Retro Hunt Wagon Tailgate

Tailgating at The Hunt in the late 1970s to early 80s
Photo/RFH reunion slideshow screenshot

Fall was Hunt time. So, we take you back to The Hunt with this classic tailgating reprise Retro Pic of the Day. Have any Hunt photos? Send them over to us at [email protected] for a new view feature.

Ahhhh, The Hunt. It was a fall tradition. It’s always remembered. And with that tradition came some elegant tailgating.

Back in the 1970s and 80s, though, the gates that people tailed on were those of station wagons, albeit some of the more high-end wagons, but there was not am SUV in sight. Wagons aplenty, though. It was all about the show and the festivity … and quenching the thirst for some champagne taste (and good champagne, too).

The tailgate style of those bygone Hunt days  went from pretty snazzy wood paneled jeeps and trucks (with little curtains on the back doors) to the classic Mercedes or BMW and the good ol’ Chevy. Take your pick. But, did you have a choice? Then again, there was a lot of roaming in the Hunt business of tailgating.

But, really, take a look at the spreads, the outfits that ran the Rumsonite-like gamut and the scores of people scattered down the hill like festive, preppified ants. Such a gathering. What did you wear? Rumson Roulette? Etienne Aigner? That was a major signature style of the times. Of course, there were plenty of blazers, button-down shirts, kilt skirts and Fair Isle sweaters. Elegant, casual preppy. What dish did you bring to the elegant tailgate? Yes, there were some chicken wings.

Get a good look. Recognize anyone? What’s the car all the way to the left.