Deep in the industrial heart of Livonia rests a garage, grand in size and breathtaking in contents. Inside, around 115 classic cars are parked, each more stunning than the last. This mind-blowing collection of automotive relics and nostalgia is known as the Roush Automotive Collection, a namesake for its main egghead, Jack Roush. Known far and wide in the auto and racing industries, Roush has curated this display of historic vehicles, which are now open to the public for viewing.
At the forefront of the collection is a silver Mustang labeled “Old Crow,” standing out with a lively red spoiler on the rear and yellow on the front bumper. The name is a tribute to Brig. Gen. Bud Anderson, a renowned flying ace during World War II. Anderson himself lent his legendary signature to the car.
Each vehicle within the collection has its own unique history, some have raced and won on renowned racing circuits, others sold to fund Roush’s ever-growing empire. However, all tie back to the man himself, Jack Roush.
The Roush empire isn’t just about flashy cars and racing, though. It encompasses a range of businesses, including aftermarket performance part supplies and alternative fuel system manufacturing. This titan of the industry continues to forge ahead, driving innovation, and employing thousands of individuals across the globe.
Despite all of this, to his daughter Susan, he’s still just ‘Dad’. Susan Roush McClenaghan plays a key role in the Roush Automotive Collection and manages the array of vehicles her father has gathered over the years. Susan shares her father’s passion for cars; she herself is a six-time national championship drag racer.
The Roush collection’s roots extend back to the 1980s. Initially, the cars – retired race models and show vehicles – were spread out across various locations. Seeing the potential historical value of these vehicles and his increasing number of fans, Roush wanted to bring everything together under one roof. The result? A 30,000-square-foot display area that does justice to the marvels within.
Aside from the extraordinary cars, a piece of wreckage from a twin-engine Lockwood AirCam is a reminder of Roush’s near-fatal crash. It speaks volumes about his audacity and love for machines, be it ground or air.
Among the fleet is a 1969 Mustang which holds special significance, as the sale of this car helped launch Roush’s empire. Another gem within the collection is a 1913 electric Brougham model, showing that electric cars have been around for quite some time.
This collection is a testament to the love of fast cars shared by the Roush family, and the determination to preserve their history for fans and future generations. The Roush Automotive Collection is open to the public Monday through Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
