This year’s Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance brought out some amazing cars! Our leadership team was on the ground speaking with collectors whose vehicles would be fantastic additions to the Fraction Motors collection. Our People’s Choice votes went to the #2 Ford GT40 driven by McLaren to win the 1966 LeMans. The Amelia Island and Pebble Beach Concours shows are what we consider to be the two best annual automotive events. They give patrons on both the east and west coasts a great look into the world of collectible vehicles and are fantastic examples of how to conduct a concours d’elegance. But exactly what is a concours d’elegance? And what is it that makes Amelia Island’s so special?

Many car collectors spend a lot of time, effort, and money to ensure that their vehicles are in immaculate condition. Their behind-the-scenes work results in some absolutely remarkable cars, and automotive enthusiasts come together to celebrate these vehicles at collector car competitions. For those looking to have their car recognized as a cut above the rest, the concours d’elegance is a great place to gain prestige. Concours originated in 17th century France, where owners of elaborate carriages would meet and have their vehicles judged based on appearance and cleanliness. Modern concours are much the same, collectors enter their prized collectibles for a chance to have them recognized as prime examples of perfect preservation or renovation. 

Concours events take place around the world, but the majority are held in the United States, and one of the two most prestigious is the Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance. The Amelia was born out of a twin desire to celebrate the glamorous and support local charities. Its founder, Bill Warner, was an automotive enthusiast and journalist who was approached by some representatives of the Ritz-Carlton hotel located on the island. They wanted to begin a competition of their own that would rival other American concours like Pebble Beach or Palm Beach and needed a reputable car authority to build their credibility. Warner responded to their offer on one humble condition: “as long as we give money back to the community.” Today, almost 27 years after the first Amelia concours in 1996, the competition continues to fulfill those initial desires; an award from the competition is one of the most prestigious honors a car can earn in the world, and over $4 million of the concours’ proceeds have been donated to local charities.

While the spirit of giving is core to the philosophy of the Amelia concours, the selection process for special awards is anything but generous. Cars need to have their application selected out of the pool of thousands of entrants to be invited to the concours in the first place. Additionally, the concours staff pay careful attention to the cars that have been invited before and won’t permit them to return unless they fulfill a few conditions. Unless they have exchanged ownership, been restored, or the car’s make is significantly unique or obscure, previous entries will not be invited again. These myriad conditions make the prospect of competing at Amelia daunting for anyone who has not poured countless hours and significant funds into the appearance and performance of their vehicle.

Once the eligible cars have arrived at the Amelia campus, the competition’s hand-picked staff of judges further scrutinize each vehicle using a long list of criteria, including function, history, style, and authenticity and quality of restoration. A single car in each category–make, model, style, year, and country of origin–is awarded first place, and these winners form the pool from which the selection committee choose the honoree for the most prestigious awards; the Best in Show Concours d’Elegance (for everyday vehicles) and the Best in Show Concours d’Sport (for sports cars).

However, all is not lost for the cars that don’t win any of these awards. There is a multiplicity of other community awards that include recognition by corporate sponsors, special achievement in a specific class of car, and even a People’s Choice award chosen solely by the concours attendees. These recognitions are only a small glimpse of the community fostered by the Amelia Concours. Amelia also hosts events such as golf tournaments, fine dining experiences, and silent auctions over the competition weekend, allowing car enthusiasts to fill their time with remarkable experiences. Car enthusiasts and experts from all over the world travel to the island to enjoy these events–as well as each other’s company–and seize the chance to see the nation’s most incredible vehicles.

 Among the experts in attendance are often famous racing drivers, automotive engineers, and executives from premier car companies, as has been the Amelia tradition since the beginning. Bill spread the word about the show in 1996 through his network of well-recognized friends and colleagues from all over the automotive world, and the continual influx of car superstars at concours throughout the years is another testament to the competition’s prestige. Amelia also serves as an opportunity to recognize the achievement of these individuals through awards. A typical weekend features a slate of recognitions for guests of honor and memorials for the racing legends who have passed in the year between concours. 

There is ultimately a lot to love at Amelia Island. Fellowship between car lovers, recognition of racing legends, and celebration of a mutual passion on such a grand scale are only a few of the highlights of the truly massive event. Car lovers of all ages and interest levels can only benefit from time spent among this tangible gathering of antique car history. We wish all competitors well in next year’s concours, and we’ll see you there!

References:

About Us - The Amelia Concours d`Elegance

amelia-island-making-plans-2021 | News | Classic Motorsports

12 Must See Concours d'Elegance Car Shows in North America - Car Collectors Club

Bill Warner takes home the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2021 Historic Motoring Awards ceremony - Old Cars Weekly

Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance - Wikipedia