This was the first time I have ever attended an event of this nature, and even though most of the displays and events outside were rained out, the display of bikes and the artistry that it takes to put it all together did not fall short. I did not count all the bikes that came for the build-off but there had to be over 40. Everything from old school designs to bikes that look like they came off the set of the movie “Alien”. This was a complete motorcycle expo in Clearwater, Florida, with tons of vendors, stunt riders, multiple stages and bands, raffles, auctions, cash give-aways each hour, ride-in bike show on Sunday also with cash prizes, tattoo contest, food, beer, and tons of fun! Oh, and do not forget the Miss Full Throttle Bikini Contest!

The final gallery of Roar-N-Soar madness fills up the gaps in slalom competitiors. We have got a dastardly Black Corvette, a lithe Lotus Elise, and one of the quickest cars of the day - a full race-prepped MG Sprite! Many sideways, tire-crushing images inside the post . . .

The slalom portion of Roar-N-Soar was definitely not limited to Jaguar-badged participants. There were many interesting vehicles that graced the autocross last week; in gallery number two we explore some of the eclectic autos not wearing a pouncing cat on their bonnets . . .

Yeah, Yeah, Yeah, this is a car-blog. I'm aware. Unfortunately, pretty much any mechanical device used for transportation gets us all warm and vibraty feeling in our guttiwuts. So no articles about horses; airplanes however, massive egineering feats, and priceless works of art will get some ink.

Fantasy of Flight is an attraction designed to enlighten visitors in the ways of manned flight. Originally, Kermit Weeks had a smaller airfield in Miami. In 1994, when good 'ole hurricane Andrew rolled through, Mr. Weeks decided to store his precious (and, in some cases, priceless) aircraft in a concrete hanger farther south, in Homestead.

Roar-N-Soar featured several interesting displays and exhibits, all of which were functional and educational. Which is all well and good, but they also had an Aurocross, and some ballsy participants. Needless to say, we here at the 'Shopper spent most of our time the first day watching said Autocross.

Ever seen a B-25? I have, and it had all its gun turrets intact! Ever seen a jet-propelled model airplane? Howabout a jet-propelled motorcycle? I have. Ever seen a P-51 buzzing the hanger at 250 feet? I have. Ever seen 80 South African Cobras lined up next to a Cosworth Vega? If you had attended Roar-N-Soar at the Fantasy of Flight this weekend, you would have!

This is the time of year when Central Florida explodes with car shows. And airplane shows. And boat shows. It's the AutoShopper's job to cover these events, but who wants to waste their Saturday bouncing around to eight different shows? Thankfully, on November 7th and 8th, The Fantasy of Flight has solved this dilema for us!

The Lake Mirror Classic featured so many dozens of pristine classic/custom cars that we could never cover them all in individual posts. However, we did take a ton of pictures!

This gallery features some of the meaner entries in the classic. A nasty GNX, some Shelbys, a Monster Miata; the list is endless.

So far we have gushed over Lamborghinis and Camaros, completely panned pathetic Buicks and Chryslers, and have had some kind words for Kia and Subaru.

After the Chrysler booth I was desperately low on blood sugar, a feeling that may have been exacerbated by my utter disgust at what I saw in the Chrysler booth. Moving on to Ford, I was hoping that a financially solid American company was going to turn my frown upside down. It did, sort of.

The 2009 Lake Mirror Classic Car Show presents an interesting mix of classics, imports, super cars, and even race cars every year. This yellow Saab Sonnet is one such race car.

Its unassuming looks, encouraged by its unassuming tractor/passenger car roots belie its abilities. This car started life as a run-of-the-mill sedan, but quickly blossomed into the thouroghbred you see here . . .