During the weekend of Nov. 10, duPont REGISTRY took part in a wide range of events ranging from private events to the public; we were live and active. Many automotive aficionados, myself included, had the opportunity partake in the Winter Park Concours d’Elegance and enjoy a full weekend of luxury automotive excitement.
Day One: duPont REGISTRY Live
The drive from Saint Petersburg, through Orlando and to the Sanford Airport quickly became worth the trip. We arrived to the airport to the sound of screaming engines. The airstrip was closed off from air traffic and the SRT Team was having their fun while the asphalt stretch was still clear. Making our way to our booth at the entrance of this year’s duPont REGISTRY Live event, we gazed in awe at the catering and event planners running to and fro, preparing for guests. Air hangars were transformed into five star restaurants and airplanes and exotic cars were being arranged for display.
The night began and people poured through the gates by the shuttle full. I entered and immediately saw the SRT Team with their SRT Viper and other vehicles. It was my first time seeing a Viper since SRT bought the design rights from Dodge. After admiring the exquisite sportsmanship of the iconic American muscle car, my attention turned to the loudest part of the event: the airstrip.
The air reeked of burnt clutch, hot brake pads and toasted tires. One of the largest features of the night was a line-up of supercars provided by supporting dealerships. Guests climbed into the passenger seats of their car of choice, and for $50, a professional driver gave them a ride down the airstrip and back. Proceeds were directly distributed to the Seminole Kids House charity, as was a portion of the funds raised during the rest of the event. With plans to go for a ride on the back of my mind, I followed the red carpet to the rest of the show.
While I walked, I found myself in a daze. Delightful music was playing, and the event had taken a turn since my first walk to the duPont REGISTRY booth. The caterers were constantly flowing through with champagne and snacks and the buffet was open, filling the air with mixed smells of sautéed chicken and roasted pork.
The first hangar hosted the appetizers and boasted classic Jaguars, Mercedes-Benzs and new Ducati motorcycles. The second hangar was home to the entrées, and was filled with tables and a private section. Aerial performers hanging from silk spun around holding bottles of champagne, refilling guest’s glasses. More aerial performers dancing on a ring swung about, entertaining the dining guests. The last hangar held dessert alongside a Ferrari Italia, Mercedes-Benz SLS, and Porsche 911.
The event hosted many new and admirable supercars from Fields Motorsports Orlando, Ferrari and Maserati of Central Florida and Mercedes-Benz of South Florida, as well as vehicles from the collections of affluent automotive enthusiasts. Private jets were present and open so guests could climb inside and consider buying one of their own. Boats lined up between hangars with steps beneath the rear so that curious lookers could climb inside.
While yours truly may have missed it, the “Battle of the Heavyweights” show was set for the end of the night. Tom duPont announced that a propeller powered airplane would fly upside down over the air strip, racing to the end against a Lamborghini Gallardo. Who won is unclear, but the show was said to be outstanding. As guests began to leave, fireworks were set off, making for an exquisite exit to an unrivaled event.
Day Two: Windermere Country Club Concours d’Elegance
I arrived at noon for a sunny Saturday filled with extraordinary displays of luxury at this prestigious private party. I was guided to my parking space and then picked up by employees in a golf cart who drove me to the registration table.
The Windermere Country Club boasts a charming golf course that was still active as the show unfolded. Along the ride I was surrounded by ponds and open fields, SRT was in the parking lot and exotics were parked alongside the path, signaling a good start to a great event. I provided the registration table with my name and continued to the show.
The first things to be noted were the classic wood boats. While I’m not particularly knowledgeable in the world of boating, I was stunned by the treated wood glistening in the sunlight. The boats held a classic beauty that forced me to stop and acknowledge the unique craftsmanship. These were certainly built for show competition. Continuing along the path, the sound of live music preceded the smell of more delicious food.
The fields were full of award winning classic cars of all sorts, each brought by a different company. After much wandering and a short discussion with Cadillac representatives, it was time for me to grab some food from the buffet.
Buffet tents lined the walkway in the center of the event. Beneath each tent was a unique variety of food. In the center of it all, a live performer sang to the groups of tables beneath the largest tent. The mix of exquisite features made for a relaxing but fantastic atmosphere. Awards were handed out to vehicles that stood above and beyond the rest, while boating and automotive aficionados had the chance to mingle over a great meal.
Day Three: Winter Park Concours d’Elegance
The Winter Park Concours d’Elegance was a public event that brings together some of the world’s best, most luxurious automobiles for everyone to enjoy. I arrived to a crowd of people filling the entire portion of the town blocked off for the show. Cars of all ages were on display, from a new Lamborghini Aventador to the one-of-a-kind 1967 Ford Mustang Convertible Prototype.
Walking down the streets I was astonished by extravagant works of automotive art. Restored cars and vehicles thought to have disappeared lined up along the streets. Dealerships arrived with their own cars to take part in the show. Some of the most prestigious American show cars, such as the duPont Roadster, stood proudly in the park in the center of it all. Around the stage, private dining was available for ticket holders. However, a ticket was required to have a seat. The food was again fantastic and once again accompanied by live music.
Winter Park is a small beautiful city built around lakes that hosts an absolutely amazing car show. duPont REGISTRY took a large part in making this possible and led the way to a great evening for thousands of people.
