Concrete Cruizers

When owning a classic car, you can’t sit in the garage polishing it all day — you want to drive it. There’s nothing better than comparing racing stripes, souped-up engines and oversized dangling dice with other classic car owners, such as those in the Concrete Cruizers car club.

The Concrete Cruizers was formed 35 years ago by a group of five men. Gary Pullen, co-founder, explains how he and another car owner attended a car show in Johnston. Both discussed how it would be “neat” if somebody started a custom car club. So, they ran a newspaper ad for a meeting, where 22 cars showed up.

“I was surprised,” recalled Pullen. “I didn’t think anybody would show up.”

Five members came up with the name, whittled down from about 100 suggestions.

Gary Pullen and his 1950 Mercury.

“We drove on cement, and we cruise in old cars. It made sense to call ourselves the Concrete Cruizers.”

Club members attended cruise nights at the former Porky’s, George the Chili King and a tenderloin spot on E. 33rd Street.

Today, there are approximately 80 cars with about 160 members who meet monthly and discuss car show attendance. The Cruizers began hosting their own car show, which serves as a fundraiser benefitting children’s charities such as Camp Sunnyside and the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Members are mostly retired, but some are younger folks.

“Usually, older people are more financially secure and can afford it,” Pullen said. “I’d like to see younger people to keep the classic car movement going.” 

Club members travel to car shows including the Good Guys, Friday nights at the Iowa State Fairgrounds and a James Dean run in Indiana. 

The club allows any type of car — not just custom hot rods but also older unique models. Cars and models run the gamut from every decade starting in the 1900s to the 2000s.  

Pullen has owned about 25 custom cars over the years. He started out with a 1953 Chevy, paying just $750.

“I buy and sell cars, restore them, make some money and invest in another,” he explained.

Pullen owns a 2006 Jack Roush Mustang and his favorite, a 1950 Mercury custom, which receives “nonstop attention.” A custom car is a vehicle that has been modified, body parts altered, appearance restyled and more. For example, Pullen’s Mercury includes a 1954 Chevy grill, a 1959 Cadillac taillight, a 1952 DeSoto bumper and includes A/C and leather seats.

Pullen restored a 1955 Oldsmobile, selling it to a man from New Jersey. He picked him up from the airport.

“It’s funny — he never test drove it and just paid for the car with a wad of $100 bills that he kept in his boot,” he recalled.

When “Happy Days” stars Big Al and Potsie opened up Big Al’s Diner at Southridge Mall, Pullen drove the stars from the television show in his car. 

He’s received hundreds of awards over the years, and his basement and four-car garage is full of car show memorabilia. As he leafed through stacks of photos, he reflected on why he loves the car club.

“I’ve met hundreds of people, making friends from all over the world,” he said. “There’s such a variety of neat cars.”  

Attend the Concrete Cruizers charity car show at Deery Chevrolet in Pleasant Hill on May 20. For more information, visit www.concretecruizers.com. ♦