Bruce Meyer Reveals Inspiration Behind His Best Cruise-In Yet
We chat with the famed enthusiast about his ‘All-American Cruise-In,’ celebrating the genius of Carroll Shelby and Ford v Ferrari, Jan. 26.
Bruce Meyer is an automotive renaissance man, and well, a bit of a legend. In the car community he might be known for any number of accomplishments. Meyer is the Founding Chairman (and current Vice Chairman) of the Board of Directors of the Petersen Automotive Museum. Certainly, he is known for his staggeringly diverse, dream car collection, which often makes headlines and includes many rides with notable history. He also broke land speed records at 2012 Bonneville Speed Week, hitting over 200 mph in a 1932 Ford Roadster on the Salt Flats. But, above all else, he just loves cars, which is why it’s not surprising that fellow auto influencers often refer to him as a “car guy’s car guy.”
Later this month, Meyer (pictured below) will be hosting the Bruce Meyer’s All-American Cruise-In on January 26 at the Petersen in Los Angeles. It is a celebration of all-American cars, with a special emphasis on the genius and impact of Carroll Shelby. Following the Cruise-In, Meyer put together a dream team panel to discuss the blockbuster film Ford v Ferrari, and the real-life events that led up to Ford’s game-changing win at 1966 Le Mans.
The Mustang Source recently spoke with Meyer to get more details about the special event on January 26 and to talk all things Mustang.
THE MUSTANG SOURCE: This has been an exciting time for American cars enthusiasts. The new Corvette is a success, Ford v Ferrari has been nominated for an Oscar… Did this inspire your decision to do an All-American Cruise-In?
BRUCE MEYER: We do monthly Cruise-Ins. And we’ll honor Porsche, and we’ll honor Ferrari….Because of Ford v Ferrari, we thought it would be appropriate to do an “American Cruise-In.” Plus, I love American cars and American-powered cars. That’s why they ended up calling it the “Bruce Meyers All-American Cruise-In,” because that means a lot to me.
‘I’ve been campaigning for hot rods for a very long time because the hot rod guys are the ones who built the Mustang and the Cobra… the genesis of all things loud, fast, and American are hot rods.’
What cars are you hoping to see at the event?
Well, obviously, the Mustang is going to be very important. The Cobras are a big part of it. I think Mustangs are going to play a big role, because the Mustang has such a great following. I have a 1965 GT350 and I’ve had it since 1987, so however many years that is, 30 years.
You’ve said in the past that you think the Cobra is the most fun car to drive…
Yeah. I said that. They asked which is my favorite car and I picked the Cobra–mine in particular, because it was the first one built and it has a great race history. It’s got a terrific sound and power and presence and past history. So, that’s why it appeals to me. I would put that ’65 Mustang right up there with the best of them. The ’65 GT350 has a race-bred suspension and Detroit locker and plenty of power, considering it was 1965. I just love them all.
Everyone must ask you, ‘What is your favorite car in your collection?’
Yeah.
So, we’re not going to ask you that! Because I don’t think it’s possible to choose just one.
OK! Yeah. I can tell you it’s got to be a Ford and has Ford connections, because I have a lot of hot rods, and the Cobra, and the GT350. So, I love that V8 sound. It just works for me.
Would you say hot rods were how you got into car culture?
Those were my first dream cars. But, I was just born a car guy. From the age of two, I’ve loved anything with wheels and anything that makes noise and goes fast. So, I would say they’ve all had an effect on me….I’ve been campaigning for hot rods for a very long time because the hot rod guys are the ones who built the Mustang and who built the Cobra. I think the genesis of all things loud, fast, and American are hot rods.
‘The Mustang Source’ Talks American Cars with Bruce Meyer continued…
