Thousands of car fans from across the globe gathered in Pontiac for a weeklong party. They came to mark 100 years since Pontiac Motors began. The 54th Annual Pontiac Oakland Club International Convention runs through Saturday.
The convention’s theme is “Home for the Hundredth.” The Pontiac Oakland Club International and Pontiac Transportation Museum teamed up with the city to host it all. An estimated 1,400 members have packed area hotels to capacity.
Pontiac Motors grew from the Oakland Motor Car Co., which started Aug. 28, 1907. General Motors bought in two years later. In 1926, GM launched the Pontiac brand with the 6-cylinder Series 6-27.
By 1932, GM’s Oakland division became the Pontiac Motor Division. The brand made waves with fuel-injection engines. Then came the muscle cars. GM ended production in 2010, but the brand still has die-hard fans.
Mayor Mike McGuinness said hosting this is an honor. “Countless members of our community played a direct role in bringing these legendary vehicles to life, and many of us have unforgettable memories tied to the iconic cars born in our city,” he said, according to MLive. “This is a celebration for all of us, and we look forward to sharing our city, our people, and our businesses with visitors from around the world.”
A classic car parade will roll through downtown Friday. More than 300 registered Pontiac, Oakland and GMC vehicles will cruise past. Pre-parade events start at 6 p.m. Friday, with the parade stepping off at 6:30 p.m. from 197 Cesar Chavez Ave.
The week ends with Show Day. It runs 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at the Oakland Expo Center in Waterford Township. The show is open to the public.