Saturday, October 17 was a big day in Lakeland, Florida. It was the 16th Annual Lake Mirror Classic, staged by Ford Heacock of Heacock Insurance.
The Classic included “something for every auto enthusiast,” including a new car show; hot rod rally; special club meet areas for Model As, Corvettes, Mustangs and exotic cars; and The Lake Mirror Classic Concours d’Elegance.
A new feature, sure to be repeated and replicated, was the “Auto-Biography.” Six classic cars were featured on Friday evening and at the Concours on Saturday. One of them was a 1929 duPont 4-Place LeMans Speedster owned by Thomas L. duPont, Publisher of the duPont REGISTRY™. As a part of the program, Mr. duPont drove his automobile onto the awards ramp on Saturday and was interviewed by Ford Heacock and Bill Warner, Chairman of the Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance. The other five classics were also reviewed, much to the delight of the enormous crowd of “car-crazy” guys and gals who had gathered around the Lake Mirror Park amphitheater.
The afternoon was hardly over for Mr. duPont. While emceeing the parade of award winners, Ford Heacock stopped the process to make a special presentation. The prestigious Lee Iacocca Award was presented to Mr. duPont in recognition of his “Dedication to perpetuating the American Automotive Tradition.”
Ford Heacock and Rick Schmidt from National Parts Depot, who sponsored this esteemed award, presented the plaque to Mr. duPont. In receiving this highly regarded national award, Mr. duPont said that he was aware of the distinguished roster of Lee Iacocca award recipients and he was humbled and honored to become a member of such an elite group. See the Lee Iacocca Award’s website for more information.
The final achievement of the day occurred when Mr. duPont’s 1929 duPont 4-Place LeMans Speedster was awarded “Best in Show – Classic.” The sleek dark-blue and black open roadster with red wheels made its third trip to the awards ramp to capture this prestigious award.
Mr. duPont remarked later, “It was a fabulous day — a true ‘Auto-trifecta’ that I will not ever forget. Congratulations to Ford Heacock and his team for putting on such a wonderful event. And, thanks for the opportunity for me – and my car – to be recognized in so many wonderful ways. A big thanks to all who came out on a warm, sunny Florida afternoon to enjoy another Lake Mirror Classic in downtown Lakeland, Florida. Happy Motoring!”
About duPont REGISTRY
Founded in 1984 and headquartered in St. Petersburg, Florida, duPont REGISTRY™ produces the leading luxury marketplace publications for automobiles, homes, and boats, as well as the yearly Exotic Car Buyers Guide. For more information, visit the duPont REGISTRY™ website at www.duPontREGISTRY.com
