Revamping Retro Revival: Bricklin Enthusiasts Descend on Saint John to Celebrate 50 Years
Over this past weekend, the historic Water Street in Saint John was brought to life with the vibrant hues of approximately 40 eye-catching Bricklins. Enthusiasts of all ages, hailing from the province of New Brunswick and beyond, seized the opportunity to bask in the beauty of these vintage cars and even slip behind the wheel for a taste of nostalgia.
Dating back to 1974 and 1975, the famed Bricklin was a product of Saint John and Minto. With only around 3,000 specimens manufactured before production ceased, New Brunswickers were left mourning the loss of over $23 million in tax revenue. However, this weekend served as a joyous occasion as devotees from around the globe congregated to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the beloved vehicle in its birthplace.
Among the remarkable lineup of 40 Bricklins was a standout – the sole black Bricklin with a matching black interior, a prototype of the never-realized “Chairman” model. Proudly owned by Steven Stratton, Chairman of the Bricklin International club, boasting a membership of approximately 240 aficionados established in 1976. Journeying all the way from Virginia, Stratton’s passion for Bricklins ignited at the tender age of 13 when he laid eyes on his first one, captivated by the iconic gull-wing doors. Fast forward to present day, Stratton possesses two Bricklins, including the Chairman edition.
For Stratton and the club, their mission transcends mere admiration for these classic cars; it’s about preserving the legacy of the Bricklin and promoting camaraderie within the community. By facilitating repair and maintenance knowledge exchange through online platforms like the Bricklin Magazine and forums dating back to the early 2000s, the club aims to ensure the continual presence of these timeless automobiles on the roads.
One unsung hero in the Bricklin saga was Terry Tanner, the former head of manufacturing in New Brunswick, who dedicated his life to refining the vehicle even after production ceased. Following Tanner’s lead, a handful of devoted mechanics strive to enhance the existing Bricklins, making them better today than they were half a century ago.
In Michigan, Bob Hoffman’s Brickyard stands as a testament to the enduring passion of Bricklin owners. Hoffman, a former disciple of Tanner turned shop owner, labors
Over this past weekend, the historic Water Street in Saint John was brought to life with the vibrant hues of approximately 40 eye-catching Bricklins. Enthusiasts of all ages, hailing from the province of New Brunswick and beyond, seized the opportunity to bask in the beauty of these vintage cars and even slip behind the wheel for a taste of nostalgia.
Dating back to 1974 and 1975, the famed Bricklin was a product of Saint John and Minto. With only around 3,000 specimens manufactured before production ceased, New Brunswickers were left mourning the loss of over $23 million in tax revenue. However, this weekend served as a joyous occasion as devotees from around the globe congregated to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the beloved vehicle in its birthplace.
Among the remarkable lineup of 40 Bricklins was a standout – the sole black Bricklin with a matching black interior, a prototype of the never-realized “Chairman” model. Proudly owned by Steven Stratton, Chairman of the Bricklin International club, boasting a membership of approximately 240 aficionados established in 1976. Journeying all the way from Virginia, Stratton’s passion for Bricklins ignited at the tender age of 13 when he laid eyes on his first one, captivated by the iconic gull-wing doors. Fast forward to present day, Stratton possesses two Bricklins, including the Chairman edition.
For Stratton and the club, their mission transcends mere admiration for these classic cars; it’s about preserving the legacy of the Bricklin and promoting camaraderie within the community. By facilitating repair and maintenance knowledge exchange through online platforms like the Bricklin Magazine and forums dating back to the early 2000s, the club aims to ensure the continual presence of these timeless automobiles on the roads.
One unsung hero in the Bricklin saga was Terry Tanner, the former head of manufacturing in New Brunswick, who dedicated his life to refining the vehicle even after production ceased. Following Tanner’s lead, a handful of devoted mechanics strive to enhance the existing Bricklins, making them better today than they were half a century ago.
In Michigan, Bob Hoffman’s Brickyard stands as a testament to the enduring passion of Bricklin owners. Hoffman, a former disciple of Tanner turned shop owner, labors
