Celebrating Automotive Excellence: The Best of Show Winners at The Amelia 2025

The Celebrated Winners of The Amelia 2025

The Amelia Concours d'Elegance reached new heights in 2025, celebrating its 30th anniversary with an incredible show of automotive beauty and history. Held from March 6 to 8 at The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island, Florida, the event attracted both seasoned enthusiasts and new admirers to a weekend of fine dining, driving experiences, live auctions, and the renowned Concours d'Elegance.

Among an impressive lineup of over 240 historically significant automobiles, the 1938 Alfa Romeo 8C 2900 claimed the coveted title of Best of Show in the Concours d'Elegance category. This exquisite vehicle is considered one of the prototypes for the famed Mille Miglia event. Its restoration uncovered distinctive features, highlighting its unique engine specifications over the regular Sport 8C 2.9 models. Originally commissioned by renowned Italian racing driver Giuseppe Farina, the Alfa Romeo was the only model of its kind crafted by Farina himself, adding to its allure.

Deborah Keller, the proud owner of the winning Alfa Romeo, reflected on her late husband, who shared her passion for automotive excellence. "We won an award here together in 2020. He would be proud to have this car win," she expressed emotionally. The hard work and dedication put into this triumph were evident as she beamed with joy.

In the realm of sportscars, the 1967 Lotus 49 claimed the title of Best of Show in the Concours de Sport category. This historic vehicle, chassis number 49/2, was the second ever Lotus 49 built and made its debut with racing legend Jimmy Clark behind the wheel at Zandvoort in 1967. The car famously brought the Cosworth DFV engine to life in competitive racing. Its victories at Silverstone and Watkins Glen, as well as impressive performance in the Tasman series, solidified its place in Formula 1 history.

Chris MacAllister, the current owner of the Lotus, shared his nostalgic connection to motorsport, recalling how a school field trip to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway ignited his interest in racing. "It's nice that the car gets the attention it deserves," he remarked, underscoring the Lotus's significance in automotive heritage.

The event’s organizer, McKeel Hagerty, highlighted how The Amelia continues to attract automotive enthusiasts year after year. "For three decades, The Amelia has proven that while automotive design evolves, the love for special cars remains constant. It’s all about honoring automotive history and celebrating car culture." Over the weekend, more than 17,000 attendees came together to revel in the shared passion for classic vehicles. Supporting the local community, the event pledged $119,000 to local nonprofits, showcasing its commitment to fostering a vibrant car culture beyond just celebrations.

This year's Amelia event featured various new attractions, including Reverie, an immersive hospitality experience that kicked off the weekend with delectable automotive-themed culinary creations curated by Chef Zane Nesbitt. The festivities included parades of rare vehicles and opportunities for attendees to engage in numerous activities, such as the Mobil 1 Ride and Drive experiences.

Among the many highlights was the Broad Arrow Auctions, which reported record-breaking sales of $61.7 million thanks to its third annual Amelia Auction, achieving an impressive 88 percent lot sale rate. The auction showcased an extraordinary range of vehicles, including the top seller, a 1959 Ferrari 250 GT LWB California Spider Competizione, which fetched a staggering $9,465,000. The excitement among bidders and spectators illustrated the demand and appreciation for classic cars, further affirming the importance of The Amelia in the automotive calendar.

Hagerty and Broad Arrow Auctions remain committed to connecting collectors and enthusiasts with a deep appreciation for automotive history and culture. Looking ahead, Hagerty invites car lovers to mark their calendars for the Greenwich Concours in May 2025, with anticipation building for the return of The Amelia in March 2026. Through events like these, the legacy of automotive passion continues to thrive, blending past achievements with future aspirations in a community united by a love for spectacular cars.

For more information about upcoming events and highlights, car aficionados can visit AmeliaConcours.com. The Amelia promises to be a cornerstone for automotive enthusiasts, serving as a reminder of the beauty and engineering excellence that define classic cars.