A Car Lover’s Dream: The Story behind the Detroit Woodward Dream Cruise

Imagine buying a car in the 1950s or 60s in Detroit, the Motor City, when classic muscle cars and street rods were in their heyday.

Now imagine driving your 1955 Ford Thunderbird off the dealership lot and heading down Woodward Avenue — the historic highway stretching approximately 22 miles across Metro Detroit — and meeting up with some of your buddies at a drive-in diner for a burger and milkshake (and to show off your new set of wheels, of course). Well today, car lovers from around the world can get a glimpse of the classic American car era at the Woodward Dream Cruise, the world’s largest one-day automotive event.

The first Dream Cruise was held on August 19, 1995, to help raise money for a children’s soccer field in Ferndale, Mich. Although organizers only expected 30,000 to 40,000 attendees, approximately 250,000 people showed up! Today, the “Cruise” garners approximately 1.5 million people and 40,000 classic cars from around the world each year, and, in recent years, automakers have used events like the Dream Cruise to showcase their latest vehicles.

Perhaps you don’t have a classic American car to show off at the Dream Cruise but are looking to purchase a reliable new or used car to get from point A to B. Credit Acceptance can help! After you fill out this secure form, we’ll connect you with three enrolled dealers near you to get started on your credit approval for your next car purchase!