Reviving the Bricklin: Enthusiasts Fuel the Passion for Vintage Cars
A remarkable sight greeted the residents of Saint John as about 40 Bricklins lined Water Street this past weekend. The distinctive cars, produced in Saint John and Minto in the mid-1970s, were on display for New Brunswickers of all ages to admire and even take a seat behind the wheel.
It was a celebration of history and craftsmanship as these rare automobiles, only about 3,000 ever made, rolled into town, bringing with them memories of a bygone era. The event marked the 50th anniversary of the Bricklin, drawing enthusiasts from around the world to pay homage to this piece of automotive history.
Among the impressive lineup was a one-of-a-kind black Bricklin with a black interior, known as the “Chairman,” a prototype for a never-produced model. Owned by Steven Stratton, chairman of Bricklin International, the club dedicated to preserving these iconic cars since 1976.
For Stratton, the love affair with Bricklins began at a young age when he first laid eyes on the gull-wing doors that set these cars apart. Fast forward to today, and he not only owns two Bricklins, including the Chairman, but also leads a community of over 240 members united by their passion for these unique vehicles.
The Bricklin International club serves as a hub for sharing repair and maintenance tips, ensuring that these vintage cars continue to roar down the roads with pride. The annual meet in New Brunswick this year highlighted the dedication of Bricklin owners in keeping the legacy alive.
John Blair, a fellow Bricklin owner and publisher of the Bricklin Magazine, shared how his journey with the car led to a mission to provide a comprehensive repair manual for enthusiasts and mechanics alike. His efforts have been instrumental in demystifying the complexities of working on these rare machines, encouraging more hands to get dirty under the hoods.
The story of the Bricklin wouldn’t be complete without mentioning Terry Tanner, the mastermind behind many improvements that have enhanced the performance and longevity of these vehicles over the years. His legacy lives on through the Bricklin shops that continue to provide vital services to owners around the world.
As the torch is passed to a new generation of enthusiasts, like Bob Hoffman and his son at Bob’s Brickyard in Michigan, the future of Bricklins remains bright. Despite the challenges of sourcing rare parts, the dedication and pride of owners like
A remarkable sight greeted the residents of Saint John as about 40 Bricklins lined Water Street this past weekend. The distinctive cars, produced in Saint John and Minto in the mid-1970s, were on display for New Brunswickers of all ages to admire and even take a seat behind the wheel.
It was a celebration of history and craftsmanship as these rare automobiles, only about 3,000 ever made, rolled into town, bringing with them memories of a bygone era. The event marked the 50th anniversary of the Bricklin, drawing enthusiasts from around the world to pay homage to this piece of automotive history.
Among the impressive lineup was a one-of-a-kind black Bricklin with a black interior, known as the “Chairman,” a prototype for a never-produced model. Owned by Steven Stratton, chairman of Bricklin International, the club dedicated to preserving these iconic cars since 1976.
For Stratton, the love affair with Bricklins began at a young age when he first laid eyes on the gull-wing doors that set these cars apart. Fast forward to today, and he not only owns two Bricklins, including the Chairman, but also leads a community of over 240 members united by their passion for these unique vehicles.
The Bricklin International club serves as a hub for sharing repair and maintenance tips, ensuring that these vintage cars continue to roar down the roads with pride. The annual meet in New Brunswick this year highlighted the dedication of Bricklin owners in keeping the legacy alive.
John Blair, a fellow Bricklin owner and publisher of the Bricklin Magazine, shared how his journey with the car led to a mission to provide a comprehensive repair manual for enthusiasts and mechanics alike. His efforts have been instrumental in demystifying the complexities of working on these rare machines, encouraging more hands to get dirty under the hoods.
The story of the Bricklin wouldn’t be complete without mentioning Terry Tanner, the mastermind behind many improvements that have enhanced the performance and longevity of these vehicles over the years. His legacy lives on through the Bricklin shops that continue to provide vital services to owners around the world.
As the torch is passed to a new generation of enthusiasts, like Bob Hoffman and his son at Bob’s Brickyard in Michigan, the future of Bricklins remains bright. Despite the challenges of sourcing rare parts, the dedication and pride of owners like
