Historic drags among 'Stars' at Packard Proving Grounds

Author:: raustin
Publish date:: Jun 4, 2012

Cars‘R’Stars @ PPG (at the Packard Proving Grounds), returns to the historic setting of the legendary Packard Proving Grounds on Sunday, June 10, featuring some of the most famous drag cars of the 50s and 60s including the Original Silver Bullet, the Bob Ford Thunderbolt and the ’49 Packard Flintstone Flyer.

Cars R Stars is one of the oldest classic car show in Michigan, formerly known as Carnival of Cars. The Historic Packard Proving Grounds is located on Van Dyke, south of 23 Mile Road in Shelby Township.

With the theme “When Life’s a Drag is Good”, this year’s show has recruited an impressive list of historic drag cars including Super Stocks, FX’s and Gassers that are famous for their racing records. “Our plan is to display these historic racers in the remaining Proving Grounds race track, giving the display an exciting and authentic appeal,” said Don Sommer, Cars‘R’Stars Board Member. Sommer was founder of the Meadow Brook Concours d’Elegance. He brings his considerable network of contacts to Cars‘R’Stars @ PPG.

“Cars‘R’Stars @ PPG is known for welcoming all examples of collectable transportation” he said. “This includes everything from 2 wheeled to 4 wheeled, brass era and pre war, post war, hot rods, muscle cars, trucks, racers, custom, commercial and military.”

Vehicles will be judged in static concours fashion and participants will get awards uniquely crafted from the wood of the historic Packard Plant in Detroit making a distinctive keepsake.

Preferred car club and class parking will be available for all pre-registered cars. The pre-registration fee is just $15. “This is a wonderful venue for car clubs,” said Sommer. “By registering early they get savings and are assured of a great location to show off their cars as a group, with their club friends." Registration the day of the show is $20.

“The historic significance of the Packard Proving Grounds makes it an important and ideal setting for a collector car meet and celebration," continued Sommer. “The unique proving grounds is a piece of Michigan history where the greatest American autos ran their paces. The beauty of this event is that everyone is invited to show off their vehicle and enjoy the setting and the camaraderie of fellow automotive lovers."

Organizers of the Cars‘R’Stars @ PPG automotive show and celebration are a collaboration of the Detroit Chapter of the Veteran Motor Car Club of America, Motor City Packards and the Packard Motor Car Foundation.

The new organizers are offering a variety of activities including

The CAR SHOW featuring new static Concours judging and class and club awards
A SWAP MEET with indoor and outdoor areas and over 200 vendors as well as a special ARTS and CRAFTS AREA.
A CAR CORRAL with a great selection of cars for sale
Class and Club Awards
Custom Collectible Trophies

In addition, the public will have the opportunity to tour the beautiful 83-year-old Albert Kahn designed Packard Gate Lodge, under restoration by the Packard Motor Car Foundation as both a Michigan and National Historic Site. The Lodge is a Tudor Revival style residence that served as the home for the proving grounds manager and his family and features three fireplaces, nine bedrooms, four bathrooms and a multi-colored slate roof. There is also a dormitory above the 6,500 sq. foot garage that served as living space for test drivers and engineers. The Lodge and famous entrance gates served as a backdrop for much of Packard’s advertising and symbol for the company. The house will be open free to all Cars‘R’Stars @ PPG visitors.