Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance - Day 2

Day two at the Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance and the focus shifted from new car test drives to the Concours, and for us at Jaguar, the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the E‑Type, writes Stuart Schorr, Vice President, Communications & Public Affairs, Jaguar Land Rover, North America.

On the golf course turned car show, thousands of enthusiasts poured over more than 350 vintage cars and race cars of every style and type. The crowds clearly approved of the diverse show field. The clear blue sky and warm Florida weather was popular as well.

A prestigious panel of judges, which included journalists David E. Davis, William Jeanes, Ken Gross, Jaguar racer Brian Redman and Jaguar's own Mike O'Driscoll, Chairman of the Jaguar Heritage Trust, had to choose winners in over 35 different categories. It was no easy task as more than 350 cars had to be reviewed and scored before the trophies could be awarded.

At the end of the day, the 1957 D‑Type Jaguar of Gary Bartlett was awarded the trophy for The Most Historically Significant Jaguar at "The Amelia." Mike O'Driscoll awarded the crystal trophy to Mr. Bartlett as he revved the engine of his British Racing Green D‑Type in front of the judges and spectators.

Jaguar executives, including President Gary Temple, greeted the owners of a variety of classic Jaguars displayed at the show. Each Jaguar owner that displayed a vehicle was presented with a limited edition book on the 50th Anniversary of the E‑Type.

Throughout the day, a stream of show goers made their way into the Jaguar display of heritage and 2011MY vehicles (located in the middle of the Concours show field). Front and center were three E‑Types: a Series I Convertible (red) and Coupe (gun metal gray) and the famous white and green Group 44 Series III V‑12 E‑Type, SCCA's B Production National Champion in 1974. While the three E‑Types were a major attraction, the four 2011 Jaguars earned their share of approving looks. Without a doubt classic car aficionados have a keen eye for new luxury cars as well as the classics.