Parrot Key Caribbean Grill’s Car Show is the hottest ticket going on the first and third Mondays in March & April. This free and open entry car show provides an opportunity for car enthusiast to mix it up the exhibitors.
This event not only attracts some of the nicest cars and trunks in the area, but offers great tunes and fun times for all to have! Parrot Key Caribbean Grill promotes & sponsors this event every year.
People get together to talk cars, enjoy good food, refreshing beverages, and several shake their bodies to their favorite songs. Its a great way to spend an afternoon.
To even begin posting photos of all the fantastic vehicles that participated in the Parrot Key Caribbean Grill Car Show would take way to much space. However, I will try my best to highlight a few of the different categories of cars. There were classics, hotrods, one of a kinds and special editions that were showcased. A video that follows the proceeding photos will give you a more up-close and personal view of this extraordinary event.
Let’s start with a few 1930s classics. Collectors will tell you these are the best years to restore. They are also fun to take out for a cruise. Their narrow and low profile cabs, round fenders, over-sized headlights, and full length grills make them very desirable. However, in the day I doubt they came in bright pink and fire engine red.
This black ’32’ Ford Coupe with a flathead V8 {221 cui displacement} produced 65 horsepower. This was one of Fords first mass-produced V8s.
In 1940, Ford introduced their De Luxe Coupe. There were several engines offered. They started with the economical 6 cylinder and for the more sporty models, you choose between 2-V8 flatheads.
The 1940 Ford Coupes where in production from 1940 to 1942 and again in 1946-1948. There were a few models to choose from including a business De Luxe and sporty convertible.
These were only a few of the ultra-classic rods that were spread throughout the exhibit area. There were also a few roadster and T-buckets as well. It was a great day for classic car lovers!
The 1960s cars brought a different look. A 1963 Impala Super Sport was one of Chevy’s most powerful factory produced muscle cars. It came with a 409 cui engine that produce 425 horsepower. You had a choice of a 3-speed automatic or a 4-speed manual transmission. This 1963 looks to be in excellent condition.
The Rambler Motor Company was an division of the American Motor Company {AMC}. Rambler manufactured the Marlin Fastback in 1965 and 1966. They came equipped with several choices of engines and transmissions. The one shown here had a 260 cui displacement with a 4-speed transmission. They sold less than 3,000 which in turn, makes them somewhat rare. This is the first one I have actually seen up close.
In the early 70s, manufactures were still producing plenty of muscle cars. Hardtop or convertible, Pontiac’s GTO was still one a the industry’s powerhouse cars. Some GTOs offered a 400 cui with Ram Air that motored up 370 horsepower. In the day, this wasn’t to bad at all coming off the assembly line.
The 1974 Dodge Challenger RT needed no introduction when it came to street rods. From 1972 thru 1974, the Challenger offered a 340 (standard), 383 Magnum, big block 400 and a 425 horsepower 426 Hemi engine.
What’s a car show without Mustangs and Trans Ams. When Ford decided to introduce the 2005 Mustang and it’s retro body style, it seemed to renew it’s popularity. Although, almost any car show you attend, you will find about every manufactured year of Mustang. This iconic powerhouse has been a fan favorite for nearly 60 years!
Pontiac introduced the Firebird Trans Am in 1969. The first TAs offered a 400 cui engine with Ram Air induction that produced 335 horsepower. As time went on, some of the most recognizable characteristics of the TAs were their body affects, elaborate decals, and shaker hood scoop. In my earlier day’s, I had not one, but two Trans Ams at once!
It was a shock to many car enthusiast to hear that Pontiac was going to stop manufacturing one of it’s most popular and well-known cars. The last Trans Am rolled off the assembly line in August of 2002. It was a sad day.
The worse was yet to come. After designing such iconic models like the GTO, Bonneville, Grand Prix and the Trans Am, the last labeled Pontiac rolled off the assembly line in December of 2009. Again, it was another sad day in the automotive industry.
Last but not least, I have one more entry to highlight. Like always, there were plenty of Corvettes on show. However, there was one particular Vette that caught my eye. It was a metallic green-C5 Corvette that was all original with the exception of an air-brushed arrow and yellow caliper covers.
I must let you in on a little secret. This was my entry. Yes folks, this is my beloved Corvette. I did receive quite few compliments, but I guess not enough for the judges to award me a trophy. Even though I didn’t win, which there were only 3 trophies given out, it was a winner in my book! We had a great time and hope to do it again!
When I decided to participate in Parrot Key Caribbean Grill’s Car Show, I wasn’t planning on making it a blog article. However, I started to get hyped up and my emotions kicked in and before you knew it, I was filming and taking photos. What can you say? Some of our best adventures have happened in the spare of the moment. The following video gives more of a true-to-life feel to our day’s ultimate experience!
Photography: Anthony & Maureen Scopel
Video: Anthony & Maureen Scopel
Article Creator & Formatting: Anthony Scopel
Video Production: Anthony Scopel & Matt Kemper
Associate Editor: Maureen Scopel
Technical Mastering & Web Support: Matt Kemper
Publishing Provide By: You, Me and The Dock
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