For Immediate Release
August 18, 2016
CONTACT: Della Cassia
248-305-3770
dcassia@dptv.org
Woodward Dream Cruise Meets Antiques Roadshow: A DPTV Special Live Broadcast
TONIGHT from 8-9 p.m. on 56.1; Online from 6 to 9 p.m.
dptv.org/dreamcruise
DETROIT (August 18, 2016) - Detroit’s love story with classic cars will unfold on Thursday, August 18 during a special primetime show brought to you by Detroit Public Television (DPTV) live from the Woodward Dream Cruise. Hosted by automotive analyst Bob Lutz, A Craftsman's Legacy host Eric Gorges and DPTV's Fred Nahhat, the event will feature classic cars and interviews with more than 30 car owners.
Stationed in front of the Rust Belt Market, the show will feature a lineup of impressive hot rods such as a 1932 Ford 5 Window Coupe; 1951 Cadillac; 1923 Ford Mini T; and a 1955 Chevy Bel Air 2DHT among many others. These cars were selected not only for their beauty, but also the unique stories of their owners who have spent time, energy and money to restore and take care of them.
Bringing these stories to life along with all the important technical jargon will be the co-hosts of the DPTV Dream Cruise Roadshow: Bob Lutz and Eric Gorges.
Lutz retired as General Motors vice chairman on May 1, 2010 after a 47-year career in the global automotive industry. In fact, he may have had his thumbprints on the launch of more cars and trucks than anyone else in the history of the American car business.
Between 1962 and 2010, Lutz worked for a wide variety of organizations, both in North America and abroad. His North American ventures include General Motors, pushing the Pontiac Solstice concept car and championing the import of the Australian Holden Monaro as the Pontiac GTO; Ford, where he initiated the highly successful Ford Explorer; Chrysler, reorganizing product development resulting in the very popular cab-forward LH sedans and the new Ram pickup, and conceiving the idea for the Dodge Viper halo sports car; the Chevrolet Malibu, Cadillac CTS and Saturn Aura, and last but not least, spearheaded the development and production of the Chevrolet Volt.
Like his hometown of Detroit, Gorges’ story is one of repurposing and rebuilding. After a devastating health crisis in the late ‘90’s, Gorges, a self-confessed IT nerd, walked away from a lucrative corporate career for good. At that period in his life, he knew three very simple things: he loved bikes, he loved working with his hands and he needed a job. He sought out Ron Fournier at Fournier Enterprises, one of the best metal shapers in the country and eventually signed on as his apprentice. Starting in the business from the ground floor up, with Ron as his handcrafting guru, Gorges started working on vintage cars and building “one of a kind” hot rods. In April of 1999, with years of building and design work under his belt, he decided to strike out on his own and Voodoo Choppers was born.
As the dad of a 10-year old daughter, Gorges views this work as more than just a way to make a living. In a disposable world, he regards craftsmanship as a lasting and loving legacy to future generations.
Don’t miss an incredible show this Thursday on Detroit Public TV starting at 6 p.m. with online behind-the-scenes coverage and followed from 8 to 9 p.m. with the live broadcast. For more information, visit dptv.org/dreamcruise.
About Detroit Public Television:
Detroit Public Television (DPTV)-WTVS-TV is the non-commercial, viewer-supported PBS member station serving the nation's 11th largest television market, with 1.5 million weekly viewers in Southeast Michigan and 1.2 million weekly viewers across Canada. DPTV is a leader in programming related to health and the environment, public affairs, arts and culture and children. It is also a leading national producer and distributor of programming for Public Television, and winner of a 2012 Alfred I. DuPont-Columbia Award, as well as the only dual PBS licensee / entertainment label in the country, operating as DPTV Media. For more information, visit www.dptv.org
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