Orlando, FL (March 13, 2012) – Had the opportunity to attend the 17th Annual Amelia Island Concours d’ Elegance to benefit Community Hospice of Northeast Florida, Inc. as well as several other deserving charities. Now in its second decade, The Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance is among the top automotive events in the world. Of course, anytime you can go to The Golf Club of Amelia Island at Summer Beach and The Ritz-Carlton, its good thing. Since 1996, the show’s Foundation has donated nearly $1.8 million to Community Hospice, Bill Warner, take a bow. Each year, Mr. Warner seems to take it to a new level, ever year it gets better and better.
This year the Honored guest was the one and only Vic Elford. One of the greatest sports car drivers of all time, and has to be considered one of the nicest fellas in motorsports. Know as ‘Quick Vic’ I have done many book and art signings with Vic and he has story’s you could listen to for hours. He is the only driver to drive every version of the great Porsche 917. One story that stands out is him going 240-mph plus on the Mulsanne straight at LeMans and holding on for dear life every lap and worrying that you would lose some teeth because the car was shaking so much at those speeds. One gift he has is a photographic memory. That’s one reason why he was so good at rallies such as the Targa Florio. He could remember all of the twists and turns, hard to fathom since the track is 45 miles long.
They also had the Great Endurance Drivers Seminar which was sold out. This year included, Hurley Haywood, Sam Posey, David Hobbs, Brian Redman, Joe Buzzetta, Jim Hall and Elford. The drivers chatted about the old days, reminiscing which could have gone on all day. There is usually a video offered of the symposium, I would look into availability and purchase it. Current IZOD IndyCar Champion, Dario Franchitti was even in there taking it all in, smiling from ear to ear.
They also another seminar, Ferrari vs. Cobra with Mauro Forghieri and Carroll Shelby. However, Carroll took ill and could not make it. We wish him a healthy recovery.
The other big talk around the event was the Gooding Auction which offered the Porsche Collection of the late Matt Drendel. The big talk was the Sunoco-Penske Porsche 917/30 that went for $4.4-million on Friday. Purchased by well-known entertainer, Jerry Seinfeld the 917-30 will be added to his extensive Porsche collection. Seinfeld also purchased the iconic ex-Vasek Polak Martini Racing Porsche 935/76 for $2,530,000. I spoke to several vintage Porsche race car owners who were excited by the news, since they feel perhaps their cars have increased in value. Interesting history on the 917-30, one of six built, however has no racing history, as it was built for Australian Porsche importer, Alan Hamilton. For more on the auction, visit http://dedeporsche.wordpress.com/ (second story)
Apparently, Bill Warner pays extra for nice weather and Sunday he got it, although a bit cool in the morning, I’m not complaining. In my ten years of attending this event this is a must see event from the car auctions to all the classic Duesenberg’s to hot new Bugatti Veyron. There is something for everyone at the car show on Sunday on the 18th hole of the Ritz Carlton.
Eddie has been involved in motorsports for over 30 years as photographer, columnist, and driver. Eddie also is now a retired racer (well, retired unless a good ride pops up).
Eddie LePineMotorsports NewsOn The Road