By William Hall. Photos by author and Derek Klein.
Like Caesar returning to Rome after his conquests, the three classic cars of The Drive Home made their way down Woodward Avenue in suburban Detroit to a hero’s welcome in Cadillac Square after a 3,100-mile cross-continental drive. These three chariots were led by a state police escort and accompanied by approximately 30 local classic cars down the historic cruise strip to downtown, flanked by camera cars and ride-along newscasters. The drivers were treated like celebrities, answering questions and posing for photos for the teeming international motoring press in town early for the North American International Auto show. Starting at Lincoln of Troy with a frenzied morning media blitz, the motorcade glided through stoplights and into the heart of the town that they were built in.
The reception was beyond anything The Drive Home crews had envisioned. Veteran Detroit motor journalists, some of whom were along on The Drive Home, confided that they had never seen this level of excitement for such an event. The mainstream media was prevalent, and all three major news networks carried footage of the arrival. Given the over-the-top reception, it’s fairly certain the America’s Car Museum and the North American International Auto Show will endeavor to do this next year. The organizers have heard the feedback from the public and alternate starting points and itineraries will be considered. The hope is that more people will heed the call and join the journey.