The MSRA of IL was founded in 1969 by a handful of Chicago area street rod and custom car enthusiasts. Today that handful has grown to over 100 members with several of the original guys still very active.
In 1973 we started our tradition of hosting one of the largest one day rod runs in Illinois. The very first, called the “Early Bird Rod Run” because it was the first of the season drew approximately 75 cars, quite a large event in ’73. As we refined our run it evolved into the Beers and Ears series of events in the late ‘70’s into today’s more politically correct Gears & Ears with 600+ cars.
Our members don’t only host our own event we cruise and cruise far. You’ll find us in Louisville, Indy, Evansville, Kalamazoo, Des Moines, Columbus, Paducah, Tampa, Springfield, Pomona, St. Paul and participating in various magazine tours. Not to mention local runs and cruise nights most days of the week. Membership in the MSRA is limited to pre-1973 American made cars or trucks.