THE VILLAGES, Fla. – With Major League Baseball’s “Spring Training” season opening down in Florida at the end of February, it’s sure sign that it will soon be time to turn our attention to “America’s Pastime” – which for many of us is the automotive hobby. But there’s been no waiting needed for classic car owners and fans in the Sunshine State to get out and exercise their rides, as car shows have been happening all across the state while many of us are still shivering in late winter.

Our good friend and photojournalist correspondent, Jeff Burgy, hangs out in Florida with fellow Ford fans during the winter to enjoy the nicer weather – and to catch some automotive events whenever he can. Burgy is a longtime Shelby enthusiast and was a co-founder of the SAAC-Motor City Region Shelby club more than four decades ago. He’s also very active in the Thunderbird club world and collector community, and between those two iconic Ford brands, he has certainly seen plenty of great cars over the years.

Burgy told us that the Central Florida chapter of the Classic Thunderbird Club International (CTCI) has re-organized and resumed holding events, and a short while back The Villages Thunderbirds took over the Friday Night Car Show at Lake Sumter Landing Market Square for an evening of cars, music, food and beverages. The shows are regularly held in The Villages, Florida, which also happens to be the largest retirement community in the country.
“In these pictures you can see that CF/CTCI includes Retro Thunderbirds in addition to the ‘55-‘57 classic models,” Burgy told us. “The next event for CF/CTCI members will be their annual March show where classic “Little Birds” will be the featured marque in the Spanish Springs town square on the 18th. The club is also planning a Regional CTCI Convention in The Villages coming October 24-29, 2023.”
We attended the CTCI Convention last fall in Texas and will be bringing you our report on that show soon on FordPerformance.com, But for now, you can get your Thunderbird fix by checking out Jeff’s photo gallery below:

FORD PERFORMANCE PHOTOS / COURTESY JEFF BURGY