Hot Rod Magazine Tour to visit Mobile

MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) - One of the finest, high-end, car shows in the world has chosen Mobile as it's final stop on a power tour. Hot Rod Magazine announced Thursday it would caravan thousands of muscle cars into Mobile in June.

The seven-day, seven-city Hot Rod Power Tour will make its final stop in Mobile. Hot Rod Magazine editor Terry Bit made the announcement Thursday at Cooper Riverside Park.

The Hot Rod Tour will caravan from Iowa and make it's way to the Port City on June 11. More than 3,000 muscle cars will travel over 1,500 miles.

"In the 16 years we have been doing this event, it just gets bigger and bigger. We'll have upwards of 3,000 cars, enthusiasts vehicles performance cars, Camaros, '57 Chevys, street rods, hot rods, here in town and cars from all over the world," said Bit.

Bit said the event attracts thousands of people. City Council President Reggie Copeland said Mobile is the perfect city to host the event because it has plenty of practice.

Bit said the tour gives a chance for car enthusiasts to get up close and personal with their dream cars.

"When you bring a magazine to life like that, it really does have an impact. And bringing it to the city of Mobile will just make it that much better because we have so many readers here in Alabama," Bit said.

Randy O'Neal is a member of the Citronelle Burnt-Out Cruisers. The Burnt-Out Cruisers are a local group who will participate in the event.

O'Neal drives a late 1950s model Chevy. He bought it completely overhauled and said he has loved every minute of it.

"Driving down the four lanes, cars start to pass you, but they never pass you. What they're doing, they are looking at the car and they'll come on by and give you a thumbs up. So, it really makes you feel good you know, driving something like that."

The cars look old, but many of them are more modern on the inside than some new cars on the street.

"It's been updated to power disc brakes, power steering, all the glass is new, the weather stripping, the carpet, all the interior is new, and it's got bucket seats," O'Neal said.

This event will be free for the public.