Sunday, February 14, 2010

2010 Sarasota Exotic Car Fest

Beth, Gary, Paul and I went to Sarasota yesterday to attend the Sarasota Exotic Car Fest, located in the Circle Park of St. Armands. Paul took the pictures I am sharing with you here. I do not pretend to know one thing about cars. However, it was a very interesting day. We saw some amazing vehicles.

Below is the engine of a Ferrari. The show was presented by the Ferrari Owners Club Florida Region, so that car was very well represented.


Here is a Porsche, maybe a 1956. There also were Rolls-Royces, Lamborghinis, Bentleys and other "exotics" on display.


This is a Lotus, a British sports car.



The event has become a destination for exotic car owners. Some participants travel from across the nation to be part of the event. This Ferrari was owned by a Michigan State grad.




This race car was clocked at a top speed of 285 MPH. The ground clearance appeared to be about two inches. And, the steering wheel was tiny!


Here is a Mercedes. There were over 80 cars entered to compete for "Best of Show."


The judges were looking very carefully at every aspect of each competing automobile. This picture of a Ferrari engine demonstrates how spotlessly clean these vehicles were presented for display.


Many of the cars had custom interiors. Paul and Gary liked the gear shift in this car.


I never knew the Dutch Stryker existed before yesterday.


Here's Paul dreaming he owns this Ferrari.


Or maybe he could buy this Aston Martin. I had picked out a Bentley for myself.


The engine in this Camaro was much bigger than the one Paul's mom owned when he was a teenager.


I would go back to this event again.  Next time, I would take pictures of some of the designer clothes we saw! Did you know one can buy Ferrari sneakers?

After the show, the four of us had lunch at


The Old Salty Dog located on Sarasota Bay. Despite the fact the weather has been chilly, we ate outside by the water just because we could. However, Beth ate her fries while wearing gloves!


Here is a view of our sunset back at Camp Venice Retreat, our present home.  Ours is a different reality from St. Armand Circle, but beautiful nonetheless. Talk to you soon.

4 comments:

Marlys said...

Oh, I love the last picture of the tree! So serene! Those cars are so awesome - but come with a hefty price tag, right? I can't even imagine it!
I was watching Food Network last night and a diner by the name of "The Nook" in St Paul was featured. Have you heard of it?

Lisa from Lisa's Yarns said...

The last photos is wonderful. As are all the other ones! Those cars are fun to look at! I had a friend in HS whose dad collected nice cars like that. They even had a mini car museum in their house w/ 3 cars in it. Was pretty unreal.

Unknown said...

The Nook is one of our favorites! In fact, we have been there with Lisa. And, Lisa, I am trying to get my head around a mini car museum in one's home. Remember, we are living (quite happily) in a 25 foot camper!

Freely Living Life said...

We enjoyed strolling along St. Armand Circle when we were in the Sarasota area. Every thing there is just as expensive as those nice fancy cars in the pictures. But its a clean and beautiful area to check out on your way to Longboat or Siesta Key! :)