(Words and photos by Joe Grippo) – York US 30 was shuttered way back in 1979 but the memories and history of the legendary Drag Strip continue to draw old racers and fans back to York, Pa once a year for a gathering of the legendary people and machines that frequented the old airport/track so many years ago. The York Expo Center at the Fairgrounds was ground zero for fans of nostalgia as former NHRA Division Director Darwin Doll held the 12th Annual Muscle Car Madness at the York Reunion. Vintage drag cars and finely appointed examples of 60’s and 70’s muscle cars filled two air-conditioned halls while outside the Cruisin’ into Summer show brought a bunch of Hot Rods, Pro Street, Vans, Modern Muscle and more for all to drool over.
Each year Darwin picks a different vehicle manufacturer to be the featured marquee and for 2013 it was the Ford Motor Company. The Blue Oval was represented with loads of Mustangs, Fairlanes, Falcon and Mavericks. Highlights included the latest version of The Frantic Ford Nitro Funny Car, the original and virtually untouched Maverick Pro Stocker of Dyno Don Nicholson and the all-conquering Fairmont of Bob Glidden. But it wasn’t just Fords on display. Chevrolet fans got to ogle a bunch of Jr Stock Tri-Fives, a bunch of Corvettes, a bunch of bubble top Impalas, a few Jungle Jim Liberman cars and much more. The Mopar crowd had their share of Hemis and Max-Wedge powered stuff as well. Current and old Gassers had a big presence this year with the kicker being the freshly restored ’39 Studebaker raced in the mid 60’s by Charlie Garrett called The Boss. Gorgeous. A few dragsters and a couple of altereds rounded out the show, as well. We made sure to stick around for the Saturday night move out. It is awesome to grab a spot by the big door and take in the sights and sounds as all the cars fire up, drive out of the hall and disappear into the night. Some people just can’t resist jumpin’ on the loud pedal! And lest I forget, bring money because Memorabilia is a huge part of this deal too and several vendors were on hand to help drain your wallet with amazing offerings of vintage photos, jackets, decals, posters and magazines. Or maybe a new Die-Cast is what you’re after, there were lots of those to choose from. All great stuff!
Oh yeah, Sunday the action moved to Beaver Spring Dragway for the race portion. Gallery to follow….
Put these events on your list of must attends for next year. You won’t be disappointed.
Hit the link below to see Joe’s first gallery from the 12th Annual Muscle Car Madness at the York Reunion
Gallery: 
Great cars and great pictures! Thanks Joe!
Grippo, don’t you have a job to go to? Another killer gallery of a killer show. Do you know what’s up with the white 66 Coronet? I’ve never seen single headlights on a 66, only the earlier race Hemi cars.
You are one to talk Greg! As for that Dodge, I think the owner took some liberties and created his version of what a WO23 meets A990 Hemi Coronet would have looked like if Dodge made them in 1966. Back seat delete, in-line 2×4 Nascar style intake and such. I didn’t even notice the single head lights. Cool Car…
I am sure some Mopar Fanatic will corret me if I am wrong….
Kudos on the great pictures! You made an old guy from the 60s scene very happy to have seen this great bunch of nostalgia cars! Thank you! Arnie!
Thanks Arnie! Glad you enjoyed ’em….