America's Car Museum Announces Michigan Classic Car Gatherings in Michigan the Days Leading up to the North American International Auto Show

TACOMA, Wash., Jan. 4, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- LeMay – America's Car Museum (ACM), an entity of America's Automotive Trust (AAT), and the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) will celebrate our nation's motoring heritage at classic car gatherings throughout Michigan from January 4 to 6. The events will take place as ACM's 12-day, 2,150-mile classic car rally – "The Drive Home II: The Heritage Run" (TDHII) – nears its final destination: Detroit.

The vintage cars taking part in the journey include a '57 Chevy Nomad, '61 Chrysler 300G and '66 Ford Mustang, all of which will be alongside an antique 1917 Crane Simplex originally owned by J.D. Rockefeller, in Grand Rapids, Traverse City, Lansing, Birmingham and Detroit.

"Celebrating the past while looking into the future is exactly what The Drive Home and our partnership with America's Car Museum is about," said NAIAS Executive Director Rod Alberts. "Whether it be highlighting revolutionary technology from a century ago, or showcasing future mobility innovations unveiled from our global stage at NAIAS."

TDHII's caravan will be driving throughout Michigan and stopping off for receptions and enthusiast events in Grand Rapids, Traverse City, Lansing and Troy before arriving in the Motor City. Further information on each individual event can be found at americascarmuseum.org/TheDriveHome.

The final leg of the trip will see the caravan take off from a NAIAS- and Lincoln of Troy-sponsored cars and coffee gathering and head down the famed Woodward Avenue before ending at a cruise-in at Cadillac Square. All four of the vehicles will be on display during press and consumer days at NAIAS.

"The idea for The Drive Home came about a few years ago when I sat down for cocktails and cigars with Rod Alberts," said AAT President and CEO David Madeira. "We thought the concept of three vintage cars journeying across the country at this time of year – a battle against Mother Nature – would be something that truly highlights America's automotive heritage and, importantly, gives context to the amount of innovation in the vehicles debuting at the auto show.

"Now The Drive Home is in its second year and we're once again looking forward to a full schedule in Michigan, which thanks to a great partnership with NAIAS and support from our great sponsors – State Farm, Michelin, Plycar, Shell, Quicken Loans, Hagerty and Montecristo – allows us to continue honoring this nation's motoring legacy by holding unforgettable enthusiast gatherings."

To follow TDH II as it makes its way throughout the Northeast, follow @LeMayACM on Twitter and look for updates from participating sponsors.

About LeMay – America's Car Museum (americascarmuseum.org)
America's Car Museum (ACM), an entity of America's Automotive Trust, is an international destination for families and auto enthusiasts to celebrate America's love affair with the automobile and learn how it shaped our society. Based in Tacoma, Wash., the stunning 165,000-sq.-ft. facility has been recognized as one of MSN's 10 Best Automotive Museums worldwide, USA Today's 10 Best Museums in Seattle and KING5's 2015 Best Museum in Western Washington. ACM serves as an educational center for students of all ages, features 12 rotating exhibits and hosts five annual Signature Events. For more information, visit americascarmuseum.org.

About the North American International Auto Show
Now in its 29th year as an international event, the NAIAS is among the most prestigious auto shows in the world, providing unparalleled access to the products, technologies, innovations, people and ideas that matter most – up close and under one roof. Administered by Executive Director Rod Alberts, the NAIAS is the largest media event in North America, and the only auto show in the United States to earn an annual distinguished sanction of the Organisation Internationale des Constructeurs d'Automobiles (OICA), the Paris-based alliance of automotive trade associations and manufacturers from around the world. For more information, visit naias.com.

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2017 NAIAS Dates:
The Gallery – Saturday, January 7, 2017
AutoMobili-D – Sunday-Thursday, January 8-12, 2017
Press Preview – Monday-Tuesday, January 9-10, 2017
Industry Preview – Wednesday-Thursday, January 11-12, 2017
Charity Preview – Friday, January 13, 2017
Public Show – Saturday-Sunday, January 14-22, 2017

SOURCE North American International Auto Show