DETROIT, MI – What happens when the Hagerty classic car insurance and auto lifestyle company gets together with the ’80’s and ’90’s car-culture event group known as RADwood Detroit to host an automotive gathering in The Motor City? You get “Cars at The Station,” a celebration of Detroit’s rich automotive history and its innovative future, thanks to a partnership with Michigan Central Station and Newlab. This two-day automotive lifestyle event brought together car enthusiasts, industry leaders and the local community to celebrate everything that makes Detroit the heart of American car culture. Now in its second year, this year’s event drew OEMs, suppliers, artists, local businesses and auto lovers of all kinds and ages to Ford’s newly restored Michigan Central Station in downtown Detroit.
Once the tallest rail station in the world when the grand 13-story structure opened in 1913, Michigan Central served Detroit until being shuttered in 1988 and falling into disrepair. After the long-abandoned historic train depot became symbolic of Detroit's decline, Ford purchased the property in 2018 and led a massive multimillion-dollar project to restore and redevelop it into a hub for future mobility and technology. The revitalized landmark re-opened in 2024 and is now the center of a 1.2 million-square-foot campus for approximately 5,000 employees in one of Detroit’s oldest neighborhoods known as “Corktown.” This two-day car show hosted in the City of Detroit’s reimagined Roosevelt Park adjacent to the city’s most iconic backdrop seemed only fitting, especially to Ford fans, who joined hundreds of attendees in experiencing a show that mixed of automotive showcases, cutting-edge tech, ride-and-drives, music and local artisans.
As you might expect, our Ford retiree-turned-car show photojournalist Bill Cook was there with his trusty camera, and sent us this note along with more than 100 photos:
“I arrived in Downtown Detroit for the second day of Cars at the Station when it opened on Sunday morning and spent a full six hours there. The Michigan Central Station is an amazing setting and is stunningly beautiful after Ford’s remarkable restoration. The support of the sponsors and show partners is equally impressive. The cars, people, displays, test drives, food and overall vibe were great, enhanced by having DJ all day and seeing lots of friendly people and smiles. I highly recommend you put this event on your car calendars for next September.”
We picked some of our favorite shots from Bill’s many photos for you to enjoy in the gallery below:
FORD RACING PHOTOS / COURTESY BILL COOK
