One of the nation’s top automotive events returns to Amelia Island this weekend, after being pushed back from March to allow more time for vaccinations.
The rare exotics and meticulously restored classics that will be on display at the Amelia Island Concour d’Elegance will include the Ferrari 275 GTB/S that won the GT class in the 1965 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Also on the field at the Ritz-Carlton will be one of just seven Maverick Sportsters that were created by aeronautical engineer Sterling “Smoke” Gladwin.
"The Amelia," as it's also known, draws more than 300 rare vehicles most years from collections around the world, according to Concours organizers.
The future will also be a focus, as General Motors shows off its upcoming Hummer and Cadillac Lyriq electric vehicles.
Cadillac says its 2023 Cadillac Lyriq should start arriving in showrooms during the first half of 2022, while GMC says the resurrection of the Hummer nameplate will result in an electric “supertruck” with up to 1,000 horsepower. GMC is planning a Hummer SUV and pickup, with initial deliveries expected before the end of the year.
Concours d'Elegance spokesman Chris Brewer told WJCT News some vintage electric cars will also be on display.
“This is something that goes back well over 100 years. Some of the early electric vehicles were popular, because you didn’t have to hand crank to start them," he said.
Brewer’s personal favorites on the field include a Mercedes Benz CLK GTR and a 1995 McLaren F1.
This weekend will also mark the return of Cars & Coffee at the Concours on Saturday.
A special class of 1970 muscle cars will be on the field to celebrate the pinnacle of Detroit's fast and loud era thanks to help from the Wellborn Musclecar Museum in Alexander City, Ala.
The Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance starts Thursday with the RM Sotheby’s Amelia Island Preview, a silent action and a wine maker’s dinner, with a full slate of events on Friday and Saturday leading up to the main event Sunday.
This year’s honoree will be racer, broadcaster, entrepreneur and motivational speaker Lyn St. James. She’s raced at Indianapolis, Sebring, Palm Beach and Daytona. Her class victory at the 1979 24 Hours of the Nürburgring solidified her place as a world-class driver, according to Concours organizers.
The organizers said masks are “highly recommended” at this year’s Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance.
Since its inception, The Amelia has raised more than $3.75 million for Community Hospice & Palliative Care and other area nonprofits.
Tickets are available at a variety of Jacksonville locations. Online sales have ended. Here's the full list of ticket locations, and the full slate of events is on the Concours website.
Bill Bortzfield can be reached at bbortzfield@wjct.org or on Twitter at @BortzInJax.
