It’s nothing like the opening scene in “American Graffiti.”
Mark Milosky and his 1962 Buick Skylark.
This is Westport, Connecticut after all — not Modesto, California.
It’s 2011, not 1962.
And gas costs $4.28 a gallon, not 28¢.
But the cars are the same. Chevy Impalas. Buick Skylarks. Even Edsels.
They’re on display here every Thursday, from 6 to 9 p.m. in the Fresh Market parking lot.
That’s not always good. Drivers passing by on the Post Road are so amazed at these vintage autos, they might stop short and slam into the Range Rover in front of them.
A 1930 Model A. "Bob" from Fairfield swapped a 1951 Ford for it. "It made it to Foxwoods," he says proudly.
The “Summer Cruise” — which runs through October 20 — is sponsored by the Connecticut Seaport Car Club.
The 100-plus members own and restore vintage autos, street rods, trucks, customs, stock originals and antiques.
They host holiday parties and other social events. They also donate funds to local charities like the Connecticut Burns Care Foundation, and collect shoes for earthquake victims in Haiti.
“We’re just a lot of friendly people who like to get together and have a good time,” says club president Mark Milosky. Members come from all over Connecticut.
So why choose to cruise here?
“There’s not a lot to do in Westport,” says Milosky. (He lives in Southport, not exactly The Most Happenin’ Place on the Planet.)
Whatever.
A 1967 Jeep. "You don't drive it," the owner says. "You aim it."
The oldest car in the club is a 1907 Fiat. The newest are Camaros and Mustangs. “Basically, any car you can think of” is represented, Milosky says.
He owns a ’62 Skylark, a ’66 Mustang, and 2 Edsels. “Those are very rare,” he says of the automobile that has become a synonym for epic fail. “They’re head turners.”
The Connecticut Seaport Car Club welcomes all owners, restorers, enthusiasts — and gawkers. It’s easy to see why.
In a parking lot usually filled with generic vehicles — how many times have you been unable to find even your own car? — these classic cars stand out.
Even Especially the Edsel.
