Title: Bricklin Enthusiasts Gather in Saint John to Celebrate Iconic Car’s 50-Year Anniversary
This past weekend, the streets of Saint John were filled with the nostalgic sight of about 40 Bricklins, drawing admiration from New Brunswickers both young and old. These sleek vehicles, produced in Saint John and Minto in 1974 and 1975, have a special place in the hearts of many, with only about 3,000 ever made before production ceased, leaving behind a tax dollar loss of over $23 million.
Enthusiasts from around the globe converged on New Brunswick to celebrate the 50-year milestone of the Bricklin, bringing with them a range of these iconic cars, including a unique black Bricklin with a black interior, known as the Chairman – a prototype for an unreleased model. Steven Stratton, the owner of this special vehicle and chairman of Bricklin International, a longstanding club with about 240 members, made the journey all the way from Virginia for the event.
For Stratton, the allure of the Bricklin dates back to his teenage years when he first laid eyes on one in Virginia. The distinctive gull-wing doors captured his attention, eventually leading to him becoming a proud owner of two Bricklins, including the Chairman.
Bricklin International, a club dedicated to preserving the legacy of these timeless cars, not only serves as a hub for enthusiasts but also as an archive for repair and maintenance information. Through its online forum and publication, the Bricklin Magazine, the club disseminates knowledge, stories of owners, and tips for keeping these classic vehicles in top shape.
John Blair, a fellow Virginia resident and Bricklin owner, has played a significant role in the club by publishing the magazine with a focus on providing repair guidance. Blair’s efforts aim to make servicing Bricklins more accessible, as the unique nature of the car has made many mechanics hesitant to work on them.
Despite the challenges, a dedicated group of mechanics, inspired by pioneers like Terry Tanner, head of manufacturing for Bricklin, have improved these vehicles over the years. Tanner’s vision of enhancing the original design of the Bricklin has influenced many restoration and repair efforts, ensuring that these cars perform better now than they did half a century ago.
One such mechanic, Bob Hoffman of Bob’s Brickyard in Michigan, continues to keep the Bricklin spirit alive by offering comprehensive repair services for these rare vehicles, with plans for his son
This past weekend, the streets of Saint John were filled with the nostalgic sight of about 40 Bricklins, drawing admiration from New Brunswickers both young and old. These sleek vehicles, produced in Saint John and Minto in 1974 and 1975, have a special place in the hearts of many, with only about 3,000 ever made before production ceased, leaving behind a tax dollar loss of over $23 million.
Enthusiasts from around the globe converged on New Brunswick to celebrate the 50-year milestone of the Bricklin, bringing with them a range of these iconic cars, including a unique black Bricklin with a black interior, known as the Chairman – a prototype for an unreleased model. Steven Stratton, the owner of this special vehicle and chairman of Bricklin International, a longstanding club with about 240 members, made the journey all the way from Virginia for the event.
For Stratton, the allure of the Bricklin dates back to his teenage years when he first laid eyes on one in Virginia. The distinctive gull-wing doors captured his attention, eventually leading to him becoming a proud owner of two Bricklins, including the Chairman.
Bricklin International, a club dedicated to preserving the legacy of these timeless cars, not only serves as a hub for enthusiasts but also as an archive for repair and maintenance information. Through its online forum and publication, the Bricklin Magazine, the club disseminates knowledge, stories of owners, and tips for keeping these classic vehicles in top shape.
John Blair, a fellow Virginia resident and Bricklin owner, has played a significant role in the club by publishing the magazine with a focus on providing repair guidance. Blair’s efforts aim to make servicing Bricklins more accessible, as the unique nature of the car has made many mechanics hesitant to work on them.
Despite the challenges, a dedicated group of mechanics, inspired by pioneers like Terry Tanner, head of manufacturing for Bricklin, have improved these vehicles over the years. Tanner’s vision of enhancing the original design of the Bricklin has influenced many restoration and repair efforts, ensuring that these cars perform better now than they did half a century ago.
One such mechanic, Bob Hoffman of Bob’s Brickyard in Michigan, continues to keep the Bricklin spirit alive by offering comprehensive repair services for these rare vehicles, with plans for his son
