Auto buffs

Edward A. Dauer, 61
Research associate professor of biomedical engineering, radiology and family medicine, University of Miami; director of radiology, Florida Medical Center - Coral Springs

Eddie Dauer is a longtime collector of all sorts of items. "When I was a third-year medical student at the University of Miami, I bought an unrestored 1941 Cadillac four-door sedan for $500," he says. "I restored it myself while in medical school and used it for the first date with my wife, Joanne, while it was still in primer and not complete." His love for classic cars inspired him to become involved with the Boca Raton Concours d' Elegance, serving as show car chairman. "It allows me to devote my time to my passion for the classic car hobby and also for philanthropy, as the event raises much-needed funds for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Broward County, which is an organization near and dear to my heart."

How it started: "I found (my first car) in the Miami Herald classified ads. I had a friend who ran a cabinet shop teach me about the bodywork and painting. My undergraduate degree was in electrical engineering, so I was familiar with the electric?wiring and mechanics of the car."

Car max out: Dauer has more than 50 antique cars, including his wife's first and second cars, his first car and the first car of each of their adult children. Some of his more unusual vehicles are a 1971 Cadillac ambulance, a 1953 Good Humor truck and a 1934 Ford Texaco Gasoline tanker truck."

On the wish list: A 1958?Oldsmobile Super 88 station wagon

Eddie and Joanne Dauer in front of a 1930 Cadillac V-16 four-door convertible at the 2011 Boca Raton Concours d'Elegance