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Amelia Island

1984 Porsche 911 SC/RS – Factory Rothmans Rally Car – Gooding Amelia 2019

There are a few very tasty 911s in the Gooding Amelia Island 2019 lineup — but this one jumped off the page and right into my heart. Imagine jamming this 280HP, lifted and skid-plated hero across some loose surfaces!  Second to the Dakar 959, we can hardly think of a more iconic off-road 911.  This is the livery of a thousand fakes — but here in all its authentic glory.  This SC/RS was one of 20 produced for FIA homologation rules.  It has had a wild life of racing to win numerous races in 1984 and 1985 before living in …

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2017 Buick LaCrosse Nose Teases Avenir-Style Grille – November Debut to Include SuperCruise?

Buick just started its 2017 LaCrosse striptease!  The new model will debut in November at the Los Angeles Auto Show with looks inspired by the Avenir concept, updated chassis and new rear suspension, plus an all-new and super posh cabin. The LaCrosse redesign is a promising one: this large front or AWD sedan is a real all-star in the General Motors global model range. It is giant inside all around, but especially in the back seat. Its appeal is broad with pricing matching up with the Lexus ES but with much larger accomodations inside. And lastly, it is a pretty …

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2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe in 40 New Photos – Previews GLE400 Twin Turbo

Updated 8.6.15 The GLE-Class and GLE-Class Coupe are the freshest entries to the Mercedes SUV lineup this Fall. They are both set to duke it out with the BMW X6, RRS, plus the upcoming Maserati Levante and Jaguar F-PACE Suvs. The racier profile on the GLE Coupe is exceptionally fresh. The low and sporty look is one advantage, but there are other big ones too. Namely, the GLE-Class proper has the same glasshouse and profile look as the outgoing ML-Class.  Same goes for the tail of the non-coupe GLE. The GLE Coupe has exceptionally fresh design in the entire rear …

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2015 Lamborghini Aventador SV Joins Hypercar Big League With New Sub-7-Minute Nurburgring Lap

Updated 5.19.15 with 20 New Photos + Nurburging Fast Lap Video The new Aventador SV just locked in a seriously impressive Nurburgring fast lap: a time of “under 7 minutes” makes it very close to the 2010 Pagani Zonda R and its 6:47 laptime — yet this Aventador SV is fully road-legal! Also included below are a dozen fresh photos from the car’s USA reveal the other month in Amelia Island, Florida. The cabin is quite something — with the carbon-fiber seats a particularly pleasant surprise for their grip on the body, rigidity on the move and their overall design …

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RM Amelia Island 2015 – Top 10 Most-Valuable Auction Cars in 80 New Photos

Started this article to share an update on RM Auctions — which you may have noticed is now co-branded as RM Sotheby’s. Just before the Amelia Island 2015 event in March, Sotheby’s announced a 25-percent equity share purchase of RM, based in Blenheim, Ontario. Sotheby’s is in the big three of global auction companies, so their interest in RM makes sense to broaden and co-mingle both buyer groups. RM is certainly a powerhouse of an auction company, with its car sales generating massive interest among collectors and fans alike. Amelia Island 2015 was no different: $60-million in sales in just …

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Gooding Amelia 2015 – 1951 Lotus Mk IIIB Was First-Ever Customer Lotus

The first car Lotus ever sold, and the first car to wear the revered yellow crest of the brand?! Yessir! Colin Chapman’s stylized initials formed the basis of the emblem, but it was the most designed piece of the machine. The rest of the car is ruthlessly functional — with giant bulges in the hood exploding from the metal like some giant hematomas. Along with the twin lamps forming nostrils at the tip of the narrow hood, the ONK license plate is more than a little tongue-in-cheeck. Oink, oink… like a pig…. But this car sung at auction. The sale …

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Gooding Amelia 2015 – 1973 Lamborghini Espada Series III Earns $99k

Lamborghini has its roots in front-engine GT cars — but they are consistently some of the least-loved V12 Italian exotics in history. One look at the profile of this long 1970s timecapsule does most of the explaining — it is ungainly and alarmingly awkward in its proportions. This might have to do with its supercar designers — Marcello Gandini and Bertone were more well-versed in mid-engine hypercar wedges than they were in practical, roomy cruisers. The Espada III is the best of the line, with these models packing air conditioning and wood-rimmed cabin details, but not the jumbo bumpers that …

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Amelia 2015 Highlights – 1962 Alfa Romeo Giulietta SZ Coda Tronca and 1960 SZ Berlinetta

Not one Alfa Sprint Zagato, but two!? Rare barely begins to describe these two. Fewer of these hand-shaped bodies were made than Ferrari 250s in 1962, with every one unique and showing slight variations. The Coda Tronca ‘long tail’ SZ in silver shows strong hints of Aston Martin in the shape of that rear end, while the yellow Berlinetta is pert and smooth in back. The beauty of these two SZ’s is greatly enhanced by the lack of any external bumpers on either end — helping the design look as delightful and smooth as little teacups. 1960 Alfa Romeo Giulietta …

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Gooding Amelia 2015 – 1965 Maserati Sebring in Red Brings $300k

Can’t get enough of the very-rare and very chic Maserati Sebring? How about another in bright red? This Gooding & Co. auction car brought upwards of $300,000 – making it a well-priced entry into the club of 1960s Italian exotica.   ORIGINAL Tastemaker? With headlamps that look straight off of the Chevrolet Corvette C1 facelift in 1960? Not so much, guy! But look past the twin chrome-rimmed circles on light on this Maserati Sebring and you have the basis for some seriously futuristic sports coupes. The long hood and sunken grille and delicious, while the flat surfacing and boxy glasshouse …

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Amelia Island 2015 – 1965 Maserati Sebring 3500 GTi Was Avant-Garde Luxury Tastemaker

Tastemaker!? With headlamps that look straight off of the Chevrolet Corvette C1 facelift in 1960? Not so much, guy! But look past the twin chrome-rimmed circles on light on this Maserati Sebring and you have the basis for some seriously futuristic sports coupes. The long hood and sunken grille and delicious, while the flat surfacing and boxy glasshouse would become mainstream and popular a full 20 years later in the 1980s. Beating a trend by two decades definitely counts as innovative, taste-making design in our book! 1965 Maserati Sebring 3500 GTi Series I      

Gooding Amelia 2015 – 1967 Ferrari 275 GTB4 Is All-Original Blue Beauty For $3.3M

This Bleu Chiaro 275 GTB is rare, but the color is only part of what makes this V12 icon so cool and unique. Most unlike almost all other Ferrari 250’s and 275’s these days, this one is fantastically original. The patina of 33 years spent garaged is actually delightful to see up close. For unlike most Ferrari’s of this era restored to almost-unreal levels of finish, this car shows its glory years proudly. Yes, this means that there is a bit of corrosion visible under the car near the front subframe, and it means that the oil-based paint is cracking …

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RM Amelia Island 2015 – 1958 Pontiac Bonneville Sport Coupe Is Rocket-Brick Icon

  For someone who loves cars as much as I do, meeting a rare and special machine can have unintended consequences. No one would blink if you were so emotionally affected by an opera or fresco, but to be weak-kneed by a car? A Pontiac from the 1950s? Like most art, the effect on the viewer is one of the many mysteries of the world. Reviewing this Bonneville Sport Coupe today is quite an emotional affair. Pontiac was trying desperately to spring-board their brand from obscurity into the greats of automobiledom. They needed a flagship — something to draw the …

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2015 Galpin-Fisker ROCKET Mustang Production Debut + Startup Video

The Galpin Auto Sports and Henrik Fisker ROCKET Mustang is official and headed to its first owners within the next few weeks! This jet-black example at Amelia Island is the first production model — which we snapped rumbling around Amelia Island Concours last week. Also included here is a brief exhaust snippet from startup — at least two octaves deeper than the factory exhaust, that is for sure!  The 725HP puts out a ridiculous amount of heat from those quad pipes as well….! 2015 Galpin-Fisker ROCKET Mustang PREVIOUS A huge number of incredible photos to share from Amelia Island Concours …

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Amelia Island 2015 – 1975 Lancia Stratos Rally Car

As fantastic as the Stratos production models were, the rally car is in another league of intensity. Giant fender flares, hugely oversized tires and a raised ride height make this exotic wedge look as ready for off-roading as was possible. Considering it is essentially a hypercar, the idea of whipping through the forest, drifting so wide that the side windows look forward is almost unreal. Terrifying levels of power, extremely limited grip and flyweight dimensions mean the Stratos was a next-level machine in the world of rallying. The Stratos won the newly-formed WRC for three years in a row from …

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Amelia Island 2015 – 1983 Lancia 037 Group B Rally Hero

The Lancia 037 is a rare standout among the four all-star Lancia rally cars reunited for the Amelia Island 2015 Concours. Rare because unlike the others, this machine ditches almost all sense of road-car in favor of an extreme supercar package. In proportions and width, this mid-engine, rear-drive turbo monster is what happened when the Lancia and Abarth racing teams start from a blank sheet of paper — engineering an all-star from the ground up. As one of the first cars anywhere to use carbon-fiber composites, the “zero-three-seven” was named after is project code in the Abarth speed labs. The …

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Amelia Island 2015 – 1969 Lancia Fulvia 1600 HF Rallye Car

The Lancia Rally legends series? Not just winners in the racing arena, but also the historical influencers and taste-maker charts. If the Delta Integrale inspired the Mitsubishi Evo and Subaru WRX, what did this Lancia Fulvia spur to life? None other than the also-important BMW 2002. Important groundwork was laid here for the rear-drive Stratos, which would dominate the first few years of the official WRC race series with its lightweight panels, ultra-compact design and supercar performance — optimized for the dirty, dusty and ice-covered rally race routes. 1969 Lancia Fulvia 1600 HF Rallye

Meet The 1988 Lancia Delta HF Integrale 8V WRC-Winner in 60 High-Res Photos!

In the World Rally Championship record books, no single vehicle or manufacturer has been more dominant than the Lancia Delta. Winning the championship from 1987 through 1992, this tops every winning streak by other big hitters: Subaru, Peugeot and Citroen included. Being able to meet the actual race-winning vehicle is special in any circumstance, but to be able to photograph and document the vehicle in detail is beyond special. It is inspiring to see the Lancia Delta in its full Martini Racing livery, even today almost thirty years later. Inspiration from the Lancia Delta Integrale formula spanned the globe after …

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Amelia Island 2015 Galleries – 1954 Jaguar D-Type Factory Team Racecar XKD403

The Jaguar D-Type is easy to love – with its swoopy panels almost bending upside down to form a bullet-like casing for these lightweight mechanicals. The rear wing is a treat, while the provenance of this actual car is also hard to neglect. Raced with the Jaguar factory team the wing lists none other than Sir Stirling Moss as one of the brave men to pin the thottle of this dark-green beauty. One thing that is plain to see with this Jag compared with racers from after 1955 is that its nose intake appears to be quite small. This is …

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1956 Maserati 300S Wins Amelia Island 2015 Stirling Moss Award

We find this Maserati 300S to be instantly lovable, perhaps even more-so than the Ferrari 290MM of the previous article. The nose feels lower, more shapely and more humble in the nose design. The simple drilled vent circles are delightful, as is the Maserati trident emblem sunken within the oval primary intake. Just subtle, but clearly focused on winning races versus style contests. Ironic that this very look would make it so special more than 60 years later. 1956 Maserati 300S Best in Class – Cars of Stirling Moss 1956 Maserati 300S Lawrence Auriana – Greenwich, CT

Amelia Island 2015 – BMW Brings 507, M1, CSL and Targa Tii To Join 2015 X5 M and New 650i M Sport

You might be wondering – what is with all these new cars at a classic car show like Amelia Island or Pebble Beach? It is a fantastic way to establish brand credibility, legacy loyalty and customer acquisition. After all, few of these millionaires will be tooling around in a vintage car on a day-to-day basis. They need a 2015 BMW! On that note, the 2015 X5 M joined the fun along with the very-lightly-revised 650i M Sport. Highlights also include the M1 and 507 roadster, plus the Goldeneye Z3 and a few 2002s. The orange one is a very-rare targa …

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Amelia Island 2015 – 1937 BMW 328 Mille Miglia Roadster Is Magnificent

PART TWO: The Roadster The BMW 328 Mille Miglia roadster seem here came before the coupe. It was a stepping-stone between the production 328 cabrio and the Touring Coupe seen in the second half of this page. The goal was as ultra-light reskin in alloy that would reduce drag, enhance stability at speed, and deliver outstanding performance to take on the best racecars in the world — and win. But the side benefit of the 328 Mille Miglia redesign? This roadster is one of the most beautiful silhouettes ever made. 1937 BMW 328 Mille Miglia Roadster   Imagine a single …

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Amelia Island 2015 – 1939 BMW 328 Mille Miglia Touring Coupe

Imagine a single racecar that won the its Nurburgring debut race, the Tourist Trophy, Mille Miglia and RAC Rally. A car so advanced and streamlined, its giant exhaust system is the only portion of the underbody that is not wrapped in lightweight alloy. Even the taillamps are integrated into the lower body with custom alloy stalks, and a license-plate housing that wraps that plate around its ultra-smooth rump. A coupe so sexy and sensual in person, we are embarassed to report that it is a clear favorite for top-ten cars of all time. Like the Mercedes-Benz 540K Streamliner shown at …

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Amelia Island 2015 – 1966 Porsche 906 Carrera 6

The journey for Porsche to LeMans glory starting in 1970 is almost a textbook case of incremental evolution. A new trait here works, so it sticks. A few things lost in the name of ultimate high-speed glory. Seeing the 1966 Porsche 906 Carrera 6 beside a close descendent, the 1968 908K, makes clear how carefully Porsche was refining its alloy spaceframe racecar during the 1960s. They really knew they were on to something with the ultra-low boxer engine masses, mounted right behind the driver for optimal handling. The 2.0-liter six of this racecar shares much of its fundamental design with …

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Gooding Amelia 2015 – 1961 Ferrari 250GT Series II Cabriolet Brings $2.1M

This Ferrari 250 GT is a real winner. With its factory hardtop, it can be hard to know that this is one of the most desirable second-gen Ferrari 250’s to hit the blocks recently. A series II model with the standard wheelbase, this car is a real hero and is arguably far more beautiful and balanced a design than the SWB California. How classy is this car? The hardtop even has a sunroof! Well bought. 1961 Ferrari 250GT Series II Cabriolet

Amelia Island 2015 – 1968 Porsche 908K Short-Tail Coupe Is One of Two Survivors

This Le Mans racer from Porsche is part of a 200-mph dream: Fast cars, evolving in hyperspeed. The 908 was an adapted version of the 907 – but altered to fit an all-new 3.0-liter boxer eight-cylinder engine. We believe this is chassis 908-019 (or perhaps 908-011) – which is thought to be one of two surviving short-tail 908 Coupes outside the Porsche Museum. The 908K stands for short-tail, which was ideal for tighter tracks versus the long-tail for the Le Sarthe LeMans track itself. This machine was a transition phase for the Porsche race crew. A rule change for 1969’s …

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Amelia Island 2015 – 1971 Porsche 911 East African Rally Car

One of the five factory-prepped 911s that raced the 1971 East African Rally, this 911 is pretty outstanding in its creamy white paint. A thorough upgrade, as you can see, includes front and rear rhino bars that are fully integrated into the chassis of the car. But overall, aside from modest aesthetic tweaks, extra lighting, higher ground clearance and sponsor stickers — the mechanicals of this 911 appear to be completely stock. Just proof of the 911’s world-beating package? Perhaps! Our favorite detail? The grab handles on the exterior of the car — mounted on both C-pillars. Not exactly sure …

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Amelia 2015 Customs – 1970 Porsche 914-6 GT – Rally Rescue Pickup Truck

A surprise and delight to see thrumming up the Ritz Carlton driveway for the Amelia Island Concours? This extremely cool, one-off pickup truck Porsche. Originally a 914-6 GT, the rear of the truck has been lengthened, the suspension upgraded to full safari rally specification, and the Dakar-ready racing equipment added. What might fit in this rather compact pickup truck bed? You name it!  Wheels, tires, Porsche engines, and perhaps even an injured road-warrior in a pinch. The wide-body style and fenders bring a dramatic width extension to accommodate big off-road rubber and those hardy new suspension components. With almost no …

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Gooding Amelia 2015 – 1991 Ferrari F40 Brings $1.6M

Despite Ferrari building triple the 399 units of the F40 initially planned, they are still pretty rare to see. Not exactly practical or comfy, the F40 and its twin-turbocharged V8 is what we think of as a point A to point A car. Much as a Corolla is a point A to point B car — you park it at work, for example, as point B. The F40 is a car you leave from home, go for a blast, and bring it safely back to its garage. In person, this F40 is surprisingly new and still striking. Most 1991 models …

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1956 Maserati 200SI by Fantuzzi – Longnose Factory Race Team Prototype

The first-ever Maserati 200 SI made, a works development prototype and raced by a dozen of the biggest names in 1950s racing? Yes, yes and yes! This 200 ‘Sport Internazionale’ is one of the most special cars ever to wear the Maserati trident. The one-of-a-kind works racer is most distinctive due to its unpainted exterior. The aluminum and alloy panelwork is on proud display, along with racing history from every angle. Chassis #2401 did not meet its (unknown) reserve price in the 2015 Gooding & Co. Amelia Island auction. Rumored to bring more than $5-million, it looks like the bidding …

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2015 Mercedes-AMG C63-S in 63 Real-Life Photos Inside and Out

Updated 3.17.15 With 63 New Photos This subtle but sweet C63-S is the hottest model in the new C-Class range, atop all others — even its two other AMG brothers. That’s right. There will also be a C63 and a C450 AMG. The C63-S is clearly the one to lust after, with its 510-horsepower topping the Lexus RC-F, M3 and all other exec supercoupes/supersedans. First Impressions? There is a big issue with this car, however, and the lack of people oogling it in Amelia Island makes that clear. It is just too subtle. The car, at least in this grey …

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2015 Lamborghini Aventador Roadster Sextet Lights Up Amelia Concours Weekend

If one Aventador Roadster is shockingly loud, low and wide when you meet it in real life… imagine a string of a six blasting around your block for two days straight! Heavenly? Yes. These beasts are truly incredible in the flesh. The candy-colored paints here add a bit of light-hearted fun to what is really the benchmark supercar. Thrills, chills and only a half-million-dollar bill!? Sign me up. The Aventador Roadster is a nice mid-way point before stumping up to the real hypercar heroes — each costing well in excess of a million bucks. Lamborghini has made the Aventador Roadster …

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2015 Mercedes-Maybach S600 Inside and Out from Amelia Island

Updated 3.16.15 We are starting to see the logic behind Mercedes-Maybach. The second rebirth of this brand is now a much more subtle affair. That goes for the sales experience as well as the curb appeal of the car. The biggest change for the new Maybach versus the previous generation or the Rolls-Royce Phantom/Bentley Mulsanne competition is all about subtly. Like it or not, from afar this is just a blend-in S-Class limo. It takes time up close to see its unique grille detailing, polished-alloy window surrounds, or gigantic saucer wheel designs. These are all nice touches, but pale in …

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2015 Buick Avenir Concept with 1938 Y-Job in Amelia Island

You can tell Buick is excited about the Avenir Concept when it is joined by the famous Y-Job from 1938! The Cascada ragtop also greeted Amelia Island 2015 guests — and for the first time, the brand felt right at home with the best cars in the world. 2015 Buick Avenir Concept Amelia Island 1938 Buick Y-Job Concept

2015 Porsche 911 GTS Club Coupe – USA Debut in 59 Amelia Island Photos

The risk with so many special editions of one car is major buyer and auto journalist fatigue. See Aston Martin for a prime example. But Porsche seems to really excel when it comes to special editions that actually do feel special. This latest 911 GTS Club Coupe celebrates 60 years of the Porsche Club of America — and builds in C4S styling and wide hips, the SportDesign ducktail spoiler, and a handful of other goodies as standard. 60 cars will be made, with a base price of $136,000.  2015 Porsche 911 GTS Club Coupe – USA 2015 Porsche 911 GTS …

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2016 Mercedes-AMG GLE63-S Inside and Out From Amelia Island

The new GLE63 S Model made a fairly striking static debut at Amelia Island’s Ritz-Carlton hotel this weekend – stopping traffic and causing a commotion. This is the first-known outdoor showing of the new SUV Coupe muscle-truck, with its ultra-modern Benz nose in its sportiest, gloss-black best. This bumper on the hottest-yet GLE63 AMG Coupe — an all-new truck that is also heading to showrooms as the comparatively modest GLE450 AMG and a few other smaller engines. Almost no bumper is actually left up front. Like the new AMG GT, the nose is almost a wall of intercoolers and radiators. …

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2015 Lamborghini Aventador LP 750-4 SuperVeloce Makes USA Debut in Amelia Island

An Atlantic Oceanside debut on a sunny Spring evening – what could be more fitting for the most rabid, rapid bull ever freed from the Lambo stable? Yes. This is it the new 750-horsepower, naturally-aspirated legend. With a new nose and almost all-new tail with vents, scoops and wing like a pure race-car, the new SuperVeloce takes this legendary badge into proud new territory. The new Aventador SV is available to order now. Enjoy these 50 fresh pics from the Lambo reveal, plus the SuperVeloce’s tech specs toward the foot of the page. http://www.lamborghini.com/en/home/  2015 Lamborghini Aventador LP 750-4 SuperVeloce …

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Amelia Island – 2015 Fisker ROCKET in 100 New Photos in Liquid Silver

A huge number of incredible photos to share from Amelia Island Concours 2015!  Let’s kick off the data download with the absolutely stunning 2015 Fisker Rocket from Galpin Auto Sports. This is the prototype first shown at SEMA in November, with its $50,000 paintjob as stunning now as it was then. But it is not the flake that really makes the Fisker Rocket such an event of a car. The dramatic and tasteful design is uniquely altered from all angles, to the point where the car’s Mustang GT base-point is no longer immediately visible. A very, very special car. The …

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Update1 – 2015 Mercedes-AMG GT-S Duo In 150 All-New Photos + Startup Video

One of the biggest highlights from the first day of the 2015 Amelia Island Concours is the pair of AMG GT’s outside the Ritz Carlton event location. The only difference beyond colors and wheels for these two GT-S models? The blue car features the optional Carb0n Package and yummy caramel leather. HD Startup and Exhaust Note Video 2015 Mercedes-AMG GT-S Red     2015 Mercedes-AMG GT-S – Interior 2015 Mercedes-AMG GT-S Carbon Package Blue     2015 Mercedes-AMG GT-S Carbon Package – Interior

RM Auctions Amelia Island 2015 – 1927 Miller 91 Boyle Valve Special

  Harry Miller was a Wisconsin-born racecar designer and engineer who innovated new engine designs and tested them on the world’s fastest racetrack: the oval of the Indianapolis 500. Legend says that 80-plus-percent of the Indy cars fielded in the 1920s were Miller designs, with at least a dozen race-winners from 1911 to 1933 when his business folded. Harry Miller’s race team would go on after being purchased by his shop foreman and chief machinist Fred Offenhauser, who would continue the race team until the 1980s. This 1927 Boyle Valve Special did not win the race, disappointing Miller considering he …

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RM Arizona 2015 Preview – 1955 Porsche 356 OUTLAW Pre-A Emory Special Coupe

The Porsche Outlaws from SoCal’s Emory family/Valley Customs are well-known in the coolest vintage 356 circles. We spotted a matte black example in Amelia Island and fell hard. The Outlaw Porsches are similar to Singer 911’s — rest0-modded originals that become something altogether more special, unique and fun to drive and own. This Pre-A 356 Coupe is even more enhanced — with a serious racing upgrade for the chassis, engine, exteroir design and cabin. It is truly easy on the eyes and a joy to drive. We envy its future owner! 1955 Porsche 356 OUTLAW   RM Auctions Arizona 15 …

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Pebble Beach 2014 Reunions – Three 1914 Mercedes-Benz French Grand Prix Cars in 78 Photos

After falling hard for this machine in Amelia Island,it is great to meet the rest of the crew. This trio of amazing Mercedes-Benz racing machines took a 1-2-3 victory at the 1914 French GP near Lyon. Reuinted 100 years later in Pebble Beach — looking not a day older and perhaps a bit cleaner than the finished the race out front!   1914 Mercedes-Benz French Grand Prix Cars   Mercedes-Benz At The Pebble Beach Concours D’elegance: Coupes From The Past, Present And Future August, 2014 International debut of the 540K Streamliner Coupe 1914 French Grand Prix 1-2-3 racers reunited Concept …

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2.9s 2015 Lamborghini Huracan in 56 New High-Res Photos From Marbella Dynamic Debut

After being in the right place at the right time — with the right contacts! — to attend the Huracan’s US debut in Amelia Island in March, I fell hard and fast for this incredible new supercar. All the time spent with colorizers and specs builders (see previous articles at links below) do the car little justice. http://www.car-revs-daily.com/2014/03/09/2015-lamborghini-huracan-sunny-photos-led-blinker-sequence-usa-launch-galleries-hd-video/ http://www.car-revs-daily.com/2014/03/08/2015-lamborghini-huracan-american-debut-127-high-res-photos/ http://www.car-revs-daily.com/2014/02/12/202mph-lamborghini-huracan-official-colorizer-tech-specs/ http://www.car-revs-daily.com/2014/02/12/2014-lamborghini-huracan-colorizer-close-up-high-res-images/ In person, its lines are so immensely intoxicating that the initial photo sets do it almost no justice.   It has proportion, glamour and sheer magnetism that is absent in some digital renderings of the car. The more sophisticated …

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1914 Mercedes-Benz GranPrix Race Car in 25 Original, High-Res Photos

INTRO: Did I regale you yet with stories of how unbelievably cunty the official Amelia Island Concours people were this year? I was chased off the lawn numerous times during what they claimed were “private” photo shoots. Typically, having three media badges around your neck is enough — unless you are in slummy, run-down Jacksonville, Florida-adjacent. Was mostly a lovely time, but repeatedly ruined by the Ritz-Carlton Residences retirees (volunteers I now dub: the ‘colostomy bag hags’) who were running the show with an entitled arrogance of unbelievable proportion. One such run-in with the old guard was taking some lovely …

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RM Monterey 2014 Preview – 1953 Fiat-Siata 1500 Coupe Speciale

This Fiat-Siata 1500 Coupe Speciale looks good enough to eat! Adorable lines shown here, in a style that is a dead ringer for the Ferrari road cars of this year as well. Monterey 15 – 16 August 2014 1953 Fiat-Siata 1500 Coupe Speciale Chassis no. MI 0139154 MI Engine no. SL0215   Entrant at the 1954 and 1955 Mille Miglias; One-off, custom-built Italian competition coupe; Extensive restoration by the current owner; Shown at the 2010 Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance  

2014 Jaguar XFR Video Review – Full-Throttle Sprint + Exhaust Bellow

The XFR was much better to drive and far more rapid than expected. This first video gets really good about 2/3 of the way through — at which point I paddle down to second gear before flipping to first and flooring the throttle. Both of our heads hit headrest with AMG-style torque as 510-horsepower brings its full might to the table. Very entertaining, the XFR is, with barely a whistle of supercharger whine to accompany this massive velvet knockout punch. Here is the exhaust note.  2014 jaguar xfr review

Coolest Vintage Hood Ornaments – Pierce-Arrow, Cadillac, Stutz, Chrysler, Ford, Bentley and More…

I have an odd fascination with artful hood ornaments, and took some close-ups of favorites over the big Amelia Concours weekend. But first: when did hood ornament become a dirty word? They previously epitomized the height of class and prestige — while often serving functional benefits as well. Pierce-Arrow As the top-mounted radiator cap in the early days of luxury cars, you know knew the cap was screwed on (and threaded) correctly when the symbol faced dead ahead. (Ford) One highlight you must wonder about right away is the life-sized Rolls-Royce Spirit of Ecstasy. She is a 1940s art deco …

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Amelia Island Time Capsules: $903k 1937 Bugatti Type 57C Roadster — Leaves Me Cold — Find Out Why?

Plowing through my gigantic Amelia Island photo folders. =] Not only do I rarely meet a Bugatti I do not like — I think the Amelia Island 2014 event was the first time I have ever touched any Bugatti, whatsoever! Therefore, you can imagine my internal surprise at my blase feelings toward this magnificent 1939 57C — which were less than positive. I just didn’t like it. The color seemed off, the coachwork overwrought, and certainly not nearly as stunning, genuine and authentically-desirable as the racecars across the room. I blamed poor lighting on day one due to the car …

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2014 911 Targa4 and Carrera S Featuring PDLS LED System

After yesterday’s article on all my failed LED headlight attempted, my admiration for the Panamera Turbo and Cayenne Turbo’s quad-point LED setup is very clear. Sidebar: Posting so many of my hideous DIY failures is really mortifying. But at least a break from the 600-or-so Amelia Island photos I am still sitting on?! Here is a 360-degree spin from one of the beach-walk decks in front of the Ritz-Carlton. This is a point of view panarama — versus a subject-focused turntable like many of my fly-arounds that center on an automobile. It was grey, overcast and raining that day, which …

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Amelia Island 2014 – 1939 Aston Martin 15/98 ans DB4 SuperLeggera

 Amelia Island 2014 – 1939 Aston Martin 15/98 ans DB4 SuperLeggera Before we dive into this incredibly delicate but very powerful 15/98 shortie roadster — here is a selfie of your humble scribe with a touchably-smooth (caressably-soft?) 1960 DB4. Smooth, but definitely not soft. This DB4 wears the cherished SuperLeggera badge — indicating its body was made of aluminum-alloy versus steel.Aston-Martin worked with Milan’s Carrozzeria Touring on a number of projects in this era. Estimated weight saving with alloy? 250-pounds or more. This DB4 sold for $462,000 by RM Auctions on March 8th, 2014. Adding $150,000 to that total takes …

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Legendary Racecars — 1983 March Porsche 83G-4 — Still Seeking New Home after Gooding Amelia 2014

Alarming fact error on this one, guys. Our sincere apologies for any confusion, and a thankyou to Wayne at Pelican Parts for pointing out the issue. This is, in fact, a 1983 March Porsche 83G-4 — a BMW prototype racer retrofitted with a flat six from Porsche. Hearing the March Porsche 83G-4 fire up immediately brought droves of people up close and personal to fawn over its details, including your humble scribe. My video of the car firing up is missing somewhere in the archives, but the photos are intact! NOTABLE ELEMENTS: — In fact, Kreepy Krawly is a brand …

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Amelia Time Capsules — 1960 Rolls-Royce Phantom V Limo by Park Ward — 60 Delightful Photos — Sold for $99,000 By RM

This stately car was such a huge milestone for Rolls-Royce that the core template and style of this 1960 car barely changed for the next thirty years. In fact, Queen Elizabeth probably still wishes this were her daily cruiser. Such is its elegant simplicity, comfort and joyousness outside and in. The Phantom V Park Ward is still the utmost in formal living, so this realistic auction result is even more appreciable. Channel4 in the UK will air a relatively candid look inside Rolls-Royce this evening, but candid is a relative term in Goodwood. While the youthfulness of the staff and …

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Amelia Island 2014 – 1914 Mercedes-Benz GP Car

1914 Mercedes-Benz GP Car This car does not photograph with quite the same intensity and impact of seeing it up close. There are numerous elements that truly reminded me more of a racehorse than a racecar — including the specially-made leather bonnets for much of its suspension and braking gear. Why? To keep the grime out while putting its 105-horsepower to use hitting nearly 67MPH. In 1914, those were death-defying speeds. The Dunlop Cord tires are filled harder than horseshoe steel: 80-plus PSI to maintain shape, versus about a 35PSI max in modern cars. But the real racehorse impression? This …

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Amelia Island 2014 — Marque Highlights — JAGUAR — XJR15, XK120 and even ‘Jenny Blue’

Lots of magnificent Jaguars prowling the Ritz-Carlton — including some relative newborns in the XFR and exclusive, in-person details on the not-here-yet F-Type Coupe that will be featured in an upcoming article. The essence of a Jaguar to me? But finding an XJR15 in he flesh was enough to abort the XJ220 photo mid-snap. This TWR-created baby was actually quite successful in racing, and … whisper it… a lot faster around tracks than Jaguar’s own XJ220 hypercar. Surely these cars shared much of their components and development work? Nope. Barely a common bolt among them — making it a troublesome …

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Amelia Island 2014 — Marque Highlights — VOLVO PV444 and 122S Amazon Coupe — Pre-Dating BMW 3 series Ancestors

These Volvo’s were immaculate and very appealing. The white car (122S Amazon Coupe, we believe) established a template for small, rear-drive sports sedans that firmly did not exist yet from anyone — including BMW or anyone else. The BMW 1600 (later the 2002) would ride to greatness as the current 3 series. The 122’s early-1960s imports into the United States showed how far ahead Sweden was at the time of Germany in some ways. Sweden largely sat out WWII and maintained much of its sovereign wealth as a result. The PV444 is even more iconic for many Volvo fans, and …

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180MPH, Million-Dollar Ford Mustang! 1965 SHELBY GT350R — Video Walkaround, Insights and 35 All-New Photos

This Mustang is so amazingly hot in person, one finds it hard not to paw up and down its panels. RM Auctions Amelia Island really aced this huge sale — earning $984,000 for its original driver and owner, Charlie Kemp. Mr. Kemp and his top mechanic were on hand with some fascinating insights about the racecar, shared in the below video around the three-minute mark. The most exciting things I learned from him were regarding the extremely low suspension setup to limit aero drag, the paint job, and the top speed at redline.   — Aero and structural stiffness enhancements: …

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2014 McLaren 12C Spider Is Mobbed in Amelia Island! (Failed) Drop-top Animations in 39 Photos

Sometimes, you just cannot keep people out of the frame. With supercars as desirable as the McLaren 12C Spider, that seems to happen over and over. On the huge plus side of things for McLaren, I think this gentleman bought the car that day. Why? The next day — it was replaced with a bright orange example. Lastly, POSTERS! McLaren had a few, and I sure as heck snagged one for the collection. Posters are the best-performing supercar medium on Earth. Thousands will be discarded carelessly, but a few will end up as thousand-hour staring pieces for artful dreamers and …

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Pre-War Rolls-Royce Showcase — Phantom II Henley Roadster A Sweet, Smooth Operator — Gooding & Co. Amelia Island 2014

It was convertible Rolls-Royce season down in Florida last weekend!   Three exceptional pre-war Rollers were in proud residence, with both soft-tops bringing in far more cash than the single hardtop: the 1929 Phantom I Newmarket. All are exceptionally-desirable, but clearly some more than others. Results for the cars featured here are included with headers noting which is which. The real star of the show was the Henley Roadster, but the 1933 Rolls-Royce 20/25 Three-Position Drophead Coupe has many merits of its own. One quick one? This was the firm’s official 1933 Paris auto show car. A running, bespoke concept …

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1932 Cadillac V-16 452B Madame X Imperial Sedan — Gooding & Co. Amelia Island 2014 — Sold for $264,000

One of four built. Madame X indicates the owner was so wealthy — and likely so famous / infamous — that even initials on the build sheet were stripped. The $264,000 earned by this stunning V16 limousine at Gooding’s Amelia Island 2014 event was very impressive, but certainly not in the Rolls-Royce price or prestige echelon just yet. Even so, the twin sets of suicide doors are lovely. The back seat is enormous and cushioned in crushed velvet. A repeated speedometer in back lets back-seat drivers really know their stuff. Green paint in this era was extremely rare and extremely …

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HyperGallery – 2.6s Porsche 918 Spyder in 77 All-New, High-Resolution Photos

Porsche 918 Spyder This article’s turntable is more of a DIY effort — on your part! (Excluding these first snippet spinners) Simply scroll down at your own pace to take in all of the angles we could capture on this exotic hybrid supercar. The 918 is approximately 70-percent sold, but act fast to make sure you are not left out in the cold in the upcoming hypercar rumble royales. After tonight’s TopGear feature, the Porsche team is sure to knock that sold percentage up to 80-percent! Why not sold out? Porsche will make 918 of these cars, which is 3X …

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1965 Shelby Mustang GT350R Set to Cross Block in Amelia Island 2014

Update: Met Charlie Kemp and learned all about the car while down for the auctions.  New article coming soon. =] This car. Oh man, this car! Forgive me for two RM Auctions articles in row, but have you ever seen such a gorgeous racing Shelby? The orange lip and splitter brings some Aston Martin Racing flair to the car – even though this Shelby-signed racecar came decades before. The Aston Martin Vantage from the 1970s-1990s actually shared much of the Mustang’s hood-grille style, in fact. So good sharing across the pond. This Ford GT350R is scheduled for Amelia Island’s RM …

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2015 Lamborghini Huracan — New Sunny Photos — LED Blinker Sequence — USA Launch Galleries — HD Video

The beauty of outdoor photos is that they do not require intensive photo editing. To publish 120-plus photos and video from Friday evening after the Huracan’s American debut in Amelia Island, Florida on the same night that it debuted was not easy. We labored pretty exhaustively to add light to these twilight photos. The other photographers had called it quits after perhaps ten photos each. Not me. The results are still miraculous even when it was already well past sunset — especially thanks to this Huracan’s reflective silver/grey paint finish. But on the lawns the next morning? Not a tap …

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PurSang Argentina Shows Innovative Marketing with Street-Parked 1920s Bugatti GP Car

Amelia Island this weekend was sensory overload. But most of the really high-dollar machines came with their own cadre of security — making this Bugatti’s solo parallel parking even more curious. Between the Porsche driving demos and the Infiniti test drive booth sat a lovely 1920s Bugatti for many hours each day since Thursday. Uncovered, unguarded — and, of course, certainly mobbed by the curious almost every minute. After all, is this not the exact Type 37 that was well-guarded inside RM’s indoor showroom? [On further research, I believe the photos show a Type 35B Grand Prix, versus the Type …

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Amelia Island 2014 – 2005 Maserati Birdcage 75th Concept

2005 Maserati Birdcage 75th Concept The Birdcage 75th runs the full (Enzo-derived) MC-12 running gear under these exotic panels — ensuring this is a truly rapid exotic as well as a design showpiece. Under that huge glass perspex canopy: the visible steering linkage and inboard, pushrod suspension are quite magnificent. One concern with the original Birdcage concept was that the cabin became a bit hot in any sunlight — but hopefully the Birdcage 75th solves for that with air conditioning. Unfortunately for this car’s new owner… Based on the race-car steering wheel and driver package, however, this car may not have …

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Corrida de los Aventadores! Amelia Island is New Pamplona? Two Stunning Lamborghini V12 Flagships

Too many bullfighting metaphors for this early in the morning? We are resisting the urge to put in Chayanne’s “Torero” pop song in here as well… so it could always be worse!   Si hay que ser, torero Poner el alma en el ruedo No importa lo que se venga Pa’que sepas que te quiero Como un buen torero Me juego la vida por tí…. ** loose translation** If you must be a bullfighter: you put your soul in harm’s way No matter the outcome No matter how you hope it will go Like a good fighter I play this lifegame …

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Gooding & Co. — Amelia 2014 — Flawless 1972 BMW 3.0 CSL — 67 Photos Outside and In!

The weather might have been a little rough yesterday in Amelia Island, Florida — but the Gooding team was pulling no punches with this flawless BMW collection.   Even the tents were fantastic — providing far better photo lighting than I anticipated. This car is a real highlight. I cant find today’s results quickly, but its original estimate was between $125,000 — $225,000 and sold without reserve. How good is this CSL? It seemed **too good** to me. Too good to be true? Nope. Too legit to quit! Plexiglass rear window and all =] Enjoy.     This is currently …

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Amelia Island 2014 – 1968 Porsche 907 Longtail in 74 High-Res Photos

1968 Porsche 907 Longtail This is the Daytona 1968 winner himself. He is quite breathtaking in person — with me doing so many slow laps taking photos… that I think we started getting some looks from the other guests. Oh well. It was worth it. Extraordinary barely begins to describe this car’s in-person impact. These are relatively un-edited so far, but more articles on the Porsche Motorsport legacy coming soon.

SRT Viper Mega Galleries — Nikon DSLR Photos from Autobahn Country Club + New Anodized Carbon and Stryker Green

Ooooh! These are pretty great photos from last Fall. Chrysler has never liked me, and the feeling is very mutual — so probably not many more Viper drives forthcoming any time soon. First impressions from low-speed parking lot stuff? (I was late that morning and missed track briefing.) It felt … pretty amazingly bad after the Corvette Stingray and GT-R. It does look good, however. I always forget that I am … sortof a talented photographer as well. Why Viper stuff today? I have a new theory about a (possible — very unlikely tho) Viper chassis underneath Alfieri Maserati concept, …

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RM Auctions Lands 1971 Maserati Ghibli Spyder for Amelia 2014

The Pray collection is a big part of the upcoming 2014 Amelia Island Concours at RM Auctions. It looks like the RM drinks social is at the Ritz. I am nervous already. The Ghibli Spyder was so immensely-popular when revealed that it also created an entire cottage industry of custom conversions. This really makes sense. The shark-like bit of the Ghibli’s styling was dramatically weighed down by the huge fastback coupe style. The rear canopy is large enough to overwhelm the delicate front shapes in total. Therefore, seeing any out and about is a good thing. One offered for sale? …

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19 Sublime Retro BMWs to Brighten Your Day — Gooding & Co. Amelia Island 2014 Preview

Something to warm even the coldest hearts, fingers and toes today. 19 retro BMWs from the Gooding and Co. Amelia Island events in early March. (Most are 2014 entries, but a handful appear to be from 2012 or 2013.) Presented here in chronological model-year order, from the 1957 503 Coupe through the M1 and the M6 of the 1980s. They are all simply delightful to behold. Favorites? The 1960 BMW 700 is cuter than cute can be in M racing colors. Or the white M1 is still a big hero of mine. Many more articles on the Amelia Island, Florida …

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