Festivals of Speed: St. Petersburg 2018

The St. Petersburg, Florida stop on the Festivals of Speed tour was Sunday, March 25^th and that was a good enough reason for me to head out, camera in hand. Held this year at Vinoy Park on the downtown waterfront, it started at 10 am and ran through until 4 pm, and it couldn’t have been a better day. We got mostly sunny skies and temperatures in the low 80’s (27C) and even managed to have a light breeze that greeted attendees and spectators, all that while surrounded by gorgeous views of the bay area too.

This was the 14^th year for the event in St. Petersburg which was sponsored by Bert Smith Porsche this year. Festivals of Speed is a series of luxury lifestyle motorsports themed events that take place at various locations in the Southeast, mostly Florida. Past and future events have taken place in Orlando, Amelia Island, and Atlanta to list a few.

The luxury theme is a feature of this event, as can be seen not only in the wide array of exotic cars, but also throughout its lavish VIP section, mixed in with displays from various vendors of jewelry, fine art, wine & spirits, and/or exquisite dining and fashion depending on the event.

Approximately 300 vehicles were on display. A very diverse and impressive collection of late model exotics, vintage and classic cars, trucks, and even some classic motorcycles were present.  Something really for everyone, and not just the Bugatti fans as can be seen in the image gallery from the event.

There were some really impressive vehicles present; I like to look for ones I think are a little unusual in some regard. This 1950 VW Type 1 Beetle is one example. Very understated, but what an outstanding restoration of a very early version of a very well-known car.  The owner told me this car came from Holland.

Below, is another example of “you don’t see these very often”;  a Sunbeam Tiger.  Sort of a poor man’s Cobra is what they’ve become to known as, being more affordable but with a very little sacrifice in performance to the small block Ford-powered Cobra. The Tiger was based on the British Sunbeam Alpine and was the brainchild of Carroll Shelby also. They were produced in the mid 60’s and were powered by modified Ford 260 or 289 cubic inch engines just like early Cobra’s.

The last vehicle that really caught my eye wasn’t even a car or truck, it was a motorcycle. Not just any motorcycle, a Confederate P51 Combat Fighter. Built by a small company in Alabama, this exclusive limited production machine is an engineering tour de force. Looking like something a group of MIT engineering Ph.D.’s designed, it really is a remarkable piece and features a 132 cubic inch (2163cc) engine along some cool windows to let you take a peek inside its workings.

Here’s a sample of other vehicles and the event, If you’re looking for exotic and rare, be sure to check out the Festivals of Speed stop nearest you whenever you get a chance:

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Bernie Smith

Tampa Bay Florida based photographer, I have always been a huge fan of all forms of photography. It wasn’t until relocating to Las Vegas and digital camera technology evolved that I was able to fully realize my love for photography. Automotive, motorcycles, beauty, glamour, pinup, retro, swimwear, and fitness themes are all areas of particular interest.

60’s Muscle cars have been a part of my life since I was 14 years old with particular emphasis in Fords, Mustangs, and Shelbys being my specialty having owned and restored more than a couple rare examples. Having worked as a Ford Senior Master certified technician over 20 years has provided the means to stay current with cutting edge technology. A high performance late model fuel injected car has it’s own unique appeal to me, just as the old school muscle does. Motorsports and college football are also huge passions of mine.

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