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Amelia Island Concours 2006

The weekend of 11-12 March saw the eleventh Amelia Island Concours held at the beautiful resort location of the Ritz Carlton in North East Florida.

The event, which grows in popularity and importance each year, features cars from early Rolls-Royces to an impressive display of concept cars from the major manufacturers. This year three-time Indy 500 winner ‘Lone Star JR’ Johnny Rutherford was the honouree with a varied display of his sprint and Indy cars.

Another theme at Amelia Island was the celebration of the 40th anniversary of CanAm, with a special seminar reflecting on those heady days of unlimited horsepower and innovative design. The all-star panel of drivers and designers included Vic Elford, Hurley Haywood, Brian Redman, Jackie Oliver, Sam Posey, Jim Hall, Charlie Kemp and Peter Bryant.

The seminar, which was full to capacity, was compered by journalist and photographer Pete Lyons and the anecdotes and stories of those glory days were recalled with humour and honesty.

Competition on the field at the Concours on the Sunday was strong and varied with both pre- and post-War road cars represented together with an array of racing cars included a very strong line-up of CanAm cars.

On the other end of the power spectrum was the Centennial of the Stanley Speed Records achieved at nearby Ormond Beach in January 1906. The Parade of Power on the showfield during the Concours also showcased some amazing examples of alternative fuel/power vehicles spanning the last century.

Amelia Island Concours 2006 Amelia Island Concours 2006

Selecting winners for Best in Show was a challenge for the judges from the more than 300 entries, but two worthy winners were chosen.

Best in Show - Concours d’Elegance was the immaculate 1931 DuPont Model H Merrimac Sport Phaeton of Richard Riegel.

Best in Show - Concours de Sport was the beautifully presented 1961 Ferrari 250 TR1/61 of Peter Sachs.

Written by John Mayston-Taylor, Chairman Lynx Motors International, who was invited as a Lead Judge for the Concours.

Photos - Copyright, John Mayston-Taylor

Editor's Note - RM Auctions of Ontario carried out a $US21 Million sale on Saturday the 11th. Please CLICK HERE to read the review.


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