It has been a while, unfortunately, we had not attended the Amelia (as it is now called since Hagerty took over) and seen for ourselves the changes – and the things that stayed the same.
We were very lucky that we took part in the Concours alongside with Christopher John, our latest resell partner based in Daytona Beach, literally (or should that be spelled “litter-rally”, given that all this takes place during Spring break) a stone throw away from the peaceful locale where the Concours, the auctions and everything else takes place. Christopher, with the great help of JP, his son, is an appointed Morgan agent (while also trading in all English beauties from yesteryear) and had brought a few specials – one of 9 in the world Plus 8 GTR as well as a couple of Super 3 that have a unique ability to attract attention. They, together, made for the perfect jewelry box to your Heritage Line that was also exhibited to great interest – check it out:
And yes, quite some changes on that front, given that RM Sotheby’s the previous anchor auction house has now migrated to Miami (more on that maybe soon) and been replaced by Broad Arrow Auctions – another Hagerty property where we enjoyed meeting quite a few friends. The cars on display were, as can be expected, on their best footing and made for an attractive “pre-event” – check it out:
On the “constant front” we should mention that the seasonal weather played havoc with the best laid plans of mice and men, what’s new, while the Concours continued to pull the best of the best of the best – take the best of show for example and attract a company that we enjoyed (also has it allowed us to meet up with long-lost friends and meet some new ones as well).
All in all, a positive experience, again, but then again – would you expect any less of an event that benefits from almost a quarter-century existence and a geography that is as privileged a setting as can be devised. We certainly look forward to the next iterations with great impatience – at life speed!
