For more than three decades, Tom duPont has been immersed in the world of automotive excellence, publishing some of the most legendary luxury and exotic vehicles through the duPont Registry. Now, as Publisher Emeritus and Publisher of Registry Tampa Bay, he’s lending his stamp of approval to one of Tampa Bay’s most exciting automotive events:
Gasparilla Cars in the Park 2025.
Presented by Gasparilla Concours d’Elegance, Gasparilla Cars in the Park is far from your typical car show. Co-executive directors Joanne and Brando Pistorius have curated a one-day celebration of rare, classic, and exotic automobiles set in the heart of Carrollwood Village Park, located in Tampa, Florida — with something for every member of the family.
“Dads and granddads are going to go straight to these gorgeous cars,” says Joanne, “but moms, grandmas, and kids will have plenty to do too.” From live music to a wine & beer garden and food trucks to splash parks, skate parks, dog parks, and even visits from pirates and Santa, it’s an immersive festival atmosphere with more than 300 cars and motorcycles on display, and a car corral to buy and sell your next great classic.
One of the biggest draws this year will be a special exhibition from the Tampa Bay Automobile Museum, featuring three ultra-rare sleeve-valve engine vehicles, including a 1928 Willys-Knight and a 1927 Avion Voisin — automobiles you simply won’t find at everyday car shows. Longtime collectors Derek and Marcy Hennecke will also bring several stunning vehicles from their private museum to the showcase.
For Brando, who also owns Old Wheel Restorations, cars are in his blood. “We want people to see things they’ve never seen before,” he says. “This is a one-of-a-kind experience for our Tampa Bay community.”
Admission is free, and the event supports Champions for Children, a local nonprofit helping families in need.
Whether you’re a die-hard enthusiast or just looking for a memorable family day out, Gasparilla Cars in the Park is a can’t-miss Tampa Bay tradition in the making.
Saturday, December 6
Carrollwood Village Park located in Tampa, FL
10 AM–3 PM
Details & registration → gasparillaconcours.com/cars-in-the-park
