TROY, MI – Legacy vehicles, your favorite classics, and high-end exotics will fill the 16th Annual Troy Traffic Jam on Sunday, August 4th from 10am-3pm at the Columbia Center on Big Beaver Road. Troy’s premier automotive festival is more than just a car show; be prepared to enjoy Tech Talks with leading designers, demonstrations from local robotics teams, and pedal car races for the youngest car enthusiasts.
This year the Troy Traffic Jam is celebrating two notable automotive anniversaries: the GTO and the Mustang.
Individuals interested in exhibiting their vehicle(s) can pre-register now at TroyTrafficJam.com. Pre-registration is $25 per car and offers quick check-in and swag bag compliments of Traffic Jam sponsors. Registration on the day of the event will be $30. All registration fees for the Troy Traffic Jam are tax deductible and support the educational programs at the Troy Historic Village.
The
GTO: 60 Years of the Muscle Car
60
years ago, Pontiac engineers dropped a larger engine in the existing Tempest
LeMans to skirt regulations and appeal to younger buyers looking for
horsepower. The GTO wasn’t just born, it was an instant hit and launched the
“muscle car” era.
The
60th Anniversary of an Icon: The Mustang
On
April 16th, 1964 the pony car craze began when the first Mustang was premiered at the New York World’s Fair. A marketing masterpiece, the Mustang was popular and affordable for young families and became an American driving icon.
In
celebration of these milestones, the Troy Traffic Jam will have a special GTO
Corral and Mustang Corral each containing 30 carefully curated classics
representing the various generations of each vehicle. Don’t miss GTOs featured
on TV and in muscle car magazines, historic Mustang racecars, and a Mustang
that may have once been owned by the Ford Family!
The
celebration continues into the Tech Talks tent. A panel of GTO designers and
engineers will reflect upon the gutsy choices and highlights of the classic
muscle car. Not to be outdone, a Mustang panel will also answer questions about
design evolutions and innovations over the years. In 2023 Tech Talks was a hub
of discussion in the center of the show and 2024’s lineup will bring together
even more industry greats.
The
Troy Traffic Jam will be jam-packed with at least 300 beloved vehicles from the
garages of hobbyists to high-end collectors. Car enthusiasts will find meticulous
restorations, rare models, and high-performance engines; kids will see how cars
have evolved over the years; and everyone will find that “I wish I could have
it” fan favorite, whatever your taste may be.
“We
worked extra hard this year to bring you a unique assemblage of rare legacy
vehicles,” said Alan Kiriluk, Chairman at KIRCO (Presenting Sponsor) and member
of the TTJ planning team. “You won’t see these cars together anyplace else this
summer.” Organizer Jeff Nowicki, founder and owner of Nowicki Autosport &
Design is passionate about blending classics with high-end exotics that
highlight innovative designs. “Last year a Ferrari Monza became a fan favorite,
this year you’ll want to see the Daytona SP3,” said Nowicki. “We continue to
secure more vehicles for the show, so look for more announcements through the
spring and summer.”
Troy
Traffic Jam is a fantastic family-friendly day. The award-winning robots from
Troy area First Robotics teams will be back to demonstrate innovations in
programming and inspire the next generation of engineers. Last year, organizer
Mark Lieberman of Nostalgic Motoring Ltd. sponsored the inaugural kids pedal
car race, exposing families to a popular European family tradition. “There’s
nothing like building something together as a family; a simple pedal car in
your own garage could be a great place to start,” says Lieberman. Families can
participate as racers or simply cheer on the field.
The
Troy Traffic Jam is free to spectators. Funds raised through sponsorships, car
registrations, and a 50/50 raffle fuel education at the Troy Historic Village. Since
the event’s inception 16 years ago, Presenting Sponsor KIRCO and Proud Host
Venue Columbia Center have been dedicated supporters and key partners in
raising thousands of dollars towards field trips and hands-on programs at the
Troy Historic Village. “We truly couldn’t pull off such a blockbuster event
without the support of our KIRCO and Columbia Center team” Jen Peters, Troy
Historic Village Executive Director noted. “The resources they provide enable
us to create meaningful education programs at the Village through a fantastic
community event on Big Beaver—it’s a win/win!”
