CLASSIC CARS
CLASSIC CAR SHOW CELEBRATING 20 YEARS
By Mel Mann , South Florida Region of the Antique Automobile Club of America
T here is no finer festival in North America to display vintage and classic cars . Buildings from the same historic period compliment the wonderful display of these beautiful vehicles . Because of this , the Classic Car Show of Art Deco Weekend provides a perfect venue for the appreciation of Art Deco design and classic automobiles .
Twenty years ago , I received a call from Bill Farkas ( former MDPL Executive Director ) requesting the South Florida Region of the Antique Automobile Club of America to display a few classic cars to highlight the Art Deco period of the 1930 ’ s , and since then , we have been revving up Ocean Drive for this grand experience .
This event provides an appreciation for the Art Deco era along with the beauty and legacy of these timeless cars . While the rest of the country is buried in snow , we ’ re showing off blocks full of 50-year-old convertibles in the Florida sun . The past 20 years have been so memorable and we ’ re excited to continue this awesome tradition .
These past 20 years have given me many fond memories of the festival . One of my favorite years was 2010 when we conducted all of the lectures during ADW at the Wolfsonian . We held a full presentation about the styling and colors of the classic “ pre-war ” cars from the 1930 ’ s . We then paralleled these similar colors to the pastels of various hotels along Ocean Drive – an awesome overlap of the Art Deco flavor of design . The auditorium was packed and guests included media representatives from international automobile magazines . It was probably one of the most gratifying car hobby experiences for me personally . People just did not want our presentation to end and even stayed for an hour to discuss .
I also have another great memory , but it ’ s from 2009 . I took over the coordination of the ADW parade on the Friday evening of the event . It was lined with cars full of dignitaries , and marching bands - all under the stars . It truly was a magical evening .
This is one of the most unique events in America . There is no other festival anywhere in the USA where an entire community can gather to enjoy the beautiful architecture and design of the pre-war era along with vehicles from the same era at the same time . Combined with the magic of South Beach , and the food , the music , and the people , it really doesn ’ t get any better than this .
We are thrilled to be celebrating 20 years of the Classic Car Show at Art Deco Weekend !
52 ART DECO WEEKEND