Power & Performance: Then & Now
May 31 – June 2, 2024 · Hickory Corners, Michigan
The Classic Car Club of America Museum held its 36th annual Grand Experience on the campus of the Gilmore Car Museum in Hickory Corners, MI from May 31st through June 2nd. The event was well attended, and many spectators enjoyed a show field of over 40 Full Classics on display, including 9 Duesenbergs!
Exhibitors began showing up on Friday afternoon. In the midst of smoke and noise from passing Model T Ford drivers participating in the Gilmore’s Model T driving school, our show field began to take shape. Drivers enjoyed car games in the afternoon sunshine, as several participants made passes around a figure-eight course, with passengers tossing potatoes from the side of the car into a series of buckets placed alongside the course- great fun to watch, and we are looking forward to more games next year!
At 4:00, attendees enjoyed a curated tour of the CCCA Museum. CCCAM Trustee President Candace Haag welcomed everyone and delivered opening remarks about the museum’s mission as well as the Grand Experience. Vice President Carrol Jensen updated guests about the ongoing efforts to digitize the museum’s vast archives. Automotive Collections Committee Chairman David Gano spoke about five new vehicles the museum was thrilled to receive as donations in 2023; a 1926 Wills Sainte Claire, two Pierce Arrows from 1926 and 1931, a 1937 Cord, and a 1936 Lincoln. Newly appointed CCCA museum Executive Director John Hansen spoke about the new temporary exhibit; “Power & Performance”, featuring stunning cars including a 1929 Bentley, 1935 Duesenberg Torpedo Phaeton, and a 1935 Auburn Speedster.
Happy hour commenced at 4:30, and guests enjoyed catching up at a wonderful outdoor barbecue in the shade of the CCCA Museum building as the sun slowly set behind it. After dinner, many guests retired to the Gilmore movie theater for a screening of Stowaway, a Shirley Temple movie in which a Duesenberg has a notable role.
Though the Saturday forecast threatened rain showers, the spirits of the exhibitors were not dampened. By 8 AM Saturday morning a steady stream of beautiful cars made their way to their designated parking spots on the show field in anticipation of judging. After a quiet breakfast and judges meeting in the Turnquist gallery on the second floor of the museum, the judges took to the field, their work cut out for them on a show field full of stunning cars competing for recognition. While cars were being judged, guests enjoyed touring the many buildings of the Gilmore and several people made their way to the “Red Barns Raceway”, a 4 lane, 1/32 scale slot car track housed in a barn on the north end of the campus for some spirited slot car racing.
After a delicious lunch, several cars were organized for the awards ceremony and drive-by parade, narrated once again by the always popular Bob Joynt and David Schultz under the brand new pavilion next to the museum. Best in Show was awarded to Jim and Lisa Hendrix of St. Louis, MO, who exhibited their stunning 1935 SS One Airline Saloon.
Others earning awards included Don Ghareeb’s 1930 Duesenberg, Mark Smucker’s 1931 Packard, John Bools 1932 Auburn, Dave Johnson’s 1938 Packard, Geoff Weller’s 1929 Cadillac, Gary Dwight’s 1929 Packard, Greg Ornazian’s 1929 Cord, a 1938 Packard from the Packard Proving Grounds and a 1930 Duesenberg brought from the ACD Museum. By the time the clouds rolled in and the first drops of rain began to fall late in the afternoon the show field was cleared and everyone had their cars safely tucked away, just like we planned!
Saturday evening, attendees dined together at the Catalyst Center in downtown Kalamazoo, enjoying a wonderful banquet in a beautifully decorated environment. David Charvet was the evening’s MC, and treated everyone to a magic show during dessert.
After an early Sunday morning joint board meeting between CCCA and CCCAM trustees, guests ventured out to Kellogg Manor, the summer retreat of breakfast cereal magnate W.K. Kellogg on the north side of Gull Lake. Guests enjoyed a tour of the mansion and a delicious brunch which ironically included no cereal. After brunch, the group parted ways, with some departing for home while others departed for the CCCAM’s three-day driving tour.
Tour participants enjoyed a scenic Sunday drive headed to our hotel in Goshen, Indiana. Stops along the way included crossing the Langley Covered Bridge. Opened in 1887 and crossing the St. Joseph river, it is the oldest covered bridge in the State of Michigan. After an ice cream stop in Sturgis, MI, we took to the quiet and narrow Amish country back roads in Northern Indiana to complete our day’s journey.
Monday morning we rolled out early for a beautiful day in Auburn. After an hour, we reached our first destination, enjoying a private tour of both a restoration facility and car collection owned by Auburn resident Rick James. The restoration facility was both spotlessly clean and state of the art. In the display gallery adjoining the shop, an impressive collection including Auburns, Cords, Duesenbergs and Packards, along with an eclectic collection of other notable cars were on display. From the James collection we headed to the ACD Museum where guests enjoyed lunch and a curated tour from museum CEO Brandon Anderson along with a special tour of the museum’s conservation center with curator Sam Grate.
Tuesday morning, we packed our bags and said goodbye to Goshen, heading north into Elkhart for a guided tour of the JBS collection, hosted by Jack Boyd Smith Jr. himself! The JBS collection is a sight to behold, with many historically significant cars displayed in an elaborate and beautifully decorated warehouse. Mr. Smith has a passion for cars with historical significance, one of the most notable being Amelia Earhart’s Cord 812 Phaeton. Guests enjoyed his many entertaining stories and hospitality. From Elkhart, it was a quick drive through the streets of South Bend to the Studebaker Museum. After a quick lunch at the museum, the driving tour concluded with guided tours of both the Studebaker Museum and nearby Oliver Mansion- otherwise known as Copshaholm- a 12,000 square-foot Romanesque Queen Anne home built in 1895 and featuring exquisite hand-carved woodwork, Tiffany windows, and 14 fireplaces.
Plans are already underway for the 2025 Experience, May 30th – June 1st 2025, so mark your calendars and plan to be a part of the fun!
