Wings & Wheels 2009

Spruce Creek Fly-In is located just south of Daytona Beach, FL and held their annual Wings & Wheels event on Saturday March 28th.  Cars and aircraft began to assemble around 7AM, in advance of the Official start time around 10 AM, and the event finished up around 2:30 PM.  Spruce Creek is a private aviation community built around an airport constructed for WWII training that the government privatized.  Many call Spruce Creek as the World’s Greatest Fly-In Community.

Some of the first vehicles arriving were the modern high performance cars.  As you look through the photos for this group you will see two Porsche Carrera GT’s, RennTech 6.3 AMG SL, Ford GT, Nissan GTR, Viper GTS, several Porsche Carrerasand a Ferrari.  Looking at this assembly of cars I was was not only impressed withthe super clean condition for cars, that appeared to actually be driven, but this collection of cars also had high performance features associated with brakes, tires, wheels, engine and suspension modifications.  Simply put, this was not simply a collection of super cars from the factory.  Each of these vehicles had received a unique work over from their owner.

Sopwith Camel

On the taxiway to the east, was the military vehicle display.  A couple of these look like they are in original condition and some look like they came off the rotisserie restoration.  It’s a fantastic sight to see this group come in together.

Across the taxiway from these cars, the airplanes were being staged, and at the time of the event started planes were lined up two deep.  Warbirds, historic, aerobatic, unique, light sport, and restorations in progress were all featured.  I’ve included a few photos of the Sopwith Camel which some of our readers will find of particular interest.  I like the placard below the machine guns!

Bill Lear, in golf cart, and Mustangs

Two P-51 Mustangs were present.  In the golf cart in front of the aircraft is Willam P. Lear, Jr., if you think Learjet then you are thinking clearly.  Bill was in fine form today and was ready for the airshow to begin.  Bill’s first airplane was a P-38 and he has lots of experience in military piston and jet aircraft in addition to many civilian aircraft.  His unique brand of humor coupled with lucid assessment and comments only enhances his special character.

Here is a photo of particular interest a Porsche Diesel Tractor next to a Bentley Continental GT.  In the event you were not aware, Porsche tractors were produced from 1934 to the 1960’s.  This particular tractor is in mint condition and brought along a small trailer with some classic engines for static display.

Looking at the main display of collectible cars with a partial list including classic Mustangs, original Mini’s, BMW 2002 convertible, MGA, Austin Healey3000, Plymouth Prowler, mid 1980’s Olds Cutlass T-Top, 64 Corvette Couple, Ferrari 308, Challenger SRT8, 1956 Pontiac GTO tri-power, Allante, Corvair truck, and a 1959 DeSoto Fireflite 2 door hardtop.

It was time for the air show to begin and included many aircraft in precision flying maneuvers including an Eclipse Jet.  The final part of the airshow was the two P-51’s.

Wings & Wheels 2009 was a wonderful and safe event held at Spruce Creek Fly-In.