Posts Tagged ‘lakeland’

When winter is closing in on the rest of the United States,  Lakeland, Florida, hometown for Mustang Magazine, begins emerging from its air conditioned summer shelters and rediscovering the outdoors. One of the biggest events on the winter calendar is the Lake Mirror Classic, an automotive festival that welcomes all types of cars from the big 1920s Rolls Royce to Corvettes, sports cars, and even vintage motorcycles.

It’s a fun and free show that has grown to include much of Lakeland’s revitalized downtown. Sponsored by Ford Heacock, and drawing primo cars from all over Florida, it centers around the Lake Mirror promenade, a scenic walkway around the lake, developed with beautiful architecture in the 1930s.  Adjacent hills and gardens invite leisurely strolls. Pause and sip homemade root beer or a bag of hot nuts. Listen to the string ensemble doing everything from classical chamber music to a string version of Deep Purple’s Highway Star. Sounds weird on strings. 

So many amazing things to see in this beautiful setting: Ford’s 50 millionth car – a ‘59 Ford owned by Jim Schmidt from National Parts Depot; a stunning Lincoln shown by his son Rick, also from NPD, numerous race cars, classics, and antiques. 

Mustangs were out in force, occupying a full corner of lake, and running the gamut from a sweet ‘641/2 convertible with the 260 V8, to Mach 1s and Bosses, on up to Fox-bodies and modern editions. 

The Lake Mirror Classic is kind of like a Concours D’Elegance, but without the Thurston Howell III snootiness. Admission is free, and you’re sure to see your favorite cars, as well as some that may be new to you. 

I personally recommend this show. It’s a gem.

Tom Shaw, editor

Mustang Magazine