RARE MAVERICK SPORTSTER MAKES EYESON DESIGN DEBUT THIS SUNDAY

Grosse Pointe Shores, MI – Visited by the same sort of refined aesthetics and sophistication that motivated Edsel Ford when he conceived the Lincoln Continental, aeronautical engineer Sterling “Smoke” Gladwin created the Maverick Sportster, a California-flavored 1950’s take on the French species often called the boulevardier. This type of car is typically an elegant convertible or grand tourer built to be seen and cruising scenic city streets, rather than high-speed track racing.

Seven Mavericks were created – just three survive today. On June 21, 2026, one of the rare California breed will debut at the EyesOn Design at Ford House field, thanks to years of ruthless research and an exquisite restoration. The foundation of the Maverick Sportster is Cadillac - a fact that the former Boeing and Lockheed engineer who created and designed it was most proud.

Bill Warner, founder of the Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance shared his thoughts on this car when it first appeared at the Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance in 2021:

“The Maverick is one of those rare customs I’ve taken to calling a ‘destination car’ – a car so elegant and beautiful that it’s capable -- all by itself – of drawing hard core car people to the Amelia (concours). And I’m proud that the owners have chosen us for its concours debut and that it’s a 100 percent American car even though it speaks to me with a Parisian accent.”

The Maverick now makes its debut here at EyesOn Design this Sunday, June 21st, 2026. We’re pleased to be able to share this car with the metro-Detroit area. Spectators can purchase tickets at the gate beginning at 10am to see the Maverick Sportster and 175+ other magnificent and exciting cars that will be on display.

EyesOn Design Weekend Events:

A benefit for the Detroit Institute of Ophthalmology, EyesOn Design at Ford House is unique among auto shows in celebrating vehicle design, not rarity, restoration, or celebrity ownership. Car show tickets may be purchased in advance or at the gate. Other events require advance registration.

Reserve your tickets today, as some events will sell out.

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS

MEDIA PARTNERS

SPECIAL THANKS TO THESE MAJOR SUPPORTERS

EyesOn Design sponsorship opportunities for 2027 are available.

Contact Cyndy Doherty for more information.

MotorCities National Heritage Area tells the story of how southeast and central Michigan “Put the World on Wheels.”

MotorCities links the world’s largest collection of cultural and labor organizations, museums, archives, factories, auto collections and events to preserve the story of how tinkerers became titans and how auto and labor helped build the middle class while transforming manufacturing worldwide.

EyesOn Design is proud to partner with MotorCities to promote this story to advance the region economically and culturally.

Learn more here.

A benefit for the Detroit Institute of Ophthalmology, a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) corporation, EyesOn Design is a major source of revenue for the DIO's research, education and support group programs for the visually impaired. The DIO is the research education arm of the Department of Ophthalmology of Henry Ford Health.