Floridians love cars. We love fast cars, exotic cars, and classic cars. Our 20 racetracks—both asphalt and dirt—support numerous Grand Prix, as well as amateur races. We are the home of the Daytona International Speedway and the Sebring International Raceway, two of the most respected car-racing venues in the world. Our numerous air-fields have fostered a thriving autocross circuit.
Florida car culture goes well beyond racing, though. Our cities host hundreds of car shows each year. We have shows focusing on movie cars, shows dedicated to classic Corvettes or Ferraris, shows that highlight hot-rods, customized rides, and even electric cars. We have dozens of car museums, including Muscle Car City, Revs Institute, Don Garlits Museum of Drag Racing, the American Muscle Car Museum, and many antique automobile showrooms.
If you’re in the mood to hit the road and check out some cool classics this month, you’re in the right state. Here are three vintage car events that never disappoint.
The 22nd Annual Apalachicola Classic Boat & Car Show
Note: Due to COVID-19 prevention efforts, this event may be postponed.
Vintage cars, boats, and even golf carts are on display April 18, from 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. at Apalachicola’s Riverfront Park.
The Apalachicola Classic showcases cars that span a century, from Model T Fords to late-20th century Mustangs. Classic boat enthusiasts will enjoy the vintage work and pleasure boats, including steam-powered vessels, and the antique outboard engines.
Drop into the Apalachicola Maritime Museum and tour Heritage, a 58-foot wooden sailboat designed in the 1930s by famous naval architect L. Francis Herreshoff. The museum hosts a reception from 6-8 p.m. April 17.
Want to see a trader’s canoe that sank to the bottom of the Apalachicola River sometime between 1750 and 1800? The recovered canoe will be on display at the History Culture & Art Center.
Other attractions include boat-building demonstrations, model boat workshops for kids, live music, and arts and crafts vendors. Learn about local flora and fauna, safe boating habits, and ways to prevent the spread of invasive species at the educational booths.
Make sure to try the prized Apalachicola oysters while you’re in the area.
Palm Beach Barnett-Jackson Auto Auction
Note: the Barnett-Jackson Auto Auction has been rescheduled for October 15-17 (due to COVID-19 prevention efforts).
Are you in the market to purchase your first collector’s car or add to your fabulous collection? Barnett-Jackson Auto Auction, held annually at the South Florida Fairgrounds in Palm Beach, is one of the top antique car auctions in the world. According to a USA Today readers survey, in 2019 the Barnett-Jackson auction was voted the top car enthusiast event in the U.S. This year, the nearly 50-year old auction will be on April 17-18.
The Barnett-Jackson auction showcases some of the most valuable and rare automobiles available. There are also more affordable cars selling for under $10,000. The event draws celebrities and other classic car-lovers and is broadcast live on the History channel and the FYI network.
Impeccably-restored Ford coupes from the 1930s, Lincoln Zephyrs from the 40s, mid-century pickups and convertibles, Cadallics, Mustangs, Corvettes, Spyders, Thunderbirds, and classic Volkswagen buses are all available for purchase. Preview the merchandise here.
Pre-registering as a bidder comes with many perks, including preferred parking and seating, drink tokens, an exhibition catalogue, and tickets to the opening night party.
Wondering how much buyers have paid for antique cars at the Palm Beach auction in years past? Check out the results of the 2019 auction.
If you have a classic car you’d like to sell, register as a consigner.
The Florida Car Marathon
Note: the Florida Car Marathon has been rescheduled for November 4-8 (due to COVID-19 prevention efforts).
The Florida Car Marathon takes place from April 22-26. The 500-mile precision car rally has a different route each year. The Marathon starts with a block party and classic car show in downtown Doral. Then, drivers take off in vintage vehicles to explore Florida backroads.
The event is a competition, but it isn’t about which car arrives at the destination first. The winner is the driver who arrives at the destination at a specified time, demonstrating the ability to maintain a steady, accurate speed over the journey. The four-day course is broken into sections, with socials and rest periods built into the schedule.
Insure Your Classic Car
Want to purchase a new-to-you classic car at the Barnett-Jackson auction? Thinking about a drive with your lovingly-restored automobile in the Florida Car Marathon?
Planning to drive your antique car to spring car shows? Get in touch with a local agent today to make sure your vintage car is protected by a comprehensive auto insurance policy.