(July 13, 2015) TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. — Hagerty Classic Cars magazine took over a Chicago-area drive-in to celebrate the 6th annual Collector Car Appreciation Day on July 10. Those in classic cars received complimentary admission, and enjoyed a summer evening with the whole family. The event welcomed more than 500 cars, with some collectors driving nearly 200 miles to attend.

"It is a very special experience to watch a movie in a classic car with your family at a drive-in," said McKeel Hagerty, executive publisher of Hagerty Classic Cars magazine.



"We find ourselves staring at so many small screens nowadays — our computers, iPhones — we wanted to create a fun, family-friendly event that encouraged families to not only enjoy their collector cars, but also spend time together."

Families were treated to an opening night screening of the much-anticipated Minions, and those who arrived in costumes from the era of their collectible car were entered to win prizes. Prizes were also awarded to those who traveled the furthest to attend. Classic car owners outside of the Chicago-area are encouraged to enter Hagerty Classic Cars Facebook contest, which encourages people to go to their local drive-in theater, snap a family photo and upload it as a comment to Hagerty's Facebook Page between July 10th -16th.

The 100 photos with the most "likes" by July 16 will win a $100 gift card. Additional information is available at: www.hagerty.com/drive-in.

Collector Car Appreciation Day is an annual event to raise awareness of the vital role automotive restoration and collection plays in American society. Intended to celebrate the classics of the past and the future and recognize the integral role collector cars have played in fostering our nation's appreciation for the automobile's unique historical place in our history.