The Lake Mirror Classic Auto Festival is proud to announce that former Vice-President of Design for General Motors, Mr. Wayne Cherry, will serve as Honorary Chairman of its 14th Annual event to be held October 18th through 20th in Lakeland, Florida.  A graduate of the prestigious Art Center College of Design in Los Angeles in 1962, Cherry began his career with GM working with the teams that developed the landmark 1966 Oldsmobile Toronado, as well as the first Chevrolet Camaro.

In 1965 Cherry was transferred to GM subsidiary Vauxhall Motors in Luton, England. One of his first assignments was leading the design of a new sports car, the XVR for the 1966 Geneva motor show. Later his work included the highly acclaimed SRV, and Equus concept models. In 1975, Cherry was appointed Director of Design at Vauxhall/Bedford. Cherry established a distinct new brand identity for the British marque, with a number of aero-concepts on production vehicles, contributing to a significant increase in Vauxhall’s market share.

Vauxhall and Opel design activities were merged in 1983, when Cherry was named Opel Design Director in Rüsselsheim, Germany, and given overall design responsibility for all GM vehicles in Europe.  For the 1983 Frankfurt Motor Show, Cherry’s team designed the Opel Junior concept, which eventually influenced the 1993 Corsa. That Corsa received 20 international design awards and became a world car sold in 80 countries. Cherry’s team helped to bring GM Europe into first place in sales, with a number of notable vehicles including two new sporty models: the Calibra coupe and Tigra.

Cherry returned to GM’s US operations in 1991 after 26 years in Europe, and in 1992 became the Vice President of Design for GM worldwide with direct responsibility for all of GM’s North American brands. From 1999 to 2003, GM revealed more than 40 concept cars and trucks around the globe – more than any other automaker in such a brief period.

Cherry’s greatest achievement may have been the bold new vision, identity and design for the renaissance of the Cadillac marque, which is epitomized in the Cadillac Sixteen concept.

“The bold and dramatic, yet graceful and beautiful Sixteen, used the language of design to make a strong statement that Cadillac – and, by extension, General Motors – is back,” proclaimed Bob Lutz, GM Vice Chairman of Product Development and Chairman of GM North America.  “Wayne Cherry’s dramatic designs deserve much of the credit for bringing Cadillac back to prominence.”

Several vehicles that started as concepts under Cherry’s direction have since moved to production, including the Cadillac XLR, the Cadillac SRX, HUMMER H2, the Solstice, the Chevrolet SSR, and the Buick Centieme.

After a 42 year career, during which he was honored with a Doctorate from Art Center College of Design, and nominated in 1999 for the international Car Designer of the Century award, Wayne Cherry retired from General Motors in 2004. He continues to work as a consultant and in retirement designed and privately constructed the award winning VSR concept sports roadster. His design skills will again be recognized in June when he will be awarded the Detroit Institute of Ophthalmology’s 2013 Lifetime Achievement Award at the EyesOn Design show.

Ford Heacock, Chairman of The Lake Mirror Classic Auto Festival, has also announced the creation of a new non-profit fund known as “Friends of Lake Mirror”.   The new perpetual fund, which is dedicated to the preservation of Lake Mirror Park, will be administered by the Community Foundation of Greater Lakeland.  “The City of Lakeland has an incredible resource in Lake Mirror Park, and each and every Lakeland resident benefits from this treasured asset.”  Participation details will be released soon.

Now in its 13th year, the Lake Mirror Classic is considered one of the “must do” collector car shows in the southeastern United States. The display of more than 600 show vehicles on and surrounding the restored 1920’s, art deco-inspired Lake Mirror promenade in downtown Lakeland, Florida provides one of the most scenic venues in the country. The event is known for its beautiful lakefront setting and friendly atmosphere. In addition to attracting over 35,000 spectators, the Lake Mirror Classic draws top car collectors from the southeast and serves as a support event to the prestigious Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance.

The Lake Mirror Classic has become a source of pride for the city of Lakeland.  Area residents and public officials welcome the opportunity to showcase Lake Mirror Park and historic downtown to thousands of visiting car show guests.  The event has helped raise of $250,000 for various local non-profit groups since its inception in 1999.

British racing driver Brian Redman will serve as Honorary Chairman for the 2012 Lake Mirror Classic Auto Festival.  During his professional racing career Brian raced as a factory team driver for Ford, Ferrari, Porsche, Cooper, Williams, Chaparral, Jaguar, Chevron and McLaren.   He is a two-time winner of the 12 Hours of Sebring and a three-time winner of the 24 Hours of Daytona.  He won three consecutive Formula 5000 Championships driving Lolas.  In Formula One, Brian drove for Cooper BRM and placed third at the 1968 Spanish Grand Prix. In 1969 he was a team driver for the World Championship winning Gulf-Wyer Porsche Factory Team.

Brian Redman has been inducted into the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America in Detroit as well as the Hall of Fame in Sebring and Talledega.

Budweiser Hot Rod Rendezvous (Opening event)

Start your engines for the Lake Mirror Classic Auto Festival weekend on Friday night at Lake Mirror Park.  The Budweiser Hot Rod Rendevous is an outdoor concert and car show held on the promenade around Lake Mirror.  Junior and MDs , a perennial favorite of the Lake Mirror Classic, will rock the night with their special blend of rock and classics.

When the band takes a break over 100 hot rods will fire up their engines and make some music of their own.  NHRA drag racer, Jerry Baltes, will make a special appearance and fire-up his 1964 Record setting Top Fuel Dragster.

This event is open to Hot Rods and Custom Cars built prior to 1960.

2013 New Car Unveiling

Remember back when unveiling the new model cars was a really big deal? Join us on the east side of Lake Mirror on Friday night as Lakeland area auto dealers celebrate the unveiling of the new 2013 model cars – presented by MidFlorida Credit Union.

Auction Preview Party

The Collector Car Auction, which is scheduled for Saturday at Munn Park, kicks off on Friday night with the Auction Preview Party at the Magnolia Building at Lake Mirror Park.  Guests may preview vehicles which have been consigned for the auction in the Magnolia Parking Lot and enjoy music and entertainment inside the Magnollia Building.  A silent auction will be held to benefit the programs of Junior Achievement of Polk County.

Higgenbotham Auctioneers International conducts the Lake Mirror Classic Auto Auction.  To consign a vehicle for auction contact Laura by email at laura@higgenbotham.com.

Concours d’Elegance

The Concours d’Elegance is the featured event of the Lake Mirror Classic Auto Festival weekend.  Approximately 100 premium automobiles are invited to be judged by a team of AACA and CCCA experts.  (Participating vehicles must be 1972 or older and invited by the Concours Selection Committee.  Space restrictions require us to limit the number of cars in each category.   Applicants must submit photos and a separate Concours application to be considered.)

Collector Car Auction

Here’s a chance to find that special collector car you’ve been dreaming about for years. The Lake Mirror Classic Auto Auction is held on Saturday on Munn Park right in the middle of the Lake Mirror Classic.   This is a Main Street Auction featuring many affordable collector cars for enthusiasts looking to enter the collector car hobby or add to an existing collection.  Over 35,000 people attend the Lake Mirror Classic Auto Festival each October providing plenty of interest for anyone hoping to buy or sell that special collector car.

Higgenbotham Auctioneers International conducts the Lake Mirror Classic Auto Auction.  This year, the auction stage will be located on the west side of Munn Park.  To consign a vehicle for auction contact Laura Whitt by at (863) 644-6681 or laura@higgenbotham.com.

Let’s Have Some Fun!

Classic Wooden Boats, Antique Motorcycles, Vintage Fashion Show and Amphicars all add to the fun and excitement of the Lake Mirror Classic Auto Festival weekend.  A “Festival” combines many events into one and that’s what makes the Lake Mirror Classic Auto Festival so unique.

Open Car Show

The streets of downtown Lakeland are all closed to accommodate nearly 500 collector cars of all types.  Cars are grouped with similar types or by Car Clubs.  Muscle Cars, Street Rods, Model As, Corvettes and Mustangs are just a few of the many focus groups.

The Road Tour

Don’t miss out on the traditional Sunday Morning Road Tour and Fun Rally.  Registered entrants enjoy a morning drive through the central Florida countryside culminating with Brunch at an undisclosed location.  Participants in the Fun Rally can win prizes at the end.

Announcing 2012 Event Date:
Lake Mirror Classic Auto Festival & Auction
October 19-21, 2012
Mark Your Calendar Now!

The 2011 Lake Mirror Classic Auto Festival is now history.   We enjoyed a wonderful weekend with over 600 show vehicles and 35,000 spectators.   We hope to be posting images soon.  Click Here for a listing of the awards from the Concours d’Elegance.

We wish to thank the 200+ volunteers and 33 Sponsors who made the event possible.

Images from the 2011 Lake Mirror Classic Auto Festival & Auction
Photo Album by Superb Images & Ray Kriegbaum Click Here
360 degree image by Chase Sellmeyer (Hot Rod Rendezvous) Click Here
360 degree image by Chase Sellmeyer (Concours d’Elegance) Click Here
360 degree image by Chase Sellmeyer (1987 Jaguar XJR-7) Click Here

Hundreds of classic and collectible vehicles including Street Rods & Custom cars will be displayed on the streets of downtown Lakeland on Saturday. The cars are assembled in groups of similar makes and models in a 14-block area of downtown. Although the event is not judged, ribbons and prizes are presented to vehicles selected as sponsor favorites.  Participants receive a Goody Bag from area merchants and event sponsors, a custom display sign for the vehicle and lunch for two.

The new 2011 Poster features the 1987 Jaguar XRJ-7 which will be displayed by Honorary Chairman Bob Tullius.

The featured event of the Lake Mirror Classic is Saturday’s Concours d’Elegance, the judged portion of the show, presented along the Lake Mirror Park Promenade.  Categories for the Concours focus on original condition vehicles contructed prior to 1973.   The Concours is limited by space to 120 vehicles which must be pre-approved and invited by our selection committee.   Registration for the 2011 Lake Mirror Classic is now closed.

Looking for that special collector car you’ve been dreaming about for years?   You’ll have a chance to find it at the  The Lake Mirror Classic Auto Festival & Auction for 2011.  Approximately 100 collector cars are planned to be auctioned during the Lake Mirror Classic Car Auction.  Higgenbotham Auctioneers International will conduct the auction on behalf of Lake Mirror Classic. Vehicles will be displayed for public review on Saturday, Oct. 15^th at the Lake Mirror Classic Auto Festival in downtown Lakeland, FL.   With over 35,000 people in attendance downtown Lakeland, FL will be the place to be if you’re interested in buying or selling a collector car.   To consign a vehicle now or to receive more information email:  autoauction@Higgenbotham.com.

Click Here for PDF of Auction Flier

Bob Tullius served as Honorary Chairman for the 2011 Lake Mirror Classic Auto Festival.  Mr. Tullius is best known for his highly successful Group 44 racing team.  He achieved countless victories and championships for Triumph and Jaguar.  As a driver he has multiple SCCA National Championships and has competed internationally at Sebring, Daytona and LeMans.  As a team owner/manager, Bob’s career culminated with the creation of the exquisite Jaguar XJR-5 prototype racing cars which competed in IMSA’s premier GTP class and at LeMans during the 1980’s.