LAKELAND, Fla. – For a quarter-century now, enthusiasts in Central Florida have been able to enjoy the exclusivity of a Concours d’Elegance gathering and the inclusivity of a classic car show open to all makes and models in a single annual event. Better still, this Lakeland Florida-based automotive weekend raises money for local and Polk County charities while focusing on fun for all car-loving attendees. Known as the Lake Mirror Classic Concours d’Elegance and Car Show that covers three days in late October each year, it has become a must-see event for fans from across the region.
Beginning with a “Hot Rod Rendezvous” classic car cruise-in Friday night in historic Downtown Lakeland, the open show covers all day Saturday with more than 400 classics, customs, exotics, muscle cars, hot rods, specialty vehicles and trucks among many cool street displays. At the same time, the Concours d’Elegance on the grounds surrounding Lake Mirror draws the best of the best from some of the top owners and collectors in the Southeast. Things wrap up on Sunday with the “Lake Mirror Classic Road Tour,” where participants gather in the morning to begin a scenic dive through Central Florida following some fun and challenging clues along the route.
We were lucky to have Ford Performance Info Center Specialist Eric Pasteiner on hand during the 25th annual show last October, who provided the following report: “The Lake Mirror Classic Concours d’Elegance and Car Show had quite a few interesting Fords in attendance at the 25th annual event. The show is in a spectacular setting, around Lake Mirror in Lakeland, Florida, and spectator admission is free. The show’s chairman, Robert D’Angelo, continued the tradition of putting on a great Concours. Even the show’s founder, Ford Heacock III, was in attendance showing off his Ford hot rod. I found several outstanding display cars representing the Blue Oval and have sent along photos of some of my favorites for you to enjoy.”
The 26th annual event runs October 17th through the 19th 2025, featuring famed Ford GT designer Camilo Pardo as a special guest – so mark those dates on your calendar!
FORD PERFORMANCE PHOTOS / COURTESY ERIC PASTEINER
