When coming on or off Estero Island via the Matanzas Pass Bridge, you come onto San Carlos Island. Take the first street at the foot of the bridge - Main Street, and follow the signs to Parrot Key Caribbean Grill.
Every 1st and 3rd Monday starting in November through April, Parrot Key’s Open Car Show is where you want to be! Not only is this a festive event offer great food and beverage, there are plenty of rods and cars on display as well.
Take a look at this full-blown 1955 Chevy Bel Air. This sweet street ride has enough horsepower to move down the quarter mile pretty darn fast! This is just a teaser car. Check out the pictures below.
This sky blue 1961 Corvette convertible is a nice ride. The stock engine was replaced with an LS1 {5.7L - aluminum block 350 HP engine}. That’s enough power to get you where you need to go!
From a vintage Corvette to a supercharged 4-wheel drive Jeep. Plenty of climbing power here! There is no lack of versatility with the vehicles on show. This is what makes for a great atmosphere amongst all car enthusiasts.
We had the opportunity to meet Gordon while sitting in Parrot Key. During our car talk, he told us how he came to own his 1967 Cobra.
He explained that after Ron’s unfortunate passing, his wife sold Gordon the car. This was a dream of his to own a Cobra, let alone be able to show it! This unique replica does have some original Cobra parts. It looks and feels like the real deal. The car shows very well and is definitely a crowd pleaser! There is no doubt it wins lots of awards!
Before we go any further, I would like to introduce you to Parrot Key Caribbean Grill. This colorful and open air restaurant & bar has an island vibe all its own.
On this particular day, there was live music, dancing and lots a comradery.
Besides sponsoring a local car show, this waterfront eatery also has a full service harbor. The back bay view also provides for a great dining experience.
We had a fantastic time talking with so many great people, listening to good old rock-n-roll, and admiring all the awesome cars. Add this to enjoying some great food and refreshing beverages, you couldn’t ask for a better day! Parrot Key begins their car shows in November. They are held on the first and third Mondays and go from 4-7. There are no participation or viewing fees. Bring the family and enjoy the day!
Let’s get back to the event that we came to see. After enjoying the celebration going on in and outside Parrot Key, it was time to cruise around and check out all the righteous rides!
Here are a couple very cool street rods. From my guesstimation, the light blue Ford is a 1934 3-Window Coupe. I am pretty sure that the rod next to the 34 is a 1940 Ford Coupe Deluxe. Both of these super fine cars attracted a lot of attention.
I am again guessing that this well restored and customized convertible is a 1957 Ford Fairlane. The two-toned, custom rims, chrome mini-side pipes and modified engine is a winner in anyone’s book.
This 1966 Pontiac Catalina is as close to original as possible. The restoration is subtle but does have a few minor modifications. Can you just image yourself cruising around town with the top down!
What would a car show be without a 1963 Corvette convertible Stingray.
This customized Corvette has been modified with a few late model accessories like seats and instrumentation. Let’s not discount the bright red paint, side pipes, and a modified power plant to mention only a few enhancements. I have to say it shows very well!
Here are a few more fan favorites. All this wood panel wagon needs is a few surfboards in the back and its ready to hit the beach.
This early 1930s sky blue roadster is fitted with a small block - tri quad powerhouse with uplift headers. It still holds plenty of originality and its classic style. The modifications made keep with the times when roadsters were everyday drivers. The younger generation would cruise the streets racing each other and of course, trying to impress the girls!
There is always room for a Camaro SS. This fine piece of automobile is just simply awesome in every sense of the word. This completely tricked out 1968 SS is not only hot looking, but has the horsepower to back it up. This super-charged Chevy big block wastes no time getting down the quarter mile.
The owner of this fine piece of machinery is very familiar with winning awards in about every car show they enter. The photo does little justice to actually what this car looks like in real life. We are coming close to the end of the show. It is impossible to put a photo of every participant’s car in this blog-article. You will have to mark your calendar and make the trip to Parrot Key Caribbean Grill.
There is one more vehicle that needs to be seen. Its not your normal chromed up and ultra powered show car.
This is one of my overall favorites. This Platinum Gray - 1962 Volkswagen Bus is not only a great show vehicle, it is also someone’s travel wagon.
This fully restored bus is a blast from the past. With a few upgrades like a kitchenette, comfy living space, curtains, and other modest amenities makes for a perfect road trip mobile.
The back end looks as if it could accommodate a fitted mattress or sleeping bag for those overnight stays. In their younger days, our parents spent many nights camping out in a Volkswagen bus just like this one. This road-rolling avenger is a nostalgic piece of American history.
The 60’s brought a lot of memories like cool cars, love & peace, and rock-n-roll. When cruising down the highway with the windows down, make sure the radio is tuned to the Beach Boys!
If you are staying in or around Southwest Florida and looking for something to do, visit Parrot Key Caribbean Grill on San Carlos Island and the back bay. Not only do they have a great menu and handcrafted beverages, they also host quite a nice car show. This community event is family and pet friendly. It provides a great way to spend an afternoon of fun while viewing some of the most awesome locally owned cars. Hopefully we will see you there!
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
Publisher: You, Me and The Dock
