Everyone gathers Friday and...
Everyone gathers Friday and Saturday afternoon, hoping to hear their number called for the door prize giveaways.
The Turkey Run has been attracting automotive fans from around the country and around the world for the last thirty-six years. Starting out as a small gathering of the Daytona Beach Street Rods in the early Seventies, the event has outgrown a half-dozen venues and now regularly fills the infield of the Daytona International Speedway over the four-day Thanksgiving weekend. Although we've always enjoyed the event, we don't want to mislead you. This show is certainly not limited to vehicles of the Blue Oval persuasion. With 4,810 vehicles on display however, you will often see a bigger variety of Fords at the Turkey Run then you will at many Ford-only shows. Everything from modern Cobras to vintage Deuce Coupes were on display, with restored originals, pro streets, one-of-a-kind customs, Ford-based kit cars, and more adding to the fun. Wear comfortable shoes if you want to see them all. But that's only one third of this event's attraction.
This year, some of the world's...
This year, some of the world's most recognizable Super Heroes gathered together to assist the Marine Corps and its Toys for Tots campaign.
The amazing collection of vehicles is joined by an equally amazing collection of vendors selling virtually everything automotive. All three thousand vendor spaces were filled meaning you could find almost every type of new and used performance and custom accessory, as well. From owner's manuals for your Edsel to new fiberglass fenders for your F-100, your purchases were only limited by your stamina. Should you locate that perfect set of 20" wide Mickey Thompson tires for your T-Bucket back in the garage--and your wife didn't share your unbridled enthusiasm for the find--there were golf cart transporters that could haul your treasures to the parking lot.
Besides the sprawling collection of cars and vendors, the third attraction of this event is the Turkey Run Car Corral that always offers a huge selection of cool customs for sale. The fifteen hundred vehicles at this year's show made it one of the largest classic car lots anywhere.
With all the external charm...
With all the external charm of a 1939 Lincoln Zephyr, this fiberglass replica was equipped with new millennium technology under the skin. The V-8 crate motor under the hood assured it could handle modern traffic while the leather seats and complex sound system pampered its occupants.
But we've saved the best for last. In addition to the customs on display, Vendor's Row, and Car Corral, the laid back format of this event is what makes it truly unique. There are no trophies or judges and it's not about winning anything. The "Run" is synonymous with fun. Pull in, park, give your car a quick wipe, and then head off to enjoy the show. The family reunion atmosphere, where friends come to meet friends, keeps this show growing year after year.
If you're interested in attending this legendary event, the Thanksgiving weekend dates are Nov. 25-28, 2010. For comprehensive information that includes directions, entry blanks, admission cost, lodging, event schedules, and more, access their web site at www.turkeyrun.com.
Every inch of this 1957 Ford...
Every inch of this 1957 Ford has been meticulously restored, then outfitted with a 427 Genesis Side Oiler, 4-speed Top Loader...
...air ride suspension, four-wheel...
...air ride suspension, four-wheel disc brakes, full stereo, and custom paint. The asking price was $75,000.
We were never able to get...
We were never able to get the full performance details on Ricky Radney's Mustang Pro Street but it's safe to assume it's running lots faster now than it did when it rolled off the assembly line in 1973.
It doesn't take much to make...
It doesn't take much to make these older Ford convertibles into show winners. A little dechroming, custom paint and big wheels on this '62 are all it takes to capture a trophy for your mantel piece.
It's hard to beat the lines...
It's hard to beat the lines of the early Mercury Comets. The '65 two-door hardtops are special favorites and the bright orange paint attracts spectators like a magnet.
This owner was selling his...
This owner was selling his authentic, 1967 Shelby GT 500 KR convertible, equipped with factory 4-speed and air conditioning. The price tag? $150,000.