Downtown South Boston Cruz-In
Dale Miller, Treasurer of the Old School Car Club in front of a '55 Chevy at the 2024 Downtown South Boston Cruz-In. By Paul Liggitt Photo & Video
In 1893, the first gas-powered automobile was invented in Massachusetts by Charles and J. Frank Duryea. In 1895, it won the first American car race and by 1896 the model was available for sale. Thus began the American auto industry. That same year, Henry Ford built his first car, and by 1908 Ford was mass-producing an affordable Model T. It had a humdinger four-cylinder, 20-horsepower engine, just two horsepower less than my riding lawn mower. Up until the 1920s, the style of a car was largely centered around function rather than form; but all that changed when automakers realized that the way a car looked could have a significant influence on sales. Style, color, and design began to show up in American cars. That is where we begin to talk about the Downtown South Boston Cruz-In, sponsored by Destination Downtown South Boston, Tinkers Car Club, and Old School Car Club.
According to Tamyra Vest, executive director of Destination Downtown South Boston, this year’s SoBo Cruz-In is scheduled for Oct. 11. It is a relatively new event that began in 2018 as a means for car lovers and restoration enthusiasts to gather on Main Street and present their cars freely to the public. There are two main car clubs in the area that co-sponsor the event, but entrants are by no means limited to just their clubs. According to Tamyra, “downtown is the heart of the community” and the car clubs and entrants love to show off their cars on the “main drag” rather than just gathering in a parking lot somewhere. The event is free for the entrant and free for the public, unlike a “car show” that often charges entrance and admission fees. It is simply a “good family event” and fulfills one of the prime directives of Main Street America programs, which is to “make Main Street visible.”
Downtown and main streets used to be the hubs of activities for smaller towns everywhere. It is with great purpose and intention that Tamyra, her staff, and the many volunteers from the car clubs organize and promote each Cruz-In. Unlike a parade or cruising the boulevard that many of us remember from our youth or from the classic movie “American Graffiti,” the Cruz-In is the opposite. Entrants arrive and register, then they drive to a spot on Main Street while the visitors do the cruising, up and down the closed-off road.
The Cruz-In averages around 230 vehicles, with one year topping out at 250 cars. The SoBo Cruz-In gets some of its entrants from the two local car clubs, but the event has steadily become more regional in popularity. Entrants and visitors alike from the neighboring counties of both North Carolina and Virginia mark their calendars for the event. There was even one entrant from as far away as Utah.
One has to remember that when you take on the task of restoring an antique or classic car, it’s indeed a labor of love. Dale Miller, treasurer of the Old School Car Club for over 16 years, commented that it may take years to restore a car. He should know, since he has restored around 10. He has been working on a 1967 Chevelle for 20 years. The greatest satisfaction he gets after restoring a car is “to drive down the highway and watch the looks you get, and maybe even a thumbs up.”
Most of us have memories of people, places, or events that have some kind of connection to a car. That is how entwined the automobile is in the fabric of American culture. Dale said that “cars today all look the same and you can’t tell the difference until you look at the name.” That is why he likes old-school classic cars. Restoring old cars takes someone who will persevere and “stay the course,” commented Dale. “Parts are getting harder and harder to find.” One may have to crawl under bushes or in an abandoned shed looking for a particular part. Just watch out for snakes. That’s why car clubs are so valuable for this pastime. They network among themselves, hang out, and help each other.
Dale mentioned that it is rare that any one person can do all of the restoration themselves. That may be a life lesson worth remembering. The Old School Car Club has at its foundation a “give back” mentality. Whatever funds may be raised at events in which members participate goes back to helping others in need in the community. It may seem like it, but it is not all about the cars.
The market value for some of the cars at the SoBo Cruz-In can easily be in the range of $50,000 to $80,000, even though most owners aren’t sellers, but simply enjoy driving and showing their car(s). Classic car insurance is available, but there are limits to how long and where the car can be driven. The cars also have to be in a secure building and need to be thoroughly documented. At the Cruz-In, visitors will see all sorts of cars from many different eras. Most will be American-made from the 1920s to 2000. I saw a Model T, a few 1930s Ford coupes, some 1955 and ‘57 Chevys, some Rat Rods, and some concept or theme cars. All of their owners have a story to tell about the build or history of the car. I also saw an MGB convertible with wire wheels, like a car I had in high school. Ah, memories, memories. That is what happens at the Cruz-In.
Terry Butler, treasurer for the Tinkers Car Club said, “I love to see older folks talking to young people about restored cars, passing on their knowledge, because that is the future.” The Tinkers Club saw a comeback in the 1980s and want to maintain the legacy of restoring and showing cars. Like the Old School Club, the Tinkers also give back to the needs in their community by contributing some of the funds they raise to benevolence, disaster relief, and other causes. Terry shared with me that she was blessed to be born into a family of shade-tree mechanics and car lovers. Her daddy, brother, and six uncles have been restoring vehicles for nearly 75 years. At one time she had 14 vehicles in her shop, but tragically lost them all in a fire. Her car at the moment is a blue 1967 RS/SS Camaro.
Terry believes that the car clubs are kind of a side door into Halifax County life. She loves meeting new people, hearing their car stories, and connecting them with others to help them in their restoration quest. Terry explained, “It really takes passion, patience, and persistence to track down parts and find the folks that can restore the parts of a car that you can’t.” She then rattled off just a few of the things that need to be addressed. How about the body, paint, interior, motor, transmission, glass, and more? Now when you visit a Cruz-In, you can begin to appreciate the time and effort invested into that picture-perfect car that reminds you of your past good times. One of the best parts of the Cruz-In is watching the families stroll down the main drag, pointing to different cars and commenting, or drawing closer to look at the upholstery, engine, or trim. The owners are typically more than happy to answer any questions about the car or the story that surrounds it. Young and old alike simply gather on Main Street to appreciate the workmanship and style of cars of days past. There may be a debate or two about what model or brand is best. However, in the end, the cars at the Cruz-In are merely the vehicle (pun intended) to draw the South Boston Main Street and regional community together to have a great time. I encourage everyone to come and enjoy a common pleasure, tell a few stories, and make some new memories by visiting the Downtown South Boston Cruz-In, coming up this fall.
432 Main Street
South Boston, Va. 23294
(434) 575-42308
DowntownSoBo.com
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