The Amelia Concours D'Elegance welcomed in its 29th year this past weekend at the Ritz Carleton on Amelia Island. The golf course was brimming with both vintage and modern automobiles from all marques. Saturday March 2nd brought about Cars and Community, an event curated for some of the best vehicles across the country. It also hosts Radwood, an array of 80s and 90s cars. People from all over gather to see cars of their childhood, or cars that simply peak their curiosity and aesthetic. Trophies are presented to some of greates and "Radest" vehicles in participation, as well as the best dressed for that era.

Here are some of my favorite photos from Saturday's Cars and Community.


The low hum of conversations could be heard throughout the course. People retelling tales of past adventures with the same vehicle. Or others telling the story of where they picked up their beloved vehicle. Some cars have been in the families for several generations since purchase, and others were rescued from barns.


The next day brought about The Amelia Concours D'Elegance. Participants dressed to their best, and some even dressed in period correct garb to go with their entry. Each entrant hopeful in their class, and also hopeful to take home the coveted Best of Show. There were a couple new categories to note, one being Japanese Performance Cars of the 90s. Being a long time lover of JDM (Japanese Domestic Market) Vehicles, I was happy to see that they were acknowledging this very popular up and coming sector of the automotive community. As I crossed the show field, I began noticing some out of the ordinary vehicles compared to the Porsches and Ferraris. Was that a Skyline? It is. Wait, what is that? An NSX? No way. And look at this, a Supra. Among the more well known JDM Vehicles, there were a few I had never seen before.

For example, this 1989 Autech Zigato. Autech was the performance division of Nissan in the 90s. This model was on of 88 built for the line. It was manufactured in Italy. Sadly, the line did not continue and this vehicles are hard to come by.

This 1997 Mitsubishi Pajero was another vehicle I had never laid eyes on in person before. Only 2700 units were ever produced.


There is much to be said about car enthusiasts. We all come from different walks of life, backgrounds, parts of the country, or the world. But we will gather in the same place for one reason, cars.In this setting, differences are put aside, and we will converse with just about anyone who shares the same passion as we do. We will drive hours to events, sit in the blazing sun, takes flights and load our pressure cargo onto trailers to share this passion with our community.


Another collection worth noting in attendance were the cars of Pikes Peak. Some were shipped from various parts of the country, and one even shipped all the way from Germany.

But only two could take home the coveted Best of Show Sport and Elegance.

A 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO and 1947 Delahaye 135MS Narval Cabriolet took the win. The 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO owned by David MacNeil has a known competition history including an overall victory at the 1964 Tour de France and 4th overall and 2nd in class at the 1963 24 hours of Le Mans. The car was fully restored to period correctness. MacNeil stated they will take good care of the vehicle now and it will be in the family for generations to come.


The Delahaye was one of six "Narval" styles built. The car was restored in its original color of Orange Brule which is a favorite of the coachwork designer Joseph Figoni. Owner Dana Mecum stated, "It takes a lot of preparation to come to a Concours like Amelia, but this makes it all worth it."


And although we saw almost 2 inches of rain throughout the weekend, it did not deter the record breaking crowds in attendance to the 29th Annual Amelia.

It is always a privilege to be around vehicles with such a rich history.


The adventure doesn't stop here. It is only the beginning of what this new car season will bring.


Until next time.

Motor on.


You can view the rest of the beutiful cars on display in my portfolio: https://adventuresofacargirl.smugmug.com/Concours-Events/The-Amelia/The-Amelia-2024