US Heritage Rally for vintage cars

America’s Car Museum (ACM) and the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) have announced that Boston will be the starting point of “The Drive Home II: The Heritage Run” – an 11-day, 2,150 mile winter road rally, from December 28 to January 7, concluding at the opening of the North American International Auto Show.

The Drive Home II (TDH II) will feature ACM’s 1957 Chevrolet Nomad, 1961 Chrysler 300G and 1966 Ford Mustang, all of which completed the first “The Drive Home” in early 2016, from the Museum’s headquarters in Tacoma, Washington to Detroit.

“NAIAS executive director Rod Alberts and I came up with the idea for The Drive Home as a way to celebrate America’s love affair with the automobile and highlight American automotive ingenuity,” said David Madeira, CEO of the newly formed America’s Automotive Trust (AAT), a not-for-profit organization dedicated to securing America’s automotive heritage for future generations. ACM is one of several entities under AAT.

“The Drive Home was so successful, we decided to rev up the cars and do it again,” said Madeira. “We are thrilled that NAIAS is back on board to continue honouring our country’s automotive legacy.”

Enthusiasts and car clubs can join TDH II’s cars and coffee events, happy hours and get-togethers in cities along the tour, including Boston, New York, Washington D.C., Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Indianapolis and four Michigan cities: Traverse City, Lansing, Birmingham and a big celebration in Detroit.

“Connecting with automotive enthusiasts, young and old, across the country is what makes this drive so special,” said Rod Alberts, NAIAS Executive Director. “Our close partnership with America’s Car Museum allows NAIAS to stay connected with iconic automotive tradition, all while the world’s next generation vehicles and mobility technologies make their world debuts on our global stage in Detroit.”

After the long journey, the three cars will cruise down Woodward Avenue and have a presence at the world’s premier international media automotive show, NAIAS.

“Woodward Avenue is synonymous with America’s automobile heritage, which makes it the perfect final leg of the Drive Home II: The Heritage Run,” said Sam Slaughter, 2017 NAIAS Chairman. “As a lifelong enthusiast myself, I can’t wait to get behind the wheel of one of these beautiful classics and participate in the cross-country journey.”

Joining TDH II once again will be sponsors such as State Farm, Shell, Michelin, Opportunity Detroit, Hagerty and Coker Tire.

“Thanks to our sponsors, the collector car community and enthusiasts all around the country, we’re excited to hit the road again with these vintage cars from the Museum’s collection,” said ACM President and COO Paul E. Miller. “We encourage car lovers to join the events along the way and participate in any of the legs of the journey.”