posted 08-02-2001 02:17 PM         

WOODWARD WAS PERFECT SETTING FOR CLASSIC T-BIRD
by Gil LaPoint

When the afternoon sun gave way to a moonlit night, Woodward Avenue became a moving car show. Beautiful cars and the sound of throaty exhausts created an aura of excitement that stirred our spirits. The uncertainty of what we may encounter on these special nights acted like a narcotic that kept drawing us back to the Woodward extravaganza.

On a similar night, my Woodward buddy Ed and I were cruising the Woodward strip in my 1955 red Thunderbird. I had removed the hard top from the little roadster, and we were enjoying the coolness of the summer night. We caught the light at 13 Mile Road and Woodward, and as we talked and listened to the music, a new Corvette pulled into the lane next to us. The Corvette revved its engine to issue the challenge, and Ed looked over at me and smiled. Vettes ruled in the 1950's, so the 55 "Bird" was supposed to be an easy prey; however, the Corvette owner was about to get a big surprise. Ed had just installed a new Chrysler V8 engine in the formerly docile Bird. The Vettes' driver had a shocked look on his face when the T-Bird pulled away to a four car length victory. We had a good laugh; then we continued north to cruise the drive-ins.

The Woodward Avenue grapevine was unbelievable; within a week, word had gotten around - watch out for the red T-Bird with a Chrysler engine!

When Chevy introduced its first V8 engine in 1955, it sent a challenge to America's automakers; "get fast" or get out of the way. Finally, a high performance machine could be purchased right out of the factory. My brother Dan traded in an almost new Chevy convertible on a new 1956 Chevrolet two-door hardtop equipped with a Corvette engine (2 Carter 4 barrels, hot cam, etc.). It proved to be one of the fastest cars around.

Woodward cruising wasn't merely about fast cars; it was about beautiful customized rods with dazzling paint jobs, and features that influenced America's car manufacturers. The innovation and artistry of custom car enthusiasts was instrumental in the futuristic styling changes made by the "Big Three".

But it was also about more than just an infatuation with cars. Each weekend became a social event; it was the place to be seen - where you could meet your friends or cruise the strip to meet new friends. Drive-ins were numerous along the Woodward Avenue corridor. Some of the more popular hangouts were the Totem Pole, which was located on Woodward at the south end of Royal Oak, the Big Town, Big Boy and Ted's at Woodward and Square Lake Road. Good looking curb girls answered the call as neon lights flashed the message - "Lights on for service".

I will never forget the good time we had cruising Woodward Avenue in the 1950's. It was a time when the indestructibleness and infallibility of youth prevailed. The perils of racing cars at speeds exceeding 130 miles per hour were not a deterrent. In retrospect, I know I was intoxicated by the speed and power that could be attained by these automotive missiles - and admittedly - "the danger" - although we never talked about it.

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CJ - The One and Only - 1999 Black
Mopar Exhaust System
Splash Guards
Matching Prowler Trailer
PProwler Vanity Plate

posted 08-02-2001 11:53 PM         

East 14th, from Hayward to Oakland here,,,,,,

Cruisin was sooooooooooooooo cooooooooooolll

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See me WAX a Roush
See me WAX a Cobra

posted 08-03-2001 04:54 PM         

Or the Steak & Shake on st. rd. 67. There was a guy there with a `68 Cuda they called `Cuda man and he was to be one of the fastest, his car was in primer with a little yellow showing. They always give him a hard time because my `67 Cuda looked so much better.

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Larry & Sue Mayes