Anyone going to the Amelia Island Concours this year?

First trip for me as well.

Looking forward to everyone's responses.

Cheers

 

I think I may try and go as well for the first time.

 

I'm thinking about going since I hope there will be several GTO's on the lawn. I missed Cavallino this yr and, of course, there were 5 GTO's.

 

I've got media passes for Amelia, so hopefully I can squeeze it into my schedule.

 

It's an amazing Concours - one of the top 2 in the nation (with Pebble). Will be lots of 250GTOs there too ! I will be there with some vintage Caddies.

 

I'm planning on it.

 

Just made my plane reservatios. First time also to this event then over to Daytona Bike week, two extremes.

 

Oh Wow, I only live 2 hours away!

I've never been to a Concours, but I have really wanted to go to one for a very long time.

What types of cars would be expected to show up besides the special classics? I would be going as spectator only...

 

Really want to make it this year. Didn't get to it last year so we shall see. Would be cool to have a lunch or something.

 

I have been the last 7 years. I have also been to Pebble Beach.

Pebble is spectacular.

But if you live on the east coast, going to Cavallino, and Amelia, are not only cheaper, but more rewarding.

Amelia is wonderful, it is casual, but it, as is Cavallino, is of international importance. Amelia will attract Pebble winners.

Cheapest hotels are near the Jacksonville airport, about 40 minutes to the event. Get there early, like at 8 AM. Parking is either in remote shuttle accessable lots, or on the street near the show. Be prepared to walk.

The show opens at 9 AM or 10 AM, and there will be a long line of people waiting to buy tickets. So buy your ticket in advance.

Experience Amelia, you will not regret your trip.

 

I went a couple of years ago and had a great time. There were so many unique cars. By far one of the best shows I've attended.

I'd be down for an F-Chat get together if I go. Unfortunately, things are up in the air until it gets closer to the date because of school AND work. As of now, the plan is to drive up to Jax to spend the night w/some friends from college and head north to Amelia Island the following day.

 

This will be my fourth year in a row and my suggestions are as follows.

1) Go to both auctions.

2) Go to any celebrity talks that interest you.

3) Get to the Ritz early enough on Friday or Saturday to drive the latest Mercedes, Porsches, Jags, and any other manufacturer that is giving free demo rides. I've driven a few Porches, several Mercedes including the SLR and most fun of all, the Tesla two years ago. Your factory rep will let you drive really fast but the cops figure that out pretty quick and they will write you.

4) Be at the concours early enough to watch the field enter the course, it's an epic parade.

5) Let's have an F-chat get together.

6) Great dinners can be had in beautiful historic Fernandina Beach.

7) Spend some time on the beach hunting for fossil shark teeth, they are quite plentiful in the area and fun to find.

 

1) Yep

2)Yep, probably mandatory.

3)Just show up, pretty women will take down your info, put you in a $100k plus car for a nice drive and then give you a gift for doing it.

4)I forget, about an hour or so before the gates open, it's not an official parade but it is fun to hear them all.

5) I'm down for whatever as well.

 

I will be there.

Among the Ferraris which will be in the Concours are:

375 America Coupé Vignale #0337 AL, yellow with cream roof. Painstakingly restored in Switzerland 2009, FCA Annual, Milwaukee Masterpiece and Pebble Beach winner.

250 GT Coupé Pinin Farina Speciale ex-Prince Bertil of Sweden, #0853 GT, lightblue/tan. Restored by Mark Allin of Rare Drive, Inc., shown at Cavallino and Pebble Beach.

Marcel Massini

 

Cars drive in at the service road entrance to the left of the hotel's front door and I try to go just around daybreak. The long people line is from the wait to get in for the 9:30 open at the main gate or the same service road entrance.

There is no parking on-site unless you are a hotel guest or in the concours. There is free roadside parking on the roads approaching the show and a $20 lot at the first right turn south of the hotel drive...its on the driving range and a short walk to the show.

The food tent is so-so. I bring some snacks and take a break in the hotel bar.

Fernandina has some good restaurants. Make reservations.

 

Very safe, and lots of restaurants. Google hotels on the island.

 

If you're going, I'm bringing bear mace.

 

I feel like a total retard. I booked a trip to L.A. for March 7-11. I completely forgot about this event. I'm so annoyed with myself. I guess I won't be there this year!