What a day for car lovers! The 4th Annual Tom Joyce Automotive Car Show rolled into Port Charlotte Town Center, and the parking lot turned into a sunny, chrome-filled museum on wheels. Cool cars, food trucks, music, and family fun — all for a great cause: every bit of the event supported the Port Charlotte High School football team. 🏈
⭐ Spotlight: Dave Erb's 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air
One of our favorite stops was this gorgeous candy-red 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air Sport Coupe owned by Dave Erb of Punta Gorda. With its quilted cream interior, shiny chrome, and "Fuel Injection" badge, it's a true showstopper — and Dave was every bit as friendly as his car is beautiful.
Dave and Leo — our young co-pilot got to take the wheel!
Fun history lesson for the kids: the window displays a copy of a 1957 sticker and bill of sale. Back then a brand-new Bel Air Sport Coupe with a Turbo-Fire V8, power steering, and a radio cost just $2,832.30! Ask your kids to guess what a new car costs today. 😉
🚗 A Rainbow of Classics
Rows and rows of cars stretched across the lot, hoods popped open so everyone could peek at the engines. Owners relaxed in lawn chairs nearby, happy to chat and share the stories behind their rides.
This creamy vintage Ford cabriolet with its burgundy soft top was pure old-Hollywood glamour — those swooping fenders are a work of art!
And then there was the sunshine-yellow Chevy Bel Air with its famous tail fins (it's the star of our cover photo!). Kids love spotting the shiny chrome bumpers and the funny "bullet" shapes up front.
Prefer something calmer? This two-tone blue-and-cream classic Chevrolet looked like it drove straight out of a 1950s postcard.
🔥 Hot Rods & Corvettes
The black vintage Ford hot rod had a big engine on full display — a favorite for anyone who loves to see "what makes it go."
Corvette fans had a whole row to admire, from classic Stingrays with dramatic long hoods…
…to this modern bright-red Corvette convertible. Red, blue, yellow — it was like a real-life box of Hot Wheels!
🚀 Lance & Leo's Pick: The Wildest Ride on the Lot
Not every car at the show was polished chrome. Lance and Leo Thompson were drawn to the "Whirlybird" — a one-of-a-kind rat rod that looks like it rolled out of a steampunk movie. Rusty patina, riveted metal, old license plates, an exposed engine, copper gadgets on the roof, and skinny spoked wheels make it look like a time machine from the past and the future at once.
Lance and Leo Thompson chose the Whirlybird as their favorite: "It looks like a car built by an inventor — every time you look, you find something new!"
Why it's a hit with kids: it's like a giant "I Spy" puzzle. Try finding the bird with the propeller hat, the old license plates, and the copper pot on the hood!
👨👩👧 Why Families Love Car Shows
- It's free-feeling fun: walk, look, point, and talk about your favorites.
- Great for little learners: play "I Spy" with colors, count tail fins, or guess how old each car is.
- Food trucks + music make it an easy family outing.
- Community spirit: you're supporting local high school athletes just by showing up.
Tip for next year: bring sunscreen, hats, and water — Florida sunshine on a big parking lot is no joke! Strollers and wagons work well on the flat lot.
💬 Your Turn!
Which car would YOU take home — the yellow Bel Air, the cream cabriolet, the black hot rod, or a red Corvette? Tell us in the comments on our Facebook page!
A big thank-you to Tom Joyce Automotive and everyone who came out to support the Port Charlotte High School Pirates. See you at the 5th annual show! 🏁
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