The inaugural Glenn Curtiss Antique Motorcycle and Classic Car Show was a huge hit in Miami Springs. It featured a combination of antique, classic, and even modern motorcycles plus a beautiful array of classic cars, including some extra special cars you don’t normally see in Miami Springs.
Why motorcycles?
Miami Springs wouldn’t be what it is today if it weren’t for the early success a young Glenn Hammond Curtiss had in building and racing motorcycles. Before Glenn Curtiss founded the cities of Miami Springs, Hialeah, and Opa-Locka… Before Glenn Curtiss became an aviation pioneer and the chief rival to the Wright Brothers… Glenn Curtiss was a marvel at engineering the fastest motorcycles. That’s why this inaugural event featured so many motorcycles.
But not just any motorcycles. The show had not one, not two, but three Curtiss Motorcycles…Truly epic pieces of history. Of course our favorite was the replica of the motorcycle that made Glenn Curtiss “the Fastest Man on Earth!” We’re talking about the V8 powered motorcycle that reached 136 MPH on Ormond Beach, Florida back in 1907.
117 years ago, at Ormond Beach, Florida, Glenn Curtiss entered several of his motorcycles at an event called the Florida Speed Carnival. His one cylinder and two cylinder motorcycles set time trial records, but it was his unique, V8 powered monster motorcycle that created the legend. Glenn Curtiss himself piloted his V8 powered motorcycle for the time trial. Remember, we’re talking about 1907. There are no radar guns to determine speed. The organizers of the event had marked a one mile course. Then they would use a stop watch to determine how fast the motorcycle covered the one mile distance. With simple math you could calculate the speed.
Well, Mr. Curtiss was given a two mile stretch to bring the V8 powered motorcycle up to speed. Then he crossed the marked one mile stretch in just 26.2/5 seconds. That translated into an average speed of over 136 miles per hour. That also made Glenn Curtiss The Fastest Man on Earth!
Folks, stop and think about that for a second. 136 miles per hour on a motorcycle is scary in today’s world with modern helmets and safety gear. Glenn Curtiss was doing 136 miles per hour with a leather helmet. A true daredevil that had faith and trust in his own skills and his own creation.
Interview with Dale Alexrod – Curtiss Motorcycles
We were blessed to meet with Dale Axelrod, the owner of the Curtiss Motorcycles that were presented at the show. Watch the video as he tours the three motorcycles.
100 Year Celebration
This was the first of several events marking the 100 year celebration for the City of Miami Springs which was founded by Glenn Curtiss back in 1926 or just 19 years after he became the FASTEST MAN ON EARTH.
This event wouldn’t be possible if it weren’t for the hard work of the volunteers of the Centennial Committee, the Miami Springs Historical Society, the Mayor and City Council, the City Administration and one of the biggest fans of the history of Miami Springs, Miami Springs Councilman, Jorge Santin.
Late last year, Councilman Santin visited Hammondsport, New York and the Glenn Curtiss Museum. That’s where Santin met the Curator of the Museum, Richard Leisenring, Jr. And talked about the idea of honoring Glenn Curtiss in Miami Springs. Well, Mr. Leisenring couldn’t pass up the opportunity and made the trip to the inaugural Glenn Curtiss Antique Motorcycle and Classic Car Show in Miami Springs.
Interview with Richard Leisenring, Jr. – Glenn Curtiss Museum
Watch the video below to learn more about Glenn Curtiss and the Glenn Curtiss Museum and Hammondsport, New York.
Leisenring is also an author of several books on Glenn Curtiss including the book you see below titled “Curtiss Motorcycles 1902-1912.” It’s available for sale at Amazon.
The show was fantastic. Despite a few early showers, the weather cleared out and made way for a beautiful afternoon. Hundreds of people came out to explore the antique motorcycles and classic cars.
Speaking of classic cars…We loved that this event had some more prestigious vehicles than other car shows including this beautiful blue and gold 427 Cobra.
Or how about this fantastic example of a 1947 Jaguar Mark IV Saloon?
And nothing says “Rich and Famous” like a Rolls Royce Convertible.
Naturally, there were some of the more traditional classics we’re used to seeing and enjoying on the Circle like this beautiful Corvette.
Tour of the Classic Cars & Motorcycles
The video below gives you a quick tour of the event.
We want to thank the organizers of the event and all the participants. We can’t wait to see what the next year will be like. Great job everybody!
CAR AND MOTORCYCLE PHOTO GALLERY
