If you’re a car enthusiast, you would be thrilled to explore a massive collection of classic cars hidden away in a giant garage in Livonia. For the general public, this garage holds a treasure trove of nearly 115 classic cars, most of which are deemed invaluable due to the treasure trove historic relevance they cling to. At the heart of this rich collection is a silver Mustang known as the “Old Crow“. This car is a tribute to Brig. Gen. Bud Anderson, the famous flying ace of World War II, known for his P-51 Mustang airplanes.
Delving deeper into this car paradise, you would discover a tale intertwined with racing, fame, hard work, and grandeur. This collection of marvels, known as the Roush Automotive Collection, belongs to Jack Roush. His passion for cars has seen him turn his beloved hobby into a thriving global business that extends into auto racing, manufacturing, and other related areas. This collection aptly reflects the man, his passion, ambition, and his life story.
You might wonder how a personal car collection became a public attraction. Well, back in the 1980s, Roush started assembling his beloved collection of retired race cars and show vehicles. As the collection grew, he decided to make it public. Thus, the Roush Automotive Collection was born, hosting 40 retired NASCAR race cars and offering fans a unique way to connect with the sport and its history.
In the collection, you’ll find the”Sudden Death“, a 1975 Mustang II built with an aim to conquer the street racing scene of the time. We then have the “Big Thunder“, a white 1960 Ford Falcon, also a racer, owned by Dale McClenaghan, who married Susan Roush, Jack Roush’s daughter.
Apart from racing cars, the collection houses the wreckage of a small aircraft, silently narrating a gripping story of Roush’s near-fatal air crash. Yet another story of resilience, survival, and friendship that adds to the collection’s charm.
Every vehicle in this collection is a testament to Roush’s passion and his dedication to the industry. Take, for example, a blue 1969 Mustang bearing the name “Gapp & Roush”, which essentially funded Roush’s own racing venture. Then there’s an impressive 1913 model Rauch & Lang electric Brougham, one of the oldest cars in the collection and happened to be an Electric Vehicle, a silent reminder of the industry’s shift towards sustainable mobility.
The Roush Automotive Collection is more than just a collection of classic cars; it’s a physical manifestation of the accomplishments of a man’s love for cars and his dedication to the auto industry. These cars have raced, brought glory, survived, and now they sit in quiet grandeur, narrating tales of the past and invoking awe and admiration among the visitors.
Author: STAFF HERE NOVI WRITER
The NOVI STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENovi.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Novi, Oakland County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Motor City Comic Con, Michigan State Fair, and Novi Home and Garden Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Novi Chamber of Commerce and Novi Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in automotive, technology, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Gentherm, Stoneridge, and Daifuku North America. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREDetroitMI.com, HEREGrandRapids.com, HERENorthville.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
