Back in 1986, two gentlemen standing in front of the Sonic came up with an idea to form a car club. Forest Clayton and Dan Pierce gave birth to a new club and gave it the name of “Classic Cruisers of Monroe” Now I’m sure there is much history missing and we’ll eventually attempt to fill in all the missing holes. For now, the biggest little car club in the "Carolinas” meets right here in Sweet Uni
on County every 3rd Sunday of the Month at the Poplin Place Shopping Center (Target, Hwy 74). Originally formed back in 1986 with a small following of classic car enthusiasts. Classic cars, trucks, street rods, and muscle cars line the parking lot of the Poplin Place - Target Shopping Center located on East Hwy 74 every 3rd Sunday of the Month (1pm to 4pm). We probably have between 20 and 40 active members, but did you know we have over 450+ total members on our membership list. Before moving to our latest gathering spot, we met at CiCi’s Pizza, Buffalo’s Café, Indian Trail’s Burger King, and the Amarillo Depot in Monroe. Although most cars featured are classics from a bygone era, the invitation to the Club is open to everything from the mid-teens to the present. There are trucks as well as cars, from the 20s to the present, no telling what might show up. There’s always a gathering of gawkers around the modified street rods, and not always the folks you’d expect. According to Jim Collura, previous club Prez, “You usually think of the younger guys with the street rods and muscle cars; it’s fun to see the 40– and 60– year-olds pull up with their gray hair and beards.”
Some of the Cruisers take their cars to shows throughout the country but most stay within the South-Eastern area and go to shows like Run to the Sun at Myrtle Beach, Good Guys Rod and Custom Show now held in Raleigh (vs. Charlotte Motor Speedway, and of course the AutoFair at the Speedway as well. The club has helped with local charities, including Hospice and the Christmas Bureau. In October of 1995:
The Club re-established itself as an “informal club”...
No rules
No Hassles
No Money
Main Objectives…
3rd Sunday of each Month Cruise-In
Attend other Shows/Cruise-Ins as a club
Have Fun
Civic Responsibility
The Club welcomes Newcomers. “We’re open to anybody with an interest in cars and a love to talk about them,” say Jim Collura.
