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AMELIA ISLAND 2026

CONCOURS

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The Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance is one of the world’s most prestigious classic-car events.

The Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance was founded in 1996 by automotive photographer, journalist, and car collector Bill Warner. Warner, who had worked with Road & Track magazine since the early 1970s, envisioned creating a world-class automobile event in Florida that would rival prestigious concours such as Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance. The inaugural event took place on April 6, 1996, at The Ritz-Carlton Amelia Island. About 163 collector cars were displayed, and approximately 2,200 people attended the first show. Even in its early years, the event attracted notable racing drivers, designers, and automotive industry leaders. A unique feature of the Amelia Concours was Warner’s decision to combine the elegance of traditional concours shows with the excitement of motorsports. Each year the event honors a legendary racing figure, with the first honoree being Stirling Moss, one of the most celebrated drivers in motorsport history.

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Throughout the late 1990s and early 2000s, the event grew rapidly. By 1999, attendance had increased to 8,500 spectators, with more than 200 vehicles displayed on the show field. The event also began raising significant funds for local charities, particularly Community Hospice & Palliative Care and other organizations in northeast Florida. Over the years, the Amelia Island Concours has developed into a multi-day automotive festival, featuring auctions, driving experiences, seminars, exhibitions, and gatherings for collectors and enthusiasts. More than 275 historically significant vehicles are now typically showcased, many valued in the millions of dollars. The event’s success also brought international recognition. In 2013 and 2016, it was named “Motoring Event of the Year” by the International Historic Motoring Awards, highlighting its importance in the global collector-car community.

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In 2021, the concours entered a new era when it was acquired by Hagerty, a company dedicated to classic-car culture and collector-car insurance. Warner remained involved as Chairman Emeritus while the event continued to expand its reach and programming. Today, the Amelia Island Concours is widely considered one of the premier automotive events in the world, alongside other elite concours exhibitions. In addition to celebrating automotive heritage, it has raised millions of dollars for charitable organizations and contributes significant economic impact to the region each year.

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