America’s Longest-Running Antique Car Show, Old Car Festival, Celebrates Its 60th Anniversary

DEARBORN, MI–(Marketwire – August 19, 2010) –  Explore a range of glamorous, gritty and “green” predecessors to today’s cars — including early examples of steam and electric-powered vehicles — during the 60^th anniversary of Old Car Festival, America’s longest-running antique car show, September 11-12 in Greenfield Village. With special extended Saturday evening hours until 9 p.m., Old Car Festival is free with membership or admission to Greenfield Village; tickets are $22 for adults, $21 for seniors (62 and up) and $16 for youth (5-12). Children under five are free. For more information, call (313) 982-6001 or visit www.thehenryford.org.

Throughout the weekend, a number of what we would today call “alternative fuel” vehicles — including Stanley Steamer, Detroit Electric and Baker Electric cars that were readily available in the early 20^th century market — will be on display and on the move. Join our curator of transportation, Bob Casey, Saturday and Sunday at 12 p.m. as he speaks about these early examples of “green” automobiles. In addition, internationally-known Stanley Steamer car expert Mike May will be on hand to do a special presentation and demonstration about the Stanley brothers and their amazing steam car.

On Saturday at 6 p.m. and Sunday at 12:30 p.m., see a replica of The Henry Ford’s 1901 “Sweepstakes” — Henry Ford’s race car, which provided him with the financial backing to create Ford Motor Company — and the recently restored original 1903 Packard trans-continental race car “Old Pacific” driving through the streets of Greenfield Village.

All weekend, speak with the proud owners of nearly 500 antique vehicles, including a collection of Kissel Gold Bugs, an extremely rare roadster of which only 30 are now known to exist. Pass-in-review parades with a panel of automotive historians provide additional commentary on classic examples of pre-1932 transportation.

Witness the entire assembly of a Model T in minutes by the Canadian Model T Assembly Team, then head over to Walnut Grove and test your early motoring skills with our car games. Go for a ride in one of our historic Model Ts, or let the kids drive pedal cars at Junior Driver’s Ed. Get caught up in the music of the era throughout the weekend, with musical performances by the Silver Strings Dulcimer Society and our own dramatic presentations, including “Simply Broadway” and “Model T Medley.”

Find out how 1920s campers “roughed it” during special presentations on early car camping, and learn about the evolution of many of the automotive accessories that we take for granted today in special lectures and demonstrations.

On Saturday, close out the evening with a vintage vehicle parade through the lantern-lit streets of Greenfield Village, followed by dancing and music from the 1920s by the Hotel Savarine Society Orchestra and a spectacular fireworks show.

About The Henry Ford
The Henry Ford, in Dearborn, Michigan, is the world’s premier history destination and a National Historic Landmark that celebrates American history and innovation. Its mission is to provide unique educational experiences based on authentic objects, stories and lives from America’s traditions of ingenuity, resourcefulness and innovation. Its purpose is to inspire people to learn from these traditions to help shape a better future. Five distinct attractions at The Henry Ford captivate more than 1.6 million visitors annually: Henry Ford Museum, Greenfield Village, The Ford Rouge Factory Tour, The Benson Ford Research Center and The Henry Ford IMAX Theatre. The Henry Ford is also home to Henry Ford Academy, a public charter high school which educates 485 students a year on the institution’s campus and was founded in partnership with The Henry Ford, Ford Motor Company and Wayne County Public Schools. For more information please visit our website www.thehenryford.org.

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