Hundreds of visitors joined 96 exhibitors of classic sports and vintage cars, while examining unique aircraft and memorabilia, during the fifth annual “Wings over Miami” annual Classic Car Show on Oct. 27 at Kendall- Tamiami Executive Airport.
The Sunshine Corvette Club, founded in 1977, and South Region of the Antique Car Club of America, chartered in 1955, annually join for the fundraiser to help support operations of the Wings Museum, said Suze Rice, museum president.
Rein Redik of the ACCA and Cliff Gibson of the Corvette Club, co-directed the class car exhibition.
“This year, we exceeded all expectations with so many cars in view, especially with Miami’s Corvette Club participating for the first time,” Rice said.
That was the opinion of folks like Paul and Brittany Schwartz, exhibiting their 2002 silver Corvette just a few feet away from a giant U.S. Navy PBY “Catalina” flying boat of the 1930-40’s era, widelyused during World War II in anti-submarine warfare, patrol bombing and convoy escorts.
Just a few feet away, Pedro A. Leon of West Miami was describing how his restoration efforts have kept his 1970 fire-engine red Triumph TK-6 in likenew condition.
Fellow-car buff Larry Huber of Pinecrest admired the custom-built air conditioning system that Leon built into his open seat model. Triumph Club members now number 8,000 since the organization was founded 42 years ago.
“This is always a great community event,” noted Rice who credited the Tamiami Civil Air Patrol, museum staff, the board of directors, and museum donors who have kept Miami’s unique historic aviation showplace alive.
The non-profit Wings over Miami serves as a tribute to veterans and aviators who pioneered civilian and military aviation, aided by exhibitions and special events that often interact veteran South Florida pilots and visitors.
Located at 14710 SW 128 St. at the west end of the airport grounds, the museum is open Wednesday-Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday, noon to 5 p.m. For Wings newsletter and event programs, visit www.wingsovermiami.com
