Behind the Wheel: Classic cars combine conversation and camaraderie

METRO DETROIT — When it comes to metro Detroit car shows, the camaraderie between gearheads is on display as much as the classic cars. 

Checking under the hoods of hot rods while sharing stories of drag racing back in the day is how car buffs bond over their vintage rides.

Scott Fritts cruised on over to at least 10 classic car shows this past summer.

“It’s just hanging out with the guys talking about how much money we put into our cars,” said Fritts, who owns a blue 2017 Ford Mustang. “We’ll talk for hours on end to other people. It’s just relaxing. Family and friends stop by.”

On Sept. 27, the Auburn Hills resident attended the Jammin’ at the Junction classic car show in Roseville with co-worker Bill Burke and his son, Ryan Burke. Jammin’ at the Junction is an annual event that the Roseville Downtown Development Authority hosts on Utica Road between Gratiot Avenue and 12 Mile Road. Car buffs displayed their souped-up vehicles, customized motorcycles and more. 

“It’s a local event so I don’t have to go far for it,” said Bill Burke, a Roseville resident and owner of a 1979 Plymouth Arrow, which he calls his Poison Arrow. “We like to see what other people have done to their cars.” 

The trio is always tinkering in their garages to make the cars their own. 

“We’re guys that don’t buy it from the factory,” Fritts said. 

“We change everything,” Bill Burke said.

“We put our own personal preferences and what we like,” said Ryan Burke, of Shelby Township.

They would also like to see younger generations carry on the classic car tradition, something that seems to be missing.

Over at another spot at Jammin’ at the Junction, Chris Mielke and his wife, Ada Mielke, of Roseville; their uncle, John Mielke, of St. Clair Shores; and friend Larry Roberson, of Clinton Township, spent the day taking in the car culture.

Although Roberson doesn’t have a classic car, “I just hang out with the guys. I’m here with good people. There are different walks of life but a common ground around here.”

“We sit back and have a good time,” John Mielke said. 

“I like the old school cars. It brings back nostalgia,” said Ada Mielke, owner of a 1994 Ford Mustang GT convertible. “I like the sounds, the rumbles, the smell of the old gas.”

Chris Mielke’s dad, Ken Mielke, who was John’s brother, owned a red 1965 Plymouth Barracuda and was always at Jammin’ at the Junction. Ken died in 2021, but his family kept up the tradition of attending car shows.

“He won a trophy his last year here, and two months later he was gone,” John Mielke said. “He did all the work in his garage, including painting it.”

Ken Mielke was an influence on his son, Chris.

“I was born into cars. I started building my first Jeep at 14,” Chris Mielke said. “I still own it. I was literally brought up at the old Mount Clemens race track. My mom took cotton out of the blanket into our ears because it was so loud.”

On Sept. 28, the good vibes carried over to the 25th annual Holy Cross Classic Cruisers show at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Warren, which drew car fans and church members who volunteered to help with the show. Co-Presidents Ron Ratzow and Fred Birchard welcomed the crowd. Birchard owns three classic cars: a 1948 Ford Deluxe Coupe street rod, a 1957 Ford Thunderbird and a 1966 Ford Mustang.

“We love trying to bring people together that enjoy cars,” Birchard said. “We’re like golfers. Golfers do anything to play golf. We do anything to play with a car, old cars particularly. We have cars from 1929 in the club, a ’32 Ford, a dozen or more prewar cars.”

“We have about 15 to 20 members of our car club. Half of them are members of the church,” Ratzow said. “Our whole purpose of the club is to let people have the opportunity to know Jesus.” 

Ratzow, of Harrison Township, loves to bring his two-door 1935 Ford Sedan street rod to shows as well as his 1983 Chevrolet Malibu station wagon, which he modified so it resembled a Chevrolet El Camino. One of his favorite cars was his 1956 two-door Lincoln Premiere hardtop. 

“I wish I wouldn’t have gotten rid of it,” he said. 

Randy Stier, who owns a 1966 Ford Mustang fastback, also made it out to the Holy Cross Classic Cruisers show. 

“I’m 78 and I’ve been doing this since I was 16,” the Warren resident said. “Car shows every weekend. I run into people I haven’t seen in a while. Car guys are good guys. Someone will show up with jumper cables or whatever you need.” 

Madison Heights resident Paul Christlieb — who owns a 2007 Ford F-150 Harley Davidson Edition — attended the Holy Cross Classic Cruisers show for the first time this year.

“It’s awesome. The camaraderie is great,” he said. “You can walk out here and talk to anybody. If you have a problem, they come and help.”

Pretty soon the car shows will end until 2026.

“That is the time to work on them,” Christlieb said. “The cars get done in the fall and winter for next year.”

The Holy Cross Classic Cruisers has two shows every year: a blessing of the rides in the spring and a car show every fall.