A guide to northern Michigan car clubs

By Kristi Kates | Jan. 14, 2017

Few things are more fun for a hobbyist than to socialize with like minds. For car collectors, restoration aficionados and others who love to show off their favorite four wheels, car clubs are a great place to hobnob with people who’ll finally understand your references to modding, stripping, wheeling machines, OEMs, clones and survivors. Here’s a guide to finding your fellows right here in northern Michigan.

Elk Country Cruisers, Atlanta

Founded in 2002 by “six guys sitting around talking cars,” the Elk Country Cruisers organization is based on common admiration of old cars; members take part in both local and statewide car shows and events.
Specialty: Classic vehicles “in a rainbow of colors and creation.”
Contact: elkcountrycruisers.com, 989-785-3975 or 989-785-2127

Evart Car Club, Evart

Cars are considered the “delivery mechanism” of this club, which focuses on social events and philanthropy, using car fandom to bring its members together to promote activities and charities in its region of the state.

Specialty: Any vintage or year car is welcome.
Contact: evartcarclub.com or 231-734-5945

Northern Rods and Rides, Indian River

“Good times and fun” is the motto of this club, which hosts its own car event, awarding impressive trophies to the best in show; additional events bring these car fans together to show off their best acquisitions.

Specialty: Classics, customs, muscle cars and street rods.
Contact: facebook.com/northernrods.nrides or 231-238-5165

Petoskey Area Rally and Car Club, Petoskey

Motoring enthusiasts from the Petoskey region meet up with their car-loving neighbors via this club to hold meets, cruises and car shows, as well as to travel to larger automotive events around the state of Michigan.

Specialty: Rally and off-road cars.
Contact: petoskeycarclub.com or 231-622-3087

Street Legends Classic Car Club, Charlevoix

Formed in the early ’90s, the Street Legends are a diverse group of men and women who have continued the tradition of their local car show for well over 20 years, and who distribute funds from the show to local charities.
Specialty: Vintage classics, street machines and muscle cars.
Contact: streetlegends.net

TC Classics and Customs, Traverse City

Whether you own a classic or custom car or simply enjoy viewing and talking about them, you can join this friendly club that meets in the winter as well as summer to keep the car enthusiasm alive year-round.
Specialty: Antique, classic and custom vehicles from the ’30s to the 2000s.
Contact: tcclassicsandcustoms.org or 231-947-7765

Twin Bay British Car Club, Traverse City

This is a focused and enthusiastic group of British car fans who meet on a monthly basis to talk about all things car and discuss upcoming motoring events; it also sponsors the popular Alden Car show each year.
Specialty: British cars.
Contact: twinbaybrits.com

West Michigan Mustang Club, Grand Rapids

This one’s a little farther afield, but boasts members from Traverse City, Petoskey and Lansing, among others, and holds at least one activity every month from mini cruises and garage hops to caravans to major car shows.
Specialty: All Mustang cars from the ’60s to present-day models.
Contact: westmichiganmustangclub.com

Kristi Kates is a contributing editor and freelance writer.