There were 1,387 American cars parked at Katowice’s Muchowiec airport and American Cars Mania was visited by 30,000 people over the 3 days of the rally. This is a record in the 11-year history of the rally.
„A year ago we hosted 1,000 American cars at the same venue, but we didn’t expect there to be almost 400 more this year! We would like to thank the rally participants and visitors for coming in such large numbers and having so much fun, because it is really they who create the fantastic atmosphere of this biggest celebration of American motoring and culture in Poland,” – says Mariusz Wypychowski, organiser of the rally.
American Cars Mania participants donated blood
New this year was the Health Stefa, where people could have their skin moles examined for free under the guidance of oncologists and receive psychological support from the American Cars Mania Foundation medical ambulance. The Legion of Honorary Blood Donors’ bloodmobile donated blood for those in need on Saturday. The Rescue Squad of the Tarnogórski Area Scouts of the Polish Scouting and Guiding Association (ZHP) held a first aid workshop.
Polish premiere of the Ford F-150
Test drives of the latest off-road Ford Bronco, which took off in the Ford Poland exhibition area and continued on the verdant roads and outskirts of Muchowice airport, attracted huge interest. Ford showcased the latest car models from the electric Mustang, Mustang Dark Horse and the GT version, to the Ford F-150 pickup – the sales leader in the USA.
Military with American Cars Mania
The Military and Special Vehicles Zone was hugely popular. Its star was a vintage M4 Sherman tank (still running!), which featured in the film Czerwone maki (The Red Poppies) and the upcoming American film Nuremberg. Courtesy of the Museum of Automotive and Military Technology in Katowice, WWII trucks such as the GMC CCKW 355 and off-road vehicles used during the Vietnam War were on display. There was no shortage of the latest American military vehicles of the Humvee type, with which the Polish Army came at the invitation of American Cars Mania, having its information and recruitment point at the rally site.
Several dozen police cars lifelike from the USA made an incredible impression. Visitors could see with their own eyes a well-preserved 1990 Chevrolet Caprice, which bore a striking resemblance to the vehicle featured in the Terminator II film. Also of interest was a contemporarily used Ford Police Interceptor Utility K9 with a 3.5 litre engine and twin turbos that accelerates 5.5 seconds to 100. This powerful SUV is distinguished by a body for carrying police dogs and a cannon for throwing out GPS markers.
Hollywood Rose and Dodge Challenger R/T
Strongmen turned up at Muchowiec airport on Sunday to compete in the Viking Strongman Eurpean Cup. Eight strongmen lifted cars and engine blocks, among other things. The final concert on Saturday evening was headlined by Hollywood Rose, Europe’s best Guns n’ Roses cover band. Under the watchful eye of a special committee, the grand prize of a Dodge Challenger R/T, sponsored by sponsor America Cars, was also drawn. Proceeds from the sale of the e-books entitling entry into the draw benefited the America Cars Mania Foundation and the operation of the medical ambulance carrying out medical examinations on board.
The Business HUB magazine is the media patron of the event.