AMC homecoming revs-up hundreds of classic car owners in Kenosha
This week the Kenosha History Center is hosting the world's largest meeting of AMC car enthusiasts - with many of them bringing their vehicles.
Even though the Kenosha Engine Plant closed almost a decade ago, the America Motors Corporation has a lasting legacy in the city.
Former auto workers say that the heyday of car production in Kenosha was the 1970s. But during the reunion week you might not be able to tell the difference in the decades."
At Andy's drive-in on Wednesday the car names were from a different generation: Gremlin, Javelin, and Nash (to name a few).
"This car is kind of rare because out of 538 that were made, this is the only known survivor," Donald Fox, the owner of a 1940 Nash Rambler, said.
"This is made of heavy duty metal compared to what you buy now. This car was made here in Kenosha, right down the street here on 30th Avenue," Fox said.
Rick Kerst, the owner of a 1966 AMC Rambler, has a similar story.
"You could buy it right from the factory," Kerst said.
"If you take good care of it and keep it out of that winter salt they'll last forever," Kerst said.
But even though the plants and factories are long closed, there's definite deep sense of family pride.
"My great-grandfather worked at American Motors, my grandfather worked there, and so did my father. So when I turned 19 my dad says 'You better buy an AMC'," Kerst said.
"And I said as long as the top goes down I’ll buy it," Kerst said.
"The spring of '67 I got drafted and went in the army. And when I came home I just decided to keep my car forever and ever," Kerst said.
"And here it is today and I still love it," Kerst said.
"My favorite saying is this," Fox said. "The car took me forever to find. It took me forever to finish it. And I’m going to keep it forever."
"So the nickname is forever," Fox said.
There are multiple upcoming events associated with this reunion/homecoming weekend including a parade as well as an auto show this weekend. Click here to learn more details.