Register

When Classic Airplanes and Classic Cars Come Together

The Mecum auction becomes a day-trip destination for this pilot and classic car enthusiast.

A Piper and a Chrysler sitting next to each other in a hangar
The author's 50-year-old Piper Arrow and his 1957 Chrysler New Yorker represent two of his passions. [Photo: Les Abend]
Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • Inspired by friends, the author embraced the classic car hobby by purchasing a 1957 Chrysler New Yorker, which he classifies as a "driver."
  • He flew his recently operational classic Piper Arrow to the Mecum auction in Kissimmee, Florida, navigating air traffic control issues and a friendly "race" against a friend in a Bonanza.
  • At the Mecum auction, the author was amazed by the sheer volume and variety of classic cars, enjoying the fast-paced bidding and his friend's extensive automotive knowledge.
  • The adventure concluded with a challenging but rewarding night flight home in his single-engine airplane, reinforcing the joy derived from both classic cars and aviation.
See a mistake? Contact us.

The axiom in the subtitle provokes a smile in most of you…or at least a smirk. Not only does it endorse materialism, but it suggests the pursuit of toy accumulation is competitive. Although we won’t admit it, most of us accept that not only is such a pursuit unattainable, it shouldn’t be the focus of our lives. That being said, it sure is fun to dream. I was fortunate enough to spend a day doing just that with one classic Piper Arrow and about 3,500 classic cars.

For a few years I have annoyed my wife with the notion of purchasing a car to match my birth year. The idea was unrealistic. The logistics of storage and maintenance intermingle with the trepidation that such an automobile could only be seen and not touched. After my exposure to the classic car world through my JetBlue captain friend, Mike Strauss, I realized that some toys can be classified as “drivers.” Drivers still have value, but can also be enjoyed beyond the boundaries of a car show on a blue-sky Sunday in June.

Les Abend

Les Abend is a retired, 34-year veteran of American Airlines, attempting to readjust his passion for flying airplanes in the lower flight levels—without the assistance of a copilot.

Ready to Sell Your Aircraft?

List your airplane on AircraftForSale.com and reach qualified buyers.

List Your Aircraft
AircraftForSale Logo | FLYING Logo
Pilot in aircraft
Sign-up for newsletters & special offers!

Get the latest stories & special offers delivered directly to your inbox.

SUBSCRIBE