Amelia Island Contests D Elegance 2016
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Amelia Island 2016: Pegasus above all else, outright winner

Pegaso He shocked the world when he unveiled his sports car at the 1951 Paris Motor Show. No one believed that national syndicalist Spain was capable of such a technical feat, and yet it was. In the fifties, a technological Spain was born which, in a few years, was going to be at the same level as the countries in its geographical and cultural environment. The youth turned their backs on the war and looked forward with hope to a future of employment opportunities and economic development.

After many years of hiding the international achievements of Spain in the fifties, our official story is faced with a fact that has been repeated in Florida more than half a century later, when it was proclaimed a sports car Pegaso "Best of Show" among the most fascinating cars in the world that came together in the elegance contest of Amelia Island March 11-13, 2016.

In a program of activities too long to be detailed in their entirety, they highlighted:

[su_spoiler title = »Click here for Amelia Island 2016 highlights ″ style =» fancy »]

• the special class for sports vehicles of the Pegaso brand;

• a class going through the history of Cord;

• the 100th anniversary of BMW;

• the 50th anniversary of the Lamborghini Miura;

• the sports biography of Hans-Joachim Stuck with the presence of the German champion;

• the experience of driving the latest Porsche models;

• tests of vehicles of the most prestigious brands;

• the NASCAR seminar;

• RM-Sotheby's auctions; Bonhams and other houses present up to a number of four;

• In-flight demonstrations of private jets for sale;

• "Cars and Coffee" open and free exhibition for fans driving classics;

• BMW seminar, theoretical explanations and practical driving exercises;

• Mercedes-Benz gala dinners and receptions;

• fashion shows;

• Village of exhibitors and dealers of literature, models, automobilia and products related to the history of the motor. [/ su_spoiler]

amelia island pegasus
Touring # 0156, in the foreground, accompanied by Saoutchik # 0148, both highly admired

THE OPPORTUNITY OF A PEGASO CLASS

Amelia and Fernandina (the main population center of the island) are old Spanish names that suggested to me the appropriateness of organizing a special class for sports cars Pegaso during the elegance contest of Amelia Island, one of the most important in the world.

Admitting my project, Bill Warner, founder and president of The Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance Foundation, He asked me to get down to work at the end of March 2015. We have worked for a whole year on this project that has just materialized in order not to leave any detail unfinished. So the adventure continued Pegaso started by ENASA in the United States in the 1953 New York salon.

amelia island pegasus
If not the one with the most awards, perhaps the one that attracted the most attention, Saoutchik # 0117

Two of the cars from that New York saloon were present at Amelia, surprising the American public as they did 63 years earlier, namely the Z-102 ENASA Dome and the Z-102 Saoutchik prototype coupe.

Bringing the two cars together and exposing them side by side is a real event in itself, especially considering that the first resides in the Netherlands and the other in the State of Connecticut.

Due to the large absence of resident cars in Spain, Amelia may not have broken a world record for the number of Pegasi gathered at an international event. But nevertheless, the quality and rarity of the cars, The representative mix of all the models manufactured (except with Serra bodywork) as well as, especially the enthusiasm, effort and generosity of its owners, has made the event a historic milestone for the brand created by engineer Wifredo Ricart.

amelia island pegasus
The Pegasus flag flies high next to the Saoutchik # 0146

With its 12 cars, Amelia Island it has gone down in the annals of the great international historical Pegasus shows, such as Pebble Beach (13 cars in 1994). Techno Classica Essen (16 cars in 2012) and Rétromobile-Paris (13 cars in 2015).

By offering me the opportunity to serve as a contest judge by Bill Warner, I have had a direct opportunity to see the enthusiasm that exists for Pegaso, not only among American amateurs in general, but also in the circles of experts, journalists, collectors and dealers specialized in vehicles of the highest rank in the international order.

Our class Pegaso it was subjected to the scrutiny of Luigi Chinetti (son of the Ferrari importer in the United States and patron of the legendary NART team); Ken Gross, chief judge of the class, with his previous experience at Pebble Beach a record 25 times; and the one who subscribes.

amelia island pegasus
Since the day before, the participants have been grooming their cars, on the right is # 0154, it would be a sin to present the one on the left

PEGASUS ACCLAIM

The fact that the Pegasus class has had the visit and recognition of personalities such as Hans Joachim Stuck, pilot honored in this edition, winner of the 24 hours of Francorchamps; Derek Bell five times winner of the 24 hours of Le Mans; Vic Elford, winner of the Monte Carlo rally; Hurley Haywood, three-time winner of the 24 Hours of Le Mans; Jochen Mass, winner of the 24 Hours of Le Mans; Brian Redman; Simon Taylor, founder of Classic and Sports Car magazine; Al Unser, Jr., a two-time Indianapolis 500 winner; journalists and collectors from around the world; It is a worldwide acclaim at the highest level for a brand born in Spain and unjustly forgotten for many years.

One of the participating Porsche 356 pre-A, watch the match parabriasa
One of the participating Porsche 356 pre-A, watch the match parabriasa

THE CONTEST OF ELEGANCE

Amelia Island It has reached its XXI edition with a growing number of participants and spectators.

The regulars of the two main elegance contests in the United States, Pebble Beach and Amelia Island, said that in Pebble Beach there are fewer cars because they have less space to display them than in Amelia. Which was hard for me to believe. Although I have not been to Pebble Beach, from the photos it has always seemed that I was not one-armed.

Connoisseurs also said that Pebble Beach is geared towards big business, while Amelia Island to motor enthusiasts. I'll have to go to California sometime to check it out. In any case, I think it would be a mistake to simply compare one with the other. What is necessary is to enjoy wherever you are, be it prestigious or modest events.

Amelia Island Contests D Elegance
Celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Lamborghini Miura with irreproachable specimens from every point of view

Amelia Island is peculiar in that it rewards two cars that are awarded the same title Best of Show with the same rank of importance. The organization defines them as:

[your_quote]

- A Best in Show, Concours d'Elegance, awarded to the most elegant realization in terms of renowned bodywork and mechanics; Y

- A Best in Show, Concours de Sport, reserved for sports cars.

[/ su_quote]

The truth is that reviewing the lists of winners from the first edition is very difficult to distinguish in some cases completely definitive features for a clear separation.

In my opinion, I believe that the elegance contests of that range are reaching a level of participation that the same jury has. real problems to proclaim a single winner and it is about limiting damages in cases of possible and frequent draws and fierce discussions.

Amelia Island Contests D Elegance
Here are the two heavyweights of the contest (Courtesy of JMPR Public Relations, Inc.)

With two awards, which is actually a unique one, and with two people who were only one (as in the case of the Holy Trinity), it seems that everyone is happier.

Not to mention the awards by class and the awards granted by the different sponsors, which recognize the work of the owners and professionals who work in the restoration in the different specialties.

In 2016, the coveted Best-in-Show, Concours de Sport, it was obtained by Pegaso Z-102 ENASA Dome, with all those names and surnames to which we must add the identity number or frame number 0102.150.0121 in proof of recognition and admiration.

Amelia Island Contests D Elegance
Cord's lineup was also absolutely a treat for his fans

VARIETY ON THE GROUND

Although personally I would like to limit myself to the Pegasus victory, the triumph of Pegaso and the merit of Pegaso, would run the risk of boring readers who want a more complete view of what happened in Amelia Island.

The truth is that the variety and quality of more than 300 cars, not only exposed in a passive way, but competing in the most active way in their respective classes, with their eyes on the Best of Show, an objective end that only a few achieve throughout their active lives, it is very clear just by taking a glimpse of the golf course adjacent to the luxurious Ritz-Carlton hotel which, incidentally, but without detracting from it, is one hundred percent involved throughout the weekend in the success of the contest.

With Friday being reserved for activities parallel to the competition, such as auctions, seminars, commercial relations or social events, when the bulk of the public arrives on the ground it is Saturday and Sunday.

Amelia Island Contests D Elegance
Luigi Chinetti son with one of his father's 250LM, what a fantastic moment, unrepeatable

From the very early hours, hundreds of spectators on Saturday and thousands on Sunday, crowd the roads that give access to the field of play (literally since it is a golf course) to enjoy the parades and caravans that are formed with the most Various historic cars that are accessed by their own means driven by their owners or their caretaker mechanics.

They are not exceptions those who arrive towed from small auxiliary vehicles, since the access of trucks and platforms is prohibited to avoid damage to the golf course and small access roads.

With light, folding and easy-to-transport chairs, a human tide It is placed in rows on both sides of the roads to follow the installation operations of the cars in the rigorously ordered places that have been assigned to them, generally grouped by classes, but also by models, manufacturing nationalities or particular criteria that constitute categories to judge (vehicles used by this or that driver, celebrity, etc).

amelia island pegasus
Honored personality Hans-Joachim Stuck meets the most significant cars of his career (Courtesy of JMPR Public Relations, Inc.)

JURY WORKS

It is impossible for us to refer to all classes in presence. To get an idea of ​​the complexity of organizing the event, it is enough to mention that the jury works divided into small groups and that in its entirety it consists of more than a hundred judges that deliberate under the authority of a group chief judge and as a whole under the strict and mandatory instructions of a chief judge, assisted by a second.

The work of the jury begins with the bugle call before dawn, when the hundred-odd judges (this time I think 115 did count correctly, although the accuracy in this chapter does not matter) leave their home base at the Ritz-Carlton to head like worker ants to the headquarters of the Amelia Golf Club, where they will be presented with a breakfast with which they will surely choke when contemplating the extent of the task that awaits them.

Amelia Island Contests D Elegance
BMW celebrated its centenary in style, recreating scenes of elegance from the past

It starts with class assignments and details about internal communications and links. A thick folder of instructions, criteria, and score sheets is delivered nominally. Veteran judges who have participated some of them more than fifteen times intend to make a fuss with jokes to the novices, an initiative that is cut to the letter by the chief judge from his staff stand.

The organization remembers efficiency a lot, simplification and get straight to the point of the Army. Not surprisingly, some veteran members are retired officers and chiefs of the United States Navy and Air Force. It is to be appreciated and surely it is necessary that the internal organization of the jury, which is probably not observed by the public, is carried out without excessive hot packs to avoid rambling that would make quick and effective coordination more difficult.

amelia island pegasus
Mr. Louwman does things well, he was equipped with a model dressed as a Dominican to collect the highest award. It was not be for lowerly

This does not mean that the different judges do not have absolute freedom and autonomy when establishing their individual scores, since the instructions received, although rigid, refer to procedural matters. What translates into practice is absolutely the opposite: the effectiveness and rigidity in the organization, the seriousness and toughness of the chief judge, the directives and guidance given, help greater individual freedom in the scores since they avoid confusion and interference, unnecessary interpretations and above all delays and laziness in reacting.

Something is clear in the first minute of presence in the jury meeting room. Individual judges must perform their work with chronometric precision and have their scores ready and available to the judge of their class in the time and hour they have been requested. In turn, the different class judges must deliver the common and consensual score of their group to the general coordinator exactly at the precise minute that corresponds to them.

amelia island pegasus
Instead of El Cúpula it would deserve to be called El Zénit, people ate it

All this is necessary since on that basis the distribution of prizes to the participants and their convocation to the public parade are established, with an appearance before the presidential stand and the journalists' cameras in the order established in the day's program.

Although on the field of play the operations go unnoticed by the general public who circulate freely admiring the cars exhibited in the different areas of their choice, a perfectly synchronized mechanism he is moving and moving cars from his individual parcel to the presidential table (in case they have been summoned to receive a distinction, of course).

At the appointed time in which group of judges from your class will appear , The owners must necessarily be present at the construction site and ready to answer the questions of the judges, show the requested documentation, open, close, show the car at the request of the judges and, where appropriate, if requested, as was the case in Amelia, starting the engines.

amelia island pegasus
Contest winners celebrate with Bill Warner, organizer (Courtesy of JMPR Public Relations, Inc.)

AMELIA ISLAND FIGURES

The list of participants published in the current program is only informative, since as we have seen registered cars, they do not get to present themselves effectively when the time comes. The only actual entry list is the one posted in the following year's program, with the winners being comprehensively listed in all classes and categories.

[your_quote]

- The 2016 entry list includes 317 cars.

- The jury was made up of 115 judges.

- 44 classes were judged.

[/ su_quote]

Amelia Island Contests D Elegance
Janis Joplin's Porsche 356 even paraded with a double of the singer

CARS, OWNERS AND BRANDS

This year the porsche 356, since there were several classes they participated in, from pre-A ancestors to more recent categories of racing vehicles.

The 356 of Janis Joplin It was widely applauded at the parade, having recently broken a record by being awarded at auction for $ 1.700.000,00. Hard to believe that Janis bought the used car for about $ 3.000,00.

The BMW of all the models imaginable they celebrated the centenary of the brand.

The oldest vehicle, from 1874, the Silsby, an animal-drawn fire engine, was offered for sale at RM-Sotheby's auction.

Amelia Island Contests D Elegance
Extraordinary and unique Hispano-Suiza K6 from 1934

Ferraris abounded and not just any, 250LM, 166 Touring, bodied by Vignale or Pininfarina, there was a choice. The 250LM was presented by none other than Luigi Chinetti, a man of very pleasant conversation and encyclopedic knowledge with an enviable fluency of exposition and reasoning.

His wife helps him put the finishing touches on what will be an essential reference in Ferrari history. Luigi has decided to publish his father's vast archives in an forthcoming book that I have no hesitation in recommending despite not having seen even the liner.

Being an honored brand, Corduroy it was present in countless models.

The Hispanic-Suiza more formidable was not lacking, like a K6 Chauffeur Limousine from 1934 that was much admired.

Amelia Island Contests D Elegance
Spectacular Indianapolis 500 Cup, in the proper setting

One of the greatest attractions for its wealth, history, variety and difficulty of finding grouped in one place was an exhibition of historical trophies, including the famous Indianapolis 500 human-size cup, made in silver by Tiffany's; as well as other historic trophies from the 24 Hours of Le Mans and other famous races.

The trophies were guarded by a security service 24 hours a day and during their transfer abroad they were protected by a cadet guard of the military academies. Something difficult to come by and that I have never seen anywhere else.

Curiosities and famous cars were not lacking, such as the Buick Roadmaster driven by Tom Cruise in the movie rainman, on his journey with Dustin Hoffman, just to mention one example.

Amelia Island Contests D Elegance
Buick Roadmaster Cinema (Rain Man)

THE SHORT HISTORICAL MEMORY

Some representative of the Spanish Government should take notice of the victories and the worldwide recognition of Pegaso (acclaim at Rétromobile-Paris in February 2015, culminating in a total triumph at Amelia Island in March 2016).

With fewer merits, other brands are better regarded by policy makers in their home countries.

The ignorance, myopia and contempt of the Spanish Government for such an important industrial heritage and in particular towards a brand and a history of which any other country in the world would be proud is just one more symptom that historical memory is very short or very selective towards what can be electorally profitable.

amelia island pegasus
Cars are driven through the adjacent streets at the weekend, as evidenced by Touring # 0168

With all due respect, one would say that an informal gathering of nocturnal worshipers in Valverdejo is of more interest to the Spanish Government than the preservation of an entire industrial heritage that, among other things, gave work and bread to thousands of Spaniards, in highly qualified technical positions and with contracts that lasted practically the entire active life of the workers.

The champions of historical memory should also remember that ENASA's industrial power was sold in auction in favor of a foreign business group, for a price lower than just one of the chapters of ENASA's assets. The value of the land and plots in Barajas far exceeded the total amount of the operation.

Spain can be proud that its Pegaso cars were the most advanced of their time and that they currently reach a worldwide recognition.

[su_spoiler title = »Click here to see the list of participating Pegasos and their results» style = »fancy»]

Mentioned in no particular order so as not to hurt susceptibilities and because all the Pegasi present had the same merit of having made the effort to be present on such an important occasion:

• Touring Superleggera berlineta, # 0154, Canada;

• Touring Superleggera Panoramic, # 0107, United States;

• Saoutchik coupé, # 0148, United States; Mention in the awards given by Amelia (Amelia Awards)

• ENASA Dome, # 0121, The Netherlands. Best in Show Concours de Sport (jury award) and President's Choice (most attractive car in the personal opinion of the contest president);

• Touring Superleggera three volumes, # 0112, United States; Mention in the awards given by Amelia (Amelia Awards)

• Unrestored prototype Saoutchik coupe, # 0117, United States;

• Touring Superleggera berlineta, # 0156, Luxembourg;

• Touring Superleggera berlineta, # 0168, Mexico. Pegasus class victory;

• Saoutchik coupé, # 0161, United States.

• Touring Superleggera spider Le Mans, # 0155, United States; Mention in the awards given by Amelia (Amelia Awards)

• Touring Superleggera berlineta, # 0150, United States; Mention in the awards given by Amelia (Amelia Awards)

• Saoutchik coupé, # 0146, United States.

• Evert Louwman (Pegasus Dome), Spirit of the Contest Trophy [/ su_spoiler]

What do you think?

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Written by mario laguna

Mario Laguna, author of the book "The Pegaso Adventure", scholar and observer of the history of motor racing, brands and characters. Regular visitor to automobile competitions, whether of current or historical categories, international contests of elegance, lecturer ... Read more

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