Ponte Vedra Auto Show attracts 200 cars and thousands of fans

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Jake Weisman almost seemed overwhelmed by the number of cars — and spectators — at the Ponte Vedra Car Show last Sunday.

He was part of a judging crew that had nearly 200 cars to examine. With more than 25 different categories to judge, the task was daunting.

“I’m not surprised, I’m enthused,” Weisman said. “No matter what’s going on. Car enthusiasts always love their cars.”

Thousands of fans attended the show near Spray Park at the Nocatee Event Field. While live music, vendor booths and food were popular, the real stars were the cars.

Weisman’s father, Larry, started the car show 18 years ago. The elder Weisman died in 2019 and the show’s biggest prize, Best in Show, is named in his honor.

Andre BesMarais’ 1966 Ford GT 40 won the award — and $500. The car also was selected for the Spirit in Racing award.

Other winners included: Mark Becker’s 1942 Chrysler Royal Business Coupe for Best Pre-War Vintage; Gary Corvino;s 1982 Mazda RX-7 for Asia Excellence Award; Dale Hickman;s 1976 Ford Bronco for Hagerty “People’s Choice Award,” William Cooper’s 1970 Iso Rivolta LeLe for Best Exotic; Dale Hickman’s 1976 Ford Bronco for Best Off Road; Lamar Fontaine’s 1971 Datsun 28-Z for Z Car 50th Anniversary Award; Kurt Hall’s 1998 Toyota Pickup for Best Custom Paint Job; and, Matthew Bonin’s 1965 VW Bus for Best Custom Interior.

The show is run by Art ‘n Motion, a St. Augustine business that displays and sells rare cars.