The South Florida International Auto Show Is Worth Your Tuesday Night

You have seen cars your whole life. In parking lots, on the highway, in your own driveway. The South Florida International Auto Show is the one week a year Miami actually lets you get close to the ones you have been watching from a distance — touch them, photograph them, sit in them, and in some cases, drive them.

The 39th edition is running through November 1 at the Miami Beach Convention Center. Nearly 1,000 vehicles. More than 40 manufacturers. The main draw is Million Dollar Alley — Aston Martin, Ferrari, Lotus, Bentley, lined up in a row like someone left the vault open. If you have ever wanted to stand next to a car that costs more than your building, this is the week.

Memory Lane is the other reason to show up. More than 26 antique cars, dating back to 1936. The original Batmobile and Batcycle from the 1966 TV series are here — which is either deeply nostalgic or deeply strange depending on your age. The centerpiece is a 1970 Ford Mustang Shelby Cobra GT350, customized by Carroll Shelby himself, with a 351 cubic-inch V8 and documentation confirming it is the only one ever built in this color with these options. Production stopped with the 1970 model year. This car should not exist. It does.

Ride and Drive lets you get behind the wheel of 2010 GM and Ford models — which is either a test drive or a preview of what you will be buying in six months. Either way, it is free with admission.

Tonight runs 3 PM to 11 PM. Admission is $10 for adults, $3 for kids 6–12. Discount tickets at participating dealerships, McDonald's locations, and at sfliautoshow.com. Miami Beach Convention Center, 1901 Convention Center Drive.