Classic Cars Line Cleveland Street on Saturday

The weather was ideal for a car show on Saturday, as the bright sun was shining off the chrome bumpers and flawless paint jobs of the 25 classics that lined up along Cleveland Street as part of the first annual Bright House Star Spectacular & Classic Car Show.

Entrants from all over the Tampa Bay area showcased their mean and meticulously maintained machines, competing in categories such as Mayor's Choice, Best Paint and Best in Show.

Roger Landig of Tarpon Springs was thrilled to take home the inaugural Mayor's Choice trophy for his stunning 1949 custom convertible Mercury. Landig and his wife, Cathleen, were handed the trophy by Clearwater Mayor George Cretekos himself.

"I love it. I'm excited," Landig said. "It's an honor to win the first Mayor's Choice award." 

The '49 Merc, coated in a striking metal flake candy brandywine paint job, was a labor of love for Landig, who spent four years restoring the car by himself in a garage behind his home.

"I've got six of these cars, but this is the only one I completely restored myself," he said. "I'm still excited like the day I finshed the car: July 10, 2010."

The show ran from 12:30-6:30 p.m. and featured live music at Station Square, food and beer vendors, and hundreds of enthusiastic car lovers.