Steve Plunkett’s annual show attracts an eclectic mix of cars and people, covering the spectrum from mild to wild.
The Fleetwood Country Cruize-in, an automotive spectacle that started simply 15 years ago as a little get-together with a handful of cars and couple of cases of Coca-Cola, continues to draw thousands of vehicles and throngs of spectators each year on the first weekend in June to the sprawling 45-hectare park-like estate of philanthropist – and self-described car guy – Steve Plunkett. The show, held just west of London, Ont., is acknowledged as the largest outdoor auto extravaganza in Canada, although the late custom car king, George Barris, said he’s never seen anything like it anywhere on this planet.
This year’s Fleetwood Cruize-in – the 11th edition – attracted more than 3,500 vehicles and an estimated 12,000 spectators on opening day, with some vehicles coming from as far away as Newfoundland and Nova Scotia, as well as numerous U.S. states. Day 2 dawned under threatening skies, which later opened up with several heavy downpours. That weather kept the day’s car count down, but Plunkett said thousands of spectators still turned out. Proceeds from the event (admission is just $10) are shared by more than 30 area charities and although final figures are still being calculated for this year’s show, Plunkett said the event has raised $1.321 million since its humble beginning in 2002.
While there are always thousands of cars to view, Plunkett’s own collection is a big attraction on its own. He has two museums that accommodate more than 70 cars, including a purpose-built structure that replicates the ballroom of New York’s Waldorf Astoria hotel, where decades ago automakers held their vehicle reveals amid much pomp and ceremony. This museum holds the most prized vehicles in Plunkett’s collection – mostly Cadillacs dating back to 1907, including several rare and one-off custom-built models.
The Fleetwood show is an eclectic assortment of vehicles. As this picture shows, it’s not uncommon to find muscle cars and an old classic sitting door to door, with perhaps a restored pickup truck in the line as well. Show-goers will find custom cars and hot rods, antiques and classics, muscle cars and sports cars of every vintage. It’s safe to say you’ll find plenty to catch your eye, regardless of your automotive interests. Here are a few of the vehicles that caught my attention.
There are always celebrity guests – this year the guest list included American custom car legend Gene Winfield, a contemporary of George Barris, whose work dates back to the 1950s when he was dunned the “King of the Kustoms.” This Jade Idol II is a tribute to the original jade Idol, one of Winfield’s first big successes, which was based on a 1956 Mercury.
Chuck Miller of Styline Customs, who created full-size versions of the outrageous 1970s toy Zingers showed this Corvette variant. In addition, there were live bands to entertain show-goers, a DJ piping golden oldies throughout the property and plenty of vendors with all kinds of accessories, memorabilia and whatever to tempt your budget
Participants come to the Fleetwood show from near and far, including John Beaulieu, who drove his gorgeous 1954 Chevrolet Bel Air convertible from Hubley, Nova Scotia. (See full gallery on the car’s restoration here.)
The car was restored by Alan’s Upholstery and Auto Restoration in Liverpool, N.S., who updated the mechanicals to modern standards, added custom touches and amenities to the interior, while retaining the car’s original classic look.
Of course, like most of the rods and customs on the grounds, the Beaulieu Bel Air got a modern engine to boost its potency.
Here’s a pair of real Minis, not the bloated modern clones that have usurped their name and image.
This Model T pickup looks like it just rolled off the assembly line.
Ditto for this sporty Model T Roadster
A pair of Volkswagen vans, the older one a rare pickup variant.
The Green Hornet is back, but now it’s dressed in black.
Not all Power Wagons were Dodges. This Fargo version doubled as a club's hospitality centre.
First-year Mustang convertible is a certifiable modern classic.
We told you it was an eclectic group of cars!
Almost but not quite forgotten, Fieros were Pontiac’s ‘80s attempt at a mid-engine sports car.
Among all the rods and customs, and more modern collector cars, there were a few genuine Classics..
This one adorns the radiator of the 1931 LaSalle
Two-tone paint jobs with interesting colours were de rigeur in the ‘50s.
Corvairs, like this first-generation Monza convertible, make fun collector cars and they’te still affordable – if you can find them.
Sacrilege it may be but the small-block V-8 stuffed in the trunk of this ’65 Corvair convertible undoubtedly makes it fast.
Elvis was on the grounds...with a couple 1953 Fords. From before his Cadillac days we guess.
American Motors’ ‘Wide Small Car’, the Pacer, was designed originally to use a GM rotary engine but wound up with AMC’s traditional in-line six. Few have survived until now but this one is a beauty.
The original T-Bird was an instant sales success but it survived just one generation as a two-seater. Its clean lines look as good now as they did back then.
A factory installed rear-seat tonneau makes this four-seat ’65 Thunderbird Sports Roadster a two-eater like the original. And a beauty it is, surrounded by siblings.
Among a host of Corvettes was this trio of C2 Sting Rays, arguably the most desirable generation of Chevy’s popular sports cars.
When fins reached their apogees in 1959, Chevrolet went out rather than up. This ’59 Impala coupe may be Chevy’s most extreme design ever.
Participants and spectators alike owe a huge "thank you" to show host Steve Plunkett. He donates all proceeds from this event to help support numerous organizations in the London area, including Jesse’s Journey, a foundation supporting research into Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. The event has raised more than $1.16-million in its previous 10 years.
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