Amelia Island Concours

Spent last weekend in Amelia Island, Florida for the Amelia Island Concours (http://www.ameliaconcours.org/). This was my second time at the show, and as expected it was fantastic from the display area of new cars with everything from the new Hyundai Genesis to a Bugatti Veyron, as well as more unique cars like the Spyker and Iconic.

For me the highlight of the show was a one of a kind Avions Voisin. Moviegoers and Clive Cussler readers will recognize this as the brand featured in Clive Cussler's Sahara, and the movie of the same name. Avoins Voisin is famous for its use of the unique "sleeve valve" engine, however most of these were inline 6. The car at the show was one of only two V12 engines ever produced in this configuration, and all in all this car was the only one of it's kind produced, and was just finished 2 days prior to the show. Unfortunately I didn't think to ask what year the car was made or other interesting details. This fit into a nice category of cars that I knew of, but had never seen before. Behold!

Another interesting highlight of the show was a 1915 Rolls-Royce, supposedly the only one produced that year, thanks to WWI and a "war only" mandate by the English government. This particular car was ordered by Mrs. DuPont, and it is said her request was honored by the King due to her companies role in supplying gunpowder.

Naturally there was a nice selection of seldom seen great classics like Dusenberg, Auburn, Packard, Delahaye etc. All in all, a wonderful weekend, perfect weather, and great cars. A good primer while I'm waiting for vintage race season to start up!