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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

Scott Baena, 62
Attorney, Bilzin Sumberg - Baena Price & Axelrod - Miami

When he was a child, Scott Baena's grandparents had a farm in upstate New York, and his grandfather left a 1946 Chevy truck in the field for the grandkids to drive. "Those were fun times and left great memories," Baena says. After a long search, Baena bought a '46 Chevy truck about two years ago from a dealer in the San Francisco Bay area. "I keep the truck at our horse farm in South Carolina and often use it to take my lovely wife, Michele, to the local ice cream stand or fried chicken joint."

The look: "The truck is a real head-turner. The ‘46?Chevy is best remembered for its Art Deco grille. Production of this style stopped for the switch to wartime material production in January 1942 but resumed on a limited basis from January 1944 through early 1946; however,?it was not?until May of 1946 that chrome was used for the grille."

Classic plan: "The goal is to leave a classic truck to each of my sons. I have my eye on a '49 Ford pickup — built the year I was born — which is in horrible shape. I'd like to restore that one myself from the wheels up. For whatever reason, the current owner is not motivated to fix it or sell it just yet, but as my wife will tell you, I am a persistent suitor."


Scott Baena's '46 Chevy truck

Steven Zelman, 48
Interior designer, Lichi-Zelman Style Interiors - Parkland (southwest of Boca Raton)

Steven Zelman's interest in classic cars was sparked during the early 1980s, as he watched the character Tubbs drive a vintage Cadillac convertible on "Miami Vice." Now he's the proud owner of a 1964½ Mustang convertible. "I feel like a kid every time I drive it," he says. His family loves it, too. "My oldest son, Brandon, is taking it to the prom." Zelman has promised the car to his younger son, Kyle, and Zelman and his wife take it out on date nights. "It makes us feel like teenagers again. There are very few investments in life that can bring you this kind of happiness."

Also in the garage: "I own a Cadillac CTS Coupe — I love the lines on it — a Porsche 911 convertible and a Lexus SUV to transport the family and dogs. I am selling the Porsche 911 as I enjoy driving the classic cars."

On the wish list: "I'm looking for a 1971 Eldorado convertible and a 1970 Corvette convertible. The Eldorado is for my dad, as he passed away four years ago, and to him, owning a Cadillac was the ultimate sign of success. The Eldorado was the king of the Caddys, and I want something to help keep his memory alive as well. The Corvette would be for me."


Steven Zelman's 1964½ Mustang convertible