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Rare Classics Coming to Classics & Cruisers

09/08/2021
Rare Classics Coming to Classics & Cruisers

Allentown’s Classics & Cruisers on Hamilton event on Sunday, September 19 from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. includes a couple of the rarest classic vehicles in existence.

“We are extremely fortunate to be bringing in a 1931 Victoria, one of only three in existence, and the only 1954 Dodge Firearrow ever built,” said event organizer Allentown Police Captain Jim Gress. “These vehicles are sure to get a ‘wow’ out of everyone in attendance.”

1931 Chrysler CG Imperial Custom Convertible Victoria by Waterhouse

From the start, the Imperial name denoted Chrysler’s most exclusive offering. The eye-catching Convertible Victoria was Waterhouse’s trademark and is notable as one of the earliest American-built bodies to incorporate European styling. The striking body lines captured attention in the industry, particularly from competitors. Imitation of the Weaver-penned designs soon took its toll on the firm, and custom body production ended a mere six years after it began. This 1931 Chrysler CG Imperial Custom Convertible Victoria by Waterhouse was produced on June 15, 1931, and between 2009 and 2011, 6,000 hours were spent restoring CG 3843. Days after completion, CG 3843 was debuted at Cincinnati’s Ault Park Concours d’Elegance, where it won the Early Prewar Best of Class Award, followed by the William K. Victor Best of Show Award. At the Concours d’Elegance of America at St. John’s, it was awarded Most Significant Chrysler in Show.

1954 Dodge Firearrow IV

The Dodge Firearrow IV was a one-off concept/dream car designed in the early 1950s by Chrysler Corporation’s legendary design chief, Virgil Exner and hand built by Ghia Coachbuilders of Turin Italy. Firearrow IV was built on a stock 119-inch chassis with a Red Ram Hemi (241 cubic inch engine) with 150 Hp at 4400 rpm. This power plant was mated to Dodge’s Gyro-Torque four speed semi-automatic transmission. This car is the only fully road going convertible with folding top, windows and fully designed and engineered to be put into production. It was shown at many of the major U.S. auto shows in 1954.

Hamilton Street will be closed from 6th Street to 9th Street to be lined with classic and muscle cars of many makes, models, and time periods.

Classics & Cruisers on Hamilton re-lives the days when Hamilton Street was the hub of gathering to park and show off your vehicle.  Participants are anxious to return to the city after last year’s event had to be cancelled because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

DJ Jimbo will be on stage at Seventh & Hamilton from 12 p.m.-4 p.m.

The Hamilton, Blended, Reading Coffee Co, Mishka Premium Vodka, and The Americus Hotel will all be open on Seventh Street with menu features available during the event.

The event is presented by the City of Allentown, the Department of Community & Economic Development, and the Allentown Police Department Honor Guard.  It is sponsored by America On Wheels Museum, RB Collection and City Center.

Event proceeds benefit America On Wheels Museum and the Allentown Police Department Honor Guard.

Advance registration is $20.00 per vehicle. Staging is scheduled from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at America on Wheels Museum at 5 N. Front Street along with an open house of America On Wheels and the nearby (Ruozzi Brothers’) RB Collection.

Vehicles will then receive a police escort to Hamilton Street to stage for the main show where there will also be food for sale and musical entertainment.

Trophies will be awarded in ten classes and there will be several Top 50 awards.

Beginning at approximately 4:15 p.m. cars will stage for a cruise to The Ritz, located at the Allentown Fairgrounds where there will be live music. Cars will be escorted by the Allentown Police Department.

For registration and other information, please visit www.allentownpa.gov/cruisinghamilton or www.facebook.com/cruisinghamilton.

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