First Settlers Region’s Air & Auto Classic is where automotive passion meets aviation history in support of our local charities. This signature event welcomes participants and spectators alike for a day of cars, community, and giving back.

Air & Auto Today

Experience a car show that brings together enthusiasts, spectators, sponsors, and the charities it supports for an unforgettable day. With participants traveling from Maryland, Delaware, North Carolina, and across Virginia, the event is a chance to show off your pride and joy while enjoying the incredible setting of the Military Aviation Museum and its collection of vintage aircraft.

Since Air & Auto Classic 1, more than 3,000 spectator vehicles have joined us. Admission includes museum entry and features vendors, a food truck, music, and raffles. More than 1,350 cars and trucks have been registered for judging, and the event has raised over $123,000 for charity.

The show welcomes all makes and models, including foreign and domestic, vintage, street rods, rat rods, muscle cars, race cars, sports cars, late-model vehicles, and motorcycles. If you’re proud of it, bring it!

Come out and enjoy the DJ, live broadcast, live music, vintage aircrafts, great company, and a little friendly competition.

2025 Special Guest Chitty Chitty Bang Bang

2025 Sam Gassel took top honors with his 1973 Porsche 914-6

A Brief History
Air & Auto began in 2010, but its roots go back several years earlier to FSR member Sam Gassel’s Pine Ridge Car Show, a smaller event held in his Virginia Beach neighborhood park. They eventually outgrew this site.

In 2010 members Phil and Josie Grandfield and George Michaels helped bring the event to a new location with club support. The Military Aviation Museum became the perfect home, and the event was renamed to reflect its unique setting.

Sam Gassel and George Michaels co-coordinated the show through 2014. After Sam stepped away, George continued to lead the event until 2023, when he passed the torch to current coordinator Erik Apotheker. Thanks to their vision and dedication, Air & Auto has grown into one of First Settlers Region’s most recognized and well-loved events.