So, let's take the trip to Traverse City and see what Hagerty has to offer us!
We started out on a quite clear day, but the roads were anything but clear. Some of the roads were heavily snow covered but we took our convoy up north with no incidents. Stopping for a rest in a small town, we organized ourselves and arrived in Traverse City at the Hagerty garages with great expectations. And we were not disappointed!! We were greeted by Anji and Bev who graciously welcomed us and took us inside to see the first group of classic cars. Once inside, we met Jonathan and Randy who gave us a tour of these cars and explained who owned them and how they got into the Hagerty collection.
This is the main office in downtown Traverse City. This is not where we gathered. Their other location has all the goodies, although the beautiful woodie in the window was something to see!
Jonathan is doing something very unusual. He is determined to drive his Ford Model "A" all winter long. Every day, even in this unusually cold and snowy winter, Jonathan hops into his Model "A" and heads to work. He is truly having a great time, although, I would think on occasion, on those very cold days, he wishes he really had some heat in the car!!
This is the car that Jonathan is driving all winter. Even if it had a heater, it works off the exhaust manifold and blows the heat into the cab....when the car is moving....
Anji tells some stories for us, too. Randy and Jonathan had a bunch of car guys mesmerized by the information given to them about these unique cars.
A quick break for a wonderful lunch. My wife, Janie, couldn't say enough good about the lunch. It was catered by a local restaurant and was delicious! I think we might visit that restaurant next time we take a trip to Traverse City! The Euro Stop Cafe is a place to visit for lunch in Traverse City.
Some of the unique items that are on view in the garage. Motorcycles, motor boat engines and even a vintage popcorn machine! Rare stuff!
Jonathan tells the story! We listen intently!
Our members listen to hear all about these unusual cars.
This is a car that is driven daily in the summer. It is owned by the daughter. She loves to drive it around town and I bet it gets plenty of looks! What a sharp baby bird!
This Model "A" Ford was actually rebuilt from the ground up by the office employees! Yes, to make sure that the employees who answer the phones when you call actually know something about antique cars, Hagerty invites all of them to lay hands on the cars and help rebuild them. Painting, body work, rebuilding engines, transmissions, gearing...etc...they learn so much that when you say you have a limited slip rear end in your 75 Corvette, they know what you are talking about.
We are gathered around the Darrin. This car is rare. Only a few exist today. The doors slide into the front fender!
A great big thank you to Anji who set this up for us. And to Bev who was very helpful and had plenty to tell us, too. Jonathan is full of knowledge as is Randy. Our thanks to all of you. You treated us very well, and we will never forget your kindness.
And to my readers. You know I am a fan of Hagerty. If you have never had them quote you on insuring your classic car, please do so. They are always working on new ideas and may just have what you want. They can also insure your workshop and your tools. And road service? FLATBED your classic! Go to www.hagerty.com for more information! Tell them you read about it on Mike's Show-N-Shine.
As always, we love to hear from you. So leave a comment! Would you like to be notified each time Mike's Show-N-Shine publishes a new article? Look in the sidebar and find the place to put your email address.
We will be looking forward to a great spring, living in a new neighborhood. Newaygo Michigan and the local car clubs around that area. See you there. Stop by and say "HI!"
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