Sportscars to Saline brings generations of car buffs together
Car enthusiasts check out a 2006 Ford GT during the Sportscars to Saline car show in downtown Saline on Sunday afternoon.
Melanie Maxwell | AnnArbor.com
Among the car enthusiasts in attendance included John Gilroy Jr., whose father, John Gilroy Sr., was displaying his 2008 Z06 Corvette.
“I grew up a car nut, going to shows since I was 5 years old, and I always enjoy them,” said Gilroy of Clinton.
He said his favorite car at the show, besides his dad’s Corvette, was the gray Ford GT.
“I’m more of a Ford man than my dad,” he said. “But I’ve driven my dad’s Corvette many times.”
The elder Gilroy, who belongs to the Huron Valley Corvette Club, which organized the event, said he enjoys the shows because of the camaraderie.
“I like the fellowship because you get to talk about cars to others. It’s what we have in common,” said the Saline resident.
Best in show
Here's a list of car owners and their awards
- Best British car was Pierre LeBlanc of Saline with a 1974 MG.
- Best Italian car was Anthony Ligi of Chelsea with a 1980 Ferrari.
- Best German car was Sandra Hammond and Rich Walker of Britton with a 2007 BMW.
- Best American was William French of Dexter with a 1966 Cobra.
- Best Japanese car was Bob Miller of Milan with a 2001 Mazda Miata.
- Mayor's Choice award went to Clyde Boenke of Saline with a 1964 Corvette.
- People's Choice went to Dennis Carlson of Bloomfield Hills with a 2006 Ford GT.
The love of cars and car shows apparently has been passed down another generation. John Gilroy Jr. was attending with his three children, Emily, 7; Jack, 4; and Meghan, 4 months.
“They like being outside and seeing the cars. Every once in so often they go for a ride with their grandpa,” said Gilroy.
The free car show was held on a packed Ann Arbor Street, which was closed about one block north and one block south of Michigan Avenue for pedestrians to view the parked sports cars, many of which had the hoods popped for a glimpse at the engines.
Another father-son duo in attendance was Rob Menzies of Windsor, who brought his son Noah.
“I got invited to the show, so I brought my yellow Corvette,” said Menzies who belongs to the Corvette Club of Windsor. “We are looking around to see what is new.”
He added the show was also a good time for him and his son to be together.
Noah said he liked sports cars.
“I like riding in them," said Noah, adding "and they make you popular.”
Alana West is a freelance writer for AnnArbor.com. Contact the news desk at 734-623-2530.
Comments
treetowntenor
Mon, Jun 21, 2010 : 8:26 a.m.
My thanks to those that brought their cars yesterday. However, as a first-time attendee, I was a bit disappointed. There were a few interesting cars, like the Morgan and the sole MG, but not much more. It's not hard to see Miatas, Corvettes and BMWs in this area, so they weren't all that interesting to me (although I loved the beautiful titanium color on one Stingray). I think I was expecting something closer to the Rolling Sculpture show, so maybe I had unrealistic expectations.
Smiley
Sun, Jun 20, 2010 : 9:54 p.m.
I've been to this event a few times (we were out of town this weekend), but it is QUALITY. You see everything from 70s muscle cars and vintage European to modern day ferraris. I hope soon to bring a Lamborghini to the mix. Don't know if one made its way to the floor this year.