THE 2007 GRAND NATIONAL MEET

The West Michigan & Kalamazoo Valley Regions held the 2007 Annual Grand National Meet on July 5 – 7 at Hickory Corners, Michigan which is the site of the Gilmore Car Museum. Thousands of visitors travel nationwide each year to visit this Automotive Heritage & Discovery Center.

The Museum’s history began in the early 1960’s with a private collection of 37 cars owned by Kalamazoo businessman Donald Gilmore. Today the Museum offers a collection of nearly 200 vintage cars including Cadillacs, Duesenbergs, Packards, Rolls Royce, a Disney Gnomemobile movie set, an 1899 Locomobile and early steam, electric and gasoline powered cars. to name a few and numerous historic objects and artifacts.

The vehicles are housed in 9 classic Michigan barns which are situated on 90 pastoral acres. A popular gift shop offers fun memorabilia and is a reproduction of a small town bus depot. A double-decker London bus is available for touring the grounds during car shows. A 1930’s era Shell Gas Station served as the registration center for the Meet. One of the highlights of the day was having lunch at a 1940’s Blue Moon Diner which featured Root Beer floats and wonderful old fashioned Milk Shakes. Every Wednesday night from May thru October the diner features a Cruise-In where you could bring your antique vehicle and hang out and enjoy oldies music and delicious food and drink.

Harvey Eger trailered our 67 Buick to Kalamazoo for our 2^nd attempt for the Senior Grand National. YES!! We got it. Needless to say we were very excited. We finally made it!! Howard didn’t judge at this meet since he wanted to stay with the Buick, but Harvey and Al Terek were judges. Bob and Joyce Inhoff received a First Grand National for their 1970 Chevrolet 2-dr ElCamino SS 454. Also Dave and Karen Berg received a Senior Grand National for their 1923 Duesenberg.

Having the National Meet at the Gilmore Car Museum was educational, fun and a memorable experience.

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