Classic Car Parade: The thunder of engines and the gleam of chrome transformed Branch County, Michigan, into a automotive enthusiast’s paradise this past Thursday, as thousands of classic cars participated in what organizers call “the world’s largest traveling car show.”
The 31st Annual HOT ROD Power Tour brought an unprecedented spectacle to the quiet Michigan communities of Bronson, Coldwater, and Quincy, creating memories that local residents won’t soon forget.
The Rolling Thunder Phenomenon
What makes the HOT ROD Power Tour different from your typical car show isn’t just the sheer number of vehicles – though with an estimated 7,000 classic automobiles, the numbers are certainly impressive. It’s the fact that these aren’t trailer queens sitting pretty in a parking lot.
These are real, road-worthy machines driven by passionate owners who’ve committed to a week-long journey across multiple states, sharing their love of American automotive culture with communities along the way.
The convoy that rolled through Branch County on Thursday represented decades of automotive history, from muscle cars of the 1960s and 70s to custom hot rods that took years to build.
Each vehicle tells a story – some are family heirlooms passed down through generations, others are the result of countless weekend hours in garages across America, lovingly restored to their former glory or transformed into something entirely new.
A Week-Long Journey Across the Heartland
The 2025 HOT ROD Power Tour, organized by the legendary HOT ROD Magazine, began its five-day odyssey on Monday, June 9th, at the famous Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park.
This year’s route covered 651 miles of driving over four days, taking participants from Indiana through Illinois, back to Indiana, into Michigan, and finally concluding in Ohio.
Thursday’s leg brought the massive rolling showcase from Fort Wayne, Indiana, eastward into Michigan, with the Monroe County Fairgrounds in Monroe serving as the official destination.
However, the real magic happened along the route itself, as the thousands of classic cars traveled in organized groups of 50 to 100 vehicles at a time through the scenic countryside of Branch County.
The Route Through Branch County
Local traffic officials had warned residents to expect heavier than normal traffic, and they weren’t kidding. The procession entered Michigan from Indiana via Chicago Street in Sturgis, then proceeded eastward along US Highway 12.
This historic route, which roughly follows an old Native American trail, provided the perfect backdrop for the automotive parade.
The classic cars made their way through Bronson first, where locals lined the streets to catch glimpses of the incredible variety of vehicles. From there, the convoy continued east through Coldwater, the Branch County seat, before passing through Quincy on their way toward Monroe.
While this wasn’t technically a parade – the drivers were following all traffic laws, including stopping at red lights – the sheer volume and visual impact created a parade-like atmosphere that captivated everyone who witnessed it.
More Than Just Cars: A Cultural Celebration
What struck many observers wasn’t just the impressive machinery, but the sense of community and shared passion that the event brought to Branch County. Local businesses reported increased foot traffic as participants stopped for gas, food, and restrooms during their journey.
Several classic car owners took time to chat with curious locals, sharing stories about their vehicles and the tour experience.
The HOT ROD Power Tour represents something uniquely American – the freedom of the open road combined with a celebration of craftsmanship and engineering.
These aren’t just old cars; they’re rolling sculptures that represent countless hours of labor, creativity, and dedication.
Many of the vehicles have been modified from their original specifications, incorporating modern safety and performance upgrades while maintaining their classic aesthetic appeal.
The Numbers Behind the Spectacle
The scale of the 2025 HOT ROD Power Tour is truly remarkable when you consider the logistics involved. Coordinating the movement of 7,000 vehicles across five states requires extensive planning and cooperation with local authorities. Here’s a breakdown of the key statistics that made this year’s tour one for the record books:
| Tour Statistics | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Vehicles | Approximately 7,000 classic cars |
| Tour Duration | 5 days (June 9-13, 2025) |
| Total Distance | 651 miles of driving over 4 days |
| Official Stops | 5 cities: Indianapolis, Joliet, Fort Wayne, Monroe, Norwalk |
| Participating States | Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, Ohio |
| Group Size | Cars traveled in packs of 50-100 vehicles |
| Years Running | 31st Annual Event |
| Economic Impact | Estimated millions in tourism revenue |
Local Impact and Community Response
The impact on Branch County went beyond just the visual spectacle. Local law enforcement, led by the Michigan State Police and Branch County Sheriff’s Department, worked tirelessly to ensure smooth traffic flow and safety for both participants and local residents.
Gas stations along the route reported record sales, while restaurants and convenience stores experienced an unexpected but welcome rush of customers.
Social media exploded with photos and videos from local residents who captured the endless stream of classic cars.
Many longtime Branch County residents commented that they had never seen anything quite like it in their community, with some comparing it to the excitement of a county fair or Fourth of July celebration.
The Broader Classic Car Movement
The HOT ROD Power Tour is part of a larger resurgence in classic car enthusiasm across America. While some might view these vehicles as relics of a bygone era, the participants represent a vibrant community of enthusiasts who are keeping automotive history alive.
Many of the cars that passed through Branch County on Thursday have been rescued from junkyards or barns, brought back to life through the dedication of their owners.
This isn’t just about nostalgia, though that certainly plays a role. It’s about craftsmanship, community, and the uniquely American love affair with the automobile.
In an age of increasingly computerized and standardized vehicles, these classic cars represent a time when automotive design was more varied and when owners could more easily work on their own vehicles.
The Future of Automotive Events
The success of events like the HOT ROD Power Tour demonstrates that there’s still a strong appetite for automotive culture in America.
As the tour concluded at Summit Motorsports Park in Norwalk, Ohio, on Friday, participants were already making plans for next year’s event. The tour has grown consistently over its 31-year history, both in terms of participation and spectator interest.
For Branch County, Thursday’s automotive invasion provided a glimpse into the potential for tourism events that celebrate American car culture. Local economic development officials took note of the positive impact and community engagement generated by the tour’s passage through their communities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Was this actually a parade or just cars driving through?
A: While locals called it a parade, it was technically a “rolling car show” where participants followed all traffic laws, including stopping at red lights. The cars traveled in organized groups of 50-100 vehicles.
Q: How can someone participate in future HOT ROD Power Tours?
A: Interested participants can register through HOT ROD Magazine’s website. Various ticket packages are available, including “Long Hauler” passes for the full five-day experience.
Q: Do the cars have to be a certain age to participate?
A: The tour welcomes a wide variety of classic cars, hot rods, and muscle cars. While there’s no strict age requirement, vehicles should fit the spirit of classic American automotive culture.
Q: How often does the tour route change?
A: The HOT ROD Power Tour route changes annually, visiting different regions of the country to give various communities the chance to experience this automotive celebration.
ALSO READ: Ford Ranger Employee Pricing Program: June 2025 Discount Details