The rumble of engines, the gleam of chrome, and the unmistakable silhouette of classic Ford Broncos lined up as far as the eye could see – welcome to our experience at the 2025 Woodward Dream Cruise. Saturday, August 16, 2025: 9:00 am to 9:00 pm. Celebrating 30 Years of the Woodward Dream Cruise! This milestone year marked three decades of automotive passion, and the team at Bronco Graveyard couldn't have been more excited to be part of this legendary celebration.
Event Details:
Saturday, August 16, 2025: 9:00 am to 9:00 pm
Woodward Dream Cruise Event Map
Parking Locations
Shuttle Services
The Woodward Dream Cruise is North America's largest celebration of automotive culture, attracting nearly one-million visitors and thousands of classic and specialty vehicles to Metro Detroit. For us at Bronco Graveyard, this wasn't just another car show – it was a pilgrimage to the heart of American automotive culture, where our beloved early Broncos could share the spotlight with automotive legends from every era.
The Woodward Dream Cruise is the world's largest one-day automotive event, drawing over 1 million people and 40,000 classic cars each year from around the globe — from as far away as Australia and Japan. Walking among the crowds, we met enthusiasts who had traveled thousands of miles just to experience this automotive mecca, proving that the passion for classic vehicles knows no boundaries.
The official Woodward Avenue Dream Cruise route is a 16-mile radius and runs through nine participating communities. Our convoy of restored and original early Broncos made the scenic journey from Ferndale to Pontiac, cruising through each community that has embraced this annual tradition. Each city along the route – including Royal Oak, Birmingham, Berkley, Pleasant Ridge, and Huntington Woods – brought its own unique flavor to the experience.
The energy was palpable as we rolled down Woodward Avenue. Every parking lot, side street, and gathering spot was filled with automotive treasures. From muscle cars that defined the golden age of American horsepower to meticulously restored classics that seemed to have rolled straight out of a time machine, the variety was staggering. But for us, nothing compared to seeing the heads turn and cameras flash when our early Broncos rumbled past.
Ford will once again serve as the presenting sponsor of the 2024 Woodward Dream Cruise, marking seven consecutive years. Ford's commitment to the event runs deep, and their sponsorship has helped elevate the celebration to new heights. The Ford Team is looking for Bronco owners to come out and show off their classic Bronco at the Woodward Dream Cruise! This call to action from Ford Performance resonated with us – after all, showcasing these incredible machines is exactly what we're passionate about.
In feverish anticipation of the forthcoming 2020 Ford Bronco, enthusiasts of previous-generation Broncos were out in force on Woodward Avenue. Even though the new Bronco has now been on the market for several years, the enthusiasm for the classics has only grown stronger. The new Bronco has introduced a whole new generation to the nameplate, but for many, nothing beats the raw, unfiltered character of the early models.
Our collection of early Broncos drew crowds wherever we parked. From pristine restorations to survivor-grade originals, each vehicle told its own story. We had everything from a numbers-matching 1966 with its original paint showing decades of honest patina, to a fully restored 1977 that gleamed like it had just rolled off the showroom floor.
The conversations were the highlight of our day. "It started out as an ugly old snowplow," Rick said. Stories like this one, from a Lapeer couple who had spent years restoring their '67 Bronco, were everywhere. Each owner had their own journey – some inherited their Broncos from family members, others stumbled upon barn finds, and many had been searching for the perfect project for years before finding their dream machine.
What struck us most was the diversity of the Bronco community. Young enthusiasts were learning from seasoned veterans who had been wrenching on these trucks since they were new. Families were making memories together, with kids climbing into driver's seats and dreaming of the day they'd have their own Bronco to restore. It was a perfect representation of how these vehicles transcend generations.
As parts specialists and restoration experts, we found ourselves in countless technical discussions throughout the day. Fellow enthusiasts peppered us with questions about hard-to-find components, restoration techniques, and maintenance tips. The early Broncos on display represented every configuration imaginable – from the simplest 170 cubic inch inline-six models to the most powerful 302 V8 variants.
We saw incredible attention to detail in the restorations. Period-correct wheels and tires, factory-correct paint colors, and properly restored interiors showed the dedication of owners who refuse to compromise on authenticity. But we also appreciated the modified examples – lifted Broncos with modern suspension components, engine swaps that breathed new life into tired chassis, and custom touches that reflected their owners' personalities while respecting the Bronco's heritage.
Cruisers from all across North America, including Canada and Mexico, caravan to Metro Detroit to participate in what has become, for many, an annual rite of summer. This sense of tradition was evident everywhere we looked. Families had been attending for decades, with multiple generations sharing their love of classic cars. Car clubs from across the continent had organized group trips, their matching t-shirts and coordinated parking displaying the tight-knit communities that form around shared automotive passion.
The Bronco community specifically showed incredible solidarity. Impromptu tech sessions broke out in parking lots as owners shared solutions to common problems. Parts were traded, contact information was exchanged, and new friendships were forged over shared appreciation for these legendary trucks. It reinforced why we're so passionate about supporting this community through our restoration parts and expertise.
Celebrating 30 Years of Car Show in the Park – this milestone reminded us that automotive enthusiasm isn't just about the past; it's about preserving history for future generations. Seeing young people's faces light up when they heard the distinctive rumble of a 302 V8 or watched the mechanical simplicity of a manual transmission shift told us that the future of the hobby is bright.
As we loaded up our Broncos for the journey home, we reflected on an incredible day. The Woodward Dream Cruise 2025 reinforced why we do what we do at Bronco Graveyard. These aren't just trucks – they're pieces of American automotive history, family heirlooms, and symbols of a time when vehicles had character and soul.
The memories made, connections formed, and passion shared at this year's Dream Cruise will fuel our enthusiasm throughout the coming year. We'll be back next August, ready to celebrate another year of automotive culture with the incredible community that makes the Woodward Dream Cruise truly special.
Until then, we'll be in the shop, helping fellow enthusiasts keep their early Broncos running, driving, and ready for the next great adventure down Woodward Avenue.
