Event TitleAutomotive Showplace: 1952 Packard "Macauley" Pan American
Event Date(s)This Fall
Event LocationDetroit Historical Museum, 5401 Woodward Ave, Detroit
Event DescriptionAfter World War II, designer Richard Arbib of the The Henney Motor Company - Packard’s coachbuilder - was tasked with refreshing Packard’s styling. Arbib’s design called for a 1952 Packard convertible to be cut in half horizontally in order to remove a four-inch strip of body to reduce its height in a process known as sectioning. To lengthen the car, Henney drastically extended the rear quarter panels while the windshield was cut and lowered for a sportier look. This vehicle is the first of six Pan Americans that were built for the show circuit - four of which remain - and belonged to Edward Macauley, head of Packard design in the 1950s. Macauley periodically altered the car to meet his taste and current styling. Some of Macauly’s personal updates include the dashboard and “egg crate” grille insert from a 1954 Packard as well as quarter panels and taillights from a 1955 model.
Event LocationHenry Ford Museum of American Innovation
Event DescriptionPresented by General Motors, the first comprehensive exhibition covering various forms of American auto racing, including stock car, sports car, drag racing, Indy car, hill climb and land-speed racing, is now open in Dearborn. The 24,000 square-foot exhibit provides visitors an in-depth look at the people, the experiences, the culture, the spectacle, the risks and the innovations centered in the world of American auto sports.
Event TitleAchievement: African Americans' Accomplishments & Contributions in Automotive Exhibit
Event Date(s)On Display Now!
Event LocationAutomotive Hall of Fame, Dearborn, MI
Event DescriptionThe contributions Black Americans have made to the automotive industry have not been celebrated or even fully captured and shared. Very little effort has even been made to conduct the required research to identify the individuals, much less curate an exhibit on their accomplishments. The Automotive Hall of Fame recognizes that these are important stories that need to be told.
Event LocationLyon Township Public Library, South Lyon
Event DescriptionJoin Russell Doré for a presentation on electric vehicles. Their past, present, and future will be highlighted, including why electric vehicles were so popular in the past, how the internal combustion engine vehicles began to outpace them, and what the future might hold. The impact that the Detroit area has had on these vehicles and how it will continue to impact the future of the electric vehicle will also be discussed.
Event Date(s)Sunday, August 3, 2025 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Event LocationColumbia Center, Troy, MI
Event DescriptionTroy’s premier automotive festival, the 17th Annual Troy Traffic Jam, features legacy vehicles, favorite classics, and high-end exotics for everyone to enjoy! There will be lots of events for everyone, including pedal car races for younger car enthusiasts, Tech Talks with leading designers, and demonstrations from local robotics teams. This event is Free to the public and registration to show your vehicle is $25 in advance or $30 at the festival.
Event LocationGilmore Car Museum, Hickory Corners, MI
Event DescriptionThe Gilmore Car Museum continues its lecture series with a presentation about the fourth edition of the book about the history of the Gilmore Car Museum, "Miles from the Ordinary," by author David O'Lyon. Gilmore’s Lecture Series programs are free to museum members or included in Sunday admission to the Museum.
Event DescriptionExplore the launch of the Pontiac brand in 1926, as presenter Larry Mihalko highlights the car's immediate success, the construction of a new factory on the north side of town, and the rapid advances in design and technology through the mid-1930s. FREE admission.
