11th Annual NPD show

In 1878 Hullam Jones Installed a Glass Viewing box on the bottom of a Flat Bottomed Dugout Canoe, "Nature's Theme Park" was born, "Silver Springs" in Florida. In the 1930's and 40's movies were made and in the 50's TV shows were filmed and even today this beautiful area is still the one of the best Underwater filming areas in the world, millions of tourist still visit and are in awe of the natural beauty. For the last 11 years, usually on the second week end of January, it has also been occupied by some of the greatest achievements of Automotive history.

Thousands of Spectators as well as the participants were especially impressed with the combination of the natural surroundings and the cars.

National Parts Depot presents: The "Annual Ford and Mustang Roundup". This was my second year to attend the event, the F.O.R.D. club that I belong to has had this event on it's "Must Attend" list. as a premiere event. The last 2 years it had been unseasonably "COLD" we about froze at the 10th annual but had a great time despite the weather.

This year was a different story! The weather was just a little better than "Seasonal" temperatures near 80 degrees in the day, bright sunshine and 988 cars on display on Saturday.

Rick and the entire staff from NPD made all of the attendees feel very welcome. The entry of all of these cars went extremely smooth. Many of the cars that came in as clubs were accommodated so they may park with each other. The classes were mixed a bit by doing this but it is nice to not see exactly the same model and year row after row. The New Car lots can do that.

There were many nice "Club" displays through out the park, it is amazing just how nice these cars look in this "Natural" setting. All of the participants and one guest had full park privileges. I personally did not have any time to enjoy the park as I was busy taking photos of all of these great cars. From Model T's to the new 2005 Mustang. Mavericks, Falcons, Comets, Thunderbirds, Panteras, Tigers to mention a few models. Original cars, restored cars, modified, radical customs, street rods, pro streets, works in progress, classic daily drivers and some of NPD's collection. What a show!

Many presentations were given from the "Mansion" on Saturday and Sunday.

At 3:00 on Sunday 21 class awards plus a few others were given out at the closing ceremony.

And the winners:

A. 1964-66 Mustang – Kendall Croly, 66 Convertible

B. 1967-68 Mustang – Scott Wehler, 67 Fastback

C. 1969-70 Mustang – Duke Clancy, 69 Fastback

D. 1971-73 Mustang – Bob Chrisman, 71 Mach I

E. 1974-86 Mustang – Ed Gribble, 78 King Cobra

F. 1987-93 Mustang – Larry Carter, 93 Mustang

G. 1994-98 Mustang – Bill Vrobel, 95 Mustang

GG. 1999-2004 Mustang – Randi Hesslink, 2002 GT

GH. 2005 Mustang – Danny Rodda, 2005 GT

H. Pantera – Jeff Vozeh, 73 Pantera

I. Shelby – Eugene Schmidt, 69 Shelby

J. Saleen – Amber Brooks, 2003 Saleen

K. Falcon/Comet – Bill Zinssar – 63 ½ Falcon Sprint

L. Exotic – Bill Carnes, Miata conversion

M. Cobra Replica – Jason Hubbard, 66 Cobra

N. Pre-1948 Ford – Art Litogot, 30 Model A

O. Post 1948 Ford – Tricia Boyd, 63 Galaxie

P. Street Rod – Joe Letts, 23 T-Roadster

Q. 1948-79 Truck – Gene Piscopo, 53 Pick-up

R. 1980-Present Truck – Rob James, 2000 Lightning

S. 1955-57 Thunderbird – Ray Young, 57 T-Bird

T. 1958-Present Thunderbird – Frank Leanza, 64 T-Bird

U. Cougar – John Williams, 67 Cougar

V. Maverick/Comet – Lisa Fisher, 72 Maverick

W. Roush – Robert Brooks, 2003 Roush



Best Ford – George Sandone, 55 Fairlane

Best Mustang – Reggie Triggs, 68 Fastback

Best of Show – Glenn Gatley, 67 Mustang Eleanor



Mustang Monthly

Best vintage Mustang – Goud Cate, 69 Shelby GT500

Best late-model Mustang – Frank Paollo, 94 Mustang GT



Mustang & Fords

Best modified Ford – Lisa Fisher, 72 Maverick

Best modified Mustang – Mike Akins, 65 Fastback

 

If you own classic or special Ford this is a "Must Attend" event. I know that I am looking forward to the 12th Annual.

I took so many photos that I have broken them into several Album pages. I try to get every car that is on display so I do not have names on the photo pages. If you would like to have your name with your car. Please e-mail me the photo page number and I will gladly include it. (I always put them up in the order I take them and even leave in the "Bad" shots).

I also have included a story about a special Fairlane owned by Bill Dismuke, that was at the show and a F.O.R.D. club journal on this site.

Photo Albums

Album 1 Album 2 Album 3 Album 4 Album 5 Album 6