Amelia Island and Miami Host Successful Classic Car Events
The first weekend in March saw classic car enthusiasts flocking to Florida, as both Amelia Island and Miami played host to prestigious concours d’elegance events. These events served as a platform to showcase the beauty and craftsmanship of vintage automobiles, as well as provide opportunities for enthusiasts, collectors, and investors to purchase these timeless treasures.
At the Amelia Island event, a restoration project took center stage. The 1956 Mercury XM Turnpike Cruiser concept car, which required a staggering 6,000 hours of meticulous work to complete, wowed attendees with its impeccable finish. Not to be outdone, Tom Lee Chandler from Elkader, Iowa presented his own gem – a 1952 Glasspar G2 kit car, which made its mark in the Sport Customs category.
The auctions held in Amelia Island saw impressive sales, totaling a remarkable US$183.8 million, surpassing the previous year’s record of US$177.7 million. This highlights the strong interest and investment in vintage and classic cars.
Amelia Island’s event, now managed by Hagerty, is in its 29th year and continues to delight car enthusiasts from around the world. This year’s event also saw the introduction of ModaMiami, held in conjunction with RM Sotheby’s at the iconic Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables. Despite a brief interruption due to rain, ModaMiami offered a wide range of activities and exhibits for attendees to enjoy.
Some of the standout cars at ModaMiami included a unique 1960 Cadillac Fleetwood hearse that had been converted into a luxurious limousine, a striking 1937 Bugatti 57C accompanied by a Brazilian hawkhead parrot named Claude, and a meticulously restored 1918 Pierce Arrow, which demonstrated the longevity of the Pike’s Peak hill climb. Unrestored vehicles also garnered attention, with a 1914 Model T Ford and a 1952 Porsche 356A among the notable mentions.
Among the array of unique and rare cars on display at Amelia Island were prototypes and concept cars. Noteworthy mentions included the Chrysler Halcyon, a four-door electric sedan that pushed the boundaries of innovation and design.
Auctions at Amelia Island and ModaMiami stole the show, with the former boasting a record-breaking sale. A stunning 1903 Mercedes-Simplex 60-horsepower became the highest-priced pre-1930s car ever sold, fetching an impressive US$12.105 million. The RM Sotheby’s auction at ModaMiami also saw significant sales, including a Vignale-bodied 1953 Ferrari 250 Europa coupe that sold for US$4.295 million.
These events not only celebrated the beauty and history of classic cars but also underscored their enduring appeal and significance in the automotive world. With each passing year, they continue to captivate enthusiasts, collectors, and investors, who recognize the craftsmanship and performance that vintage automobiles possess.
Analyst comment
Positive news. The successful classic car events in Amelia Island and Miami showcased the beauty and craftsmanship of vintage automobiles and saw remarkable sales totaling $183.8 million. This highlights the strong interest and investment in classic cars. The market for vintage automobiles is expected to continue to captivate enthusiasts, collectors, and investors due to their enduring appeal and significance.
