Philly Auto Show

[jsignorelli]

I just returned from Philadelphia. Ford hosts a breakfast and private showing each year for car clubs promoting the Ford logo. Most of the clubs who get invited are Mustang and Shelby clubs. Joanne and I wore our Marauderville T-shirts to advertise our club. I was wearing my Mustang Jacket, my SAAC hat, and my Marauderville shirt. This may not be a fashion statement, but I was making a statement.

I have asked Wally Haggen to please invite our local members next year. Ford provides a free breakfast, free T-shirt, free entry passes to the Auto Show, and attendance at a Meet & Greet with racing legends. This year, we met with Parnelli Jones.

[cat in the hat]

Did you also go to the show ?

[jsignorelli]

Absolutely we went to the show. Each year, after the breakfast (begins at 7:00 AM in the Marriott Ballroom), the guest speakers address the 1,000 invitees. After the speeches, we are escorted to the Auto Show main hall. The newest Ford product is unveiled to us. This year, it was the new Ford Fusion Electric, which hits the showrooms in April. The club members then roam the many halls at will, before the general public comes in at 10:00 AM. We are usually done looking and taking pictures by 11:30 - 12:00 noon. My groups then get into our cars, drive back to Jersey, and have lunch at the Golden Dawn diner in Maple Shade, on Rt 38, across the road from Holman Ford. My drive is 2 hours from the diner back to Bergen County, as many of my club members must travel this distance. This year, Ford had a Mustang VS Camero challenge. Many of our club members cars are in the Auto Show, representing the past 48 years of the Mustang.

[cat in the hat]

That sounds like a great way to do the car show ! (Except that I'd probably eat at the Reading Terminal :) )

How was the show this year ?

[05crownsport]

That's awesome! If I'd heard about this sooner, I would've made the trip.

[jsignorelli]

The show was, as always, worth the trip. The crowds are much smaller than the New York show, plus, it isn't opening on Easter weekend, like the NY show, plus, parking is only $ 16 - $ 20 in Philly, unlike NY (double the Philly parking prices)

Lexus had a concept car this year which George Jetson would kill for. The Jaguar display was impressive, as was team Porsche. Trucks and SUV's are not my thing but the new Ford truck is worth a look. Lambo and Ferrari had the usual salivary triggers on display. The Ford area was dominated by the Taurus and Fusions. Then came the Ford trucks, with a few of the balance models on display. The Mustangs, Cameros, Chargers and Challengers had the younger crowd gawking.
This was opening day, so there was lots of free handouts, including the poster for the new Corvette (very impressive)!

The Private breakfast and unveiling is by invitation only. I put the bug in the Ford teams ear to ask the Marauder owners next year. I'll see how far I can go with this request for next year.

[cat in the hat]

The show was, as always, worth the trip. The crowds are much smaller than the New York show, plus, it isn't opening on Easter weekend, like the NY show, plus, parking is only $ 16 - $ 20 in Philly, unlike NY (double the Philly parking prices)

Perspective is everything . . . I always think that it's way too crowded and the parking is insanely overpriced . . .

:lol: