Nobody thinks of fog in Florida, but we awoke to limited visibility on Saturday. Our Dawn Patrol arrived at 5:00 am to our headquarters surrounded by a blanket of suspended precipitation. Some of us reasoned it would keep our fans at home, but this month’s show was one of the largest in recent memory.
Gallery By duPont Registry/ Emet Evjen
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We couldn’t do this without the support of our dealers so let’s start with Ferman BMW. They arrived in the new 7-Series that is a wonderful blend of power and carbon fiber. Having never missed a show, Reeves Import Motorcars brought an example of each brand. Cycle Springs brought the latest in 2-wheeled adventure, and Bruiser Conversions brought a trio of Chevrolet-powered Jeep Wranglers. It makes life so much easier if the dealers arrive first, because it allows us to arrange our fans near the brands of their choice.
Gallery By duPont Registry/ Sean Dutton
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The second reason is that when Bruiser Conversions conquers the hill, their impressive LED and HID lights were essential to cut through the fog. As each car turned from 34th Street on to Tech Drive, all we could hear was exhaust until they were only yards away. When the Brusier crew fired up their lights, it helped us and our fans remain safe as everyone found their parking spots. The other V8 rumble was from a new Black-Ops Chevrolet Silverado from Dimmitt Chevrolet. It features a 3″ suspension lift and the powerful 6.2-liter LT1 engine.
Submitted by Tom Crowder
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To promote the upcoming Firestone Grand Prix of St Petersburg, our local Indy Car representatives brought out a vintage race car emblazoned with Firestone and St Petersburg vintage graphics. If you aren’t going to the Amelia Island Concours, don’t miss out on the first race of the Verizon Indycar season.
An exotic car show started at 10 AM in Lakewood Ranch, so we figured it would cut into our attendance.
Sheriff Gualtieri never fails to make an entrance, and this time his officers arrived in a giant MRAP. It was donated to Pinellas County by the Army, but parts are becoming hard to source. Critical items like brakes and bearings have kept it from being on patrol, so we’re glad its back in action.
MacDill Air Force Base in South Tampa is home to CENTCOM, where all orders for special forces and drones are given. Not surprisingly, the first attack on Afganistan was planned and originated here, and it is the basis for the new motion picture “12 Strong”. It’s a star-studded featuring Chris Hemsworth and Rob Riggle among others. If you didn’t know, Comedian Riggle served in Afganistan as a Lieutenant Colonel in the Marine Corps.
A dozen Special Forces soldiers volunteered for the first offensive in the aftermath of 9/11. The character played by Chris Hemsworth is Commander Mark Nutsch. Cdr. Nutsch and a few of his fellow veterans have opened American Freedom Distillery in downtown St. Petersburg, and they brew a series of delicious spirits.
Gallery by C12 Productions
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They arrived in a vintage ’46 Ford F-6 Cab Over. The perfect machine for veterans, they swapped in a Detroit Diesel 6.2 Liter V8 and the Allison transmission from a Hummer H1 HUMVEE.
Submitted By Yen Le
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If you have an idea for customizing your car, our artists at BLVD customs can make it a reality, and we couldn’t do this show without them and their vendors. MHT Wheels has been our client for years. That’s why you will see many of our cars fitted with Niche, Fuel, and Rotiforms. Their newest sets were shown on a ’18 Mustang and a ’17 CTS-V, and they are a great way to decrease weight and increase your style.
We had spectators clogging both sides of 34th Street along with McDonald’s and Taco Bell, so our apologies to those fine establishments. If you weren’t here, tell us why you missed out, and if you were, tell us your favorite car of the show. It’s amazing how many local enthusiasts don’t know about this show. We must have met a dozen first-timers who were shocked at the wild turnout.
Thanks to our dealers and friends and we’ll see you next month.