40 Bricklins Unite: Celebrating 50 Years of Automotive History in New Brunswick
Over the weekend in Saint John, about 40 Bricklins revved up Water Street, drawing in a crowd of New Brunswickers eager to admire these iconic cars and even get behind the wheel. The Bricklin, produced in Saint John and Minto in the mid-70s, holds a special place in the hearts of many locals, despite only around 3,000 of these unique vehicles ever hitting the streets before production came to an end, leaving behind a tax dollar shortfall of over $23 million.
Enthusiasts from all corners of the globe congregated in New Brunswick to mark the 50th anniversary of the Bricklin, showcasing a stunning array of these classic cars, including a rare black Bricklin with a black interior – the prototype for an unreleased model known as the Chairman, owned by Steven Stratton, the chairman of Bricklin International, a longstanding club with 240 dedicated members.
Journeying from Virginia to attend the event, Stratton’s passion for Bricklins was sparked at a young age when he first laid eyes on the sleek gull-wing doors of the vehicle. Now, as the owner of two Bricklins, including the coveted Chairman model, Stratton emphasizes the importance of keeping the Bricklin community vibrant and ensuring these cars remain on the road for years to come.
The Bricklin International club, formed in 1976, continues to connect Bricklin owners and enthusiasts worldwide, playing a pivotal role in preserving the legacy and maintenance of these unique vehicles. With a strong online presence, the club serves as an invaluable resource for repair and maintenance tips, providing a platform for members to share stories, history, and expertise.
John Blair, a fellow Bricklin owner from Virginia, played a significant role in championing the Bricklin through his work on the Bricklin Magazine, turning it into a comprehensive repair manual to support both owners and mechanics in maintaining these special cars. Despite the challenges of finding skilled mechanics, a dedicated group has committed themselves to enhancing the performance and longevity of Bricklins, building on the legacy of individuals like Terry Tanner, the head of manufacturing for Bricklin in New Brunswick, who made crucial improvements to the vehicle in its heyday.
Through the dedication of owners, mechanics, and enthusiasts like Bob Hoffman of Bob’s Brickyard in Michigan, the spirit of the Bricklin lives on, with repairs and enhancements continuing to push
Over the weekend in Saint John, about 40 Bricklins revved up Water Street, drawing in a crowd of New Brunswickers eager to admire these iconic cars and even get behind the wheel. The Bricklin, produced in Saint John and Minto in the mid-70s, holds a special place in the hearts of many locals, despite only around 3,000 of these unique vehicles ever hitting the streets before production came to an end, leaving behind a tax dollar shortfall of over $23 million.
Enthusiasts from all corners of the globe congregated in New Brunswick to mark the 50th anniversary of the Bricklin, showcasing a stunning array of these classic cars, including a rare black Bricklin with a black interior – the prototype for an unreleased model known as the Chairman, owned by Steven Stratton, the chairman of Bricklin International, a longstanding club with 240 dedicated members.
Journeying from Virginia to attend the event, Stratton’s passion for Bricklins was sparked at a young age when he first laid eyes on the sleek gull-wing doors of the vehicle. Now, as the owner of two Bricklins, including the coveted Chairman model, Stratton emphasizes the importance of keeping the Bricklin community vibrant and ensuring these cars remain on the road for years to come.
The Bricklin International club, formed in 1976, continues to connect Bricklin owners and enthusiasts worldwide, playing a pivotal role in preserving the legacy and maintenance of these unique vehicles. With a strong online presence, the club serves as an invaluable resource for repair and maintenance tips, providing a platform for members to share stories, history, and expertise.
John Blair, a fellow Bricklin owner from Virginia, played a significant role in championing the Bricklin through his work on the Bricklin Magazine, turning it into a comprehensive repair manual to support both owners and mechanics in maintaining these special cars. Despite the challenges of finding skilled mechanics, a dedicated group has committed themselves to enhancing the performance and longevity of Bricklins, building on the legacy of individuals like Terry Tanner, the head of manufacturing for Bricklin in New Brunswick, who made crucial improvements to the vehicle in its heyday.
Through the dedication of owners, mechanics, and enthusiasts like Bob Hoffman of Bob’s Brickyard in Michigan, the spirit of the Bricklin lives on, with repairs and enhancements continuing to push
