Auburn Hills, MI, May 15, 2007 – Thousands of car companies were formed in the early part of the twentieth century. By the mid 1950’s, only a handful survived. The independents days were numbered. Soon only the biggest would be left. They struggled and tried to combine but it was impossible for most to compete. While all these companies vanished, they left their mark and still have fans for their Orphan Cars.
Every year hundreds of people bring their cars to Yspsilanti, Michigan for one of the most unusual automotive events – the Orphan Car show.
On Sunday, June, 3 quiet Riverside Park will fill up with the reminders of car companies like Packard, Studebaker, Crosley, Isetta, Marmon and more that have vanished. It’s an event unlike any other in the world. But if you can’t wait for the show to begin there’s a way to get a jump on the celebration -- the Pre-Ypsilanti Orphan Car Show Excursion, 9:30 a.m. – 8 p.m. Saturday, June 2, sponsored by the Walter P. Chrysler Museum.
The morning into evening event features a scenic four-stop daytime tour followed by a nighttime reception. The excursion is open to auto enthusiasts with vehicles of all makes and models.
The Pre-Ypsilanti Orphan Car Show Excursion travels to:
9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
• Ypsilanti Automotive Heritage Museum – Start the day with continental breakfast at the world’s last Hudson dealership. Step back in time with dozens of vehicles and original Hudson memorabilia dating back to 1927.
• The Muerer Collection, Farmington Hills – Explore the private collection Ed Muerer maintains in a 20,000+ square foot building tucked within a suburban commercial complex. Stroll among 85 vintage vehicles including Muerer’s oldest, a 1924 Nash Roadster, and his most unique, a 1935 Packard Convertible Sedan Limousine. Hum to the upbeat tunes of a player piano while enjoying the mobile homes, gas pumps, dealership and neon signs, posters and photos that round out the collection. Visit the second floor where Muerer has assembled an eclectic mix of antiques and collectibles.
• Moe’s on Ten, Novi – Settle in for a midday repast at this popular dining spot. Enjoy good food and good conversation over your choice of entrée salad, sandwich or burger.
• Matthaei Botanical Gardens, Ann Arbor – Opt for a short jaunt or ambitious hike through this 300 acre site, a gift to the University of Michigan by Fred Matthaei Sr. and Mildred Hague Matthaei. Take in the breathtaking displays of the outdoor gardens and the varied greenery of the indoor Conservatory, featuring foliage from tropical rainforests, Mediterranean-type climates and deserts. If you’re feeling energetic, tackle the miles of nature trails.
4:30 – 6 p.m.
Enjoy free time exploring Ypsilanti’s quaint Depot Town district or tour the Michigan showroom of RM Auctions. The Ontario, Canada-based vehicle auction and restoration firm maintains more than 100 of the world’s finest motor cars at any given point – one of the most comprehensive and complete classic car inventories in the business.
6 – 8 p.m.
• Ypsilanti Automotive Heritage Museum – Return to the museum for a hearty hors d’oeuvre reception and The Chapin Cars I Remember Well, a presentation by Bill Chapin recalling 70 years of automotive history and family anecdotes featuring his grandfather, Roy D. Chapin (a founder of Hudson Motor Car Co.) and his father, Roy D. Chapin, Jr. (Chairman of AMC).
Convenient parking is available at all stops and a suggested route of paved roads between destinations will be provided. Tour participants will travel in a scenic caravan.
Cost for the Pre-Ypsilanti Orphan Car Show Excursion, payable at registration by May 25, is $47 per person for the full day event, $35 per person for the daytime tour only and $35 for the evening reception only.
To register via phone (734-482-5200) or e-mail (
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), provide:
• Driver’s name, street and e-mail addresses, telephone number and make and model of vehicle.
• MasterCard or VISA number, account owner’s name and expiration date.
Registration by check, made payable to the Ypsilanti Orphan Car Show, is accepted at Pre-Ypsilanti Orphan Car Show Excursion, 100 E. Cross St., Ypsilanti, MI 48198.
Ypsilanti Orphan Car Show – June 3
The Saturday driving excursion precedes the 11th annual Ypsilanti Orphan Car Show Sunday, June 3 in the city’s Depot Town Riverside Park. The show, this year featuring Checker Cab – is sponsored by the Walter P. Chrysler Museum.
To register a vehicle and for additional show details visit
www.ypsiautoheritage.org or call 734-482-5200.
For more on the three-story, 55,000 square foot Walter P. Chrysler Museum, located on the DaimlerChrysler complex in Auburn Hills, Mich., visit
www.chryslerheritage.com or call 888-456-1924.
The Ypsilanti Automotive Heritage Museum is located at 100 E. Cross St (at River St.) in Ypsilanti. From I-94, take exit 183 (Huron St.) north to Cross St.
This is always a field of dreams filled with the reminders of the glory days of the automobile business. These cars bring back memories and put a smile on everyone’s face. Everyone loves an underdog and there should be plenty in this kennel of cars to keep you coming back for more.
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