Many of us have been to some mighty fine classic car shows. And many of us have been to some great antique airplane shows. But to attend both a classic car AND air show all in one place is quite a treat. And twice a year, the Pioneer Flight Museum in Kingsbury, Texas, hosts a drive in/fly in show.
I’ve been to several of these shows and I’m always impressed at the quality of the planes, cars and the museum exhibits. Here’s a look at this year’s event.
The Pioneer Flight Museum in Kingsbury, Texas, celebrates early aviation history with a collection of vintage aircraft and engines. It showcases restored biplanes, antique planes, and interactive exhibits, offering visitors a glimpse into the golden age of flight. The museum hosts airshows and educational programs, inspiring aviation enthusiasts of all ages. Not that everything was plane and car related…
Wings, wheels, and yes, even gas-powered washing machines. But on to the cars…
There was a good mix of everything, and this shot captures the car section pretty well.
This ’57 Chevy Bel Air Sports Coupe won the Museum Award. I’m told it would have won the People’s Choice Award, but friends and family of the “winner” stuffed the ballot box of their car…
A cool Monster Truck Rat Rod was also part of the exhibit.
This 1940 Chrysler Windsor was a particular highlight.
There were at least two Ford “shoeboxes” present. One, next to the Bel Air.
Gotta love a 1957 Ranchero.
Far more modern, this Pacer had a perfect 1970s interior.
My truck and my son in law’s Caprice were shown not far from the Windsor.
Another view of the car section.
I didn’t bother to count the Model Ts on hand, they were their own exhibit.
Twenty to thirty, at least. And they were drivers!
If you’re tired of the plastic cars of today, then you can appreciate these old Fords made of brass and wood.
A number of them were World War I and World War II military machines, which I found very interesting.
It was in the upper 80’s, yet these guys wore period correct uniforms.
I felt sorry for them, but I appreciated their willingness.
Did I say earlier there were too many Model Ts to count? I mean, there were lots! I saw on the museum website that they host a Model T Olympics once a year.
Other land vehicles were around too, like this 1954 Vincent Black Shadow Series C.
Can’t have a quality show without eats and vendors. I neglected to get a picture of the live music on stage, but there was that too.
Now on to some planes…
Several were on the field, ready to fly. I’ll leave it to others to ID these.
This 1917 Fokker Dr.1 Replica was also on the field, though it seems to be just for museum display. I can’t recall seeing it fly in and around.
Inside the museum, there are a good number of items on exhibit.
I didn’t take many pictures and document the museum as I should have, but trust me… If you are even slightly interested in aviation history, then this is the place for you.
All in all, a quality show!
Wonderful selection of vintage transportation of all sorts! Love all the WW I stuff.
And love your GMC, just bought a ’75 GMC Sierra 2500 out here in CO, we’ve bought a house there but won’t actually move until April, just couldn’t help myself, I always need a project. And like Paul, a vintage unrestored truck makes a lot of sense as it can be used for so many things.
The Vincent was sort of the successor to Brough Superior that Laurence of Arabia was killed riding, sort of a British Harley EL. Very sought after.
Where in Colorado?
We just spent a bit of time in the San Juan Mountains on an extended van trip to New Mexico. Colorado is always a treat for me, as it has been aver since we used to go there on summer vacations as a kid.
Texas looks very flat – ideal I suppose for forced landings with those old aeroplanes.
Some parts of Texas are indeed flat, like the costal plain. There is, near Kingsbury, Texas Lutheran University in Seguin, Texas, the alma mater of which begins “O stately college of the plain.”
Not all of the state is flat though. From the Texas Hill Country north and west of San Antonio to the Guadalupe Mountains there is some beautiful and rugged topography. Guadalupe Peak, also known as Signal Peak, is the highest natural point in Texas, elevation 8,751 feet above sea level.
Elky, thank you for the post. I live less than an hour from the Pioneer Flight Museum and I intend to visit soon.
THANK YOU for sharing these ! .
-Nate
Hard to beat cars and airplanes in one show. Where’s the steam engines?
What a great selection! The 1940 Chrysler is a real treat, and I would have thought we were past the time when large groups of Model Ts gathered together. Thankfully not!!
Great looking show, in November as well.
How do I “bid” for the Ranchero?