LUTZ — Paul Figoni just wants to line up some classic cars. He’s happy with whoever shows up, even if that someone turns out to be famous.
Figoni launched the Cars at the Corner Car Show on May 1, with plans to meet the first Friday of every month in front of Capriotti’s Sandwich Shop in the Willow Bend Towne Centre, at the southeast corner of Collier Parkway and State Road 54. But Figoni, who runs Let’s Roll Car Shows, had no idea a famous classic car collector lives just a stone’s throw away.
Former wrestler and movie star John Cena, who lives part time in the area, has been spotted driving cars from his collection along State Road 54 and Collier Parkway and patronizing local businesses. He has also appeared at sponsored events in the community.
Figoni said he simply wanted to start a new show for local gearheads.
“We didn’t have a Friday night show,” Figoni said. “I used to have a Friday night show in Citrus Park that went on for 13 years, every Friday night, so I wanted to get a new Friday night show going. I thought the Willow Bend Towne Centre parking lot was a pretty central location. But when people turn out, it always depends on the weather and whether other shows are going on.”
At the inaugural event, dozens of classic and modern cars rolled in, popped their hoods and parked. Drivers settled into lawn chairs to swap stories with other owners. Customers from nearby businesses and restaurants were welcome to stroll through and take a look. The lineup included Fords, Chevys, convertibles and a Chevy Camaro decked out as Bumblebee — the yellow and black Transformer from the film starring, fittingly, Cena.
Entry costs $5 and includes a $5 discount on a meal at Capriotti’s.
While the show focuses on classic cars rather than modern muscle, Figoni said classics are getting harder to find as they age out of circulation, and a crowded show calendar means established events often pull cars away from newer ones like his.
Younger owners are increasingly joining the scene, he said.
“That is interesting, in a sense, especially if they can afford it,” Figoni said. “They’re starting to get into classic cars, but also smaller classic cars that are affordable. If they could get into a ’66 or ’67 Corvette with a V8 in it, sure, they would do it, but they can’t afford it.”
Figoni said he was pleased with the May 1 turnout and expects it to grow as he promotes the show on social media and through word of mouth.
And if Cena wants to drop by?
“If he wants to come check out the cars and maybe even bring one of his, he’s more than welcome to,” Figoni said. “I’m sure that would be a great turnout. But he’s welcome just like any other car owner is.”
Cars at the Corner Car Show
The open car show for muscle and specialty cars and trucks runs the first Friday of every month from 6 to 9 p.m. in front of Capriotti’s Sandwich Shop, 1948 Collier Parkway, Lutz. Music, entertainment and discounted meals for participating drivers.
For more information, contact Paul Figoni at 813-468-0277 or pfigoni1@gmail.com, or visit Let’s Roll Car Shows on Facebook.