Cruisin’ The Coast Featured Ride: A tribute to late car enthusiast

GULFPORT, Miss. (WXXV) — Monday marked the first week day of Cruisin’ The Coast, and people from all over the country are here to show off their classic cars. We got a look at this year’s featured ride and the story behind this ‘labor of love.’

Thousands of people came out to Jones Park where Cruise Central is being held all week long. Over eight thousand cars have been registered, and each and every one of them has its own story — each one a preserved piece of history. This beautiful 1957 Chevrolet, proudly displayed as the featured ride at cruise central, is no exception.

Sadly, the car’s owner, Jim Bryant, is not here to see his vision become reality, as he passed away in December 2023. After his passing, friends and family refused to let the car go unfinished, so they took it upon themselves to complete the job. They’re calling it “Jim Bryant’s Final Ride.”

Now, his friends and family are here on the coast this week displaying the car as a tribute to their beloved friend.

We asked how Jim would have reacted if he knew his car was chosen as the featured ride of Cruisin’ The Coast, his all time favorite car event…

Days, months, and sometimes years go into building these time capsules into the stunning classics you see today. For those who own them, or help bring them back to life, it’s truly a ‘labor of love.’ The group is proud to showcase this beautiful car in honor of Jim’s Bryant, and recognize everyone who contributed to making his vision a reality.

It’s a tribute to passion, craftsmanship, and the lasting impact of community.

The car will be at multiple events across the coast this week, so you still have the chance to see it at a different location.