Autoblog takes on Gratiot: Imports, odds, and ends

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Click the image above to view high-resolution photos of the Gratiot Cruise imports

There just isn’t a whole lot of import metal in most Michigan classic car events, but luckily for us, there was a BMW dealer right in the middle of the Gratiot cruise. The dealer and its employees brought out their most souped-up Mini’s, which outdid anything from Bavaria. There were a couple early 90’s M-Series also and a 2002 that was very sharp. One of the most breath-taking vehicles on display at the event was the Porsche pictured above (more pictures of the Porsche are in the gallery). Talk about perfection.

To attract anywhere near the foot-traffic of the bigger Woodward show, the Gratiot cruise also has an annual talent competition, lots of great bands, and even a large machine gun. We snapped a few photos to give you an idea what the event was like. The high-resolution pictures are located directly below. Enjoy!

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Georgia Mom Develops Special Teen Driving Magnet

There is no easy cure for teenage traffic deaths and injuries, but Susan Kessler believes she has at least come up with a way to help limit the carnage: When a new driver gets behind the wheel, just slap a temporary warning sign on the car. Here, Kessler family friend Sheila Burns passes the keys to her granddaughter, Kayla.

Georgia Mom Develops Special Teen Driving Magnet

Kessler has developed signs for teens with learner permits and first-year licenses. They are attached magnetically to the car’s sheet metal and display the words “Caution Newly Licensed.” Here, Kessler’s son Donnie poses next to the car he drives with the sign attached.

Georgia Mom Develops Special Teen Driving Magnet

It’s not hard to imagine the signs being a nightmare to teens obsessed with what their peers think. But, Kessler, a Kennesaw, Ga., mother of six, says the real horror is out on the highway: thousands of young people killed and injured in traffics every year. Here, Kessler’s son Donnie and his friend Kayla stand next to the family car with the safe driving magnet attached.

Georgia Mom Develops Special Teen Driving Magnet

More than 15,000 of people have ordered the signs since Kessler and a group of other moms introduced them four years ago. Here, Kessler family friend Sheila Burns passes the keys to her granddaughter, Kayla.