19th Annual Concours d'Elegance at The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island

  • March 7, 2014
19th Annual Concours d'Elegance at The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island
“As the founding sponsor, this week is a honored period for the resort whose first general manager in 1995, fashioned the idea for an Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance and asked Bill Warner, a local vintage car collector, to own it and develop it. The rest is history,” says James E. McManemon, the current general manager of the resort.

Bill Warner grew the show by searching the world for rare cars, hosting an international auction and selecting entertaining panels from racings golden era when drivers where regarded as international athletes and celebrities. Over 5,000 enthusiasts attend the special functions and another 15,000 attend Sunday's grand finale, the award ceremony and display of 250 show cars.

“It is an amazing experience to welcome thousands of people from all over the world who pass through the resort … celebrities, corporate CEO's, dignitaries and, of course, the local community all sharing their admiration for these classic cars,” McManemon added.

The 2014 show includes 250 rare vehicles from collections around the world including:

BMW's “batmobile” racing cars
450 S Coupe, the rarest Maserati in the world
1930 Duesenberg Model J Speedster
1931 Chrylser's La Comtesse Concept Car
1955 Request, last of Packard concept cars

Just how much has the show grown? The first show in 1995 viewed 125 cars and drew 2,000 enthusiasts.

This year's 19th Concours has over 250 show cars and 20,000 spectators are expected to attend Sunday's Concours and award presentation.

The Concours d'Elegance represents spring's arrival to Amelia Island. For information on spring and summer events and packages at The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island visit www.ritzcarlton.com/ameliaisland