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Amelia Island this week!


KRK Sr.

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I packed my sun glasses and we're off to the sunny South this weekend, anyone else going to Amelia Island this week? Anyone have a car invited? For those of us who like "OLD OLD" cars, it should be spectacular. I can only hope the weather will allow all those steam and early electric cars to shine this Sunday. I can't wait! Karl

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Yep, 6th straight year for us. Amelia's the one show I won't miss if I can help it.

Spectacular is a great word to describe Amelia. Every year more rare, historic, one-of-a-kind cars than you will see in dozens of lesser shows. And a lovely venue, too.

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Guest imported_MrEarl

Back in October of 04, Bill Warner, Founder and Chairman of The Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance purchased the one off 1954 Buick Roadmaster Landau. The car wasn't in condition to show last year but I am hoping it will be there this year. If anyone spots it and can take some pictures I would love to see it.

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Bill Wagner was at Meadow Brook with it last year. I think there are pictures of it on their site.

I was almost arrested at Amelia in '04. Bill Warner had reserved the entire lower level of the parking structure at the Ritz for auction cars and classics that showed up early, like we did. We got to enjoy the island and surrounding area in our car and got to put it away in Bill Warner's section under the watchful eye of hotel security. They even let me wash the car after the road rally. Security saved our space every day. We were staying at the hotel so I think they were extra nice to us.

On the day of the show security was extra tight. There was a boattail Deusenberg worth several million and other really spectacular cars parked down there. I pulled out with no problem but upon my return, the problems began.

I pulled back into the garage and headed for my space. As I passed the guard he waved. Hell, people had been waving all day. We got an Amelia Award so we drove on the golf course lawn to pick up our trophy. Lots of people waved at us. I drove past and pulled into "my" space. I got out and started covering the car in plastic and the security guard gets in my face and says "You Bill Wagner?". I said no.

He said "These are Bill Wagner's spaces". I tried to explain that Bill Wagner was the organizer of the show an the spaces were for the show car. He wouldn't budge. Turns out he was packin' some heat because he was an off-duty sheriff who seemed to have a bit of a Napopleon complex.

My size may have had a bit to do with making the situation worse as he was a stocky 5'6" and I'm 6'5" and I fill a doorway. He told me to move the car and I furthered his education as to why he was there. He was not happy. He told me that I was under arrest and that he was going to handcuff me. I refused. He must have realized the absurdity of the situation as he realized that someone had seen him and run for hotel management. They were not happy. I got a nice apology from Bill and his staff and the rest of the trip went fine.

Again, it is best to get there a couple of days early so you can appreciate the entire area. It is beautiful in March. The sunrise from the 8th floor was spectacular.

Don't do the Blind Motocross with your spouse.

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Barry, sounds like you might of needed your blood pressure checked after that garage encounter! I have missed the last three years, but all the prior years were warm and sunny, Two years ago in the down pouring rain must have made you think you were at Hershey!

Ron, I'll look up the Buick and Alfa. I can add that Jim Schmidts 40 Lincoln with 600 original miles is also invited to the party. He won't be adding any miles by going on the tour, but it is wonderful to see this original car, including the gold trimmed interior still shining after 65 years!

<img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />Karl

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Guest Mkulina

As a very proud Amelia volunteer, I would like to thank the authors above for the compliments on the show. We are delighted to be a part of such a spectacular event. And we are simply in awe of the people who restore, display and maintain the vehicles we see each year.

For those who missed it, shame on you. We offered a chance to see steam cars in action, to examine a Futurliner, to meet Johnny Rutherford, to examine Can Am technology and to see a horse mounted on a Rolls Royce advertising soda. So what did you really do this weekend that was really more importantt than that?

That's okay, everyone's entitled to a few mistakes...You can make up for it by getting there early next year. Just bring the camera, the sunblock and brace yourself for a preview of heaven.

Happy Motoring,

Mike

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I'm back at work after driving home from Amelia yesterday and still grinning from ear to ear over the cars at this year's show.

The incredible cars have been mentioned in this thread, but equally attractive to me is the opportunity to speak to people like Bobby Unser, Johnny Rutherford, Dickie Smothers, Peter Egan, etc., etc. And especially fun this year was trashing that West Peterson guy to a whole bunch of people who know him. West, it's not a good idea to skip Amelia if you value your reputation! blush.gif

Mike, thanks to all of you volunteers who donate your efforts to make this show what it has become: North America's premier concours. We ate Sunday night at Barbara Jean's and noticed that the rear private room was hosting a very large party. As we left, I saw Bill Warner's "Edsel Speedster" in the parking lot and realized that the large party was the Amelia hierarchy celebrating another great event. I had the urge to re-enter the restaurant to personally thank Bill and crew for their efforts. My wife talked me out of doing that so I'll just have to email Bill in a bit to express my appreciation.

As I posted earlier, Amelia is the one show I will skip only if and when the doctors order me not to go.

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I was looking for Peterson myself. I saw him there last year driving a 1950s-vintage Packard concept car. I introduced myself as an AACA member and he immediately offered me a ride. Unfortunately, I was with my two daughters and it was only a two passenger car. I guess when you become a big-shot magazine guy, its easy to find people to let you drive their priceless cars.

It sure was nice being at Amelia this year, though, as winter seems to have arrived back in the north. Nice homecoming.

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<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I guess when you become a big-shot magazine guy, its easy to find people to let you drive their priceless cars.</div></div>

Vertigo, West is one of the nicest guys in the old car hobby, just like his old man. And like Bill Warner, he knows just about everyone in the hobby. That's why he gets to drive those cars.

There isn't even an iota of "big shot" in his friendly personality.

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All right, stop already! I feel crummy enough that I didn't make it to the show this year.

I read in the West Michigan AACA Newsletter that the NATMUS Futurliner bus was going to be there. I haven't heard anything one way or the other. Can anyone tell me if the bus arrived? Photos?

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West, the NATMUS Futureliner was indeed present. As for pictures, the crowds at Amelia are such that I never even bring a camera to the event. So someone else will have to furnish pics for you.

And you were missed, my friend.

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Guest Mkulina

Greg:

Never listen to your wife, you know that...Bill and all the folks who put the show together would love to hear from you. Besides, these are some of the most knowledgeable and approachable diehard gearheads you'll ever meet. In other words, you'd have never gotten out in less than two hours. And it would have added just that finishing touch to a wonderful day.

It's difficult to describe how cool it's been to be a part of something that takes our passion and directs it to such a worthwhile cause.

Did anyone catch the Meguiar's Award show on SPEED? The gentleman honored as the "Volunteer of the Year" was George Phillips, a fellow who has dedicated literally thousands of hours of his time to the Amelia Concours. It was heartwarming to see someone who recognized, who is truly a hero in our community.

See you all next year.

Happy Motoring ,

Mike

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We are back home from our Fun in the Sun. I will post pictures later tonight from Amilia Island. Steam cars were well represented with many Stanley's, a Doble and the Replica beach Racer. A line of Rolls Silver Ghosts greeted you as you entered the fairway. The Moxie Rolls car from Dallastown PA started a row of "fun" cars including the "Zippo" Chrysler, V8 Juice can, and the Budweiser Boat. this ended with the GM show vehicles from the 50's. The biggest surprise had to be the line of eight DuPonts. Many more cars than 4 years ago, 300 cars this year!! Bill and his crew seem to somehow find the best of the best every year. Karl

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<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Steam cars were well represented with many Stanley's, a Doble and the Replica beach Racer.</div></div>

Karl, there were actually TWO Dobles at Amelia, one from the Nethercutt Collection and one brought by Barry Herbert of England.

Prior to this year's show, I had seen exactly one Doble in 40 years of attending other events. Just another indication of just how special Amelia has become.

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Check out this V8 Juice can! This had orig. paint, with some wear, powered by a V8... Ford. (Can someone move it to the post? I looked last night under the how to do section but was too tired from the drive home to learn.) Thanks, Karl

8196juice-med.jpg

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Wayne, thanks for the help with moving the photos! gwells, I will say you have to be fast at times not to get a lot of bodies in a photo, but I am always glad to shoot some film. I just put some Micro cars and all the steam photos (21), in the members gallery. Still have some "go fast" cars to add, they are red with a horse on the hood. Also a few of the big brass, gas powered cars. till tomorrow... Karl

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I just posted the last of the digital photos from Amelia, Check out the other two photos of this car in the members gallery. "Chic magnet" if I ever saw one. You can have arm candy on both sides, or wife and... oh, better not go there. Well anyway enjoy. Karl

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I'll post this for you Karl. You get to do the interior shot! <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

What is it anyway. I was thinking Lambo..., but they don't have 3 seats in the front(the only seating positions).

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Wayne

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<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Topper movie car, This movie was on AMC many time during January. Did anyone else see it? Cary Grant comes back to "help" a timid banker so he can go to Heaven.

8196gilmore-med.jpg </div></div>

I noticed in the latest mail out from RM auctions this car is going up for auction, aong with several other Brucker cars. I believe it looks better in photos than in person. Would like to see the car without that garish advertising on the side of it. (Gilmore lion is okay, though)

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Wayne, this creation is a 1969 Bizzarini, MANTA. If you look close you can see the "MANTA" RAY on the hood. I never saw one before this one. I have seen trophies like THAT one before... Did your wife explain the difference?

West, With your keen eye sight I am sure you saw the MANTA on the hood! The topper car was rough, but the matching trailer was worse. I put a shot of it from the other side in the members gallery. It has a few bodies in the way, but gives a different angle of the fin. Karl

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