This weekend, many prominent cars, iconic racers, collectors, and enthusiasts will be visiting Amelia Island for a variety of automotive-related shows, several auctions and other special events that make up the Amelia Island Concours Weekend. Here is a small preview of what one can expect on the small Floridian island:
The 24 Hour War Film Screening
One of the first activities begins on the evening of Thursday, March 9 when the Amelia Motoring Film Exhibition kicks off at the Amelia Community Theatre at 6pm. As part of the three-film event, Chassy Media will be presenting The 24 Hour War. Tickets are $20 for those interested in attending the event and seeing The 24 Hour War the way it was intended – on the big screen!
Amelia Island Concours D’Elegance
(Photo Credit: Rashba.com)
Probably the closest rival to Pebble Beach, CA’s legendary Concours, the Amelia Island Concours D’Elegance attracts some of the world’s greatest cars and iconic people who were closely associated with them. Adam will be entering two of his vehicles in the show itself.
In addition, Adam will be a featured judge of the Nissan/Datsun entries and will host a seminar on Friday featuring some of the most prominent people that contributed to the success of Japanese auto manufacturers in the US racing scene (John Morton, Tommy Kendall, and Sam Posey to name a few).
RM Sotheby’s Sports Car Auction
Since 1999, RM Sotheby’s has been the official auction house of the Amelia Island Concours D’ Elegance and features some of the most desirable cars that enthusiasts love to collect. Last year’s combined sales from the event were in excess of $38M, and this year the auction is bigger than ever before. Extended from one day to two days and featuring more than 150 cars, this RM Sotheby’s Amelia Island auction is set to be their most successful to date – especially when they have cars like these up for sale:
2005 Ford GT
(Photo Credit: RM Sotheby’s)
If you weren’t lucky enough to preorder one of the all-new Ford GTs, here’s your chance to buy the next best thing. One of two early millennium Ford GTs to be auctioned off by RM Sotheby’s this weekend, these Ford GTs honor the styling of the original GT40 (perhaps more than its latest counterpart).
This particular GT features a striking red with white racing stripes and has only 2,453 original miles on the odometer. If you’re looking for a pure Ford GT driving experience complete with a V8 and manual transmission, it’d be hard to look past this lot.
“It’s a great car to drive, very comfortable and easy to drive too,” says Alexander Weaver, Car Specialist at RM Sotheby’s. “I could drive one of these cars everyday if it had a back up camera.”
1969 Tasca-Ford Mustang Boss 302 Trans Am “Metuchen Special”
(Photo Credit: RM Sotheby’s)
This Boss 302 Trans Am is a legendary model that participated in a golden era of Trans-Am, and driven by Dean Gregson in nine races from 1969 to 1972. The car has recently been restored to its original 1969 livery and features all its original sheet metal.
“I could not believe how easy it is to throw one of these around the track,” says Weaver. “They handle amazing, the driver input is so easy, and they feel light and very nimble which is not something you expect out of a big, American Mustang like that.”
1970 Nissan Fairlady Z 432
(Photo Credit: RM Sotheby’s)
One of only 420 built exclusively for the Japanese market and with many not surviving, this rare Fairlady Z 432 features four valves per cylinder, three carbs, and twin overhead camshafts (wow!).
“The engine revs so high,”says Weaver. “It just keeps reving and revving. It’s super fun. Probably the most expensive 240Z you can ever find (the car is estimated at $150k-$200k) – but also the best you’ll ever find.”
Imported to the United States in 2013, this car at auction presents a rare opportunity to own an amazing piece of Japanese auto history. Don’t be surprised if even Adam jumps in on the bidding of this beauty.
Speaking of Adam and the RM Sotheby’s Auction, Adam has two vehicles from his collection that’ll be under the hammer this Saturday:
1965 Lamborghini 350 GT by Touring
(Photo Credit: RM Sotheby’s)
The Lamborghini 350GT marks the debut of the Italian manufacturer’s production cars and are exceptionally rare with only 120 having been built.
A vehicle that Adam has owned for many years, this 350GT is pleasantly unrestored and original while also well maintained and regularly driven. This 350GT was even lent out to James Franco for his Gucci commercial that the charismatic young star directed and acted in.
“This is a car that people would be very proud to show in a preservation class,” says Weaver. “But also a car that is ready to be driven and used.”
1969 Lamborghini Islero 400GT
(Photo Credit: RM Sotheby’s)
In typical Lamborghini tradition, the Islero was named after the bull that killed Manuel Rodriquez in 1947 and features its original 4-liter 320bhp V-12 engine with six Weber carbs.
Like the 350GT, this Islero owned by Adam is mostly original and unrestored but very well maintained. The car even features an original well-preserved pigskin leather interior – a special-order from the original owner.
“Great looks, extremely rare production numbers,” adds Weaver. “I think the Islero has been a very underrated car for a long time now.”
The RM Sotheby’s Auction at Amelia Island takes place Friday at 5pm with the Orin Smith Collection, and Saturday beginning at 11am. If you’re unable to make it to the event in person, you can watch both days of auctions online for free at their website.
When all is said and done, the 2017 Amelia Island Concours weekend looks to be an incredible experience for the automotive enthusiast. We look forward to hearing from Adam about his experience when he gets back!