#USA #McLaren #Amelia Island #Amelia Concours #Duesenberg

Record Auction Sales at The Amelia Concours

The Amelia Concours celebrated its 31st event from March 5 to March 8, attracting car enthusiasts and collectors from around the globe. This year's gathering featured a stunning display of world-class vehicles, luxurious hospitality, engaging seminars, and driving experiences designed for all attendees.

Broad Arrow Auctions, which conducted the official auction for The Amelia Concours, achieved a remarkable total of $111 million in sales across the two-day auction, marking both a record for the event and a historic milestone for the auction company itself. Attendees were treated to a variety of entertainments including a sold-out opening gathering and an impressive RADwood display, designed specifically for concours guests.

Among the highlights of the event were two prestigious awards for the vehicles deemed Best of Show. The first recognition went to the exquisite 1931 Duesenberg Model J 'Tapertail' Speedster, showcased by the William Lyon Family. This unique vehicle stands out with its specially designed short-wheelbase chassis and was crafted by the legendary Gordon Buehrig. Originally commissioned for aviation entrepreneur Walter Varney, this model is a true representation of classic automotive design, characterized by its sleek lines and luxurious features such as a single-person rumble seat and pontoon fenders.

In the category of sports vehicles, the 1969 McLaren M8B was awarded Best of Show in the Concours de Sport category. This car, known for its dominant performance during the Can-Am season, was expertly piloted by Bruce McLaren himself and is a legend among racing enthusiasts. With a powerful 7.0-liter Chevy V-8 engine producing an impressive 630 horsepower, it played a significant role in securing the driver's championship of 1969, with an unparalleled record of winning all 11 races that season.

Auction Highlights

The auction organized by Broad Arrow was met with significant interest, as evidenced by more than 1,000 bidders from 23 countries. A vibrant preview day preceded the auction, leading to a flurry of competitive bidding that spanned the two days of sales. Not only did the auction record a staggering 92 percent of lots sold, it also showcased an array of cars that broke previous sales records, particularly within the modern supercar category.

The standout sale was that of a 2003 Ferrari Enzo, which fetched an astonishing $15,185,000, making it the highest sales price at this year's auction. Other noteworthy sales included a 1972 Lamborghini Miura P400 SV, which established a new benchmark for its model at $6,605,000, and a 2005 Porsche Carrera GT, which also achieved a world record price of $6,715,000.

Barney Ruprecht, Vice President of Auctions for Broad Arrow, expressed his enthusiasm about the auction's success. He attributed the robust sales to the growing fascination among collectors and enthusiasts for high-quality, well-maintained vehicles, a trend that seems to be gaining traction across different eras of automotive history.

Future Events and Closing

The Amelia Concours continues to be a premier event, providing a platform for celebrating automotive excellence and community among enthusiasts of all ages. The event's organizers extend their invitation to fellow car lovers for upcoming gatherings, including The Greenwich Concours and the esteemed Monterey Car Week later in the year. The future of The Amelia Concours looks bright as it prepares for its 2027 installment from March 4 to 7.

Overall, the Amelia Concours 2026 successfully combined exceptional vehicle displays with spirited discussions among collectors and fans, further solidifying its reputation within the automotive community. For anyone passionate about cars, this event represents a rich tapestry of history, innovation, and the ever-evolving culture of automobile collecting.