A Walk Through Amelia: 10 Standout Cars from the 2026 Amelia Concours
The annual Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance returned to the scenic shores of Amelia Island, Florida on March 7, bringing together some of the most fascinating cars in the world. From rare prewar machines to modern supercars, the show once again delivered an incredible mix of automotive history and cutting-edge performance.
Walking the show field was an experience in itself. The ocean breeze, the sound of engines starting up, and rows of beautifully preserved vehicles made it easy to spend hours exploring. Among the hundreds of cars on display, a few truly stood out.
A Bright Classic: 1934 LaSalle 350
This beautifully preserved orange LaSalle 350 belongs to collector John Galiardi of Farmington, Connecticut. Built by LaSalle, the Model 350 was produced for only a short time, with roughly 7,000 cars made during the 1934 model year.
Classic Style: 1957 Ford Thunderbird in Pink
Finished in unmistakable 1950s pink, this Ford Thunderbird immediately stands out. The 1957 update brought a cleaner front bumper design and a wider grille, giving the car a sharper and more refined look compared with earlier versions.
A Rare Police Porsche: The 1965 356C Cabriolet
The year 1965 marked the end of production for the iconic Porsche 356, making any example from that year special. This particular 356C Cabriolet stands out even more because of its unusual past.
Owned by collector Maurice Kaspy of Montreal, the car was once used by the Dutch Police. One small detail still hints at its former duty: a blue dome-shaped beacon mounted on the left front side.
Renault R5 Turbo II: A Rally Legend from 1985
Meet the 1985 Renault R5 Turbo II, a mid-engine hot hatch built to dominate rally stages and meet homologation rules. This particular example belongs to Malcolm Davidow from Wynnewood, Pennsylvania, and it’s one of those cars that instantly earns respect from enthusiasts.
Iconic Rally Hero: 1994 Lancia Delta Integrale Evo II
Parked across from the Renault 5 Turbo was this striking Lancia Delta Integrale Evo II. The navy-blue exterior paired with beige interior gives it a classic, understated look. During its heyday in the World Rally Championship, the Delta dominated—and today it’s remembered as one of the most successful rally cars ever.
Rare 1954 Kurtis 500S Sports Car
This compact sports car is a Kurtis 500S, crafted by legendary race-car designer Frank Kurtis. Only about 30 were ever made. Beneath its small frame sits a Cadillac V-8, and with that kind of power packed into such a tiny body, it must feel like a rocket on wheels. This particular car belongs to Dana and Patti Mecum of Geneva Lake, Wisconsin—the same Mecums behind the famous auction company.
Unique Wooden Wonder: The Harmon Splinter
Joe Harmon from Davidson, North Carolina, unveiled his one-of-a-kind Harmon Splinter—yes, it’s actually built from wood. The car started as his master’s thesis at North Carolina State University, and up close, it’s truly impressive. Photographs were hard to get, thanks to the constant crowd admiring it.
SCAD Students Bring 3D-Printed Aether to Life
The Aether is a striking sports car concept created entirely by students in Savannah College of Art and Design’s industrial design program. Every piece has been 3D-printed using acrylic gel cured with UV light, showcasing what’s possible when creativity meets cutting-edge technology.
Bugatti’s New Hypercar: The 2024 Mistral
The 2024 Bugatti Mistral takes the Chiron to another level of exclusivity. This open-top hypercar packs a quad-turbo W-16 engine producing 1,578 horsepower. One Mistral even hit 282 mph earlier this year. Spotting one—even parked—is an unforgettable experience.
