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DEAN'S LIST - 4/6/2008
(by Dean Naddeo - OpEd Columnist - April 06, 2008)
The Great Muscle Car Comeback
For those of us who have grown weary of the four-cylinder, wannabe race cars of the current generation, there is good news; the tried and true muscle cars of the ‘60s and ‘70s are roaring back with a vengeance.
This spring, classic car owners will be dusting off their cherished chariots in anticipation of the numerous local opportunities to publicly show them off. Both formal car shows and casual cruise nights are becoming tremendously popular in North Jersey, thanks to stellar promotion, and one simple fact – they’re good, clean fun.
What may have been perceived in the past as a “testosterone conclave” can now be accurately described as a family-friendly environment. Initiatives like the Take a Kid to a Car Show program have successfully promoted the many benefits associated with classic car collecting, starting with parents and children spending quality time together. Not only does the hobby bring families together towards a common goal, it instills the important values of hard work, commitment and a respect for the past.
Happily, the local establishments that sponsor these shows and cruises can appreciate the increased business that comes with the crowds that come to see the cleanest Chevelles, GTOs and Olds 442s in the area. Pizzerias, ice cream parlors and burger joints are the most popular supporters of cruise nights, and the larger scale shows are traditionally organized by regional car clubs or the local Chamber of Commerce. Enthusiasts can visit njcarshow.com for a comprehensive listing of weekly and annual events nearby.
Incidentally, there is also financial incentive for those who may need to justify their time and investment to a concerned better half. A quick glance at the skyrocketing classic car values and staggering auction results should be enough encouragement for even the most reluctant spouse.
The Big Three automakers have been paying close attention as well; despite the modern movement to build “green machines” in order to ease global warming concerns and combat escalating gas prices, Chrysler, Ford and General Motors are all back in the muscle car business.
Chrysler may have led the way with the aggressive promotion of its Hemi-equipped line of vehicles that include the wildly successful Dodge Charger and the newly released, retro-styled Dodge Challenger. These cars truly reminnisce of a time not too long ago, when every kid dreamed of burning rubber in the General Lee.
Not to be undone, Ford has sent some of its long-admired Mustangs out to the Shelby Corporation for modifications that bring the GT 350 edition up to 325 horsepower, and the supercharged GT 500 up to an astronomical 500 horses. And this summer, General Motors will be unleashing its 2009 Chevy Camaro, a highly anticipated reincarnation of its renowned pony car. GM hopes that the Camaro, available with about 400 horsepower, will compete nicely with the muscular entries from both domestic and foreign makers.
Whether it be a meticulously restored hot rod, trusty weekend warrior, or a brand new beauty, there can be little doubt – the muscle car is alive and well in New Jersey.
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