SHELBY TOWNSHIP, Mich. – If you come across a car club show that has remained popular for a very long time, you can be sure that they are doing something right. That’s certainly the case with the Easy Rodders Show, especially after noting the Easy Rodders of Michigan hosted its 48th annual Charity Car Show this summer and drew more than 400 cars of all makes and models. Of course, the cars and camaraderie play a role here, but another draw is the venue. This year’s event was again held at the old Packard Proving Grounds in Shelby Township, Michigan, some 15 miles north of Detroit. The 17-acre site is on the National Registry of Historic Places and features several of the site’s original buildings designed by Albert Kahn for the Packard Motor Company of Detroit back in 1928. 

The rustic garages and tree-lined entryway proved a perfect backdrop for those attendees steeped in Detroit car culture. Hot rods, classics and custom cars from all across southeastern Michigan were spread across the show field, and because the event also included a swap meet and a craft show, there were fun things to see and do for the whole family. The club gave out Top 40 awards that they handcrafted themselves, plus awarded a $100 prize to the club with the most member cars participating. Better still, a portion of the proceeds went to charity.

Our own roving car-show photographer, Ford retiree Bill Cook, attended the show this past July, and sent us this note after spending the day there:

“On the Sunday morning of the show, I dove over to the historic Packard Proving Grounds for the 48the annual Easy Rodders show. It was cloudy early so I waited until late morning to arrive. As always, there was a big turnout and a great mix of rides in the show field.”

Cook sent us nearly 100 photos, so we picked out some of our favorite Ford-powered rides to share with you in his gallery below. Enjoy:

FORD PERFORMANCE PHOTO GALLERY / COURTESY BILL COOK