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Automotive

Pictorial: 2019 Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance

By Mike Hanlon
March 15, 2019
Pictorial: 2019 Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance
The Amelia Island Concours seems to have an endless supply of innovative ideas and compelling new features. One of the more recent fixtures in the annual celebration is "Cars & Coffee", which runs on the Saturday prior to the Concours d’Elegance . It allows individuals with vintage, exotic, and collectible vehicles to gather on the concours show field and this year over 450 vehicles turned out
The Amelia Island Concours seems to have an endless supply of innovative ideas and compelling new features. One of the more recent fixtures in the annual celebration is "Cars & Coffee", which runs on the Saturday prior to the  Concours d’Elegance . It allows individuals with vintage, exotic, and collectible vehicles to gather on the concours show field and this year over 450 vehicles turned out
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Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance 2019 honoree, Jacky Ickx. Ickx was the son of an automotive journalist and racer, and was introduced to motorsport at an early age attending the events his father covered or competed in. Sublime talent soon shone through when he began motorcycle racing and won three European titles before moving to car racing, clocking up a series of herculean performances in endurance and sports car races which quickly led to Formula One. His win record across a diversity of motorsport genres is extraordinary – he won the 24 Hours of Le Mans six times plus numerous other sports car and endurance races, the Can-Am Championship, the Paris-Dakar off-road classic, and he even won the Australian classic endurance event at the treacherous Mount Panorama at his first attempt. In Formula One, he was twice runner-up for the title, winning eight Grands Prix
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Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance 2019 honoree, Jacky Ickx.  Ickx was the son of an automotive journalist and racer, and was introduced to motorsport at an early age attending the events his father covered or competed in. Sublime talent soon shone through when he began motorcycle racing and won three European titles before moving to car racing, clocking up a series of herculean performances in endurance and sports car races which quickly led to Formula One. His win record across a diversity of motorsport genres is extraordinary – he won the 24 Hours of Le Mans six times plus numerous other sports car and endurance races, the Can-Am Championship, the Paris-Dakar off-road classic, and he even won the Australian classic endurance event at the treacherous Mount Panorama at his first attempt. In Formula One, he was twice runner-up for the title, winning eight Grands Prix
The Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance is a multi-faceted diamond, with many ancillary events combining to offer something for everyone, regardless of which genre you might be interested in. This panel of experts was one such facet, with 2019 honoree, Jacky Ickx on the left next to moderator Justin Bell
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The Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance is a multi-faceted diamond, with many ancillary events combining to offer something for everyone, regardless of which genre you might be interested in. This panel of experts was one such facet, with 2019 honoree, Jacky Ickx on the left next to moderator Justin Bell
Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance 2019 honoree, Jacky Ickx
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Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance 2019 honoree, Jacky Ickx
Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance 2019 honoree, Jacky Ickx in the Porsche 936-81 in which he won the 24 Hours of Le Mans
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Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance 2019 honoree, Jacky Ickx in the Porsche 936-81 in which he won the 24 Hours of Le Mans
Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance founder Bill Warner and the 2019 honoree, Jacky Ickx. The knowledge and insight Warner gained as an automotive journalist, in addition to his indomitable passion for automotive heritage, has enabled the Amelia Island Concours to become the most professionally-run concours event in the world
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Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance founder Bill Warner and the 2019 honoree, Jacky Ickx. The knowledge and insight Warner gained as an automotive journalist, in addition to his indomitable passion for automotive heritage, has enabled the Amelia Island Concours to become the most professionally-run concours event in the world
The Best in Show Concours d’Elegance Trophy at Amelia Island was awarded to this 1938 Mercedes-Benz 540K Autobahn-Kurier owned by The Keller Collection at the Pyramids. This "Autobahnen Kurierwagen 8-Zylinder Kompressor Typ 500" was shown for the first time at the 1934 Berlin Car Show. Only one model was ever built, powered by a supercharged eight cylinder, 5.4-liter engine
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The Best in Show Concours d’Elegance Trophy at Amelia Island was awarded to this 1938 Mercedes-Benz 540K Autobahn-Kurier owned by The Keller Collection at the Pyramids. This "Autobahnen Kurierwagen 8-Zylinder Kompressor Typ 500" was shown for the first time at the 1934 Berlin Car Show. Only one model was ever built, powered by a supercharged eight cylinder, 5.4-liter engine
This 1957 Ferrari 355 S took home the Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance Best in Show Concours de Sport Trophy. It began life as a 290 MM, was upgraded to a 315 S and then a 335 S. Over three seasons as a Ferrari Scuderia car, it ran in all the major races, such as Sebring, LeMans, the Mille Miglia, the 1,000 km of Nürburgring and the 1,000 km of Caracas, piloted by such luminaries as Juan Manuel Fangio, Phil Hill, Olivier Gendebien, Alfonzo De Portago, Wolfgang von Trips, Peter Collins, Maurice Trintignant, Mike Hawthorn and Stirling Moss
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This 1957 Ferrari 355 S took home the  Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance Best in Show Concours de Sport Trophy. It began life as a 290 MM, was upgraded to a 315 S and then a 335 S. Over three seasons as a Ferrari Scuderia car, it ran in all the major races, such as Sebring, LeMans, the Mille Miglia, the 1,000 km of Nürburgring and the 1,000 km of Caracas, piloted by such luminaries as Juan Manuel Fangio, Phil Hill, Olivier Gendebien, Alfonzo De Portago, Wolfgang von Trips, Peter Collins, Maurice Trintignant, Mike Hawthorn and Stirling Moss
The 1957 Ferrari 335 S and 1938 Mercedes-Benz 540K Autobahn-Kurier that took out this year’s Best in Show awards at the 24th annual Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance
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The 1957 Ferrari 335 S and 1938 Mercedes-Benz 540K Autobahn-Kurier that took out this year’s Best in Show awards at the 24th annual Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance
The 1957 Ferrari 335 S and 1938 Mercedes-Benz 540K Autobahn-Kurier that took out this year’s Best in Show awards at the 24th annual Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance
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The 1957 Ferrari 335 S and 1938 Mercedes-Benz 540K Autobahn-Kurier that took out this year’s Best in Show awards at the 24th annual Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance
The only Mercedes-Benz 540K Autobahn-Kurier ever built. It was the show car at the 1934 Berlin Car Show, and 85 years later it took the Best in Show Concours d’Elegance Trophy at Amelia Island
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The only Mercedes-Benz 540K Autobahn-Kurier ever built. It was the show car at the 1934 Berlin Car Show, and 85 years later it took the Best in Show Concours d’Elegance Trophy at Amelia Island
The 1931 Cadillac 452A All-Weather Phaeton of McKeel and Soon Hagerty won the Amelia Award for the American Classic 1931-1932 class. McKeel is the principal of Hagerty Insurance, the collector car insurance specialist
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The 1931 Cadillac 452A All-Weather Phaeton of McKeel and Soon Hagerty won the Amelia Award for the American Classic 1931-1932 class. McKeel is the principal of Hagerty Insurance, the collector car insurance specialist
This 1929 Mercedes-Benz 710 SS was delivered new to the 1929 Irish TT where it proved victorious in the hands of emerging superstar Rudolf Caracciola. Had there been a world title in the 1930s, Caracciola would have won many of them. In adverse conditions, the fastest and best drivers come to the fore, and Caracciola became known to the public as the Regenmeister (Rain Master) for his extraordinary throttle and car control in wet conditions. This was the race which saw him bestowed that honorary affectionate title, so this car is VERY special
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This 1929 Mercedes-Benz 710 SS was delivered new to the 1929 Irish TT where it proved victorious in the hands of emerging superstar Rudolf Caracciola. Had there been a world title in the 1930s, Caracciola would have won many of them. In adverse conditions, the fastest and best drivers come to the fore, and Caracciola became known to the public as the Regenmeister (Rain Master) for his extraordinary throttle and car control in wet conditions. This was the race which saw him bestowed that honorary affectionate title, so this car is VERY special
John Oates, from pop rock duo Hall & Oates, curated the 2019 “Cars of the Rock Stars” class. That's Oates' Emory Outlaw Porsche 356 Cabriolet at Amelia – a tasty treat of the first order. Forbes did an extensive interview with Oates about his car and his long term love of cars last year
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John Oates, from pop rock duo Hall & Oates, curated the 2019 “Cars of the Rock Stars” class. That's Oates' Emory Outlaw Porsche 356 Cabriolet at Amelia – a tasty treat of the first order. Forbes did an extensive interview with Oates about his car and his long term love of cars last year
During the 1930s, some of the most beautiful road cars in the world emanated from France, and the Peugeot Darl'Mat sports cars were among them. Émile Darl'mat began his Peugeot dealership in Paris in 1923, adding his own carrosserie soon after to become a low volume manufacturer of Peugeot-based sports cars. Only 105 cars were built in total, of which just 53 were roadsters and just 30 survive to this day. That's Mark Hyman of St. Louis looking suitably chuffed as he displays his 1938 Darl'mat Roadster
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During the 1930s, some of the most beautiful road cars in the world emanated from France, and the Peugeot Darl'Mat sports cars were among them. Émile Darl'mat began his Peugeot dealership in Paris in 1923, adding his own carrosserie soon after to become a low volume manufacturer of Peugeot-based sports cars. Only 105 cars were built in total, of which just 53 were roadsters and just 30 survive to this day. That's Mark Hyman of St. Louis looking suitably chuffed as he displays his 1938 Darl'mat Roadster
This 1911 Stanley 72, owned by Molly and Norm Shanklin, is the oldest of the three 20-hp Stanley 2 Seater steam-powered Roadsters extant and the oldest known aluminum-bodied Stanley Steamer in the world. They sold new for $1,350 with additional cost for all five available dealer options of the day: wind screen, speedometer, head lamps, retractable roof and bulb horn. The Model 72 could effortlessly reach 60 mph, and the potential of steam cars was adequately demonstrated by the company in setting the world land speed record. On 29 January 1906 at Daytona Beach, Fred Marriott drove the Stanley Steam Company's best known creation to a speed of 127.66 mph (205.44 km/h) over one mile. Unfortunately, the Stanley Steam Company triumph of 1906 was followed by tragedy when the streamliner flipped at 150 mph in the 1907 Daytona meet, ending both Marriot's racing career and Stanley Steam company's tilt at rewriting history. See our feature article; The fastest cars in history: 1894 to 1914
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This 1911 Stanley 72, owned by Molly and Norm Shanklin, is the oldest of the three 20-hp Stanley 2 Seater steam-powered Roadsters extant and the oldest known aluminum-bodied Stanley Steamer in the world. They sold new for $1,350 with additional cost for all five available dealer options of the day: wind screen, speedometer, head lamps, retractable roof and bulb horn. The Model 72 could effortlessly reach 60 mph, and the potential of steam cars was adequately demonstrated by the company in setting the world land speed record. On 29 January 1906 at Daytona Beach, Fred Marriott drove the Stanley Steam Company's best known creation to a speed of 127.66 mph (205.44 km/h) over one mile. Unfortunately, the Stanley Steam Company triumph of 1906 was followed by tragedy when the streamliner flipped at 150 mph in the 1907 Daytona meet, ending both Marriot's racing career and Stanley Steam company's tilt at rewriting history. See our feature article; The fastest cars in history: 1894 to 1914
The Automotive Heritage Award for "the car that matters historically" went to this 1956 Cadillac Series 75 Presidential Limousine owned by Harry Yeaggy. Built by Hess & Eisenhardt for use by President Eisenhower in 1956, it was also used by Presidents Kennedy and Johnson. When it was replaced in 1962, it was transferred to the Secret Service as a chase vehicle for the new President's car. It was the car behind President John F Kennedy's Lincoln in Dallas on that fateful day in 1963
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The Automotive Heritage Award for "the car that matters historically" went to this 1956 Cadillac Series 75 Presidential Limousine owned by Harry Yeaggy. Built by Hess & Eisenhardt for use by President Eisenhower in 1956, it was also used by Presidents Kennedy and Johnson. When it was replaced in 1962, it was transferred to the Secret Service as a chase vehicle for the new President's car. It was the car behind President John F Kennedy's Lincoln in Dallas on that fateful day in 1963
Karosserie Friedrich Rometsch was a Berlin coachbuilding company founded in 1924 by Friedrich Rometsch, who had learned the coachbuilding art at Erdmann & Rossi. In post-WW2 Germany, Rometsch began building the Rometsch Beeskow, a sports coupe based on the Volkswagen Beetle, and it enjoyed some success, with famous owners including Gregory Peck and Audrey Hepburn
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Karosserie Friedrich Rometsch was a Berlin coachbuilding company founded in 1924 by Friedrich Rometsch, who had learned the coachbuilding art at Erdmann & Rossi. In post-WW2 Germany, Rometsch began building the Rometsch Beeskow, a sports coupe based on the Volkswagen Beetle, and it enjoyed some success, with famous owners including Gregory Peck and Audrey Hepburn
The Chevrolet Corvette XP-897 GT prototype designed by General Motors Styling Division to promote the company's intended use of the Wankel Rotary engine. This car was one of two prototypes shown at all the major worldwide motorshows in 1973. The rotary engine project was shelved due to emissions and fuel consumption and so too were the prototypes. This car was stored at Vauxhall (the British General Motors subsidiary) in Bedford, England and was scheduled to be crushed in 1983, but it was thankfully rescued by the current owner, Tom Falconer, with the assistance of the then GM Head of Design, Chuck Jordan. The Corvette XP-897 GT prototype won the GM Design Center Award for the most innovative GM Design at Amelia Island
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The Chevrolet Corvette XP-897 GT prototype designed by General Motors Styling Division to promote the company's intended use of the Wankel Rotary engine. This car was one of two prototypes shown at all the major worldwide motorshows in 1973. The rotary engine project was shelved due to emissions and fuel consumption and so too were the prototypes. This car was stored at Vauxhall (the British General Motors subsidiary) in Bedford, England and was scheduled to be crushed in 1983, but it was thankfully rescued by the current owner, Tom Falconer, with the assistance of the then GM Head of Design, Chuck Jordan. The Corvette XP-897 GT prototype won the GM Design Center Award for the most innovative GM Design at Amelia Island
This 1968 Ford GT40 won the 24 Hours of Le Mans in both 1968 and 1969, the second time with 2019 Amelia honoree Jacky Ickx driving (with Jackie Oliver)
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This 1968 Ford GT40 won the 24 Hours of Le Mans in both 1968 and 1969, the second time with 2019 Amelia honoree Jacky Ickx driving (with Jackie Oliver)
The Chopard Watch Award for The Car of Timeless Elegance was won by this 1937 Mercedes-Benz 540K Special Roadster owned by Richard and Melanie Lundquist of California. Only 26 540K Special Roadsters were created, and only six in the long-tail style with a cover over the spare tire recessed into the rear deck. The car was purchased from the Mercedes-Benz stand at the 1937 Berlin Motor Show by Warner Brothers Movie Studios for Jack Warner. Warner retained the car for more than a decade
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The Chopard Watch Award for The Car of Timeless Elegance was won by this 1937 Mercedes-Benz 540K Special Roadster owned by Richard and Melanie Lundquist of California. Only 26 540K Special Roadsters were created, and only six in the long-tail style with a cover over the spare tire recessed into the rear deck. The car was purchased from the Mercedes-Benz stand at the 1937 Berlin Motor Show by Warner Brothers Movie Studios for Jack Warner. Warner retained the car for more than a decade
One of the many attractions at Amelia this year was a book signing by Joe Limongelli for his new book, "Me and My E-Type"
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One of the many attractions at Amelia this year was a book signing by Joe Limongelli for his new book, "Me and My E-Type"
The guitars of the rock stars that John Oates paired up with different cars for the event – seen in the foyer of the Mercedes-Benz Cocktail party and gala dinner
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The guitars of the rock stars that John Oates paired up with different cars for the event – seen in the foyer of the Mercedes-Benz Cocktail party and gala dinner
Still performing with musical partner Daryl Hall after 49 years, John Oates is a dedicated automotive enthusiast and he curated the "Cars of the Rock Stars" section at Amelia Island. Hall & Oates is the top selling duo in musical history, having surpassed both Simon & Garfunkel and The Everly Brothers by selling 40 million records. John is pictured with his wife, Aimee
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Still performing with musical partner Daryl Hall after 49 years, John Oates is a dedicated automotive enthusiast and he curated the "Cars of the Rock Stars" section at Amelia Island. Hall & Oates is the top selling duo in musical history, having surpassed both Simon & Garfunkel and The Everly Brothers by selling 40 million records. John is pictured with his wife, Aimee
One of the highlights at this year's Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance was the Mercedes-Benz Vision EQ Silver Arrow concept show car. A tribute to the successful record-breaking W 125 model of 1937, the Vision EQ is indeed a Silver Arrow, as it is an electric vehicle with 550 kW (750 hp) of silent motive force
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One of the highlights at this year's Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance was the Mercedes-Benz Vision EQ Silver Arrow concept show car. A tribute to the successful record-breaking W 125 model of 1937, the Vision EQ is indeed a Silver Arrow, as it is an electric vehicle with 550 kW (750 hp) of silent motive force
John Oates' Porsche Diesel AP 18 tractor, painted in famous "Pink Pig" colours. The Pink Pig was a distinctive Porsche 917/20 that ran in the 1971 24 Hours of Le Mans
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John Oates' Porsche Diesel AP 18 tractor, painted in famous "Pink Pig" colours. The Pink Pig was a distinctive Porsche 917/20 that ran in the 1971 24 Hours of Le Mans
On October 1, 1970, Janis Joplin recorded what was to be her best remembered song, the anti-consumerism anthem "Mercedes-Benz." "Oh Lord, won't you buy me, a Mercedes Benz, my friends all drive Porsches, I must make amends" went the lyrics. Three days later she died of a heroin overdose. The words of that song are even more poignant when you consider that the highly original artist did in fact own a Porsche and made it a personal trademark, driving the streets of Height-Ashbury in her psychedelic 356 Cabriolet. This is Pearl's Porsche
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On October 1, 1970, Janis Joplin recorded what was to be her best remembered song, the anti-consumerism anthem "Mercedes-Benz." "Oh Lord, won't you buy me, a Mercedes Benz, my friends all drive Porsches, I must make amends" went the lyrics. Three days later she died of a heroin overdose. The words of that song are even more poignant when you consider that the highly original artist did in fact own a Porsche and made it a personal trademark, driving the streets of Height-Ashbury in her psychedelic 356 Cabriolet. This is Pearl's Porsche
This is a 1964 Gibson SG Standard is from the John Oates Collection. Gibson introduced the Les Paul SG (Solid Guitar) in 1961. The sharp cutaways and beveled edges were an effort to modernize the Les Paul model. In 1963, the “Les Paul” name was dropped and the “SG” became a separate model. Angus Young, lead guitarist for AC/DC, is known for playing the SG, making this guitar the perfect complement to AC/DC lead singer Brian Johnson’s 1928 Bentley “Thunder Guts”
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This is a 1964 Gibson SG Standard is from the John Oates Collection. Gibson introduced the Les Paul SG (Solid Guitar) in 1961. The sharp cutaways and beveled edges were an effort to modernize the Les Paul model. In 1963, the “Les Paul” name was dropped and the “SG” became a separate model. Angus Young, lead guitarist for AC/DC, is known for playing the SG, making this guitar the perfect complement to AC/DC lead singer Brian Johnson’s 1928 Bentley “Thunder Guts”
In 1958, GM design chief Bill Mitchell wanted to build a Corvette racecar capable of beating Europe's best. With the availability of Zora Arkus-Duntov's defunct 1957 SS test mule chassis, Mitchell's XP-87 was underway. Mitchell's project had to be privately financed. GM insisted that Mitchell's design have no recognizable association with the Chevy brand or Corvette name so the XP-87 name was dropped and changed to Stingray. Completed in 1959, Mitchell's Stingray was fitted with a high-compression, fuel injected 283 c.i. V-8 engine producing 315 hp and entered into SCCA C-Class competition. At the end of the 1960 season, Mitchell retired the Stingray from competition, converted it for street use and exhibited it as an experimental show car. The concept was subsequently used in the 1967 film "Clambake", where it was driven by Elvis Presley. The car was one of the stars of the show at Amelia Island
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In 1958, GM design chief Bill Mitchell wanted to build a Corvette racecar capable of beating Europe's best. With the availability of Zora Arkus-Duntov's defunct 1957 SS test mule chassis, Mitchell's XP-87 was underway. Mitchell's project had to be privately financed. GM insisted that Mitchell's design have no recognizable association with the Chevy brand or Corvette name so the XP-87 name was dropped and changed to Stingray. Completed in 1959, Mitchell's Stingray was fitted with a high-compression, fuel injected 283 c.i. V-8 engine producing 315 hp and entered into SCCA C-Class competition. At the end of the 1960 season, Mitchell retired the Stingray from competition, converted it for street use and exhibited it as an experimental show car. The concept was subsequently used in the 1967 film "Clambake", where it was driven by Elvis Presley. The car was one of the stars of the show at Amelia Island
Elvis Presley's Martin D-28 is the guitar most-associated with the King of Rock and Roll, thanks to his regular use of the guitar in concerts and an appearance on the mega-rating Ed Sullivan Show. Martin guitars loaned one of the ultra-rare D-28s to Amelia Island Concours to accompany the Corvette Stingray XP-87 driven by Elvis in the 1967 movie "Clam Bake"
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Elvis Presley's Martin D-28 is the guitar most-associated with the King of Rock and Roll, thanks to his regular use of the guitar in concerts and an appearance on the mega-rating Ed Sullivan Show. Martin guitars loaned one of the ultra-rare D-28s to Amelia Island Concours to accompany the Corvette Stingray XP-87 driven by Elvis in the 1967 movie "Clam Bake"
John Oates' matching "Pink Pig" guitar to his Porsche Diesel AP 18 tractor
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John Oates' matching "Pink Pig" guitar to his Porsche Diesel AP 18 tractor
Crowds at the 2019 Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance
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Crowds at the 2019 Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance 
An aerial view of the Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance
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An aerial view of the Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance 
This 1953 Volkswagen Dannenhauer and Stauss Cabriolet is one of 65 built and 19 remaining. The car is steel bodied and uses the original Volkswagen Beetle floor pan, suicide doors, bubble rear fenders, Porsche brakes and a 1953 Porsche 1500 cc engine. It was restored over a 16-year period from 1990 through 2006
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This 1953 Volkswagen Dannenhauer and Stauss Cabriolet is one of 65 built and 19 remaining. The car is steel bodied and uses the original Volkswagen Beetle floor pan, suicide doors, bubble rear fenders, Porsche brakes and a 1953 Porsche 1500 cc engine. It was restored over a 16-year period from 1990 through 2006
This 1954 Volkswagen Dannenhauer and Stauss Coupe is another close relative of the Volkswagen Beetle. German Coachbuilder Dannenhauer and Stauss produced between 80 and 100 of these hand-built models in the early 1950s, and of the 19 extant, this 1954 Coupe is the only one known. It is unique in that it came with a Porsche engine, brakes and 16-inch slotted rims. It has never been restored
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This 1954 Volkswagen Dannenhauer and Stauss Coupe is another close relative of the Volkswagen Beetle. German Coachbuilder Dannenhauer and Stauss produced between 80 and 100 of these hand-built models in the early 1950s, and of the 19 extant, this 1954 Coupe is the only one known. It is unique in that it came with a Porsche engine, brakes and 16-inch slotted rims. It has never been restored
The judges set about a very difficult task, aided by some apprentice judges
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The judges set about a very difficult task, aided by some apprentice judges
An aerial view of the Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance
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An aerial view of the Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance 
An aerial view of the Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance
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An aerial view of the Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance 
An aerial view of the Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance
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An aerial view of the Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance 
The Amelia Island Concours "Cars & Coffee" event is held on the day prior to the main event and encourages the owners of vintage, exotic, and collectible vehicles to gather on the concours show field
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The Amelia Island Concours "Cars & Coffee" event is held on the day prior to the  main event and encourages the owners of vintage, exotic, and collectible vehicles to gather on the concours show field
The Amelia Island Concours "Cars & Coffee" event is held on the day prior to the main event and encourages the owners of vintage, exotic, and collectible vehicles to gather on the concours show field
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The Amelia Island Concours "Cars & Coffee" event is held on the day prior to the  main event and encourages the owners of vintage, exotic, and collectible vehicles to gather on the concours show field
The Amelia Island Concours seems to have an endless supply of innovative ideas and compelling new features. One of the more recent fixtures in the annual celebration is "Cars & Coffee", which runs on the Saturday prior to the Concours d’Elegance . It allows individuals with vintage, exotic, and collectible vehicles to gather on the concours show field and this year over 450 vehicles turned out
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The Amelia Island Concours seems to have an endless supply of innovative ideas and compelling new features. One of the more recent fixtures in the annual celebration is "Cars & Coffee", which runs on the Saturday prior to the  Concours d’Elegance . It allows individuals with vintage, exotic, and collectible vehicles to gather on the concours show field and this year over 450 vehicles turned out
Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance founder Bill Warner and the 2019 honoree, Jacky Ickx, and a selection of cars driven by Ickx during his career: a Porsche 936/81, a 1971 Ferrari 312 PB, two Ford GT40s, a 1968 Ferrari 312 F1, a 1975 Alfa Romeo T33/TT/12 and at back left is the 1983 Mercedes-Benz 280GE in which he won the Paris-Dakar rally
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Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance founder Bill Warner and the 2019 honoree, Jacky Ickx, and a selection of cars driven by Ickx during his career: a Porsche 936/81, a 1971 Ferrari 312 PB, two Ford GT40s, a 1968 Ferrari 312 F1, a 1975 Alfa Romeo T33/TT/12 and at back left is the 1983 Mercedes-Benz 280GE in which he won the Paris-Dakar rally
This car was discovered in Sweden in 2017, disassembled but complete, and has since been recommissioned but has not been restored. It is one of just six extant Rometsch Beeskow Coupes, and the only preservation class example known. Owned by F. Scott Bosés And Celesta Pappas-Bosés of Canada, the barn find rarity won the Volkswagen of America Trophy for the Most Elegant Coachwork Volkswagen
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This car was discovered in Sweden in 2017, disassembled but complete, and has since been recommissioned but has not been restored. It is one of just six extant Rometsch Beeskow Coupes, and the only preservation class example known. Owned by F. Scott Bosés And Celesta Pappas-Bosés of Canada, the barn find rarity won the Volkswagen of America Trophy for the Most Elegant Coachwork Volkswagen
Last fall, musician John Oates ran into the owner of Coast Airbrush, David Monning, at the Peterson Automotive Museum. The conversation quickly moved to the “Cars of the Rock Stars” class at Amelia Island. Monning offered to create a one-of-a-kind electroluminescent airbrushed guitar and Ryan “Ryno” Templeton (the painter from the TV shows, "West Coast Customs", "Trick My truck" and "Car Warriors") did the artwork. The image of Oates’ Porsche 356 Emory Outlaw sits atop a base of Lumilor, an electroluminescent light emitting coating. With the flip of a switch, the guitar lights up. The Fender Stratocaster was auctioned during the Mercedes-Benz Cocktail Reception and Gala Dinner at the Amelia Island Ritz-Carlton on Saturday, March 9, raising $7,000 for charity
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Last fall, musician John Oates ran into the owner of Coast Airbrush, David Monning, at the Peterson Automotive Museum. The conversation quickly moved to the “Cars of the Rock Stars” class at Amelia Island. Monning offered to create a one-of-a-kind electroluminescent airbrushed guitar and Ryan “Ryno” Templeton (the painter from the TV shows, "West Coast Customs", "Trick My truck" and "Car Warriors") did the artwork. The image of Oates’ Porsche 356 Emory Outlaw sits atop a base of Lumilor, an electroluminescent light emitting coating. With the flip of a switch, the guitar lights up. The Fender Stratocaster was auctioned during the Mercedes-Benz Cocktail Reception and Gala Dinner at the Amelia Island Ritz-Carlton on Saturday, March 9,  raising $7,000 for charity
"Throughout my life I have always had two major passions: driving cars and playing guitars," says John Oates. "Both the machine and the instrument are paragons of inspired and purposeful design. Both tell their unique story historically and culturally. Both have their roots in the late 19th century, evolving and continuing to fascinate and excite through the 20th and now into the 21st centuries. I’m very proud to have the opportunity to collaborate and curate this unique collection with Chris Brewer and the Amelia Island folks."
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"Throughout my life I have always had two major passions: driving cars and playing guitars," says John Oates. "Both the machine and the instrument are paragons of inspired and purposeful design. Both tell their unique story historically and culturally. Both have their roots in the late 19th century, evolving and continuing to fascinate and excite through the 20th and now into the 21st centuries. I’m very proud to have the opportunity to collaborate and curate this unique collection with Chris Brewer and the Amelia Island folks."
Affectionately known as "Thunder Guts", this 1928 Bentley Vanden Plas started life as a four-door saloon originally bodied by Freestone and Webb. After an accident in 1936 it was sent back to Bentley Motors for a rebuild. Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Brian Johnson of rock band AC/DC purchased the vehicle in 2009. An avid car enthusiast and driver, Johnson is best known as the former lead singer of AC/DC and star of the television series "Cars That Rock with Brian Johnson"
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Affectionately known as "Thunder Guts", this 1928 Bentley Vanden Plas started life as a four-door saloon originally bodied by Freestone and Webb. After an accident in 1936 it was sent back to Bentley Motors for a rebuild. Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Brian Johnson of rock band AC/DC  purchased the vehicle in 2009. An avid car enthusiast and driver, Johnson is best known as the former lead singer of AC/DC and star of the television series "Cars That Rock with Brian Johnson"
This wrought iron bodied Wedding Beetle was one of six hand-built similar Volkswagens created in Mexico in the late 1960s as wedding cars
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This wrought iron bodied Wedding Beetle was one of six hand-built similar Volkswagens created in Mexico in the late 1960s as wedding cars
Chassis #43 was displayed in the "barn find" condition it was found at the end of 2018. The car was originally shipped to Miami in 1954 and was only registered for 10 years. In completely original condition, the car is believed to have been stripped of its original mid blue paint circa 1965, primed for repainting and, for some reason, forgotten
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Chassis #43 was displayed in the "barn find" condition it was found at the end of 2018. The car was originally shipped to Miami in 1954 and was only registered for 10 years. In completely original condition, the car is believed to have been stripped of its original mid blue paint circa 1965, primed for repainting and, for some reason, forgotten
Chassis #44 had been through a complete rejuvenation by Mercedes-Benz Classic, being restored to the exact condition of a 300 SL Coupé built in 1954. The contrast between them was stark, and a breathtaking demonstration of the magic that can be performed by Mercedes-Benz artisans intent on maintaining the standards of their forebears
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Chassis #44 had been through a complete rejuvenation by Mercedes-Benz Classic, being restored to the exact condition of a  300 SL Coupé built in 1954. The contrast between them was stark, and a breathtaking demonstration of the magic that can be performed by Mercedes-Benz artisans intent on maintaining the standards of their forebears
Mercedes-Benz Classic put on quite some display at the 24th Amelia Island Concours d'E legance, showing a pair of 300 SL Gullwing coupés with successive chassis numbers that have had quite different journeys since leaving the the Mercedes-Benz plant in Sindelfingen as the most fashionable sports cars of the 1950s
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Mercedes-Benz Classic put on quite some display at the 24th Amelia Island Concours d'E legance, showing a pair of 300 SL Gullwing coupés with successive chassis numbers that have had quite different journeys since leaving the the Mercedes-Benz plant in Sindelfingen as the most fashionable sports cars of the 1950s
Karosserie Rometsch made a name for itself by developing luxurious taxis based on chassis supplied by German car manufacturers. The post-WWII era saw the German economy in tatters, so the company rethought its priorities, and began building taxis on Volkswagen Bugs. Johannes Beeskow's redesign reimagined the Bug as a four-door sedan with pleasing lines including a roof that retained its naturally curved shape. This was quite an accomplishment as the vehicle had to be stretched by seven inches for additional rear-seat leg room and two additional "suicide doors." All that, and the car gained just 55 pounds and a conversion could be completed in four to six weeks. Only six Beeskow Taxis are known cars at this time and this example is one of two in the U.S. Necessity is the mother of invention
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Karosserie Rometsch made a name for itself by developing luxurious taxis based on chassis supplied by German car manufacturers. The post-WWII era saw the German economy in tatters, so the company rethought its priorities, and began building taxis on Volkswagen Bugs. Johannes Beeskow's redesign reimagined the Bug as a four-door sedan with pleasing lines including a roof that retained its naturally curved shape. This was quite an accomplishment as the vehicle had to be stretched by seven inches for additional rear-seat leg room and two additional "suicide doors." All that, and the car gained just 55 pounds and a conversion could be completed in four to six weeks. Only six Beeskow Taxis are known cars at this time and this example is one of two in the U.S. Necessity is the mother of invention
View gallery - 51 images

The Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance is a multi-faceted diamond, with many ancillary events combining to offer something for everyone, regardless of which genre of automobiles an individual might be interested in.

Now in its 24th year, the Amelia Island concours has evolved to become one of the most prestigious and well-known such concours events in the world. Most importantly, it never fails to surprise, with a range of innovative classes introduced each year to ensure the exhibits are always fresh and fascinating.

The heart and soul of the Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance is founder Bill Warner. The experience and insight Warner gained during his youth as an automotive journalist, in addition to his indomitable passion for automotive heritage, has also enabled the Amelia Island Concours to become one of the most professionally-run concours events in the world.

An aerial view of the Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance
An aerial view of the Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance 

Just as the event is inclusive of all forms of automotive endeavor, no matter how oddball and obscure, it is also inclusive of all the public and its stakeholders and strives for excellence on all fronts as an outward-facing event.

In particular, the press services that aid the media in covering the event are the most advanced of any American concours, and on a par with the Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este, which partners with BMW and its media team to ensure the event is always widely covered by actively aiding journalists, both attending and remote. With four major automotive auctions now in close attendance, plus the nearby concentrated money of the warm Florida climate, the Amelia Island Concours star continues to rise.

The Concours winners

The 1957 Ferrari 335 S and 1938 Mercedes-Benz 540K Autobahn-Kurier that took out this year’s Best in Show awards at the 24th annual Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance
The 1957 Ferrari 335 S and 1938 Mercedes-Benz 540K Autobahn-Kurier that took out this year’s Best in Show awards at the 24th annual Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance

The Best in Show awards this year went to a 1957 Ferrari 335 S and 1938 Mercedes-Benz 540K Autobahn-Kurier, which took out the Concours de Sport and Concours d'Elegance, respectively. Lots more images and information can be found in the captions to our extensive image gallery.

The 2019 Amelia Island Concours honoree: Jacky Ickx

Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance 2019 honoree, Jacky Ickx. Ickx was the son of an automotive journalist and racer, and was introduced to motorsport at an early age attending the events his father covered or competed in. Sublime talent soon shone through when he began motorcycle racing and won three European titles before moving to car racing, clocking up a series of herculean performances in endurance and sports car races which quickly led to Formula One. His win record across a diversity of motorsport genres is extraordinary – he won the 24 Hours of Le Mans six times plus numerous other sports car and endurance races, the Can-Am Championship, the Paris-Dakar off-road classic, and he even won the Australian classic endurance event at the treacherous Mount Panorama at his first attempt. In Formula One, he was twice runner-up for the title, winning eight Grands Prix
Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance 2019 honoree, Jacky Ickx.  Ickx was the son of an automotive journalist and racer, and was introduced to motorsport at an early age attending the events his father covered or competed in. Sublime talent soon shone through when he began motorcycle racing and won three European titles before moving to car racing, clocking up a series of herculean performances in endurance and sports car races which quickly led to Formula One. His win record across a diversity of motorsport genres is extraordinary – he won the 24 Hours of Le Mans six times plus numerous other sports car and endurance races, the Can-Am Championship, the Paris-Dakar off-road classic, and he even won the Australian classic endurance event at the treacherous Mount Panorama at his first attempt. In Formula One, he was twice runner-up for the title, winning eight Grands Prix

Each year at Amelia Island, an automotive great is honored, and the 2019 honoree was Belgian Jacky Ickx. Ickx was the son of an automotive journalist and racer, and was introduced to motorsport at an early age, attending the events his father covered or competed in. Sublime talent soon shone through when he began motorcycle racing and he won three European titles before moving to car racing, clocking up a series of impressive performances in endurance and sports car races, which quickly led to Formula One.

His win record across a diversity of motorsport genres is extraordinary – he finished runner-up in two world Formula 1 championships, stood on the top step of the podium in almost every major sports car race in the world, and the longer the race, the better he went.

Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance founder Bill Warner and the 2019 honoree, Jacky Ickx, and a selection of cars driven by Ickx during his career: a Porsche 936/81, a 1971 Ferrari 312 PB, two Ford GT40s, a 1968 Ferrari 312 F1, a 1975 Alfa Romeo T33/TT/12 and at back left is the 1983 Mercedes-Benz 280GE in which he won the Paris-Dakar rally
Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance founder Bill Warner and the 2019 honoree, Jacky Ickx, and a selection of cars driven by Ickx during his career: a Porsche 936/81, a 1971 Ferrari 312 PB, two Ford GT40s, a 1968 Ferrari 312 F1, a 1975 Alfa Romeo T33/TT/12 and at back left is the 1983 Mercedes-Benz 280GE in which he won the Paris-Dakar rally

The best illustration of Ickx's ability to obtain optimum performance from any motorized conveyance are not the many wins in purpose-built prototype classes (eight Formula One Grands Prix wins and six 24 Hours of Le Mans wins), but his victories in events that normally require hard-earned experience to become competitive, let alone win. That's Jacky with Amelia Island Concours' Bill Warner and a few of his race-winning cars above.

Ickx's win in the Paris-Dakar off-road classic is one such example, but he even won the Australian endurance classic at the treacherous Mount Panorama road circuit at his only attempt - in production-based race cars that were quite foreign to him. He also won the Can-Am Championship at his only attempt at a series on American soil.

Jacky was the ideal ambassador for the Amelia Island Concours: eloquent, yet humble, friendly and charming at every juncture, and an endless source of great stories.

Cars and guitars of the Rock Stars

In 1958, GM design chief Bill Mitchell wanted to build a Corvette racecar capable of beating Europe's best. With the availability of Zora Arkus-Duntov's defunct 1957 SS test mule chassis, Mitchell's XP-87 was underway. Mitchell's project had to be privately financed. GM insisted that Mitchell's design have no recognizable association with the Chevy brand or Corvette name so the XP-87 name was dropped and changed to Stingray. Completed in 1959, Mitchell's Stingray was fitted with a high-compression, fuel injected 283 c.i. V-8 engine producing 315 hp and entered into SCCA C-Class competition. At the end of the 1960 season, Mitchell retired the Stingray from competition, converted it for street use and exhibited it as an experimental show car. The concept was subsequently used in the 1967 film "Clambake", where it was driven by Elvis Presley. The car was one of the stars of the show at Amelia Island
In 1958, GM design chief Bill Mitchell wanted to build a Corvette racecar capable of beating Europe's best. With the availability of Zora Arkus-Duntov's defunct 1957 SS test mule chassis, Mitchell's XP-87 was underway. Mitchell's project had to be privately financed. GM insisted that Mitchell's design have no recognizable association with the Chevy brand or Corvette name so the XP-87 name was dropped and changed to Stingray. Completed in 1959, Mitchell's Stingray was fitted with a high-compression, fuel injected 283 c.i. V-8 engine producing 315 hp and entered into SCCA C-Class competition. At the end of the 1960 season, Mitchell retired the Stingray from competition, converted it for street use and exhibited it as an experimental show car. The concept was subsequently used in the 1967 film "Clambake", where it was driven by Elvis Presley. The car was one of the stars of the show at Amelia Island

One of the many innovative classes on display this year was "Cars of the Rock Stars," a class specially curated by John Oates of Hall & Oates.

Still performing with musical partner Daryl Hall five decades after they got together, Hall & Oates is the most successful duo in musical history, having surpassed both Simon & Garfunkel and the Everly Brothers by selling over 40 million records.

Pairing specific vehicles with guitars, the class consisted of Oates' personal collection and featured additional vehicles owned or closely associated with well-known musicians, from Elvis Presley to AC/DC to Janis Joplin. Oates entered his own Emory Outlaw Porsche 356 Cabriolet at Amelia – check it out in the image gallery as it is a tasty treat of the first order. Forbes did an extensive interview with Oates about his car and his long-term love of cars last year.

One of his statements in particular really resonated: "Throughout my life I have always had two major passions: driving cars and playing guitars. Both the machine and the instrument are paragons of inspired and purposeful design. Both tell their unique story historically and culturally. Both have their roots in the late 19th century, evolving and continuing to fascinate and excite through the 20th and now into the 21st centuries. I'm very proud to have the opportunity to collaborate and curate this unique collection with Chris Brewer and the Amelia Island folks."

Mercedes-Benz Gullwings – before and after

Chassis #44 had been through a complete rejuvenation by Mercedes-Benz Classic, being restored to the exact condition of a 300 SL Coupé built in 1954. The contrast between them was stark, and a breathtaking demonstration of the magic that can be performed by Mercedes-Benz artisans intent on maintaining the standards of their forebears
Chassis #44 had been through a complete rejuvenation by Mercedes-Benz Classic, being restored to the exact condition of a  300 SL Coupé built in 1954. The contrast between them was stark, and a breathtaking demonstration of the magic that can be performed by Mercedes-Benz artisans intent on maintaining the standards of their forebears

Mercedes-Benz Classic put on quite some display at the 24th Amelia Island Concours d'elegance, showing a pair of 300 SL Gullwing coupés with successive chassis numbers that have had quite different journeys since leaving the the Mercedes-Benz plant in Sindelfingen as the most fashionable sports cars of the 1950s.

Chassis #43 was displayed in the "barn find" condition it was found at the end of 2018. The car was originally shipped to Miami in 1954 and was only registered for 10 years. In completely original condition, the car is believed to have been stripped of its original mid blue paint circa 1965, primed for repainting and, for some reason, forgotten.

Chassis #44 had been through a complete nut-and-bolt rejuvenation by Mercedes-Benz Classic, being restored to the exact condition of a 300 SL Coupé built in 1954.

The contrast between them was stark, and a breathtaking demonstration of the magic that can be performed by Mercedes-Benz artisans intent on maintaining the standards of their forebears.

Custom coachwork Volkswagen Bugs

This wrought iron bodied Wedding Beetle was one of six hand-built similar Volkswagens created in Mexico in the late 1960s as wedding cars
This wrought iron bodied Wedding Beetle was one of six hand-built similar Volkswagens created in Mexico in the late 1960s as wedding cars

One of the many well-received classes synthesized for the fascination of the public was the Custom Coachwork Volkswagen class, which acknowledge the 70th anniversary of the VW Bug's arrival in America. Just how the curators of such an event find these exhibits must be a story in itself, as the image gallery illustrates the forensic nature of their exhibit sourcing.

Karosserie Rometsch made a name for itself by developing luxurious taxis based on chassis supplied by German car manufacturers. The post-WWII era saw the German economy in tatters, so the company rethought its priorities, and began building taxis on Volkswagen Bugs. Johannes Beeskow's redesign reimagined the Bug as a four-door sedan with pleasing lines including a roof that retained its naturally curved shape. This was quite an accomplishment as the vehicle had to be stretched by seven inches for additional rear-seat leg room and two additional "suicide doors." All that, and the car gained just 55 pounds and a conversion could be completed in four to six weeks. Only six Beeskow Taxis are known cars at this time and this example is one of two in the U.S. Necessity is the mother of invention
Karosserie Rometsch made a name for itself by developing luxurious taxis based on chassis supplied by German car manufacturers. The post-WWII era saw the German economy in tatters, so the company rethought its priorities, and began building taxis on Volkswagen Bugs. Johannes Beeskow's redesign reimagined the Bug as a four-door sedan with pleasing lines including a roof that retained its naturally curved shape. This was quite an accomplishment as the vehicle had to be stretched by seven inches for additional rear-seat leg room and two additional "suicide doors." All that, and the car gained just 55 pounds and a conversion could be completed in four to six weeks. Only six Beeskow Taxis are known cars at this time and this example is one of two in the U.S. Necessity is the mother of invention

That's a wrought iron-bodied Wedding Bug hand-built in Mexico in the late 1960s two images above, and a Rometsch four-door taxi directly above. There were many more fascinating manifestations of the humble VW Bug on display too, each with an intriguing history.

There are many more facets to Amelia Island and the stories of dozens of cars is told in captions of the image gallery of this story.

View gallery - 51 images

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Mike Hanlon
Mike Hanlon
As a photojournalist, Mike’s work has been published in a dozen languages across 20+ countries. He has edited or managed over 75 different print publications, each with a different target audience: sports, automotive, advertising, marketing, design, ad infinitum. Mike has been working in the internet for more than 25 years and was the veteran of five internet start-ups before founding New Atlas in 2002.

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