Now, why didn’t we think of this?
That’s all we could say as we pulled into the “Props n’ Pistons” car show in Williamson, Ga.
After a steady diet of blistering black asphalt cruise-ins, it was a welcome change to be walking on lush, manicured grass. Though, when you think about it, many of the top North American Concours d’Elegance events are held on grass.
Who’s to argue with Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, Audrain Newport Concours & Motor Week, and Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance? Certainly not us.
Not to mention, having planes taking off and landing right behind the event added a one-of-a-kind layer of excitement.
Normally at car shows, everyone turns their head when a powerful car revs its engine. At this event, everyone turned to watch planes roll down the runway and take flight.
And as luck would have it, Keven Sasser, the owner of the Peach State Aerodrome, was mingling with the crowd and had time for a couple of questions.
Carbon Cub EX Two
Rod Worley – Editor – Before we discuss your Peach State Aerodrome, can you tell us more about the airplane we’re using in the cover photo with the Sebring Silver Corvette?
Keven Sasser – Peach State Aerodrome Owner – The plane is a 2018 Carbon Cub EX Two, which means it was kit-built versus factory built.
The 1,100 lbs plane has a 180-horsepower engine that can carry 1,800 lbs. Its full Garmin Avionics panel for cross-country flying on autopilot is a unique feature.
Overall, the plane’s design is for backcountry short takeoff and landings. We picked it up two years ago from the builder in Idaho.
Active Aerodrome Community
Rod Worley – Editor – Can you give us an overview of your beautiful facilities?
Keven Sasser – Peach State Aerodrome Owner – The Aerodrome is a public/private airport about an hour south of Atlanta in Williamson, Ga.
The original Atlanta airport, Candler Field, was the inspiration for the layout and the buildings.
We purchased the Aerodrome about five years ago from the Alexander family estate. Our airport community is home to Barnstormer’s Grill & Event Center, the Youth Aviation Program, and Peach State Airpark, a planned aviation homesite community.
We currently have 20 T-hangars with additional T and box hangars that will be under construction soon. There are also 20 partitioned lots available for purchase, where you can build a hanger.
In addition, we also have 35 to 40 rental spots, a 2,850 ft grass runway, and a fuel farm. Our active community hosts special fly-ins and events like today’s “Props n’ Pistons” cruise-in.
Atlanta Auto Restoration
Rod Worley – Editor – First, can you talk about you working with Courtney Hanson from Overhaulin? Then can you give us the background on Atlanta Auto Restoration?
Mark Engel – Owner of Atlanta Auto Restoration – Courtney has worked on several automotive shows over her career. I worked with her for a time on a show she was doing in the Marietta area.
The premise of the TV show was to help others, whether it be for charity or the family. They would purchase the car, strip it down and rebuild it by the show’s end.
We fixed the convertible top mechanicals, hydraulics, and skeleton frame for them.
My background is in the airline industry. For about ten years, I restored cars out of my house part-time.
All told, I’ve been restoring cars since the early ’90s.
So in 2006, I opened up Atlanta Auto Restoration. In the early days, we restored a lot of Corvettes, which put us on the map.
Around the early 2000s, we also started doing hot rods and muscle cars. Right now, we are doing a lot of first and second-generation Corvettes.
Most of the cars we restore are for sentimental reasons, which makes the project even more special.
Divergent Elite Detailing
Rod Worley – Editor – Tim, thank you for being one of the sponsors of “Props n’ Pistons.” Can you tell us more about this event and your Divergent Elite Detailing business?
Tim Cannady – Owner of Divergent Elite Detailing – A few of us have partnered to sponsor this event on the grounds of the Peach State Aerodrome & Barnstormers Grill.
The goal is to build a unique combination of a cruise-in and fly-in event on the South side of Atlanta.
And as you can see, the backdrop for this show is beautiful. The tree-lined countryside and grass runway give it that rustic natural look.
This event will give enthusiasts an alternative to driving to Atlanta for a car show. While this is our third month, it is already starting to attract attention.
Plus, it’s the perfect event to showcase our business, Divergent Elite Detailing. What started as a hobby in 1984 has become a business for us here on the South side of Atlanta.
What separates us from others is the range of services we provide. For instance, we have an extensive new car prep which others don’t offer.
Many new car owners don’t realize that new car exteriors are often imperfect. In many cases, they need paint imperfections removed and a follow-up polishing to raise the gloss and clarity of the finish.
Divergent Elite Detailing also has a complete Marine program to keep your boats and pleasure crafts looking their best. Our shop is here in McDonough at 1504 Meredith Park Drive.
You can reach us by calling 678-310-3153 or emailing me at [email protected].
Lunch At Barnstormer’s Grill
Back in the Roaring Twenties, daredevil pilots, known as barnstormers, flew throughout the country performing aerial stunts and selling airplane rides to enthusiastic crowds.
In fact, Charles Lindbergh began flying as a barnstormer.
Today, the family-owned Barnstormer’s Grill & Event Center offers excitement through family-style dining.
Enjoy their hearty breakfast, lunch, or dinner offerings as you watch aircraft take off and land a stone’s throw from your table.
The restaurant is open Wednesday through Friday, 11 am to 9 pm, Saturday from 8 am to 9:30 pm, and Sunday from 8 am to 3 pm.
Beautiful Backdrop
We’d like to thank the airplane owners for graciously allowing us to include them in our coverage. The colorful airplanes at the Peach State Aerodrome made a beautiful backdrop.
If you get a chance to drive or fly in for a “Props n’ Pistons” event, we highly recommend you do.
It is one of Atlanta’s most unique car show venues, especially with Barnstormers Grill steps away.
Articles We Recommend
Are You Signed Up For The National Collector Car Appreciation Day Event?
Feeling The Heat At July’s Caffeine & Octane
Beyond The Ribbon Hosts “Cars Vs Cancer” Event At Coolray Field
- More “Atlanta Events & Gatherings” articles.
Go Full Throttle
Grab Our FREE Newsletter