On May 23, 2012, the Brookline Recreation Center hosted it's annual Spring Car Cruise. This was the 14th classic car show at Brookline Park since the fun began back in 2005. On a comfortable evening, with the sun shining brightly and the mercury hovering in the mid-70s, over sixty timeless classics were parked in the lower lawn of Brookline's Community Center.

While a Pony League baseball game took place on the adjacent Danny McGibbeny Field, hundreds of car enthusiasts stopped to browse through the variety of antique automobiles and muscle cars that together comprised a real look back into time. It was a gasoline alley throwback to the hey-day of the Motor City, when cars were crafted with an eye towards tradition and attitude rather than economy.

While the crowd mingled, more timeless classics, in the form of music, filled the air. Plenty of refreshments were on hand, and several door prizes were raffled off. The Pittsburgh Police Bomb Squad was on hand to display some their cool explosive-related machinery, including the bomb-busting robot. A special treat for Herman Munster fans was the Dragster "Dragula," an original prop from the hit television series, owned by Brookline's Tony Greco. And yes, it is a real street-ready hot rod. Mistress Dragula is quite a lady, spitting fire and laying tire.

Awards were presented to the "Best of Show" winner, as voted in by the spectators on hand, and other fun categories, like the "Anything that Runs" special. The party continued until the sun began to fall, then slowly the lawn came to life as the owners revved their engines and took off for home. It was quite an evening at the Brookline Community Center, and a excellent way to kick off the upcoming summer season.

Thanks to everyone who came out to enjoy the show, and to all of the volunteers that helped with the raffle and concessions. Special thanks, as always, to a Brookline classic of the two-legged sort, Job Bob Greico. His whose tireless efforts and enthusiasm are one of the key ingredients in the growing string of successful Car Cruises.

* Photos provided by Clint Burton *