Sep 10-11, Dearborn, MI: Greenfield Village Old Car Festival

From MLive.com: Greenfield Village Old Car Festival: 1770 Gugnot replica and celebration of Indy 500 100th anniversary among highlights
DEARBORN -- Among the 700 or so vehicles to be displayed at the 61st Annual Old Car Festival at Greenfield Village Sept. 10-11, one will stand out: a historically accurate replica of the 1770 Fardier de Cugnot.

The steam-powered wheel cart is considered to be the first self-propelled vehicle ever made. In 1770, Nicholas-Joseph Cugnot built the Fardier and demonstrated the vehicle for the French Army by pulling a five-ton artillery cannon. The Fardier de Cugnot replica was built by Alain Cerf and his team from the Tampa Bay Auto Museum. The vehicle will be on display in front of the Town Hall in Greenfield Village.

This year's Old Car Festival will also celebrate the 100th anniversary of the first Indy 500 race. There will be a number of activities dedicated to race cars and the history of racing in America.


Gary MalerbaA Pass-in-Review parade on Saturday evening showcases race cars throughout history as well as a presentation on the innovations of speed and safety technology. A Racing through Time lecture will take place Saturday at 1 p.m. in the Martha-Mary Chapel and will display numerous artifacts from racing history including photographs, motion pictures and event programs.

Another addition to the festival will be the gathering of approximately 16 Sears Auto Buggies. Sold through the Sears catalog from 1908 to 1912, these little two-cylinder cars were the classic “horseless carriage.”

Other activities throughout the event include live dramatic presentations, musical performances and Junior Drivers’ Ed for kids 6 and under. Also, the Benson Ford Research Center will host a book sale and a presentation on early automotive camping.

Stay late on Saturday to enjoy music and dancing, a gaslight parade of cars through the village and a fireworks show to close out the evening.

The event is free for members or with admission to the village. For more information call (313) 982-6001 or visit www.thehenryford.org.