington, NJ 08016 4pm-7pm
Bring your enthusiasm and your car out to St. Paul School. Enjoy a casual gathering of automotive enthusiasts! NOTE: July is reserved for the 10th Annual St. Paul School Car Show! Info: Lisa Honnig 609-820-2719 or saintpaulburlington@gmail.com
Last Saturdays through December
Caffeine & Chrome
Gateway Classic Cars of Phildadelphia
195 E. 9th Ave., Runnemede, NJ 08078
9am-noon
Cruise in with your collectible or daily driver, enjoy free pastries and coffee (while supplies last). Open to the public, no admission fee, and family/pet friendly. Info: Philadelphia@GatewayClassicCars.com
5th Saturdays
Cruisin’ For Caffeine
Visit website for location 9am start
Rain or shine. Join BRAACA every month that has a fifth Saturday at different locations. Location suggestions welcome. Info: Braaca.org
1st Sunday through November 2
N. Wilmington Cars & Coffee
Brandywine Commons II Shopping Center 1400 Rocky Run Pkwy, Wilmington, DE 19803 (Side parking lot next to Raymour & Flanigan) 8am-11am
Meet up with local car enthusiasts for morning coffee & conversation. Event won’t be re-scheduled for rain; we will just try again on the 1st Sunday the following month. No burnouts or revving of engines permitted. Info: www.facebook.com/ NorthWilmingtonCarsandCoffee
1st & 3rd Sunday through November VFW Cruise-In
VFW Post 5118, 355 Glebe Rd, Easton, MD 21601
8-11am
Socialize and connect with other car enthusiasts. All years, makes, models & flavors are welcome. Info: Don 410-463-0542
SWAP MEET
EVENT LISTINGS
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 13 (Saturday)
12th Annual Joisey Boys Fairlane Show
Victory Bar & Grill, 795 Rt 73, West Berlin, NJ 08091
Rain date September 20
FREE event for all 1962-1979 Fairlanes, Torinos, Rancheros and Mercury equivalents. Members and non-members welcome. Door prizes, 50/50, giveaways and dash plaques to first 40 cars registered. Sponsored by the Fairlane Club of America.
Info: Rod 856-692-1866
September 13 (Saturday)
34th Annual Downtown Millville Car Show
High Street (between Broad & Main streets), Millville, NJ 08332
11am-3pm
September 20 (Saturday)
40th Annual First State Meet
Indian River Marina, Delaware State Park 39415 Inlet Rd, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971 9am-1pm
Awards for Best in Show, Top 20, People’s Choice awards, and 100 dash plaques. Breakfast and lunch provided by Dockside. Car Show Participants may pre-register their car online, or the morning of the show. Registration $20. Free admission for the public. Info: HVCCDe.com
September 21 (Sunday)
Hagley Car Show
Hagley Museum and Library
200 Hagley Creek Rd, Wilmington, DE 19807 10am-4pm
Hosted by the City of Millville. All makes & models welcome. Registration begins at 9am. Free to all car participants. Food, refreshments, kids zone, music and more. Info: Millville-nj.com
September 14 (Sunday)
33rd Annual Pennsauken Car & Bike Show
Pinsetter Bar & Bowl, 7111 Maple Avenue, Pennsauken, NJ 08109
11am-4pm
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: PennsaukenEvents.com
September 20 (Saturday)
11th Annual Hockessin Auto Show
Hockessin United Methodist Church 7250 Lancaster Pike, Hockessin, DE 19707
Rain date September 27 noon-4pm
Open to all makes and models. Professionally Judged. Online early registration $10 before September 15, 2025. Registration $20 from 9:45am-11am. Judging 11am-11pm.
Info: CarShows4NonProfits@gmail.com
More than 500 cars from the early 1900s through late 1990s. Featuring a vehicle parade, music, and food trucks. Registration open now. Advance tickets only. Info: Hagley.org
September 21 (Sunday)
Bear Creek Assisted Living Classic Car Show Bear Creek Assisted Living 291 Village Rd East & Old Trenton Rd., West Windsor, NJ 08550 9am-3pm
All makes and models welcome. Music, food & beverages, and door prizes. Goody bags to first 100 cars. Registration $15 day-of, 9am11am. Show begins at 11am. Peer judging plus specialty awards. All proceeds benefit charity. Info: Marie at 609-577-0456 or Pontiac571@verizon.net
September 21 (Sunday)
Soul Riders Auto Club’s Car Show
Willey’s Farm, 4092 DuPont Pkwy, Townsend, DE 19734 3-7pm
Handicap accessible, food, kids, music, trophies. Info: Day-of-Show at 302-858-3672
September 27 (Sunday)
Pitman Methodist Church Car Show 758 N. Broadway, Pitman, NJ 08071 10am-3pm Contestants Choice Voting; Top 12 Plus Best
EVENT LISTINGS
of Show. $10.00 Entrance Fee; food trucks and events for the entire family. Info: 856-589-1941or wgssr@aol.com
September 28 (Saturday)
OG-Allstars & Coopers Riverview
1st Annual Car Show
Coopers Riverview, 50 Riverview Plaza, Trenton, NJ 08611
Rain date October 26
10am-2pm
$35 for entry fee includes indoor brunch buffet. Cash Bar. All proceeds benefit OG AllStar Cheerleading. Info: ogallstarcheer@gmail.com or 609-917-8855
October 1-5 (Wednesday - Sunday)
Fall Carlisle presented by Hemmings Carlisle Fairgrounds, 100 Bryn Mawr Rd., Carlisle, PA 17013
The grand finale of the Carlisle Events calendar provides the perfect solution to the winter non-picking blues. Discover rare finds from more than 8,100 vendors. Across the street at the Carlisle Expo Center, the Fall Carlisle Collector Car Auction runs from Oct. 2-3. Info: 717-243-7855 or CarlisleEvents.com
October 4 (Saturday)
2nd Annual Car/Bike/Truck Show
Ewell’s-St. Paul UMC
401 West St., Clayton, DE 19938
8am-1pm
Trophies, dash plaques for the first 30 to register. Door prizes, food. Proceeds go to help fund church ministries. Info: Debra 302-943-4018 or DebraLewis58@icloud.com
October 4 (Saturday)
12th Annual Cars for Kacie Classic Auto Mall, 6180 Morgantown Rd., Morgantown, PA 19543
Rain Date October 11
8am-3pm
50/50, food, music, meet Dennis Gage from My Classic Car. Top 100 awards, plus more than 25 6ft awards. All years, makes & models welcome. Day-of-show registration $20. Info: Andy Rumford 610-742-5249
October 4 (Saturday)
5th Annual Pine Hill District Scouting America Car Show
1189 Rt 70 East at Springdale Road
Camden County College - Rohrer Campus Cherry Hill, NJ 08003
Rain date October 11
9am-2pm
Hosted by South Jersey Classics. Food, DJ, 50/50. Dash plaques for first 50 cars; trophies. Open to all Domestic & Foreign cars and trucks. $20 day-of-show registration. Info: PSnyder.GSCBSA@gmail.com or 609-502-5065
October 4 (Saturday)
Wings & Wheels 2025 Fall Festival
Delaware Coastal Airport 21553 Rudder Ln., Georgetown, DE 19947
10am-4pm
Sponsored by the Greater Georgetown Chamber of Commerce, Delaware Aviation Museum and HVCCDE. Featuring vintage and modern aircraft, live music, food and cars. All makes and models welcome. Registration $20 per car. More than 30 trophies in 7 classes. Free admission and fun for the whole family. Info: Wings-Wheels.com
October 4 (Saturday)
Cumberland County 4-H Fall Fling & Car Show
Cumberland County Fairgrounds
3001 Carmel Rd., Millville, NJ 08332
10am-2pm
Sponsored by the Cumberland County 4-H Program. Proceeds help support the Cumberland County 4-H Program. Info: Deannja@CumberlandCountyNJ.gov or 856-362-3747
October 4 (Saturday)
5th Annual Victory Christian Fellowship Church Car Show
Victory Christian Fellowship, 100 Wilton Blvd., New Castle, DE 19720
Rain date October 12
3-6pm
Free Event. Open to all makes and models. Professionally judged. Food trucks. Info: CarShows4NonProfits@gmail.com
October 5 (Sunday)
First State Mustang & Ford Club
2025 Fall Show
410 Ogletown Rd., Newark, DE 19711
Rain Date October 12
9am-2pm
Registration time 9-11am; show time 9amnoon. 25 Peoples Choice trophies, 11 judged trophies, food, DJ, 50/50, and charity auction. Pre-register by Sept. 22. Info: FirstStateMustangAndFord.com
October 11 (Saturday)
Greater Woodbine Chamber of Commerce
14th Annual Car Show & Swap Meet
501 Washington Ave., Woodbine, NJ 08270
Rain date October 19
9am-3pm
Show cars & antiques, muscle cars, race cars, military vehicles, and more welcome. Swap meet. Pre-Registration $15 by Oct. 1; Day-of $20. Benefits Woodbine American Legion Post 298. Info: Lisa at 609-780-3088 or WoodbineChamber.com
EVENT LISTINGS
October 11 (Saturday)
Riverside Car Show
1 W. Scott St & Pavilion Ave., Riverside, NJ 08075
Rain date October 12
noon-2pm
Cars, trucks, Jeeps, and motorcycles. Judged show with 60+ trophies. Food, vendors, DJ, beer garden & family entertainment. $20 preregistered; $25 day-of. Benefits DelRiverPark Unity Tour Team & National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial and Museum. Info: RiversideCarShowNJ.com
October 18 (Saturday)
DVRR Halloween Car Show
Falls Township Community Park 9061 Mill Creek Rd., Levittown, PA 19054 Rain date October 19
2-6pm
Reg. $15. Dash Plaques to first 100 registrants. Auction, music, best costume, best decorated cars. Cars, trucks, and motorcycles welcome. Info: 215-510-6629 and DelawareValleyRoadRunners.com
October 12 (Sunday)
Metro Petro Antique Advertising Show
Pompton Lakes Elks Lodge #1895 15 Perrin Ave, Pompton Lakes, NJ 07442
Large antique advertising show featuring more than 100 vendors from 10 different states. Automobilia, Petroliana, Americana, old signs, gas pumps, old toys and more. Info: Metropetroshow@gmail.com or
October 12 (Saturday)
21st Annual All Oldsmobile Fall Show Kerr Park, 122 Wallace Ave., Downingtown, PA 19335-2624
Hosted by the DVOC, chapter of the OCA. Trophies, dash plaques, door prizes, long distance award, 50/50, charity, food by local Scout troop. $15 pre-reg / $20 dayof; spectators free. All years and model Oldsmobiles welcome. Need not be a member of OCA or DVOC to attend or win an award. Info: Jeff 484-889 2884 or DelValOldsClub.com
October 18 (Saturday)
Annual Fox Run Car Show by Yesterday’s Chevrolet
Fox Run Shopping Center 10-412 Fox Hunt Dr. (Intersection of Rts. 72 and 40) Bear, DE 19701 10am-2pm
Trophies, music, and food. $10 entry fee. All makes and models welcome. info: Warren Shanks 302-540-5604
October 12 (Sunday)
Soul Riders Auto Club’s Car Shows - Let’s Put Breast Cancer in Our Rear View Mirror Willey’s Farm, 4092 DuPont Pkwy Townsend, DE 19734 11am-3pm
Handicap accessible, food, kids, music, trophies. First come, first parked. $20 per car. Info: 302-593-2377 or Day-of 302-858-3672
October 26 (Sunday)
5th Annual Gears and Ghouls VFW Post 5118, 355 Glebe Road Easton, MD 21601
9am-1pm
Presented by the Chesapeake Classic Car Club. A trunk and treat event where even the cars are in costume!
Info: Info@chesapeakecarclub.org or ChesapeakeCarClub.org
November 1 (Saturday)
28th Annual Flemings Pumpkin Run Fleming’s Auto Parts, 353 Zion Rd, Egg Harbor Township, NJ 08234 8am-4pm
Show cars & trucks, engines & tractors, flea market, food vendors. Theme is “Bring A Kid To A Car Show” to pass on automotive interest to the next generation. Registration at the gate $15; spectators $10 (children under 12 free) Info: FlemingsPumpkinRun.com
November 2 (Sunday)
Galena Lions Club Annual Car Show Massey Aerodrome 33541 Maryland Line Rd., Massey, MD 21650 Rain date November 12 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. More than 200 show cars on view. Door Prizes, 50/50, music, food & beverages. All vehicles welcome. Spectators welcome (no charge). Info: 410-708-4889 or MasseyAero.org
November 8 (Saturday)
18 Annual Salute the Troops Car Show Rose Tree Park, 1671 Providence Rd Media, PA 19063
Rain date November 15 10am-2:30pm
Come join all the patriotic people and car owners to show your support for our troops. Military display vehicles and specialty vehicles and mre than 350 cars on view. All funds donated that day distributed to various organizations who support troops and first responders. Food vendors, DJ, and multiple trophies. $20 Donation.
Info: 610-329-2860 or DelcoCruisers.org
December 7 (Sunday)
19th Annual Holiday Cruise for Kids Toys for Tots
Rose Tree Park, 1671 Providence Rd Media, PA 19063
9am-11am
Join the Delco Cruisers and the Marine Corps Toys for Tots collection event and cruise to the Marine base for drop-off. Santa will be at the event along with his Mrs. Free coffee and donuts will be provided. Info: DelcoCruisers.org
December 6 & 7 (Saturday & Sunday)
East Coast Indoor Nationals
Maryland State Fairgrounds (Cow Palace)
2200 York Rd., Timonium, MD 21093
Saturday 9am-6pm; 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
January 10 & 11 (Saturday & Sunday)
DRAGFEST
Lebanon Valley Expo Center
80 Rocherty Rd., Lebanon, PA 17042 Saturday 9am-6pm; Sunday 9am-4pm
Over $5K in cash awards and prizes. 200+ race cars on exhibit. Shop for drag racing related toys and models, memorabilia, and more.
Info: MotoramaProductions.com
February 21 & 22 (Saturday & Sunday)
Motorama — Car, Truck & Bike Show
PA Farm Show Complex
2300 N. Cameron St., Harrisburg, PA 17110
Saturday 9am-10pm; Sunday 9am-5pm
The nation’s largest all indoor motorsports event featuring 1 million square feet of live action. More than 100 awards from weekend drivers to professional show vehicles. All makes, all models, all years welcome. Info: MotoramaProductions.com
March 21 & 22 (Saturday & Sunday)
Mid Atlantic Indoor Nationals
Greater Philadelphia Expo Center
100 Station Ave, Oaks, PA 19456
Saturday 9am-6pm; Sunday 9am-4pm
More than $8,000 in cash 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
Buy a plate, CLEAN UP OUR STATE.
SHIFTIN’ GEARS
By Ben Notaro • red63vetnj@comcast.net
Ihave always had a fascination with cars. As a young child growing up in1950s, the idea of customizing cars started to catch on.
We Americans just can’t leave a car alone and that is reflected in our desire to have a car that’s not quite like the rest. As the automobile emerged from the horse-and-buggy era, coach-builders began to appear on the scene. These people were the beginning of the “make it your way” movement. Cars such as Rolls Royce, Duesenberg and even the Model T were sent to the independent coach-builders for either total body creations or serious body modifications.
Television shows such as Chasing Classic Cars saw host Wayne Carini refer to a particular ride not just as a Duesenberg, but a Ghia-bodied car. It must have been quite a thrill to order not just a car, but a frame and some internals and then send it off to the coach-builder for a one-off body. This led me to thinking about coach-builders today, and the first thought that comes to mind is custom shops like we see on TV — and, of course, the street rod/custom ride aficionados.
So where is all this leading? On a recent series of the car show Bitchin’ Rides, there was a segment on the construction of the 2024 Ridler Award-winning 1953 Corvette-inspired car built by the Kindig team. Virtually every part on the vehicle was handmade. To me, the intriguing part of the build was the handcrafted body panels made of sheet aluminum.
Like the coach-builders in the early era of the automobile, the builder’s use of the English wheel and minimum modern technology to create this body was very old school. Yes, there were plenty of computer-aided design elements, but the craftsmanship of days gone by is still reflected in the world of cruisers and some of their rides.
As the cars became more modified, the term coach-builders were replaced with customizers. Names like George and Sam Barris, Gene Winfield, Von Dutch and many more became the coach-builders of the golden age of the “modern” American automobile.
It just goes to show you that old world craftsmanship is alive and well. The tools may change, but the skill of the coach-builders is revealed in their talent and commitment to automotive artistry.
Department of the Interior: How did we survive without cup holders and computer screens?
Department of Energy: EV versus petrol power. Jury rules in favor of gas for the masses.
Department of Agriculture: Whatever happened to gasohol?
As we go into the last quarter of 2025, I truly hope your endless summer was a great one.
