AMELIA ISLAND, Fla. (February 4, 2010) – Long treasured for her scenic beaches, intriguing history, and natural beauty and charm, Florida’s Amelia Island is revving up the month of March with two special events and special offers designed for car enthusiasts. Adding to Amelia’s classic elegance is the 15th Annual Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance and RM Auctions, the world’s largest collector car auction house, ‘Automobiles of Amelia Island’ event to be held March 11-14, 2010. Separate from Concours d’Elegance and new for 2010 will be an additional auction with internationally-recognized Gooding & Company on March 12. Visitors arriving for the events will find a number of discounted offers from island accommodators.
The Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance is considered one of the premiere concours events in the world, offering car enthusiasts a full weekend of auctions, seminars and receptions. This year’s event will honor seven-time NASCAR series champion and winner of 200 races “The King,” Richard Petty. Held at The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island and The Golf Club of Amelia Island at Summer Beach, the Concours d’Elegance also offers photographic and automotive art displays, vendor areas, road rallies and tours, and private parties. On Sunday, guests will also be able to enjoy a full-service café on the lovely colonnade surrounding the facility.
On Saturday, March 13, the annual RM’s 11th annual ‘Automobiles of Amelia Island’ auction will take place in the new Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island’s Talbot Ballroom, providing a modern new space for one of the premiere events of the weekend. RM Auctions, the official auction house of the Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance, is auctioning a magnificent 1967 Ferrari 275 GTB/4 Alloy Berlinetta and rare 1958 Tojeiro Jaguar Sports Racing Car, one of only four built, during their Automobiles of Amelia Island event. More information is available at www.ameliaconcours.org. For further information regarding RM’s ‘Automobiles of Amelia Island’ event, visit www.rmauctions.com or call (519) 352-4575.
With the Concours d’Elegance’s growing popularity, Gooding & Company is bringing a second auction to the island, making the event one of only two concours events with more than one auction. Internationally-celebrated for offering a wide variety of exceptional collector cars, Gooding & Company will host its first-ever Amelia Island auction at the AAA Four Diamond Amelia Island Plantation on March 12 at 5 p.m. The auction will feature the 1931 Voisin C20 “Mylord” Demi-Berline, Best of Show winner from the 2009 Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance. Additionally, the auction will include a 1963 Jaguar E-Type Series 1 Roadster and a stunning light blue 1937 Peugeot 402 Darl’Mat Roadster. Additional auction information, bidder registration forms and press credentials are available at www.goodingco.com or by calling (310) 899-1960.
Typically most island accommodations sell out for this popular automotive weekend, but a number of properties still have limited availability. For a list of accommodations on Amelia Island, visit www.ameliaisland.com/accommodations.
-Amelia Island Convention & Visitors’ Bureau-
About Amelia Island
Northeast Florida’s coastal treasure, Amelia Island is a barrier island rich in colorful history and breath-taking natural beauty. Its long, beautiful beaches, abundant wildlife and pristine waters have made the island a favorite destination for outdoor adventure. Upscale resorts with world-class spas, championship golf and exclusive dining blend effortlessly with a captivating collection of bed and breakfast inns and historic districts. The island is home to Fernandina Beach, once a vibrant Victorian seaport village and now a charming downtown district of eclectic shops, attractions and eateries. Forget the everyday getaway; Come make memories on Amelia Island. For visitor information and online planning, visit www.ameliaisland.com.
