General Motors boss Dan Akerson gets into the Woodward Dream Cruise act

General Motors chairman Dan Akerson personally led a parade down metro Detroit's famed boulevard for car aficionados, Woodward Avenue, on Thursday as part of festivities for Chevrolet's 100th anniversary and in advance of the Woodward Dream Cruise.

Taking the wheel of a cherry-red 1960 Corvette, Akerson helmed the procession of Chevy icons, which included 51 Volts. The group was augmented by Camaros, more Vettes and other classics. GM vice chairman Steve Girsky rode shotgun.

NASCAR stars Jimmie Johnson and Jeff Gordon also got into the act, waving the green flag to launch the parade down a 12-mile stretch of Woodward.

Woodward Dream Cruise festivities continue on Friday, with informal cruising and a long list of parties and tailgating by car enthusiasts. The official cruise is on Saturday and stretches through Detroit's northern suburbs.

By Greg Migliore