Anyone who loves the purr of a Mustang engine or the whirr of an airplane propeller will find their version of heaven on earth at the 15th Annual Mustangs & Mustangs: Legends Havin’ Fun aircraft and automobile show on Saturday, March 31, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Fantasy of Flight in Polk City, Florida.
The largest single day Mustang automobile show on the East Coast and the only event that showcases both the restored P-51 Mustang aircraft and Ford Mustang autos of all eras, ages and styles, the show returns for its 15th anniversary this year.
Guests can take part in two scheduled Meet & Greets with Mike Laney from Ford Performance Group and Ford Racing at 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Three authors of popular Mustang books, including two out-of-print editions – Donald Farr, Bruce Gamble and Mark Houlahan – will be on hand throughout the day to sign books and chat with fans. Additionally, the editors of all of the national Mustang magazines will be in attendance and looking for new cars to feature in their magazines.
Donald Farr, editor of Mustang Monthly magazine and author of the out-of-print “Mustang Boss 302, Ford’s Trans-Am Pony Car: A Complete History and Recognition Guide” which has sold on E-bay for as much as $600, will sell and sign copies of his new book, “Mustang Boss 302: From Racing Legend to Modern Muscle.” Farr is the recipient of the Ford Lifetime Achievement Award and the Lee Iacocca Foundation Award, and is a member of the Mustang Club of America Hall of Fame.
Author, historian and disabled veteran Bruce Gamble will sell and sign copies of his four books, including his most recent publication, “Fortress Rabaul: The Battle for the Southwest Pacific, January 1942 – April 1943.” His fifth book, “Swashbucklers & Black Sheep: A Pictorial History of Marine Fighting Squadron 214 in World War II,” is on target for release in September.
Mark Houlahan will bring limited copies of his out-of-print book, “Mustang 5.0 Projects” to sell and sign, and encourages attendees to bring their own copies for signing.
Throughout the day, Mustang show cars will compete for first, second and third place trophies, as well as a “People’s Choice” award. Meanwhile, rare, restored P-51 fighters will perform live aerial demonstrations. As well as watching the hot rods and fighter planes in action, guests also can take advantage of children’s activities, enjoy live entertainment and snap photos with the classic cars and vintage airplanes.
The show is open to all Ford-powered vehicles and registrations are currently being accepted at FantasyOfFlight.com. Each year, approximately 450 Ford vehicles are registered in the show. The event is presented along with Fantasy of Flight by Imperial Mustangs of Polk County. The Imperial Mustangs are the only Mustang club to have three members who are Lee Iococca Foundation award winners: Pat Rego, Mustangs & Mustangs event coordinator; Donald Farr, author and editor of Mustang Monthly; and Mary Jean Wesche, editor of Mustang Times. Other Mustang clubs from across the Southeast will be participating as well.
According to the Lee Iococca Foundation, the award was designed to recognize outstanding classic car enthusiasts, “on multiple levels, including character, community involvement, integrity and a level of excellent presentation of their vehicle.” The award is bestowed at only 25 of the most prestigious automobile shows in the nation.
A portion of the proceeds from car show registration will go to VISTE of Lakeland, Fla., an organization that provides services enabling the elderly to live independently in their own homes.
“Each year, the atmosphere during Mustangs & Mustangs is electric as people from all over the East Coast convene to share their love of restored airplanes and Mustang cars from yesterday and today,” said Kim Long, General Manager, Fantasy of Flight. “We welcome anyone who has an interest in either planes or cars to come out and marvel at these amazing machines and meet some of the foremost experts in their industries.”
For more information: 863-984-3500 or FantasyofFlight.com
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