Woodward Dream Cruise: All About Horsepower, Family And Friends

ROYAL OAK (WWJ) - The Woodward Dream Cruise doesn't officially start until Saturday, Aug. 20, but that's not stopping classic car lovers from getting a head start on the action.

By sunrise Friday morning, dozens of people were already lined up along M-1. Some were with their hot rods while others were preparing tents for the party ahead.

Chris Karam of Granger, Indiana, and his group of gearheads scooped up some prime real estate in front of the Art Van store near Normandy Road. Karam was showing off a 1968 convertible Camaro that he's had for 16 years. He said the Dream Cruise reminds him of the good ol' days.

"My favorite memory is rat racing down Woodward Avenue with my father, this gentleman standing right next to me who -- while he may be 75, he acts like he's 17 -- he's got the '65 Corvette Roadster right here, and so being in traffic with my brother and my father," Karam told WWJ's Laura Bonnell.

Sterling Heights resident Carmen Tezalino said he used to cruise Gratiot back in the day, but he's happy to be on Woodward with friends and family. He has a 1970 GTO Judge that he's put a lot of love -- and money -- into.

"I finally got it done last year," he said. "We've got a lot of money in it, about $60,000. But everybody goes by and they give you a thumbs up -- it's a good ol' time," he said.

The celebration surrounding the Dream Cruise is what draws many people to Woodward, so even if cars aren't quite your thing, you can still have a good time and enjoy the many parties lining the avenue.