Filled with natural beauty, outdoor adventure and southern hospitality, the Mississippi Gulf Coast welcomes car lovers from around the world to America’s largest block party, Cruisin’ the Coast.
The annual fall event began as a local car show with 374 vehicles in 1996 and now has over 8,000 vehicles converging on 40 miles of beachfront property. Classic car and truck owners relish driving along U.S. Hwy. 90, one of the country’s most scenic roads.
In 2005, the Gulf Coast of Mississippi was severely damaged by Hurricane Katrina. And while some folks doubted the area’s comeback, Cruisin’ the Coast returned just one year later, providing a much needed sense of normalcy.
Featured in this episode of Driven, a 1940 Willys Coupe graces host Tom Gregory with its presence. Owner Patrick Copeland spent 16 years building this beauty from the ground up.
Gregory also goes to the Mississippi Coast Colosseum car auction and gets to ride shotgun for a legal burnout demonstration in a one-of-a-kind “Ford-a-Lac”.
Garage Squad host Cristy Lee talks to Gregory about how the truck scene has become a big deal in the past couple years at Cruisin’ the Coast.
Another big deal is the brutal sun during this week long event.
So whether you’re driving with the top down or walking around enjoying the festivities, don’t forget to bring the sunscreen.
Cruisin’ the Coast has always been about family, and 16 yr. old Reese Williams took his love of Broncos and infectious smile and created an extended family within the car community. Although Reese is no longer here with us, due to the abundant joy he spread, he will forever live in the hearts of many.
And for those less experienced with car maintenance, ASE Certified Master Mechanic Adrian LeBlanc stresses the importance of your Timing Belt. Changing it when you should will prevent catastrophic damage to the engine.
