Being a driver has great moments of joy. Being able to hop in your ride and cruise provides a sense of freedom. But where is a gearhead to go when the drive is over? Some place to show off a cool car and hang out, but better than just a strip mall parking lot that get raided by police every weekend.
For decades, the drive-in movie theatre was the answer. A welcoming, car-focused spot to park and chill before the show started. The drive-in provided entertainment, snacks and drinks and enough privacy to do whatever you wanted.
The Mustang Drive-In movie theatre is up for sale and hopefully an energetic young gearhead snaps up this spot and puts some energy into making it the centre of the car community again. Located 95 km west of Toronto in the town is Guelph, the Mustang is one of only 16 drive-ins still operating in the province. After nearly four decades running the place, 74-year-old owner John D’Addetta has decided to retire and put the property up for sale at $3.4 million.
The real state company listing the sale refers to the Mustang Drive-in as a cornerstone of community entertainment and notes that a buyer could take over and operate the beloved business. But a developer could level the historic Mustang and turn it into a subdivision or a strip mall. That would really be a shame, because the Mustang has been properly maintained and modernized over the years. Under D’Addetta’s ownership, the outside speakers were eliminated and replaced with an FM-transmitter broadcasting in stereo. He also converted from the film to digital projectors, allowing for the latest in Hollywood movies to be screened.
To help with cash flow, places like the 5 Drive-in outside of Toronto in Oakville operate car shows and swap meets during daytime hours. For example, the Toronto Subaru Club used to host it’s annual ‘movie night’ at the 5 Drive-In during the day, the place packed with vendors and show cars. In the evening, spectators were encouraged to stick around and watch the movies.
Considering the Mustang Drive-In has a 500 car capacity, connecting to the car community could generate revenue from spring until fall, day and night. By keeping the place ‘original’ it reminds gearheads and film buffs of when drive-ins were first popular, during the golden age of motoring.