Car shows come and go, but this event is here to stay. Now in its 19th year, the Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance has evolved into one of the must-see events of the automotive world. Taking place in early March, Amelia Island, Fla., is transformed from a sleepy barrier island into an epic gathering of all types of automobiles.
One of the aspects of the show that makes it so enjoyable is the wide range of classic and collector cars that are invited to participate. Each year the board of directors chooses a unique honoree and focuses the selected show cars in an appropriate fashion. This year they selected F1 winner Jochen Mass. Having raced for McLaren, a number of Mass’ classic McLaren racers and prototypes were present. In addition to the amazing historical cars, our good friends at Dimmitt Automotive brought two of their new McLaren examples, and were offering a ride and drive around the island.
(Scroll down for our Mega-Gallery)
What began as a Sunday afternoon event has grown into a week of glitz & glamour. Friday night kicked off the weekend with the duPont REGISTRY Live Aeroport Reception. We took an ordinary aircraft hangar and transformed it into a sensory overload of cars, music, food and drink. All party planning and prep work was handled by Orlando based Tim Webber.
Just inside the gate was a new white F12 Berlinetta from Ferrari Tampa Bay, flanked by race-prepped Caymans from the late model Stuttgart series. A Breitling aerobatic L39 was parked next to Davidoff’s cigar booth. As guests entered the hangar, they were greeted by a classic dual cowl Packard Twin-Six (V12). Gourmet food could be found on both sides, with offerings ranging from roast beef to jambalaya. Live music took turns competing with an outstanding audio system on display from MBL. First Impressions was on hand to showcase their ability to build the home theater of your dreams. One step inside their mobile theater will make you rethink going out to the movies. Other exclusive companies that were present include First Class Customs, Dimmitt Automotive Group and Airstream.
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Saturday morning was host to a Cars and Coffee that was open to the public. Cars not chosen to be a part of Sunday’s main event were present, and we were able to shoot a quick video from our mobile office (golf cart), which can be found above.
Sunday morning we were on the field at 7 am. The show opened at 10, but ticket holders were lined up by the thousands in anticipation. Just inside the main entrance was our hospitality tent. Friends of the duPont REGISTRY were privy to a raised viewing area. Three rows of stadium seating next to the green made it possible to see the entire field. Breakfast and lunch were catered by the Ritz-Carlton. Our guests were able to watch each class advance, and their winners take a triumphant lap around the green.
If you plan to attend any car shows next year, put this one at the top. We will be there with a bigger Friday night event and even more food in our hospitality tent.
Gallery
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Pictures below by PhotoOctane
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Picures below by Casey Boyle Photography
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Pictures below by Deremer Studios
