Photo Gallery: Classic Cars and Hot Rods Cruise The Nautical Mile

Dozens of classic cars and hot rods took to the streets Thursday night and cruised the to kick off the city's celebration.

Rides ranging from Model T's to more current muscle cars roared their way along the storied stretch of Jefferson Ave. referred to as the Nautical Mile.

Along the joy ride along the shore, dozens of car enthusiasts parked their cars along the roadside for onlookers to admire and adore.

"It's all about the cars," Thomas Huntington, 67, of St. Clair Shores said. "It's a beautiful night to come out and look at some beautiful cars."

The near-perfect weather conditions added to the popularity of this year's event.

"I walked here with my wife from our house just off Harper," Shores resident, Al Smith, said. "We heard the roar of the engines in the distance and that's all I needed to hear."