Connect with us at The Gentlemen Car Club of Loves Park
Promoting fellowship thru classic cars
About The Gentlemen Car Club of Loves Park
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Our History
The Gentlemen Car Club originated in 1959 in Loves Park, Illinois. The club was active until the late 1960's, but disbanded because all of it's members had either enlisted or were drafted into the armed forces due to the Vietnam war.
“They’re hot-rodders, but they’re gentlemen of the roadways” was written in a June, 1960 news story about the newly formed Gentlemen Car Club.
“They are all youths who regard the automobile as a privileged and a personal treasure – not as a public weapon. They want all the speed that they can build into their cars – but they want to see it in a proper place, not through residential neighborhoods,” the story continued.
One of the club’s first projects planned is to conduct a “safety lane” inspection of anybody’s and everybody’s automobiles, the story added.
The Gentlemen Car Club was also chartered as a member of the National Hot Rod Assn.
In 2010, a group of auto enthusiasts, many that were original members of the club, resurrected the club in the Fall. During 2011 the club hosted two Cruise Nights each month (May-Sept.) at Hawks View Restaurant. The club also became involved in a number of fund-raisers to support veteran activities and local charities.
In 2012 the club scaled back its Cruise Night endeavors to only once a month, the third Thursday of the month, at the Meadow Mart Shopping Center. Fast forward to today and we have grown to hosting multiple Cruise Nights and Car Shows throughout the summer.
For 2013 the Gentlemen moved their meeting place to the Loves Park VFW Post 9759. Meetings are the second Tuesday of each month (April-October). The Loves Park VFW Post 9759 continues to be our “clubhouse” to this day. Thank you Post 9759!
Since 2011, the Gentlemen’s main charity has been the “VetsRoll” program. The club is a generous sponsor of the yearly event that offers free trips for veterans to historic places in Washington D.C. and other points of interest along the way.
The trips are sponsored by Finnegan RV Sales and Service, South Beloit, IL. To date the ‘Gentlemen’ have donated over $120,000 dollars to send our aging veterans to Washington DC every year.
Today, the “Gentlemen” host Cruises and Car shows almost every week throughout the summer.
Our Mission
At The Gentlemen Car Club of Loves Park, our mission is to promote the sport and hobby of owning, altering, building and modifying classic and antique automobiles. Encourage family participation, educate the public and to promote friendship, support and organization for club functions
A history of The Gentlemen Car Club thru Photos. (Click or tap on the photo for descriptions)
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Welcome to The Gentlemen Car Club
Join us for fun and socializing with like-minded individuals. We offer a variety of events and activities throughout the year, including car shows, car cruises, socializing, charity and outings. Come be a part of our community today!
The Gentlemen Car Club serving our local Communities
Our Charity
Member Spotlight
50/50 Raffle
At the Gentlemen Car Club of Loves Park, we are committed to providing a fun environment for car lovers from all walks of life. We have dedicated our club to supporting local veterans by raising money thru our 50/50 raffle at each car cruise and car show. Our events and activities are designed to create a welcoming space for everyone.
50/50 Raffle
Member Spotlight
50/50 Raffle
Want to give back to the community and make a difference? Come to our car shows and help support veterans. Spectators are free and you will love the music and the cars!
Member Spotlight
Member Spotlight
Member Spotlight
We shine the spotlight on our amazing quilt ladies. Women from the Gentlemen Car Club have spent many hours creating quilts. The quilts have been delivered to veterans in nursing homes and assisted living facilities in a five county area. The lovely quilts are also donated to our silent auctions at local cars shows to raise money