When car lovers arrived for the first time ever for The Amelia in April of 1996, it was an impressive mix of everyday enthusiasts, legendary drivers, automotive designers, tv personalities and industry executives who cruised through the gates. And it was all thanks to founder Bill Warner and his connections in the automotive world, built over the course of a long and storied career. So year after year, Warner and his dedicated group of incredible volunteers brought this world-class event to life. And the hard work didn’t go unnoticed. In both 2013 and ’16, The Amelia won the coveted “Motoring Event of the Year” from the International Historic Motoring Awards.
In 1996, The Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance proudly welcomed Stirling Moss as its inaugural honoree, and the event hasn’t taken its foot off the gas ever since. Over the years, honorees have included motorsports’ most revolutionary drivers and team owners, such as Carroll Shelby, Phil Hill, Bobby Unser, Derek Bell, Roger Penske, Lyn St. James, Jeff Gordon, and so many more.
The event’s economic impact to Florida is estimated to be close to $30 million a year. And that’s just the start. Since its inception, The Amelia has donated over $4 million to charities. Today, the event is proud to annually support Community Hospice & Palliative Care, Spina Bifida of Jacksonville and Shop with Cops.
Equipped with decades of experience hosting car-centric events and a purpose to save driving and fuel car culture for future generations, Hagerty is proud to continue the significant tradition of The Amelia.