Posts

Posted on

904 EVENTS CALENDAR FEBRUARY 24, 2022

Shift for yourself at Caffeine and Octane – 8 to 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 12, highlighting manual transmissions in a special display within the Central Lot. Submit your ride for consideration at caffeineandoctane.com.

An estimated 1,000-plus cars, trucks and more are expected at the free cruise-in. And remember – Caffeine and Octane Jacksonville is an all makes, all models show, with all parking spots first come/first serve at The Avenues mall’s south side at 10300 Southside Blvd.  Cars should start arriving by 7 a.m. to the Southside Boulevard side of the shopping mall, the best way in through Malabar Boulevard.
As always, there will be a Porsche section, and an exotics area, as well as hundreds of vintage and classic cars, muscle cars and so much more.

Official Caffeine and Octane merchandise is on sale at all Caffeine and Octane Jacksonville events.

Event news

The Amelia, the soon-to-be 27-year-old Concours d’Elegance, hasracer and racing legend Chip Ganassi as the honoree, all of its events running from Thursday, March 3 through Sunday, March 6, according to Hagerty:

  • The annual Spina Bifida of Jacksonville Silent Auction returns to the concours, with a collection of rare and eclectic film, television, automotive and sports-related items and more, some autographed. So Spina Bifida is accepting donations for The Amelia Concours d’Elegance 2022, all proceeds benefitting its non-profit actions helping those with the birth defect and their families. For information on how to donate, email theameliasilentauction@gmail.com.
  • The concours’ official RM Sotheby’s auction returns with lot previews from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Thursday, March 3, and Friday, March 4, with an 11 a.m. Friday auction. And this year, a coachbuilt classic and a classic hypercar could each fetch multi-million-dollar price tags at the auction:

 Photo courtesy of RM Sotheby’s

There’s a blue 1994 Bugatti EB110 Prototype, estimate to sell for $2 million to $2.5 million. The rare prototype was used by the factory for promotional and exhibition purposes, hardly driven with only 681 miles on the odometer and called in “near-showroom quality. It was shown at the 1992 Bologna Motor Show, and has unique one-off features in interior and bodywork. The engine is a quad-turbocharged V-12 with all-wheel drive.

There’s also a 1934 Packard Twelve Individual Custom Convertible Victoria by Dietrich Photo courtesy of RM Sotheby’s

Sales estimates run from $3.750 million to $4.5 million, offered from the Estate of Frank Ricciardelli. Its concours restoration was done by marque specialists Stone Barn, the car a 2014 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance Best of Show nominee. It is one of three known survivors and a Classic Car Club of America (CCCA) Full Classic

The RM Sotheby’s auction is set for the concours hotel: The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island, at 4750 Amelia Island Parkway, auction previews on Thursday and Friday, March 3 and 4, with the auction beginning at 11 a.m. on Friday, March 5. For auction information, go to rmsothebys.com.

  • Saturday, March 5th’s big event is Cars & Community, a suite of things to do for all ages that will include the long-running Cars & Caffeine cruise-in for local and regional classics, hot rods and car clubs. There’s also a RADwood display.

What’s RADwood? It celebrates the best vehicles from the ’80s and ’90s, with a curated display of 75 of the most iconic, unique, and RADical rides of the era. To register your vehicle, email amelia@radwood.com.

  • Cars & Community will also have The Amelia’s first-ever Kids Zone. Enjoy slot car racing, racing simulators, hands-on art and a free play table filled with buildable tracks and a variety of cars.

Photo courtesy of Hagerty

  • There’s also the Concours d’Lemons during that Saturday fun,  with spots still available from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 5 at Cars & Community! Only $15 to display your car. Click the link for details on how to celebrate the oddball, mundane and unexceptional of the automotive world. Concours d’Lemons features car classes like “Rust Belt American Junk”, “Needlessly Complex Italian” and “Most Dangerous.”

Cars & Community tickets are available at https://bit.ly/3rAVGeP; $20 for adults, $10 for youth as well as military and first responders, and free for children 12 and under. A portion of every Cars & Community ticket sold will support local and national charitable partners.

  • The Amelia’s seminars start with the 3 p.m. Friday “36 Hours of Florida,” hosted by NASCAR Hall of Fame Crew Chief Ray Evernham, featuring a panel of the greats of sports car racing who were very successful at the “36 Hours of Florida,” which included both the 24 Hours of Daytona and the 12 Hours of Sebring. The NASCAR Seminar is at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, also hosted by Ray Evernham and a panel of former NASCAR greats speaking about racing through the decades. Admission is $50 per person per seminar, information on all The Amelia events and tickets at ameliaconcours.com/event/tickets.
  • You can drive one of these vehicles at the Hagerty Ride & Drive Friday, March 4 or Saturday, March 5 starting at 9 a.m.  Photo courtesy of Hagertys
    Drives available include: 1960 Plymouth Fury, 1967 Pontiac GTO, 1969 Chevrolet Camaro, 1970 Dodge Challenger, 1971 Ford Bronco and1972 Citroen 2CV. Sign up early at the Hagerty booth. Spots fill up quickly.
  • Expect a celebration of the automobile featuring more than 225 vehicles at the Sunday Concours d’Elegance. Official classes include: 60th anniversary of the 24 Hours of Daytona and the 70th anniversary of the 12 Hours of Sebring; 75th anniversary of Ferrari, 100th anniversary of Lincoln, and the 90th anniversary of the 1932 Ford.

The 12 Hours of Sebring class this year will feature (among many others) this 1999 BMW V12 LMR. This was the first racecar since 1987 to win both the 12 Hours of Sebring and 24 Hours of Le Mans in the same year. 

Photo courtesy of The Amelia

The Rare Japanese class this year will feature (among many others) this 1967 Toyota 2000GT.

 Photo courtesy of The Amelia

Toyota shocked both the media and showgoers alike with this bold design at the Tokyo Motor Show in 1965. Priced at over $7,000.00, only 351 were produced. And one, you may remember, had its top chopped for the 1967 James Bond movie, “You Only Live Twice.”

Additional concours features will include Indy Roadsters, Gurney Eagles; the 3-wheeled vehicles of the Davis Motorcar Company; Japanese Sports Cars of the ‘60s and ‘70s and more.

  • Sunday Concours tickets are: Adults (ages 23+): $150, price increases to $175 on March 1, 2022; Military and First Responders: $85, with verification at check-in; Younger Enthusiasts (ages 13-22): $75; and children 12 and under are free. And a big FYI: every concours ticket purchase also includes free admission to Cars & Community.

Tickets for all concours events are also available at the website.

Sign up to be a Concours volunteer at ameliaconcours.com/event/volunteer.

Other events on Amelia Island that weekend not associated with The Amelia:

Grand Motoring Hangar Night is from 5 to 10 p.m. on Thursday March 3, at the Amelia Aerodrome at the Fernandina Beach Municipal Airport. Returning for its sixth year, attendees have hors d’oeuvres, dinner and cocktails surrounded by an assortment of classic and collector automobiles, sponsor exhibits, auto-centric short films and more. Individual tickets are $50, address and parking instructions provided to registered attendees. Tickets can be reserved here.

Porsche Club of America Werks Reunion Amelia Island: An array of Porsches from rare classics to current models and everything in between shown in specific Porsche Corrals and the Porsche Judged Field at the Amelia River Golf Club at 4477 Buccaneer Trail. Onsite spectator parking is $40 cash at the gate. The show runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., with Hagerty Youth Judging at 10:30 a.m. Live music and meals available for purchase.

Bonhams returns to the Fernandina Beach Golf Club at 3990 Amelia Island Parkway on March 3 for its annual auction, with viewings from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on March 2, and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. March 3.

Two intriguing lots for sale:

A 1954 Jaguar XK120 SE Coupé with coachwork by Carrozzeria Pinin Farina, with a 3,442cc DOHC Inline 6-cylinder engine offering 180 hp at 5,300 rpm. Bonhams says it is the only Jaguar XK120 bodied by Pinin Farina, first imported to New York by Max Hoffman. It was recently restored to 100-point concours condition. It is estimated to sell for between $900,000 and $1.3 million.

 Photo courtesy of Bonhams

There’s also a 1955 Porsche 550 Spyder

 Photo courtesy of Bonhams

The car has coachwork by Wendler, with period European racing history and runs at the Nürburgring, AVUS and Hockenheim. It is fitted with period-correct, one-number-off Type 547 four-cam engine build by Billy Doyle. It is estimated to sell for $4.5 million to $5.5 million.

SCCA Autocross and Car Show, co-hosted by The Brunswick Lions Club: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at the former St. Marys Airport at North Dandy Street in St Marys, Ga. The show is free to spectators and $20 per show vehicle. The SCCA Buccaneer Region Jax Solo is holding the autocross – more information and registration at motorsportreg.com/events/scca-buccaneer-jax-solo-st-marys-municipal-airport-autocross-607711.

20th annual Jacksonville Grand Prix:

It is 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 2, at the 103rd Street Sports Complex at 10271 103rd St. The annual endurance go-kart race sees teams of drivers compete as they and the event raise funds for Spina Bifida of Jacksonville. Registration is open for the event, open to multiple levels of experience from rookie to pro and semi-pro in equally prepared and weight-ballasted karts. Registration is $308.33 per person on a 6-driver team, or $1,850 for a team. Information and registration – go here. And watch some of the recent action at youtube.com/watch?v=gQoc-SR4UdU&feature=emb_imp_woyt.

22nd Annual Riding Into History Antique Motorcycle Concours

Motorcycle designer Paul Teutul Jr. will be the Grand Marshal for the annual Riding Into History concours on April 22 and 23 at World Golf Village, 1 World Golf Place in St. Augustine. On Friday, April 22, it is the Grand Marshal Tour Presented by Hagerty, allowing owners to ride their vintage bike through the back roads of historic Florida. Then comes the Grand Marshals Dinner at 6 p.m. Friday, April 22, at the World Golf Hall of Fame, Shell Hall, at $80 per person. Hundreds of classic and special interest motorcycles will be on display from 1 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, April 23, around the lake at World Golf Village.

There is no entry fee for qualified motorcycles at the concours, and registration closes at midnight, April 14. Admission is $15 per person for spectators. All donations go to K9s for Warriors. More information is at ridingintohistory.org.

Now the Car Shows:

Ferrari Club of America Cars & Coffee: 9 a.m. on Saturday at theWheelhouse San Pablo Clubhouse,14105 WM Davis Parkway.

Pedro Menendez High School Charity Car Show: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday at the Classic Car Museum of St. Augustine at 4730 U.S. 1 S./Dixie Highway S. in St Augustine. Free for spectators and $20 show vehicle registration at the door. Hosted by the Dixie Chapter Pontiac Club.

10th annual Kruisin 4 Kids: 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday at Dinsmore Baptist Church at 10500 Old Kings Road in Jacksonville. Burnout contests and barbecue chicken dinners for sale.

SUNDAY AT 12 PM – 5 PM

Bikers Paradise Bash: noon to 5 p.m. Sunday at RideNow Powersports Jacksonville, 6407 Blanding Blvd., sponsored by Florida Ride Or Die Magazine and RideNow Powersports.

J-Tech Drive-in/Cruise-in: rescheduled for Saturday, March 5 at J-Tech at 8813 Western Way. Gates open at 3 p.m. for set-up, $15 entry per car. It will be a double feature. For the kids, “Cars,” followed by “Thunder Road” for the adults. There will be food trucks and J-Tech will be open for tours.

Troop and Pack 27 Car Show and Pinewood Derby: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, March 12, at Old Plank Road Baptist Church at 8964 Old Plank Road.

19th Annual Mustang & Ford Regional Show: 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, March 19, hosted by the Jacksonville Mustang Club Show at Duval Ford at 1616 Cassat Ave. Registration can be done at jmcmustang.org/jmc-show.

Middleburg Spring Festival and Car Show: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, March 19, at the Middleburg Civic Association at 2102 Palmetto St. Spectators are free; show vehicle registration is $20. Proceeds donated to Civic Association’s choice charity.

Adamec Harley-Davidson Car & Bike Show: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, March 20 at the dealership at 8909 Baymeadows Road. Hosted by Callahan Cruisers of North Florida, spectators are free, whole show vehicle registration is $20. Live Music by the Pink Paisleys.

First Florida Chapter Winter Rally & Swap Meet: Military vehicle display and living history fromFriday to Sunday,March 25-27, at Reynolds Industrial Park at 1 Bunker Ave. off Florida 16 in Green Cove Springs. World War II battle re-enactments are at 1 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

Seventh Annual San Jose Car & Truck Show at Dupont Station: 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, April 2, at the shopping center at 6271 St Augustine Road, Jacksonville. Sponsored by Jacksonville Car Culture and presented by Key Buick/GMC Hyundai, Genesis, and North Florida Lincoln, show vehicle registration at the gate is $25 per, all proceeds donated to the Bishop John J. Snyder Community Center , a HUD subsidized property for low-income seniors of all faiths that receives no funding from HUD.

17th annual Railroad Day Festival and Classic Car Show: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, April 2, at the1881 Callahan Train Depot at 45383 Dixie Ave. in Callahan. Live entertainment, arts/crafts and food vendors, model trains and a classic car show hosted by Callahan Cruisers and Cochrane’s Collision Center from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. All proceeds will go to the West Nassau Historical Society.

First Coast Car Council’s Cruisin’ to the Creek Spring Car Show: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, April 16, at Trout Creek Memorial Park and Marina at 6550 Florida 13 in Orangedale south of Sant Johns/Fruit Cove. The show benefit the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Jacksonville.

Rumble at the Ranch – Hot Rod vs Rat Rod: May 5 through 7 at WW Motocross Park, 1439 Otis Road in Jacksonville. The event features burnout contests with a $1,500 purse, car show and other events.

12th Annual Rev It Up! Car Show: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 14, at Moosehaven, 1701 Park Ave. in Orange Park. Show vehicles are $20 pre-registered to May 1; $25 after.

Third annual Hot Rodz 4 Kids Car and Bike Show: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday May 28, at First United Methodist Church of Callahan, 449648 U.S. 301. Proceeds go to children’s medical, educational and nutritional needs.

The FIRM (Florida International Rally and Moto Park): Open Track Days held most weekends at the road course and rally course at 7266 Airport Road in Starke.

All the Cruise-ins

First Coast Car Council, Clay County Cruzers, Callahan Cruisers and Amelia Cruizers all hold regular weekend cruise-ins, so check their Facebook pages.

Caffeine and Octane Jacksonville: 8 to 11 a.m. every second Saturday at The Avenues Mall at 10300 Southside Blvd. Information: https://bit.ly/3gPRvVQ.

Cruise Fruit Cove: 4 to 8 p.m. every third Saturday at the PDQ at 194 Florida 13 in Saint Johns, just south of Julington Creek.

Amelia Cruizers: 4 to 7 p.m. every third Saturday at Cold Stone Creamery, 808 Sadler Road, Fernandina Beach.

Clay County Cruzers’ events: 3 to 6 p.m. every first Saturday at Big Dawg Sports Restaurant, 1330 Blanding Blvd. The Cruzers’ other events: 3 to 6 p.m. every second Saturday at Gator’s Dockside Oakleaf at 8316 Merchants Way, Jacksonville; 5 p.m. every third Friday at Freddy’s Steakburgers at 386 Blanding Blvd.; 8 a.m. every fourth Saturday at Nicole’s Café, 2216 S. Mimosa Ave. in Middleburg; and 2 to 5 p.m. every fourth Saturday back at Gator’s Dockside Oakleaf, 316 Merchants Way, Jacksonville.

First Coast Car Council holds its new cruise-in from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. every first Saturday at The Beaver Street Farmers Market, 1810 W. Beaver St. But its second Saturday cruise-in has been suspendedat the Medical & Merchants Center of Mandarin, 11701 San Jose Blvd.

Jacksonville Caffeine and Gasoline: 7 to 10 a.m. on every first Saturday at the Orange Park Mall at 1910 Wells Road in Orange Park.

The Part’s House/The Brothers Banter Podcast Cruise-in: The renamed White Brothers Auto Parts Cruise-in at the same time – 5 to 8 p.m. every second Friday at 405 Lane Ave. N.

Auto Legends Amelia Cars and Coffee: 9 a.m. to noon every second Saturday at Mocama Beer Company, 629 S. 8th St. in Fernandina Beach.

Classic Car Museum of St. Augustine monthly cruise-ins: St. Augustine Cruiser’s “Cruise In” from 5 to 7 p.m. every third Saturday, and Cars and Coffee from 8 to 10 a.m. every fourth Saturday resuming on Nov. 27 (see above), both at 4730 U.S. 1 S./Dixie Highway South in St Augustine.

Cars and Coffee Fleming Island: 7 to 10 a.m. every third Sunday of the month at the New Vision Theatre at 1820 Town Center Blvd., Fleming Island.

Johnny Angels: 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. every third Friday at Johnny Angels diner at 3546 St. Johns Bluff Road S. 

New cruise-in: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. every fourth Saturday at the Rockin’ 50’s Eatery at 3501 N. Ponce De Leon Blvd. in St. Augustine.

New cruise-in: Show and Tell, 6 to 9 p.m. every fourth Thursday at Advance Auto Parts at 10014 Atlantic Blvd.

Historic Springfield Main Street Cruise: 4 p.m. every fourth Saturday between 8th and 17th streets at Main Street in Jacksonville’s Springfield community.

And finally…

Image courtesy RML Group

Everything new is old again, and we mean RML Group’s just-released images, video and update on its RML Short Wheelbase, a high-end restomod that recreates a donor Ferrari 550 Maranello into a stunning 1959 Ferrari 250 GT Berlinetta Short Wheelbase.

The coupe is powered by a naturally aspirated, 5474cc, 65-degree Ferrari V-12 making 479 hp at 7,000 rpm, and 419 lb ft of torque at 5,000 rpm. RML says the car can get to 60 mph in 4.1 seconds, the V-12 delivering drive to the rear wheels via a 6-speed manual gearbox and transaxle with a limited-slip differential.

The car was aanounced just over three years ago, CEO Michael Mallock saying he project “also turned into a labour of love for everyone involved.”

“The Short Wheelbase was always conceived as an emotional model, without compromise,” he said kin a news release. “So while we have made sure that the end product conforms to the very highest industry standards in terms of quality, durability and safety, it also captures the character – the look, sound and tactility – of an epic GT car from the golden age of motoring. It is, in our eyes, the ultimate grand routier.

Around 70 percent of sales will be for export, with a majority of those expected to be in North America. The RML Short Wheelbase is available to order now, with prices starting at $1.79 million.

Watch RML’s intro vide, with a brief snippet of V-12 sound, right here.

Posted on

904 EVENTS CALENDAR FEBRUARY 16, 2022

Jacksonville Car Culture events calendar

Classic Fords at Caffeine and Octane – The Blue Oval in all its ages and varieties sparkled all over last Saturday’s huge event, which asked owners of Henry Ford’s (pre-1989) cars and trucks of all kinds to assemble. So among the hundreds who rolled in, here’s some Fords, from a classic first-gen T-bird cruising in, to a later T-bird next to Brian Walsh’s original Car and Driver magazine Pinto – even a Ford Skyliner with its hardtop convertible about to drop into a huge trunk:

An estimated 1,000-plus cars, trucks and more are expected at the free cruise-in. And remember – Caffeine and Octane Jacksonville is an all makes, all models show, with all parking spots first come/first serve.

So here’s some of the other makes and models from Saturday – lots of different makes and models!

Guesses on what’s between this Baja Bug and stock Beetle – it’s a very rare Brazil-built Puma GTS Convertible, a production car with a VW air-cooled four in back Post-war Willys Jeep.

Hagerty’s monthly special display showcased Pontiac GTOs.

A Honda Beat kei car (r) with a 40-cu.in. /63-hp engine mounted midships, and a Suzuki Every (really!) Turbo microvan.

Next month’s event is from 8 to 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 12, at The Avenues mall’s south side at 10300 Southside Blvd.  Cars should start arriving by 7 a.m. to the Southside Boulevard side of the shopping mall, the best way in through Malabar Boulevard.


As always, there will be a Porsche section, and an exotics area, as well as hundreds of vintage and classic cars, muscle cars and so much more.

Official Caffeine and Octane merchandise is on sale at all Caffeine and Octane Jacksonville events.

Event news

The Amelia, the soon-to-be 27-year-old Concours d’Elegance, hasracer and racing legend Chip Ganassi as the honoree, all of its events running from Thursday, March 3 through Sunday, March 6, according to Hagerty.

  • The annual Spina Bifida of Jacksonville Silent Auction returns to the concours, with a collection of rare and eclectic film, television, automotive and sports-related items and more, some autographed. So Spina Bifida is accepting donations for The Amelia Concours d’Elegance 2022, all proceeds benefitting its non-profit actions helping those with the birth defect and their families. For information on how to donate, email theameliasilentauction@gmail.com.
  • The concours’ official RM Sotheby’s auction returns with lot previews from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Thursday, March 3, and Friday, March 4, with an 11 a.m. Friday auction. And this year, three special hypercars fill out the auction showcase:
  • Sotheby’s is proud to offer a 2019 Bugatti Chiron Sport, one of about 60 examples produced, and wearing a color combination of Nocturne over Beluga Black with Italian Red interior. Performance – 0-100 mph in 4.4 seconds, this model with only 3,950 miles on the clock. Offered with no reserve, the estimate is $3 million to $3.3 million, RM Sotheby’s says.

The LaFerrari features rare all-black livery and an F1-derived hybrid powertrain. With just 576 miles at the time of cataloguing, the LaFerrari is estimated to sell for $3.6 million to $4 million.

The McLaren Speedtail is the most aerodynamic and fastest car ever produced by McLaren, one of 106 examples, its estimate is $2.6 million to $3 million.

The RM Sotheby’s auction is set for the concours hotel: The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island, at 4750 Amelia Island Parkway. For auction information, go to rmsothebys.com.

  • Saturday, March 5th’s big event is Cars & Community, a suite of things to do for all ages that will include the long-running Cars & Caffeine cruise-in for local and regional classics, hot rods and car clubs. There’s also a RADwood display.

What’s RADwood? It celebrates the best vehicles from the ’80s and ’90s, with a curated display of 75 of the most iconic, unique, and RADical rides of the era. To register your vehicle, email amelia@radwood.com.

  • Cars & Community will also have The Amelia’s first-ever Kids Zone.

Photo courtesy of Hagerty

Cars & Community tickets are available at https://bit.ly/3rAVGeP; $20 for adults, $10 for youth as well as military and first responders, and free for children 12 and under. A portion of every Cars & Community ticket sold will support local and national charitable partners.

  • The Amelia’s seminars start with the 3 p.m. Friday “36 Hours of Florida,” hosted by NASCAR Hall of Fame Crew Chief Ray Evernham, featuring a panel of the greats of sports car racing who were very successful at the “36 Hours of Florida,” which included both the 24 Hours of Daytona and the 12 Hours of Sebring. The NASCAR Seminar is at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, also hosted by Ray Evernham and a panel of former NASCAR greats speaking about racing through the decades. Admission is $50 per person per seminar, information on all The Amelia events and tickets at ameliaconcours.com/event/tickets.
  • Expect a celebration of the automobile featuring more than 300 vehicles at the Sunday Concours d’Elegance. Official classes include: 60th anniversary of the 24 Hours of Daytona and the 70th anniversary of the 12 Hours of Sebring; 75th anniversary of Ferrari, 100th anniversary of Lincoln, and the 90th anniversary of the 1932 Ford. Additional concours features will include Indy Roadsters, Gurney Eagles; the 3-wheeled vehicles of the Davis Motorcar Company; Japanese Sports Cars of the ‘60s and ‘70s and more.

Sunday Concours tickets are: Adults (ages 23+): $150, price increases to $175 on March 1, 2022; Military and First Responders: $85, with verification at check-in; Younger Enthusiasts (ages 13-22): $75; and children 12 and under are free. And a big FYI: every concours ticket purchase also includes free admission to Cars & Community.

Tickets for all concours events are also available at the website.

Sign up to be a Concours volunteer at ameliaconcours.com/event/volunteer.

Other events on Amelia Island that weekend not associated with The Amelia:

Grand Motoring Hangar Night is from 5 to 10 p.m. on Thursday March 3, at the Amelia Aerodrome at the Fernandina Beach Municipal Airport. Returning for its sixth year, attendees have hors d’oeuvres, dinner and cocktails surrounded by an assortment of classic and collector automobiles, sponsor exhibits, auto-centric short films and more. Individual tickets are $50, address and parking instructions provided to registered attendees. Tickets can be reserved here.

Jacksonville International Auto Show: Thursday through Sunday at the Prime Osborn Convention Center.

Models from about 30 major car lines are set to be shown at the convention center at 1000 Water St., with new model test drives for many outside.

There’s a puppy adoption as part of Subaru Loves Pets. The Classic Car Museum of St. Augustine features a display of some of its classic muscle vehicles. The Motorsports Hall of Fame of America brings late NASCAR racer Davey Allison’s 1992 No. 28 Ford Thunderbird race car.

The courtyard hosts local car club displays: Porsches and Mercedes-Benzes on Friday; Corvettes on Saturday from the Jacksonville Corvette Club; and Sunday’s Jacksonville Mustang Club show. The Dixie Chapter Pontiac Club will also be showing member’s cars all weekend.A community food drive is on Thursday during its 3-to-9 p.m. opening day to benefit Feeding Northeast Florida. Show tickets are half price – $6.50 for adults and $3 for children.

Admission Friday through Sunday is $13 per adult and $6 for children (under 6 free). Friday’s Active Military and Active First Responders Day has free admission with valid ID.

Show hours are noon to 9 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. Parking is free courtesy of VyStar Credit Union. For more information and e-tickets, visit jaxautoshow.com.

SCCA Autocross and Car Show, co-hosted by The Brunswick Lions Club: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, February 26, at the former St. Marys Airport at North Dandy Street in St Marys, Ga. The show is free to spectators and $20 per show vehicle. The SCCA Buccaneer Region Jax Solo is holding the autocross – more information and registration at motorsportreg.com/events/scca-buccaneer-jax-solo-st-marys-municipal-airport-autocross-607711.

20th annual Jacksonville Grand Prix:

It is 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 2, at the 103rd Street Sports Complex at 10271 103rd St. The annual endurance go-kart race sees teams of drivers compete as they and the event raise funds for Spina Bifida of Jacksonville. Registration is open for the event, open to multiple levels of experience from rookie to pro and semi-pro in equally prepared and weight-ballasted karts. Registration is $308.33 per person on a 6-driver team, or $1,850 for a team. Information and registration – go here. And watch some of the recent action at youtube.com/watch?v=gQoc-SR4UdU&feature=emb_imp_woyt.

22nd Annual Riding Into History Antique Motorcycle Concours

Motorcycle designer Paul Teutul Jr. will be the Grand Marshal for the annual Riding Into History concours on April 22 and 23 at World Golf Village, 1 World Golf Place in St. Augustine. On Friday, April 22, it is the Grand Marshal Tour Presented by Hagerty, allowing owners to ride their vintage bike through the back roads of historic Florida. Then comes the Grand Marshals Dinner at 6 p.m. Friday, April 22, at the World Golf Hall of Fame, Shell Hall, at $80 per person. Hundreds of classic and special interest motorcycles will be on display from 1 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, April 23, around the lake at World Golf Village.

There is no entry fee for qualified motorcycles at the concours, and registration closes at midnight, April 14. Admission is $15 per person for spectators. All donations go to K9s for Warriors. More information is at ridingintohistory.org.

Now the Car Shows:

Jacksonville Icemen Car Show: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at the VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena at 300 A. Philip Randolph Blvd. Spectators are free, and show vehicles are $20 per, which also gets free ticket to Icemen game at 3 p.m.

Quake-X Winterfest: Friday and Saturday at the Northeast Florida Fairgrounds at 543378 US 1 in Callahan. Information at facebook.com/events/633442741356524?ref=newsfeed.

Pedro Menendez High School Charity Car Show: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 26, at the Classic Car Museum of St. Augustine at 4730 U.S. 1 S./Dixie Highway S. in St Augustine. Free for spectators and $20 show vehicle registration at the door. Hosted by the Dixie Chapter Pontiac Club.

10th annual Kruisin 4 Kids: 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 26, at Dinsmore Baptist Church at 10500 Old Kings Road in Jacksonville. Burnout contests and barbecue chicken dinners for sale.

J-Tech Drive-in/Cruise-in: rescheduled for Saturday, March 5 at J-Tech at 8813 Western Way. Gates open at 3 p.m. for set-up, $15 entry per car. It will be a double feature. For the kids, “Cars,” followed by “Thunder Road” for the adults. There will be food trucks and J-Tech will be open for tours.

Troop and Pack 27 Car Show and Pinewood Derby: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, March 12, at Old Plank Road Baptist Church at 8964 Old Plank Road.

19th Annual Mustang & Ford Regional Show: 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, March 19, hosted by the Jacksonville Mustang Club Show at Duval Ford at 1616 Cassat Ave. Registration can be done at jmcmustang.org/jmc-show.

Middleburg Spring Festival and Car Show: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, March 19, at the Middleburg Civic Association at 2102 Palmetto St. Spectators are free; show vehicle registration is $20. Proceeds donated to Civic Association’s choice charity.

Adamec Harley-Davidson Car & Bike Show: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, March 20 at the dealership at 8909 Baymeadows Road. Hosted by Callahan Cruisers of North Florida, spectators are free, whole show vehicle registration is $20. Live Music by the Pink Paisleys.

First Florida Chapter Winter Rally & Swap Meet: Military vehicle display and living history fromFriday to Sunday,March 25-27, at Reynolds Industrial Park at 1 Bunker Ave. off Florida 16 in Green Cove Springs. World War II battle re-enactments are at 1 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

17th annual Railroad Day Festival and Classic Car Show: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, April 2, at the1881 Callahan Train Depot at 45383 Dixie Ave. in Callahan. Live entertainment, arts/crafts and food vendors, model trains and a classic car show hosted by Callahan Cruisers and Cochrane’s Collision Center from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. All proceeds will go to the West Nassau Historical Society.

First Coast Car Council’s Cruisin’ to the Creek Spring Car Show: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, April 16, at Trout Creek Memorial Park and Marina at 6550 Florida 13 in Orangedale south of Sant Johns/Fruit Cove. The show benefit the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Jacksonville.

Rumble at the Ranch – Hot Rod vs Rat Rod: May 5 through 7 at WW Motocross Park, 1439 Otis Road in Jacksonville. The event features burnout contests with a $1,500 purse, car show and other events.

12th Annual Rev It Up! Car Show: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 14, at Moosehaven, 1701 Park Ave. in Orange Park. Show vehicles are $20 pre-registered to May 1; $25 after.

Third annual Hot Rodz 4 Kids Car and Bike Show: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday May 28, at First United Methodist Church of Callahan, 449648 U.S. 301. Proceeds go to children’s medical, educational and nutritional needs.

The FIRM (Florida International Rally and Moto Park): Open Track Days held most weekends at the road course and rally course at 7266 Airport Road in Starke.

All the Cruise-ins

First Coast Car Council, Clay County Cruzers, Callahan Cruisers and Amelia Cruizers all hold regular weekend cruise-ins, so check their Facebook pages.

Caffeine and Octane Jacksonville: 8 to 11 a.m. every second Saturday at The Avenues Mall at 10300 Southside Blvd. Information: https://bit.ly/3gPRvVQ.

Cruise Fruit Cove: 4 to 8 p.m. every third Saturday at the PDQ at 194 Florida 13 in Saint Johns, just south of Julington Creek.

Amelia Cruizers: 4 to 7 p.m. every third Saturday at Cold Stone Creamery, 808 Sadler Road, Fernandina Beach.

Clay County Cruzers’ events: 3 to 6 p.m. every first Saturday at Big Dawg Sports Restaurant, 1330 Blanding Blvd. The Cruzers’ other events: 3 to 6 p.m. every second Saturday at Gator’s Dockside Oakleaf at 8316 Merchants Way, Jacksonville; 5 p.m. every third Friday at Freddy’s Steakburgers at 386 Blanding Blvd.; 8 a.m. every fourth Saturday at Nicole’s Café, 2216 S. Mimosa Ave. in Middleburg; and 2 to 5 p.m. every fourth Saturday back at Gator’s Dockside Oakleaf, 316 Merchants Way, Jacksonville.

First Coast Car Council holds its new cruise-in from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. every first Saturday at The Beaver Street Farmers Market, 1810 W. Beaver St. But its second Saturday cruise-in has been suspendedat the Medical & Merchants Center of Mandarin, 11701 San Jose Blvd.

Jacksonville Caffeine and Gasoline: 7 to 10 a.m. on every first Saturday at the Orange Park Mall at 1910 Wells Road in Orange Park.

The Part’s House/The Brothers Banter Podcast Cruise-in: The renamed White Brothers Auto Parts Cruise-in at the same time – 5 to 8 p.m. every second Friday at 405 Lane Ave. N.

Auto Legends Amelia Cars and Coffee: 9 a.m. to noon every second Saturday at Mocama Beer Company, 629 S. 8th St. in Fernandina Beach.

Classic Car Museum of St. Augustine monthly cruise-ins: St. Augustine Cruiser’s “Cruise In” from 5 to 7 p.m. every third Saturday, and Cars and Coffee from 8 to 10 a.m. every fourth Saturday resuming on Nov. 27 (see above), both at 4730 U.S. 1 S./Dixie Highway South in St Augustine.

Cars and Coffee Fleming Island: 7 to 10 a.m. every third Sunday of the month at the New Vision Theatre at 1820 Town Center Blvd., Fleming Island.

Johnny Angels: 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. every third Friday at Johnny Angels diner at 3546 St. Johns Bluff Road S. 

New cruise-in: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. every fourth Saturday at the Rockin’ 50’s Eatery at 3501 N. Ponce De Leon Blvd. in St. Augustine.

New cruise-in: Show and Tell, 6 to 9 p.m. every fourth Thursday at Advance Auto Parts at 10014 Atlantic Blvd.

Historic Springfield Main Street Cruise: 4 p.m. every fourth Saturday between 8th and 17th streets at Main Street in Jacksonville’s Springfield community.

And finally…

Lexus has a possible new supercar – and more – The next-generation Lexus BEV Sport, Sedan and SUV concepts have been revealed in a new photo gallery.

The models were first revealed in a corporate battery electric vehicle (BEV) announcement made by Akio Toyoda, Toyota Motor Corporation President and Lexus Brand Holder. The new Sedan, Sport and SUV concepts are proposed to be part of a full line-up of BEVs Lexus recently unveiled under the collective vision known as “Lexus Electrified.” The Lexus BEV Sport concept seems to move past the familiar spindle grill, going to a radically new streamlined nose with side vents. Lexus says it symbolizes the future of the luxury brand while also reviving the spirit of the iconic Lexus LFA.

Posted on

904 Octane Events Calendar February 9, 2022

Jacksonville Car Culture events calendar

Calling all classic Fords – the next Caffeine and Octane will feature Henry Ford’s (pre-1989) cars and trucks of all kinds in a special display area of the Central Lot from 8 to 11 a.m. on Saturday at The Avenues mall’s south side at 10300 Southside Blvd.

Submit your application to be considered for a reserved spot in this special section of the show at caffeineandoctane.com, or simply click on: https://form.123formbuilder.com/6067165.

An estimated 1,000-plus cars, trucks and more are expected at the free cruise-in. And remember – Caffeine and Octane Jacksonville is an all makes, all models show, with all parking spots first come/first serve.

The Caffeine and Octane featured club for February will be the First Coast Car Council, asking members to bring cars to the event to showcase the variety of clubs in it. Cars should start arriving by 7 a.m. to the Southside Boulevard side of the shopping mall, the best way in through Malabar Boulevard.
As always, there will be a Porsche section, and an exotics area, as well as hundreds of vintage and classic cars, muscle cars and so much more.

Official Caffeine and Octane merchandise is on sale at all Caffeine and Octane Jacksonville events.

Check out more at firstcoastcarculture.com.

Event news

The Amelia, the soon-to-be 27-year-old Concours d’Elegance, hasracer and racing legend Chip Ganassi as the honoree, all of its events running from Thursday, March 3 through Sunday, March 6, according to the event’s new owner, Hagerty.

  • The annual Spina Bifida of Jacksonville Silent Auction returns to the concours, with a collection of rare and eclectic film, television, automotive and sports-related items and more, some autographed. So Spina Bifida is accepting donations for The Amelia Concours d’Elegance 2022, all proceeds benefitting its non-profit actions helping those with the birth defect and their families. For information on how to donate, email theameliasilentauction@gmail.com.
  • The concours’ official RM Sotheby’s auction returns with lot previews from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Thursday, March 3, and Friday, March 4, with an 11 a.m. Friday auction.

Photo courtesy of Gabor Meyer/RM Sotheby’s

And one of the many cars for sale is a 1948 Davis Divan, appropriate since one of The Amelia’s classes this year is the unique and rare 3-wheel car. This one is the first production Divan; one of only 12 known to survive, with aluminum body, hidden headlights and a color-matched fiberglass hardtop

Restored in its present metallic brown over a two-tone beige and brown interior, it was the brainchild of Glen Gordon “Gary” Davis, a used car salesman from Indiana. Promoted as the car of the future with a streamlined aluminum body, the company claimed it could hold four adults across its bench seat, and a price tag of just $1,000. RM Sotheby’s says this 1948 example is the third Davis Divan produced and one of only a dozen known still in existence.

The RM Sotheby’s auction is set for the concours hotel: The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island, at 4750 Amelia Island Parkway. For auction information, go to rmsothebys.com.

  • Saturday, March 5th’s big event is Cars & Community, a suite of things to do for all ages that will include the long-running Cars & Caffeine cruise-in for local and regional classics, hot rods and car clubs. There’s also a RADwood display.

What’s RADwood? It celebrates the best vehicles from the ’80s and ’90s, with a curated display of 75 of the most iconic, unique, and RADical rides of the era. To register your vehicle, email amelia@radwood.com.

  • Cars & Community will also have The Amelia’s first-ever Kids Zone.

Cars & Community tickets are available at ;https://bit.ly/3rAVGeP;$20 for adults, $10 for youth as well as military and first responders, and free for children 12 and under. A portion of every Cars & Community ticket sold will support local and national charitable partners.

  • The Amelia’s seminars start with the 3 p.m. Friday “36 Hours of Florida,” hosted by NASCAR Hall of Fame Crew Chief Ray Evernham, featuring a panel of the greats of sports car racing who were very successful at the “36 Hours of Florida,” which included both the 24 Hours of Daytona and the 12 Hours of Sebring. The NASCAR Seminar is at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, also hosted by Ray Evernham and a panel of former NASCAR greats speaking about racing through the decades. Admission is $50 per person per seminar, information on all The Amelia events and tickets at ameliaconcours.com/event/tickets.
  • Expect a celebration of the automobile featuring more than 300 vehicles at the Sunday Concours d’Elegance. Official classes include: 60th anniversary of the 24 Hours of Daytona and the 70th anniversary of the 12 Hours of Sebring; 75th anniversary of Ferrari, 100th anniversary of Lincoln, and the 90th anniversary of the 1932 Ford. Additional concours features will include Indy Roadsters, Gurney Eagles; the 3-wheeled vehicles of the Davis Motorcar Company; Japanese Sports Cars of the ‘60s and ‘70s and more.

Courtesy Miles Collier Collections @ Revs Institute by Peter Harholdt

One car in the Sebring anniversary class is an all-American hero – the 1952 Cunningham C4-R, coming from the Miles Collier Collections at the Revs Institute. With a 331-cu. in. Chrysler HEMI under that prodigious hood scoop, this was Briggs Cunningham’s steed during his attack on the 1952 24 Hours of Le mans. Briggs drove for almost 20 of the 24 hours with a slipping clutch, ultimately finishing in 4th place.

Sunday Concours tickets are: Adults (ages 23+): $150, price increases to $175 on March 1, 2022; Military and First Responders: $85, with verification at check-in; Younger Enthusiasts (ages 13-22): $75; and children 12 and under are free. And a big FYI: every concours ticket purchase also includes free admission to Cars & Community.

Tickets for all concours events are also available at the website.

Sign up to be a Concours volunteer at ameliaconcours.com/event/volunteer.

Other events on Amelia Island that weekend not associated with The Amelia:

Grand Motoring Hangar Night is from 5 to 10 p.m. on Thursday March 3, at the Amelia Aerodrome at the Fernandina Beach Municipal Airport. Returning for its sixth year, attendees have hors d’oeuvres, dinner and cocktails surrounded by an assortment of classic and collector automobiles, sponsor exhibits, auto-centric short films and more. Individual tickets are $50, address and parking instructions provided to registered attendees. Tickets can be reserved here.

20th annual Jacksonville Grand Prix:

It is 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 2, at the 103rd Street Sports Complex at 10271 103rd St. The annual endurance go-kart race sees teams of drivers compete as they and the event raise funds for Spina Bifida of Jacksonville. Registration is open for the event, open to multiple levels of experience from rookie to pro and semi-pro in equally prepared and weight-ballasted karts. Registration is $308.33 per person on a 6-driver team, or $1,850 for a team. Information and registration – go here. And watch some of the recent action at youtube.com/watch?v=gQoc-SR4UdU&feature=emb_imp_woyt.

22nd Annual Riding Into History Antique Motorcycle Concours

Motorcycle designer Paul Teutul Jr. will be the Grand Marshal for the annual Riding Into History concours on April 22 and 23 at World Golf Village, 1 World Golf Place in St. Augustine. On Friday, April 22, it is the Grand Marshal Tour Presented by Hagerty, allowing owners to ride their vintage bike through the back roads of historic Florida. Then comes the Grand Marshals Dinner at 6 p.m. Friday, April 22, at the World Golf Hall of Fame, Shell Hall, at $80 per person. Hundreds of classic and special interest motorcycles will be on display from 1 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, April 23, around the lake at World Golf Village.

Then there’s this 1984 BMW R100RT Last Edition, as part of the event’s silent auction to benefit K9s for Warriors.

Photo courtesy Riding Into History

BMW Motorrad designed it after deciding its boxer motor was done with, honoring the long-running design with a special “Last Edition.” It made 740 examples across some of its model line, then decided to revive the engine a few years later. This motorcycle was donated by longtime BMWNEF member Mary Crawford, the silent auction bid done at the banquet or concours.

There is no entry fee for qualified motorcycles at the concours, and registration closes at midnight, April 14. Admission is $15 per person for spectators. All donations go to K9s for Warriors. More information is at ridingintohistory.org.

SCCA Autocross and Car Show, co-hosted by The Brunswick Lions Club: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, February 26, at the former St. Marys Airport at North Dandy Street in St Marys, Ga. The show is free to spectators and $20 per show vehicle. The SCCA Buccaneer Region Jax Solo is holding the autocross – more information and registration at motorsportreg.com/events/scca-buccaneer-jax-solo-st-marys-municipal-airport-autocross-607711.

Now the Car Shows:

Rescheduled: 11th annual Fly-In and Classic Car Show: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on this Saturday at Palatka Airport, 4015 Reid St. Free for spectators and $10 entry fee for show vehicles. Bad weather caused its postponement last weekend.

2022 Jacksonville RV MegaShow: Hosted by the Florida RV Trade Association from Thursday through Sunday at the Jacksonville Equestrian Center at 13611 Normandy Blvd. Show hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday. Regular admission is $10 for adults and children 12 years or younger are admitted free.

Jacksonville Icemen Car Show: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday Feb. 19, at the VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena at 300 A. Philip Randolph Blvd. Spectators are free, and show vehicles are $20 per, which also gets free ticket to Icemen game at 3 p.m.

Quake-X Winterfest: Friday and Saturday, Feb. 19 and 20, at the Northeast Florida Fairgrounds at 543378 US 1 in Callahan. Information at facebook.com/events/633442741356524?ref=newsfeed.

10th annual Kruisin 4 Kids: 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 26, at Dinsmore Baptist Church at 10500 Old Kings Road in Jacksonville. Burnout contests and barbecue chicken dinners for sale.

J-Tech Drive-in/Cruise-in: rescheduled for March 5, 2022 at J-Tech at 8813 Western Way. Gates open at 3 p.m. for set-up, $15 entry per car. It will be a double feature. For the kids, “Cars,” followed by “Thunder Road” for the adults. There will be food trucks and J-Tech will be open for tours.

Troop and Pack 27 Car Show and Pinewood Derby: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, March 12, at Old Plank Road Baptist Church at 8964 Old Plank Road.

19th Annual Mustang & Ford Regional Show: 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, March 19, hosted by the Jacksonville Mustang Club Show at Duval Ford at 1616 Cassat Ave. Registration can be done at jmcmustang.org/jmc-show.

Middleburg Spring Festival and Car Show: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, March 19, at the Middleburg Civic Association at 2102 Palmetto St. Spectators are free; show vehicle registration is $20. Proceeds donated to Civic Association’s choice charity.

Adamec Harley-Davidson Car & Bike Show: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, March 20 at the dealership at 8909 Baymeadows Road. Hosted by Callahan Cruisers of North Florida, spectators are free, whole show vehicle registration is $20. Live Music by the Pink Paisleys.

First Florida Chapter Winter Rally & Swap Meet: Military vehicle display and living history fromFriday to Sunday,March 25-27, at Reynolds Industrial Park at 1 Bunker Ave. off Florida 16 in Green Cove Springs. World War II battle re-enactments are at 1 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

17th annual Railroad Day Festival and Classic Car Show: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, April 2, at the1881 Callahan Train Depot at 45383 Dixie Ave. in Callahan. Live entertainment, arts/crafts and food vendors, model trains and a classic car show hosted by Callahan Cruisers and Cochrane’s Collision Center from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. All proceeds will go to the West Nassau Historical Society.

First Coast Car Council’s Cruisin’ to the Creek Spring Car Show: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, April 16, at Trout Creek Memorial Park and Marina at 6550 Florida 13 in Orangedale south of Sant Johns/Fruit Cove. The show benefit the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Jacksonville.

Rumble at the Ranch – Hot Rod vs Rat Rod: May 5 through 7 at WW Motocross Park, 1439 Otis Road in Jacksonville. The event features burnout contests with a $1,500 purse, car show and other events.

Third annual Hot Rodz 4 Kids Car and Bike Show: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday May 28, at First United Methodist Church of Callahan, 449648 U.S. 301. Proceeds go to children’s medical, educational and nutritional needs.

The FIRM (Florida International Rally and Moto Park): Open Track Days held most weekends at the road course and rally course at 7266 Airport Road in Starke.

All the Cruise-ins

First Coast Car Council, Clay County Cruzers, Callahan Cruisers and Amelia Cruizers all hold regular weekend cruise-ins, so check their Facebook pages.

Caffeine and Octane Jacksonville: 8 to 11 a.m. every second Saturday at The Avenues Mall at 10300 Southside Blvd. Information: https://bit.ly/3gPRvVQ.

Clay County Cruzers’ events: 3 to 6 p.m. every first Saturday at Big Dawg Sports Restaurant, 1330 Blanding Blvd. Here’s a bit of what it looked like last weekend:

The Clay County Cruzers’ other events: 3 to 6 p.m. every second Saturday at Gator’s Dockside Oakleaf at 8316 Merchants Way, Jacksonville; 5 p.m. every third Friday at Freddy’s Steakburgers at 386 Blanding Blvd.; 8 a.m. every fourth Saturday at Nicole’s Café, 2216 S. Mimosa Ave. in Middleburg; and 2 to 5 p.m. every fourth Saturday back at Gator’s Dockside Oakleaf, 316 Merchants Way, Jacksonville.

The First Coast Car Council holds its newest cruise-in from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. every first Saturday at The Beaver Street Farmers Market, 1810 W. Beaver St. But its cruise-in from 5 to 8 p.m. every second Saturdayhas been suspendedat the Medical & Merchants Center of Mandarin, 11701 San Jose Blvd.

Jacksonville Caffeine and Gasoline: 7 to 10 a.m. on every first Saturday at the Orange Park Mall at 1910 Wells Road in Orange Park.

The Part’s House/The Brothers Banter Podcast Cruise-in: The renamed White Brothers Auto Parts Cruise-in at the same time – 5 to 8 p.m. every second Friday at 405 Lane Ave. N.

NEW – Auto Legends Amelia Cars and Coffee: 9 a.m. to noon every second Saturday at Mocama Beer Company, 629 S. 8th St. in Fernandina Beach.

Cruise Fruit Cove: 4 to 8 p.m. every third Saturday at the PDQ at 194 Florida 13 in Saint Johns, just south of Julington Creek.

Amelia Cruizers: 4 to 7 p.m. every third Saturday at Cold Stone Creamery, 808 Sadler Road, Fernandina Beach.

Classic Car Museum of St. Augustine monthly cruise-ins: St. Augustine Cruiser’s “Cruise In” from 5 to 7 p.m. every third Saturday, and Cars and Coffee from 8 to 10 a.m. every fourth Saturday resuming on Nov. 27 (see above), both at 4730 U.S. 1 S./Dixie Highway South in St Augustine.

Cars and Coffee Fleming Island: 7 to 10 a.m. every third Sunday of the month at the New Vision Theatre at 1820 Town Center Blvd., Fleming Island.

Johnny Angels: 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. every third Friday at Johnny Angels diner at 3546 St. Johns Bluff Road S. 

New cruise-in: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. every fourth Saturday at the Rockin’ 50’s Eatery at 3501 N. Ponce De Leon Blvd. in St. Augustine.

New cruise-in: Show and Tell, 6 to 9 p.m. every fourth Thursday at Advance Auto Parts at 10014 Atlantic Blvd.

Historic Springfield Main Street Cruise: 4 p.m. every fourth Saturday between 8th and 17th streets at Main Street in Jacksonville’s Springfield community.

Cruise Night at Beachwalk: cancelled

And finally…

Last Saturday’s Peterson’s Automotive Showcase at the Frank H. Peterson Academies of Technology at 7450 Wilson Blvd. in Jacksonville saw dozens of classics, hot rods and modern as well as vintage muscle cars assemble on its back lawn as tours of the magnet high school’s Communications, Automotive Technology, Cosmetology, Culinary Arts, Aviation Technology, Childcare, Agriculture Science and Robotic programs occurred for prospective students.

.The oldest classic was this blue – yes, they came in colors other than black – 1913 Ford Model T.

And have you ever wondered how EVs will handle towing RVs, boats & such while needing to recharge along the way?

This week’s edition of Jacksonville resident Bill Bortzfield’s EV Rider looks into how all-electric pickups might do as far as range and towing ability – it’s at bit.ly/3oYM1wX.

Posted on

904 Events Calendar February 2, 2022

Jacksonville Car Culture events calendar

Calling all classic Fords – the next Caffeine and Octane will feature Henry Ford’s (pre-1989) cars and trucks of all kinds in a special display area of the Central Lot from 8 to 11 a.m. on Saturday, February 12, at The Avenues mall’s south side at 10300 Southside Blvd.

Submit your application to be considered for a reserved spot in this special section of the show at caffeineandoctane.com, or simply click on: https://form.123formbuilder.com/6067165.

An estimated 1,000-plus cars, trucks and more are expected at the free cruise-in. And remember – Caffeine and Octane Jacksonville is an all makes, all models show, with all parking spots first come/first serve.

Cars should start arriving by 7 a.m. to the Southside Boulevard side of the shopping mall, the best way in through Malabar Boulevard.
As always, there will be a Porsche section, and an exotics area, as well as hundreds of vintage and classic cars, muscle cars and so much more.

Official Caffeine and Octane merchandise is on sale at all Caffeine and Octane Jacksonville events.

Event news

The Amelia, the soon-to-be 27-year-old Concours d’Elegance, named racer and racing legend Chip Ganassi as the honoree for The Amelia, set for Thursday, March 3 through Sunday, March 6, according to the event’s new owner, Hagerty.

The annual Spina Bifida of Jacksonville Silent Auction returns to the concours, with a collection of rare and eclectic film, television, automotive and sports-related items and more, some autographed. So Spina Bifida is accepting donations for The Amelia Concours d’Elegance 2022, all proceeds benefitting its non-profit actions helping those with the birth defect and their families. For information on how to donate, email theameliasilentauction@gmail.com.

The concours’ official RM Sotheby’s auction returns with lot previews from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Thursday, March 3, and Friday, March 4, with an 11 a.m. Friday auction, all at the concours hotel: The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island, at 4750 Amelia Island Parkway. For auction information, go to rmsothebys.com.

Saturday, March 5th’s big event is Cars & Community, a suite of things to do for all ages that will include the long-running Cars & Caffeine cruise-in for local and regional classics, hot rods and car clubs. There’s also a 1980s and ’90s-focused RADwood display and The Amelia’s first-ever Kids Zone.

Photo courtesy of Hagerty

The fun and low-brow Concours d’Lemons also joins the Saturday fun, Hagerty announcing a licensing agreement this week to produce this festival designed to celebrate the oddball, mundane and unexceptional of the automotive world. Concours d’Lemons was created in 2009 as a send-up of high-end concours events with cars no one would ever find on a high-end concours field, like “Rust Belt American Junk”, “Needlessly Complex Italian” and “Most Dangerous.” The show culminates in the presentation of the Worst of Show trophy. .and display vehicles can be registered for $15 each here at eventbrite.com/e/amelia-island-concours-dlemons-tickets-244581799747.

Cars & Community admission tickets are $20 for adults, $10 for youth as well as military and first responders, and free for children 12 and under. A portion of every Cars & Community ticket sold will support local and national charitable partners.

The Amelia’s seminars start with the 3 p.m. Friday “36 Hours of Florida,” hosted by NASCAR Hall of Fame Crew Chief Ray Evernham, featuring a panel of the greats of sports car racing who were very successful at the “36 Hours of Florida,” which included both the 24 Hours of Daytona and the 12 Hours of Sebring.

The NASCAR Seminar is at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, also hosted by Ray Evernham and a panel of former NASCAR greats speaking about racing through the decades.

Admission is $50 per person per seminar, information on all The Amelia events and tickets at ameliaconcours.com/event/tickets.

And expect a celebration of the automobile featuring more than 250 vehicles at the Sunday Concours d’Elegance. Official classes include: 60th anniversary of the 24 Hours of Daytona and the 70th anniversary of the 12 Hours of Sebring; 75th anniversary of Ferrari, 100th anniversary of Lincoln, and the 90th anniversary of the 1932 Ford.

Additional concours features will include Indy Roadsters, (like the one shown here from the 2020 event); Gurney Eagles; the 3-wheeled vehicles of the Davis Motorcar Company; Japanese Sports Cars of the ‘60s and ‘70s and more.

Sunday Concours tickets are: Adults (ages 23+): $150, price increases to $175 on March 1, 2022; Military and First Responders: $85, with verification at check-in; Younger Enthusiasts (ages 13-22): $75; and children 12 and under are free. And a big FYI: every concours ticket purchase also includes free admission to Cars & Community.

Tickets for all concours events are also available at the website.

Sign up to be a Concours volunteer at ameliaconcours.com/event/volunteer.

Other events on Amelia Island that weekend not associated with The Amelia:

Grand Motoring Hangar Night is from 5 to 10 p.m. on Thursday March 3, at the Amelia Aerodrome at the Fernandina Beach Municipal Airport. Returning for its sixth year, attendees have hors d’oeuvres, dinner and cocktails surrounded by an assortment of classic and collector automobiles, sponsor exhibits, auto-centric short films and more. Individual tickets are $50, address and parking instructions provided to registered attendees. Tickets can be reserved here.

20th annual Jacksonville Grand Prix: 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 2, at the 103rd Street Sports Complex at 10271 103rd St. The annual endurance go-kart race sees teams of drivers compete as they and the event raise funds for Spina Bifida of Jacksonville. Registration is open for the event, open to multiple levels of experience from rookie to pro and semi-pro in equally prepared and weight-ballasted karts. Registration is $308.33 per person on a 6-driver team, or $1,850 for a team. Information and registration – go here. And watch some of the recent action at youtube.com/watch?v=gQoc-SR4UdU&feature=emb_imp_woyt.

22nd Annual Riding Into History Antique Motorcycle Concours

Motorcycle designer Paul Teutul Jr. will be the Grand Marshal for the annual Riding Into History concours on April 22 and 23 at World Golf Village, 1 World Golf Place in St. Augustine. On Friday, April 22, it is the Grand Marshal Tour Presented by Hagerty, allowing owners to ride their vintage bike through the back roads of historic Florida. Then comes the Grand Marshals Dinner at 6 p.m. Friday, April 22, at the World Golf Hall of Fame, Shell Hall, at $80 per person. Then hundreds of classic and special interest motorcycles will be on display from 1 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, April 23, around the lake at World Golf Village. There is no entry fee for qualified motorcycles – Registration closes at midnight, April 14. Admission is $15 per person for spectators. All donations go to K9s for Warriors. More information is at ridingintohistory.org.

SCCA Autocross and Car Show, co-hosted by The Brunswick Lions Club: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, February 26, at the former St. Marys Airport at North Dandy Street in St Marys, Ga. The show is free to spectators and $20 per show vehicle. The SCCA Buccaneer Region Jax Solo is holding the autocross – more information and registration at motorsportreg.com/events/scca-buccaneer-jax-solo-st-marys-municipal-airport-autocross-607711.

Now the Car Shows:

Peterson’s Automotive Showcase: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday at the Frank H. Peterson Academies, 7450 Wilson Blvd. in Jacksonville. The show is free for spectators and $25 for show vehicles.

11th annual Fly-In and Classic Car Show: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday at Palatka Airport, 4015 Reid St. Free for spectators and $10 entry fee for show vehicles.

2022 Jacksonville RV MegaShow: Hosted by the Florida RV Trade Association from Thursday, Feb. 10 through Sunday, Feb. 13, at the Jacksonville Equestrian Center at 13611 Normandy Blvd. Show hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday. Regular admission is $10 for adults and children 12 years or younger are admitted free.

Jacksonville Icemen Car Show: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday Feb. 19, at the VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena at 300 A. Philip Randolph Blvd. Spectators are free, and show vehicles are $20 per, which also gets free ticket to Icemen game at 3 p.m.

Quake-X Winterfest: Friday and Saturday, Feb. 19 and 20, at the Northeast Florida Fairgrounds at 543378 US 1 in Callahan. Information at facebook.com/events/633442741356524?ref=newsfeed.

10th annual Kruisin 4 Kids: 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 26, at Dinsmore Baptist Church at 10500 Old Kings Road in Jacksonville. Burnout contests and barbecue chicken dinners for sale.

Troop and Pack 27 Car Show and Pinewood Derby: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, March 12, at Old Plank Road Baptist Church at 8964 Old Plank Road.

Middleburg Spring Festival and Car Show: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, March 19, at the Middleburg Civic Association at 2102 Palmetto St. Spectators are free; show vehicle registration is $20. Proceeds donated to Civic Association’s choice charity.

Adamec Harley-Davidson Car & Bike Show: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, March 20 at the dealership at 8909 Baymeadows Road. Hosted by Callahan Cruisers of North Florida, spectators are free, whole show vehicle registration is $20. Live Music by the Pink Paisleys.

17th annual Railroad Day Festival and Classic Car Show: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, April 2, at the1881 Callahan Train Depot at 45383 Dixie Ave. in Callahan. Live entertainment, arts/crafts and food vendors, model trains and a classic car show hosted by Callahan Cruisers and Cochrane’s Collision Center from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. All proceeds will go to the West Nassau Historical Society.

Rumble at the Ranch – Hot Rod vs Rat Rod: May 5 through 7 at WW Motocross Park, 1439 Otis Road in Jacksonville. The event features burnout contests with a $1,500 purse, car show and other events.

Third annual Hot Rodz 4 Kids Car and Bike Show: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday May 28, at First United Methodist Church of Callahan, 449648 U.S. 301. Proceeds go to children’s medical, educational and nutritional needs.

The FIRM (Florida International Rally and Moto Park): Open Track Days held most weekends at the road course and rally course at 7266 Airport Road in Starke.

All the Cruise-ins

First Coast Car Council, Clay County Cruzers, Callahan Cruisers and Amelia Cruizers all hold regular weekend cruise-ins, so check their Facebook pages.

Caffeine and Octane Jacksonville: 8 to 11 a.m. every second Saturday at The Avenues Mall at 10300 Southside Blvd. Information: https://bit.ly/3gPRvVQ.

The First Coast Car Council holds its newest cruise-in from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. every first Saturday at The Beaver Street Farmers Market, 1810 W. Beaver St. And its cruise-in from 5 to 8 p.m. every second Saturdayreturnsat the Medical & Merchants Center of Mandarin, 11701 San Jose Blvd.

Jacksonville Caffeine and Gasoline: 7 to 10 a.m. on every first Saturday at the Orange Park Mall at 1910 Wells Road in Orange Park.

Clay County Cruzers’ events: 3 to 6 p.m. every first Saturday at Big Dawg Sports Restaurant, 1330 Blanding Blvd.; 3 to 6 p.m. every second Saturday at Gator’s Dockside Oakleaf at 8316 Merchants Way, Jacksonville; 5 p.m. every third Friday at Freddy’s Steakburgers at 386 Blanding Blvd.; 8 a.m. every fourth Saturday at Nicole’s Café, 2216 S. Mimosa Ave. in Middleburg; and 2 to 5 p.m. every fourth Saturday back at Gator’s Dockside Oakleaf, 316 Merchants Way, Jacksonville.

The Part’s House/The Brothers Banter Podcast Cruise-in: The renamed White Brothers Auto Parts Cruise-in at the same time – 5 to 8 p.m. every second Friday at 405 Lane Ave. N.

NEW – Auto Legends Amelia Cars and Coffee: 9 a.m. to noon every second Saturday at Mocama Beer Company, 629 S. 8th St. in Fernandina Beach.

Cruise Fruit Cove: 4 to 8 p.m. every third Saturday at the PDQ at 194 Florida 13 in Saint Johns, just south of Julington Creek.

Amelia Cruizers: 4 to 7 p.m. every third Saturday at Cold Stone Creamery, 808 Sadler Road, Fernandina Beach.

Classic Car Museum of St. Augustine monthly cruise-ins: St. Augustine Cruiser’s “Cruise In” from 5 to 7 p.m. every third Saturday, and Cars and Coffee from 8 to 10 a.m. every fourth Saturday resuming on Nov. 27 (see above), both at 4730 U.S. 1 S./Dixie Highway South in St Augustine.

Cars and Coffee Fleming Island: 7 to 10 a.m. every third Sunday of the month at the New Vision Theatre at 1820 Town Center Blvd., Fleming Island.

Johnny Angels: 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. every third Friday at Johnny Angels diner at 3546 St. Johns Bluff Road S. 

New cruise-in: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. every fourth Saturday at the Rockin’ 50’s Eatery at 3501 N. Ponce De Leon Blvd. in St. Augustine.

New cruise-in: Show and Tell, 6 to 9 p.m. every fourth Thursday at Advance Auto Parts at 10014 Atlantic Blvd.

Historic Springfield Main Street Cruise: 4 p.m. every fourth Saturday between 8th and 17th streets at Main Street in Jacksonville’s Springfield community.

Cruise Night at Beachwalk: cancelled

And finally…

The 60th IMSA Rolex 24 at Daytona dawned very cold, breezy and sunny last weekend, with a 61-car field of prototypes and GTs to tackle the 3.56-mile road course and superspeedway banks. Thousands showed up to watch, a full infield of fans.

A local high school band escorted all the race cars and teams out onto pit road, including Helio Castroneves’ Meyer Shank Racing Acura LMP-1 race car. And in the end, at 1:40 p.m. Sunday, he beat former teammate Ricky Taylor. It was the second overall victory for Mike Shank’s team, which also won the 50th Rolex 24 at Daytona.

Strolling the pits at 8 a.m., fans could see the cars in pristine shape, like a super-size Caffeine and Octane. That included the BMW safety cars and some other intriguing supercars:

Then at noon, as fans gathered on the infield grass, the race cars came out like this Mercedes-AMG.

Awaiting its Time on track was this No. 18 Era Motorsport Oreca LMP2:

Sleek in the cold Saturday sun was the Heart of Racing Team No. 23 Aston Martin Vantage GT3, Driven By Alex Riberas, Ross Gunn and Maxime Martin:

Then the day/night/day of racing began:

And sometimes, the garage was home after on-track incidents – here the crew repairs the Vasser Sullivan No. 12 Lexus RC F GT3 of Townsend Bell, Richard Heistand, Frank Montecalvo and Aaron Telitz after the No. 47 Cetilar Racing Ferrari 488 GT3 spun and hit it, causing suspension damage.

The race had six legendary grand marshals – Mario Andretti, Hurley Haywood, Scott Pruett, Bobby Rahal, Jack Roush and Wayne Taylor. Wayne had a team to lead at the race, while Haywood was the only one in pre-race activities wearing a driving suit.

Here’s (l-r) Taylor, Andretti and Pruett talking before their trackside appearance:

The reason why Haywood was in “work” clothes was because he drove The Brumos Collection’s 1977 Porsche 911 RSR “Ecurie Escargot” car that won that year’s race in the Rolex Heritage display on Saturday morning. He originally co-drove the car with Dave Helmick and Peter Gregg back then; this time, he did high-speed parade laps with many other classics that have competed in the 24-hour race in past years.

FYI – Haywood retired from racing in 2012 after a 40-plus year career that saw him earn five overall victories at the Rolex 24, three more at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, and two at the 12 Hours of Sebring.

Haywood preparing to run the No. 43 car

Haywood behind the Alex Job Racing Porsche Crawford Daytona Prototype

A star of the heritage display was this 1968 Simoniz Lola T160/5, originally entered by Lola importer Carl Haas and driven by Skip Scott in the USRRC championships. That’s a Chevrolet small block V-8 behind the driver.

Other Jacksonville drivers tackling the track in the heritage run included Amelia Island Concours founder Bill Warner in his 1979 Triumph TR-8 as run by Bob Tullius’ Group 44, with a 360-hp aluminum V-8.

Brian Walsh, of Jacksonville’s Racer Walsh Ford performance shop started by his late father Jerry “Racer” Walsh, brought the famous 1972 Car and Driver Pinto he now owns. It was originally prepped by then-magazine columnist Patrick Bedard and Ron Nash, and won one race in 1974 and did well in some others.

Jacksonville’s Darek Stennes had his 1965 Shelby GT350 Mustang, done in the classic Wimbledon White with Guardsman Blue “Le Mans” stripes. Originally a street car, it was converted to racing specs in 1970, and bought in 1978 by Darek’s father. Used on the street, it’s also got 200-plus races under the skin.

Ross Bremer is one of the original drivers of this 1966 Lotus Corina MK1 with a 1598cc Twin Cam motor under its bonnet. The Jacksonville businessman co-drove it in 1967’s 24 Hours of Daytona, where it survived to come in third in class.

Posted on

Jacksonville Car Culture Events Calendar January 26, 2022

Calling all classic Fords – the next Caffeine and Octane will feature Henry Ford’s (pre-1989) cars and trucks of all kinds in a special display area of the Central Lot from 8 to 11 a.m. on Saturday, February 12, at The Avenues mall’s south side at 10300 Southside Blvd.

Submit your application to be considered for a reserved spot in this special section of the show at caffeineandoctane.com, or simply click on: https://form.123formbuilder.com/6067165.

An estimated 1,000-plus cars, trucks and more are expected at the free cruise-in. And remember – Caffeine and Octane Jacksonville is an all makes, all models show, with all parking spots first come/first serve.

Cars should start arriving by 7 a.m. to the Southside Boulevard side of the shopping mall, the best way in through Malabar Boulevard.
As always, there will be a Porsche section, and an exotics area, as well as hundreds of vintage and classic cars, muscle cars and so much more.

Official Caffeine and Octane merchandise is on sale at all Caffeine and Octane Jacksonville events.

Event news

The Amelia, the soon-to-be 27-year-old Concours d’Elegance, named racer and racing legend Chip Ganassi as the honoree for The Amelia, set for Thursday, March 3 through Sunday, March 6, according to the event’s new owner, Hagerty.

The annual Spina Bifida of Jacksonville Silent Auction returns to the concours, with a collection of rare and eclectic film, television, automotive and sports-related items and more, some autographed. So Spina Bifida is accepting donations for The Amelia Concours d’Elegance 2022, all proceeds benefitting its non-profit actions helping those with the birth defect and their families. For information on how to donate, email theameliasilentauction@gmail.com.

The concours’ official RM Sotheby’s auction returns with lot previews from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Thursday, March 3, and Friday, March 4, with an 11 a.m. Friday auction, all at the concours hotel: The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island, at 4750 Amelia Island Parkway. For auction information, go to rmsothebys.com.

Saturday, March 5th’s big event is Cars & Community, a suite of things to do for all ages that will include the long-running Cars & Caffeine cruise-in for local and regional classics, hot rods and car clubs. There’s also a 1980s and ’90s-focused RADwood display and The Amelia’s first-ever Kids Zone.

The fun and low-brow Concours d’Lemons is part of the Saturday fun, and display vehicles can be registered for $15 each here at eventbrite.com/e/amelia-island-concours-dlemons-tickets-244581799747.

Cars & Community admission tickets are $20 for adults, $10 for youth as well as military and first responders, and free for children 12 and under. A portion of every Cars & Community ticket sold will support local and national charitable partners.

The Amelia’s seminars start with the 3 p.m. Friday “36 Hours of Florida,” hosted by NASCAR Hall of Fame Crew Chief Ray Evernham, featuring a panel of the greats of sports car racing who were very successful at the “36 Hours of Florida,” which included both the 24 Hours of Daytona and the 12 Hours of Sebring.

The NASCAR Seminar is at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, also hosted by Ray Evernham and a panel of former NASCAR greats speaking about racing through the decades.

Admission is $50 per person per seminar, information on all The Amelia events and tickets at ameliaconcours.com/event/tickets.

And expect a celebration of the automobile featuring more than 250 vehicles at the Sunday Concours d’Elegance; special concours classes including anniversary celebrations of the 24 Hours of Daytona (60th) and the 12 Hours of Sebring (70th), as well as the 75th anniversary of Ferrari, 100th anniversary of Lincoln, and the 90th anniversary of the 1932 Ford. Additional concours features will include the 3-wheeled vehicles of the Davis Motorcar Company, Indy roadsters, aluminum Porsche race cars, Waterhouse Coachwork, and more.

Sunday Concours tickets are: Adults (ages 23+): $150, price increases to $175 on March 1, 2022; Military and First Responders: $85, with verification at check-in; Younger Enthusiasts (ages 13-22): $75; and children 12 and under are free. And a big FYI: every concours ticket purchase also includes free admission to Cars & Community.

Tickets for all concours events are also available at the website.

Sign up to be a Concours volunteer at ameliaconcours.com/event/volunteer.

Other events on Amelia Island that weekend not associated with The Amelia:

Grand Motoring Hangar Night is from 5 to 10 p.m. on Thursday March 3, at the Amelia Aerodrome at the Fernandina Beach Municipal Airport. Returning for its sixth year, attendees have hors d’oeuvres, dinner and cocktails surrounded by an assortment of classic and collector automobiles, sponsor exhibits, auto-centric short films and more. Individual tickets are $50, address and parking instructions provided to registered attendees. Tickets can be reserved here.

22nd Annual Riding Into History Antique Motorcycle Concours

Motorcycle designer Paul Teutul Jr. will be the Grand Marshal for the annual Riding Into History concours on April 22 and 23 at World Golf Village, 1 World Golf Place in St. Augustine. On Friday, April 22, it is the Grand Marshal Tour Presented by Hagerty, allowing owners to ride their vintage bike through the back roads of historic Florida. Then comes the Grand Marshals Dinner at 6 p.m. Friday, April 22, at the World Golf Hall of Fame, Shell Hall, at $80 per person. Then hundreds of classic and special interest motorcycles will be on display from 1 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, April 23, around the lake at World Golf Village. There is no entry fee for qualified motorcycles – Registration closes at midnight, April 14. All donations go to K9s for Warriors. More information is at ridingintohistory.org.

SCCA Autocross and Car Show, co-hosted by The Brunswick Lions Club: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, February 26, at the former St. Marys Airport at North Dandy Street in St Marys, Ga. The show is free to spectators and $20 per show vehicle. The SCCA Buccaneer Region Jax Solo is holding the autocross – more information and registration at motorsportreg.com/events/scca-buccaneer-jax-solo-st-marys-municipal-airport-autocross-607711.

Now the Car Shows:

Knights of Columbus Council 13337 Charity Car Show: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at The Classic Car Museum of St. Augustine, at 4730 U.S. 1 S./Dixie Highway South in St Augustine. Free for spectators and $25 for show vehicles day of show.

Yulee Coolee Floyd Garrett Memorial and Car Show: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday at Laytn’s Land-n at 67760 Owens Farm Road. The Garrett memorial starts at 10:30 a.m. in the barn. Donations will be collected for an automotive mechanic school scholarship.

Peterson’s Automotive Showcase: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 5, at the Frank H. Peterson Academies, 7450 Wilson Blvd. in Jacksonville. The show is free for spectators and $25 for show vehicles.

11th annual Fly-In and Classic Car Show: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday Feb. 5, at Palatka Airport, 4015 Reid St. Free for spectators and $10 entry fee for show vehicles.

2022 Jacksonville RV MegaShow: Hosted by the Florida RV Trade Association from Thursday, Feb. 10 through Sunday, Feb. 13, at the Jacksonville Equestrian Center at 13611 Normandy Blvd. Show hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday. Regular admission is $10 for adults and children 12 years or younger are admitted free.

10th annual Kruisin 4 Kids: 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 26, at Dinsmore Baptist Church at 10500 Old Kings Road in Jacksonville. Burnout contests and barbecue chicken dinners for sale.

Troop and Pack 27 Car Show and Pinewood Derby: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, March 12, at Old Plank Road Baptist Church at 8964 Old Plank Road.

Adamec Harley-Davidson Car & Bike Show: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, March 20 at the dealership at 8909 Baymeadows Road. Hosted by Callahan Cruisers of North Florida, spectators are free, whole show vehicle registration is $20. Live Music by the Pink Paisleys.

17th annual Railroad Day Festival and Classic Car Show: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, April 2, at the1881 Callahan Train Depot at 45383 Dixie Ave. in Callahan. Live entertainment, arts/crafts and food vendors, model trains and a classic car show hosted by Callahan Cruisers and Cochrane’s Collision Center from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. All proceeds will go to the West Nassau Historical Society.

Rumble at the Ranch – Hot Rod vs Rat Rod: May 5 through 7 at WW Motocross Park, 1439 Otis Road in Jacksonville. The event features burnout contests with a $1,500 purse, car show and other events.

Third annual Hot Rodz 4 Kids Car and Bike Show: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday May 28, at First United Methodist Church of Callahan, 449648 U.S. 301. Proceeds go to children’s medical, educational and nutritional needs.

The FIRM (Florida International Rally and Moto Park): Open Track Days held most weekends at the road course and rally course at 7266 Airport Road in Starke.

All the Cruise-ins

First Coast Car Council, Clay County Cruzers, Callahan Cruisers and Amelia Cruizers all hold regular weekend cruise-ins, so check their Facebook pages.

Caffeine and Octane Jacksonville: 8 to 11 a.m. every second Saturday at The Avenues Mall at 10300 Southside Blvd. Information: https://bit.ly/3gPRvVQ.

The First Coast Car Council holds its newest cruise-in from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. every first Saturday at The Beaver Street Farmers Market, 1810 W. Beaver St. And its cruise-in from 5 to 8 p.m. every second Saturdayreturnsat the Medical & Merchants Center of Mandarin, 11701 San Jose Blvd.

Jacksonville Caffeine and Gasoline: 7 to 10 a.m. on every first Saturday at the Orange Park Mall at 1910 Wells Road in Orange Park.

Clay County Cruzers’ events: 3 to 6 p.m. every first Saturday at Big Dawg Sports Restaurant, 1330 Blanding Blvd.; 3 to 6 p.m. every second Saturday at Gator’s Dockside Oakleaf at 8316 Merchants Way, Jacksonville; 5 p.m. every third Friday at Freddy’s Steakburgers at 386 Blanding Blvd.; 8 a.m. every fourth Saturday at Nicole’s Café, 2216 S. Mimosa Ave. in Middleburg; and 2 to 5 p.m. every fourth Saturday back at Gator’s Dockside Oakleaf, 316 Merchants Way, Jacksonville.

The Part’s House/The Brothers Banter Podcast Cruise-in: The renamed White Brothers Auto Parts Cruise-in at the same time – 5 to 8 p.m. every second Friday at 405 Lane Ave. N.

NEW – Auto Legends Amelia Cars and Coffee: 9 a.m. to noon every second Saturday at Mocama Beer Company, 629 S. 8th St. in Fernandina Beach.

Cruise Fruit Cove: 4 to 8 p.m. every third Saturday at the PDQ at 194 Florida 13 in Saint Johns, just south of Julington Creek.

Amelia Cruizers: 4 to 7 p.m. every third Saturday at Cold Stone Creamery, 808 Sadler Road, Fernandina Beach.

Classic Car Museum of St. Augustine monthly cruise-ins: St. Augustine Cruiser’s “Cruise In” from 5 to 7 p.m. every third Saturday, and Cars and Coffee from 8 to 10 a.m. every fourth Saturday resuming on Nov. 27 (see above), both at 4730 U.S. 1 S./Dixie Highway South in St Augustine.

Cars and Coffee Fleming Island: 7 to 10 a.m. every third Sunday of the month at the New Vision Theatre at 1820 Town Center Blvd., Fleming Island.

Johnny Angels: 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. every third Friday at Johnny Angels diner at 3546 St. Johns Bluff Road S. 

New cruise-in: Show and Tell, 6 to 9 p.m. every fourth Thursday at Advance Auto Parts at 10014 Atlantic Blvd.

Historic Springfield Main Street Cruise: 4 p.m. every fourth Saturday between 8th and 17th streets at Main Street in Jacksonville’s Springfield community.

Cruise Night at Beachwalk: cancelled

And finally…

It was very coldat the January 22nd Relay for Life Rod Run at the Northeast Florida Fair at 543378 U.S. 1 in Callahan. But that did not prevent dozens of hot rods, specialty cars and classics to appear at the show, hosted by the Callahan Cruisers of North Florida.

For example, ever heard of a Corvair Fitch Sprint?

It was set of modifications for the second-generation Chevrolet Corvair, developed by racing driver John Fitch. The biggest change was the large fiberglass roof attachment which made it look like a fastback coupe, plus suspension and steering changes.

There was a petite 1949 Crosley CD Wagon with a 26.5-hp/44-cu.inch cast iron block engine, weighing all of 1,402 lbs.It was made in Cincinnati by businessman Powel Crosley Jr., who owned Crosley Broadcasting and the Cincinnati Reds.

Then here’s just a few of the rest of the rides there.

Posted on

Jacksonville Car Culture events calendar January 19, 2022

Calling all classic Fords – the next Caffeine and Octane will feature Henry Ford’s (pre-1989) in a special display area of the Central Lot from 8 to 11 a.m. on Saturday, February 12, at The Avenues mall at 10300 Southside Blvd.

Submit your application to be considered for a reserved spot in this special section of the show at caffeineandoctane.com.

or simply click on: https://form.123formbuilder.com/6067165.

An estimated 1,000-plus cars, trucks and more are expected at the free cruise-in. And remember – Caffeine and Octane Jacksonville is an all makes, all models show, with all parking spots first come/first serve.

Cars should start arriving by 7 a.m. to the Southside Boulevard side of the shopping mall, the best way in through Malabar Boulevard.
As always, there will be a Porsche section, and an exotics area, as well as hundreds of vintage and classic cars, muscle cars and so much more.

Official Caffeine and Octane merchandise is on sale at all Caffeine and Octane Jacksonville events.

Event news

The Amelia is its new name, with a shiny new logo for the soon-to-be 27-year-old Concours d’Elegance. And racer and racing legend Chip Ganassi has been named as the honoree for The Amelia, set for Thursday, March 3 through Sunday, March 6, according to the event’s new owner, Hagerty.

The concours’ official RM Sotheby’s auction returns with lot previews from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Thursday, March 3, and Friday, March 4, with an 11 a.m. Friday auction, all at the concours hotel: The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island, at 4750 Amelia Island Parkway. Some of the lots at the 23rd annual RM Sotheby’s Amelia auction include:

Of the many lots, here’s one: a 1985 Chevrolet Camaro IMSA GTO by Peerless Racing raced by multi-championship winner Jack Baldwin, the race cars a class awardee at the 2021 Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance.

And there is this 1930 Duesenberg Model J Convertible Sedan by Murphy with plum leather interior and dark blue coachwork.

For auction information, go to rmsothebys.com.

Saturday, March 5th’s big event is now called Cars & Community, a suite of things to do for all ages that will include the long-running Cars & Caffeine cruise-in for local and regional classics, hot rods and car clubs. Owners can register their rides here, then will be contacted to complete the reservation for the reserved spot and Cars & Community for $50.

There’s also a 1980s and ’90s-focused RADwood display and The Amelia’s first-ever Kids Zone.

The fun and low-brow Concours d’Lemons is part of the Saturday fun, and display vehicles can be registered for $15 each here at eventbrite.com/e/amelia-island-concours-dlemons-tickets-244581799747.

Cars & Community admission tickets are $20 for adults, $10 for youth as well as military and first responders, and free for children 12 and under. A portion of every Cars & Community ticket sold will support local and national charitable partners.

Hagerty/Deremer Studios

The Amelia’s seminars start with the 3 p.m. Friday “36 Hours of Florida,” hosted by NASCAR Hall of Fame Crew Chief Ray Evernham, featuring a panel of the greats of sports car racing who were very successful at the “36 Hours of Florida,” which included both the 24 Hours of Daytona and the 12 Hours of Sebring.

The NASCAR Seminar is at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, also hosted by Ray Evernham and a panel of former NASCAR greats speaking about racing through the decades.

Admission is $50 per person per seminar, information on all The Amelia events and tickets at ameliaconcours.com/event/tickets.

And of course, expect a celebration of the automobile featuring more than 300 vehicles at the Sunday Concours d’Elegance; special concours classes including anniversary celebrations of the 24 Hours of Daytona (60th) and the 12 Hours of Sebring (70th), as well as the 75th anniversary of Ferrari, 100th anniversary of Lincoln, and the 90th anniversary of the 1932 Ford. Additional concours features will include the 3-wheeled vehicles of the Davis Motorcar Company, Indy roadsters, aluminum Porsche race cars, Waterhouse Coachwork, and more.

Sunday Concours tickets are: Adults (ages 23+): $150, price increases to $175 on March 1, 2022; Military and First Responders: $85, with verification at check-in; Younger Enthusiasts (ages 13-22): $75; and children 12 and under are free. And a big FYI: every concours ticket purchase also includes free admission to Cars & Community.

Tickets for all concours events are also available at the website.

Sign up to be a Concours volunteer at ameliaconcours.com/event/volunteer.

Other events on Amelia Island that weekend not associated with The Amelia:

Grand Motoring Hangar Night is from 5 to 10 p.m. on Thursday March 3, at the Amelia Aerodrome at the Fernandina Beach Municipal Airport. Returning for its sixth year, attendees have hors d’oeuvres, dinner and cocktails surrounded by an assortment of classic and collector automobiles, sponsor exhibits, auto-centric short films and more. Individual tickets are $50, address and parking instructions provided to registered attendees. Tickets can be reserved here.

22nd Annual Riding Into History Antique Motorcycle Concours

Motorcycle designer Paul Teutul Jr. will be the Grand Marshal for the annual Riding Into History concours on April 22 and 23 at World Golf Village, 1 World Golf Place in St. Augustine. On Friday, April 22, it is the Grand Marshal Tour Presented by Hagerty, allowing owners to ride their vintage bike through the back roads of historic Florida. Then comes the Grand Marshals Dinner at 6 p.m. Friday, April 22, at the World Golf Hall of Fame, Shell Hall, at $80 per person. Then hundreds of classic and special interest motorcycles will be on display from 1 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, April 23, around the lake at World Golf Village. There is no entry fee for qualified motorcycles – Registration closes at midnight, April 14. All donations go to K9s for Warriors. More information is at ridingintohistory.org.

Hagerty/Motorsport Reg

SCCA Autocross and Car Show, co-hosted by The Brunswick Lions Club: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, February 26, at the former St. Marys Airport at North Dandy Street in St Marys, Ga. The show is free to spectators and $20 per show vehicle. The SCCA Buccaneer Region Jax Solo is holding the autocross – more information and registration at motorsportreg.com/events/scca-buccaneer-jax-solo-st-marys-municipal-airport-autocross-607711.

Now the Car Shows:

Relay for Life Rod Run: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at the Northeast Florida Fair at 543378 U.S. 1 in Callahan. Hosted by the Callahan Cruisers of North Florida.

North Florida Legends Car Show: 4 to 8 p.m. Saturday at Dee’s Music Bar and Grill, 2141 Loch Rane Blvd. in Orange Park.

Knights of Columbus Council 13337 Charity Car Show: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 29, at The Classic Car Museum of St. Augustine, at 4730 U.S. 1 S./Dixie Highway South in St Augustine. Free for spectators and $25 for show vehicles day of show.

Yulee Coolee Floyd Garrett Memorial and Car Show: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 29, at Laytn’s Land-n at 67760 Owens Farm Road. The Garrett memorial starts at 10:30 a.m. in the barn. Donations will be collected for an automotive mechanic school scholarship.

Peterson’s Automotive Showcase: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 5, at the Frank H. Peterson Academies, 7450 Wilson Blvd. in Jacksonville. The show is free for spectators and $25 for show vehicles.

11th annual Fly-In and Classic Car Show: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday Feb. 5, at Palatka Airport, 4015 Reid St. Free for spectators and $10 entry fee for show vehicles.

2022 Jacksonville RV MegaShow: Hosted by the Florida RV Trade Association from Thursday, Feb. 10 through Sunday, Feb. 13, at the Jacksonville Equestrian Center at 13611 Normandy Blvd. Show hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday. Regular admission is $10 for adults and children 12 years or younger are admitted free.

10th annual Kruisin 4 Kids: 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 26, at Dinsmore Baptist Church at 10500 Old Kings Road in Jacksonville. Burnout contests and barbecue chicken dinners for sale.

Troop and Pack 27 Car Show and Pinewood Derby: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, March 12, at Old Plank Road Baptist Church at 8964 Old Plank Road.

17th annual Railroad Day Festival and Classic Car Show: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, April 2, at the1881 Callahan Train Depot at 45383 Dixie Ave. in Callahan. Live entertainment, arts/crafts and food vendors, model trains and a classic car show hosted by Callahan Cruisers and Cochrane’s Collision Center from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. All proceeds will go to the West Nassau Historical Society.

Rumble at the Ranch – Hot Rod vs Rat Rod: May 5 through 7 at WW Motocross Park, 1439 Otis Road in Jacksonville. The event features burnout contests with a $1,500 purse, car show and other events.

Third annual Hot Rodz 4 Kids Car and Bike Show: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday May 28, at First United Methodist Church of Callahan, 449648 U.S. 301. Proceeds go to children’s medical, educational and nutritional needs.

The FIRM (Florida International Rally and Moto Park): Open Track Days held most weekends at the road course and rally course at 7266 Airport Road in Starke.

All the Cruise-ins

First Coast Car Council, Clay County Cruzers, Callahan Cruisers and Amelia Cruizers all hold regular weekend cruise-ins, so check their Facebook pages.

Caffeine and Octane Jacksonville: 8 to 11 a.m. every second Saturday at The Avenues Mall at 10300 Southside Blvd. Information: https://bit.ly/3gPRvVQ.

Historic Springfield Main Street Cruise: 4 p.m. every fourth Saturday between 8th and 17th streets at Main Street in Jacksonville’s Springfield community.

Cruise Fruit Cove: 4 to 8 p.m. every third Saturday at the PDQ at 194 Florida 13 in Saint Johns, just south of Julington Creek.

Amelia Cruizers: 4 to 7 p.m. every third Saturday at Cold Stone Creamery, 808 Sadler Road, Fernandina Beach.

Classic Car Museum of St. Augustine monthly cruise-ins: St. Augustine Cruiser’s “Cruise In” from 5 to 7 p.m. every third Saturday, and Cars and Coffee from 8 to 10 a.m. every fourth Saturday resuming on Nov. 27 (see above), both at 4730 U.S. 1 S./Dixie Highway South in St Augustine.

Cars and Coffee Fleming Island: 7 to 10 a.m. every third Sunday of the month at the New Vision Theatre at 1820 Town Center Blvd., Fleming Island.

Johnny Angels: 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. every third Friday at Johnny Angels diner at 3546 St. Johns Bluff Road S. 

The First Coast Car Council holds its newest cruise-in from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. every first Saturday at The Beaver Street Farmers Market, 1810 W. Beaver St. And its cruise-in from 5 to 8 p.m. every second Saturday returns at the Medical & Merchants Center of Mandarin, 11701 San Jose Blvd.

Clay County Cruzers’ events: 3 to 6 p.m. every first Saturday at Big Dawg Sports Restaurant, 1330 Blanding Blvd.; 3 to 6 p.m. every second Saturday at Gator’s Dockside Oakleaf at 8316 Merchants Way, Jacksonville; 5 p.m. every third Friday at Freddy’s Steakburgers at 386 Blanding Blvd.; 9 to 11 a.m. every fourth Saturday at Nicole’s Café, 2216 S. Mimosa Ave. in Middleburg; and 2 to 5 p.m. every fourth Saturday back at Gator’s Dockside Oakleaf, 316 Merchants Way, Jacksonville.

Cruise Night at Beachwalk: cancelled

Jacksonville Caffeine and Gasoline: 7 to 10 a.m. on every first Saturday at the Orange Park Mall at 1910 Wells Road in Orange Park.

The Part’s House/The Brothers Banter Podcast Cruise-in: The renamed White Brothers Auto Parts Cruise-in at the same time – 5 to 8 p.m. every second Friday at 405 Lane Ave. N.

NEW – Auto Legends Amelia Cars and Coffee: 9 a.m. to noon every second Saturday at Mocama Beer Company, 629 S. 8th St. in Fernandina Beach.

And finally…

Toyota Gazoo Racing and Lexus exhibited some wild stuff at the recent Tokyo Auto Salon 2022, and one was a Batmobile-like GR GT3 Concept TGR, which the company shows that it is “committed to further accelerating customer motorsports activities to make the world of motorsports sustainable.”

Promoting “driver first” car development with a “desire to provide attractive cars” for customers participating in GT3, there isn’t much more info on the sleek back car. But it does have side exhausts along with a plethora of ground effects. And while it’s a race car concept only, could a street-legal version be in the offing?

Posted on

904 EVENTS CALENDAR JANUARY 12, 2022

Jacksonville Car Culture events calendar

Hundreds of cars and spectators enjoyed a crisp morning at last Saturday’s Caffeine and Octane as classic pickup trucks were just a part of the fun from the First Coast Car Council, which was the club of the month. But then there were MOPARS, and Lamborghinis, and lots of exotics with wings.

Then there was this long-nose, chopped cabin hot rod 1934 Buick, we are told, with a very appropriate license plate and an oh-so-grand interior for two.

And since last Saturday’s highlight at Caffeine and Octane Jacksonville were Classic Japanese Vehicles, many were in a special display within the Central Lot, like a rare Ariel Atom with Acura powerplant, multiple Datsun/Nissan Zs, a retro-styled three-door hatchback 1990’s Nissan Pao, some more modern Hondas and Toyotas, and a stunning Datsun 510.

The next Caffeine and Octane is from 8 to 11 a.m. on Saturday, February 12, at The Avenues mall’s south side at 10300 Southside Blvd., an estimated 1,000-plus cars, trucks and more expected at the free cruise-in. And remember – Caffeine and Octane Jacksonville is an all makes, all models show, with all parking spots first come/first serve.

Cars should start arriving by 7 a.m. to the Southside Boulevard side of the shopping mall, the best way in through Malabar Boulevard.
As always, there will be a Porsche section, and an exotics area, as well as hundreds of vintage and classic cars, muscle cars and so much more.

Official Caffeine and Octane merchandise is on sale at all Caffeine and Octane Jacksonville events.

Event news

The Amelia is its new name, with a new logo for the soon-to-be 27-year-old Concours d’Elegance. And racer and racing legend Chip Ganassi has been named as the honoree for The Amelia, set for Thursday, March 3 through Sunday, March 6, according to the event’s new owner, Hagerty.

“Honoring a hero from the racing community is an important component of The Amelia DNA. From the inaugural honoree, Sir Stirling Moss, to the recent celebration of Lyn St. James, The Amelia has anchored the celebration of the automobile to the incredible people who have devoted their lives as ambassadors for driving,” Hagerty CEO McKeel Hagerty said. “We are thrilled that Chip Ganassi accepted our invitation. His racing legacy represents Hagerty’s love of driving and passion for the wellness of others.”

Compliments of Chip Ganassi Racing

Ganassi has is a familiar name in motorsports, fielding very successful teams in everything from the 24 Hours of Le Mans to IndyCar, NASCAR, the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship and Extreme E. A former IndyCar driver himself, he founded Chip Ganassi Racing in 1990, among his many accomplishments becoming the only team to win the Daytona 500, Indianapolis 500, NASCAR’s Brickyard 400 and the 24 Hours of Daytona, in a 12-month span.

Other updates –Saturday, March 5th’s big event is now called Cars & Community, a suite of things to do for all ages that will include the long-running, renamed Cars & Caffeine, plus a 1980s and ’90s-focused RADwood display, the fun and low-brow Concours d’Lemons, and The Amelia’s first-ever Kids Zone. Cars & Community tickets are $20 for adults, $10 for youth as well as military and first responders, and free for children 12 and under. A portion of every Cars & Community ticket sold will support local and national charitable partners.

Hagerty/Deremer Studios

A NASCAR Saturday Seminar hosted by Ray Evernham is scheduled, as well as the long-running RM Sotheby’s auction, and the annual Silent Auction.

And of course, expect a celebration of the automobile featuring more than 300 vehicles at the Sunday Concours d’Elegance; special concours classes including anniversary celebrations of the 24 Hours of Daytona (60th) and the 12 Hours of Sebring (70th), as well as the 75th anniversary of Ferrari, 100th anniversary of Lincoln, and the 90th anniversary of the 1932 Ford.

Additional concours features will include the interesting 3-wheeled vehicles of the Davis Motorcar Company.

A 1947 Davis Divan

Other special classes: Indy roadsters, aluminum Porsche race cars, Waterhouse Coachwork, and more.

Sunday Concours tickets are: Adults (ages 23+): $150, price increases to $175 on March 1, 2022; Military and First Responders: $85, with verification at check-in; Younger Enthusiasts (ages 13-22): $75; and children 12 and under are free. And a big FYI: every concours ticket purchase also includes free admission to Cars & Community.

Tickets for all concours events are also available at the website.

Sign up to be a Concours volunteer at ameliaconcours.com/event/volunteer.

Now the Car Shows:

Relay for Life Rod Run: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 22 at the Northeast Florida Fair at 543378 U.S. 1 in Callahan. Hosted by the Callahan Cruisers of North Florida.

North Florida Legends Car Show: 4 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 22, at Dee’s Music Bar and Grill, 2141 Loch Rane Blvd. in Orange Park.

Knights of Columbus Council 13337 Charity Car Show: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 29, at The Classic Car Museum of St. Augustine, at 4730 U.S. 1 S./Dixie Highway South in St Augustine. Free for spectators and $25 for show vehicles day of show.

Yulee Coolee Floyd Garrett Memorial and Car Show: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 29, at Laytn’s Land-n at 67760 Owens Farm Road. The Garrett memorial starts at 10:30 a.m. in the barn. Donations will be collected for an automotive mechanic school scholarship.

Peterson’s Automotive Showcase: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 5, at the Frank H. Peterson Academies, 7450 Wilson Blvd. in Jacksonville. The show is free for spectators and $25 for show vehicles.

2022 Jacksonville RV MegaShow: Hosted by the Florida RV Trade Association from Thursday, Feb. 10 through Sunday, Feb. 13, at the Jacksonville Equestrian Center at 13611 Normandy Blvd. Show hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday. Regular admission is $10 for adults and children 12 years or younger are admitted free.

10th annual Kruisin 4 Kids: 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 26, at Dinsmore Baptist Church at 10500 Old Kings Road in Jacksonville. Burnout contests and barbecue chicken dinners for sale.

17th annual Railroad Day Festival and Classic Car Show: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, April 2, at the1881 Callahan Train Depot at 45383 Dixie Ave. in Callahan. Live entertainment, arts/crafts and food vendors, model trains and a classic car show hosted by Callahan Cruisers and Cochrane’s Collision Center from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. All proceeds will go to the West Nassau Historical Society.

Rumble at the Ranch – Hot Rod vs Rat Rod: May 5 through 7 at WW Motocross Park, 1439 Otis Road in Jacksonville. The event features burnout contests with a $1,500 purse, car show and other events.

Third annual Hot Rodz 4 Kids Car and Bike Show: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday May 28, at First United Methodist Church of Callahan, 449648 U.S. 301. Proceeds go to children’s medical, educational and nutritional needs.

The FIRM (Florida International Rally and Moto Park): Open Track Days held most weekends at the road course and rally course at 7266 Airport Road in Starke.

All the Cruise-ins

First Coast Car Council, Clay County Cruzers, Callahan Cruisers and Amelia Cruizers all hold regular weekend cruise-ins, so check their Facebook pages.

Caffeine and Octane Jacksonville: 8 to 11 a.m. every second Saturday at The Avenues Mall at 10300 Southside Blvd. Information: https://bit.ly/3gPRvVQ.

Cruise Fruit Cove: 4 to 8 p.m. every third Saturday at the PDQ at 194 Florida 13 in Saint Johns, just south of Julington Creek.

Sinister Saturday: 8 p.m. on Saturday at the Buc-ee’s at 200 World Commerce Parkway in St. Augustine. Hosted by the Sinister Horseman Car Club.

Amelia Cruizers: 4 to 7 p.m. every third Saturday at Cold Stone Creamery, 808 Sadler Road, Fernandina Beach.

Classic Car Museum of St. Augustine monthly cruise-ins: St. Augustine Cruiser’s “Cruise In” from 5 to 7 p.m. every third Saturday, and Cars and Coffee from 8 to 10 a.m. every fourth Saturday resuming on Nov. 27 (see above), both at 4730 U.S. 1 S./Dixie Highway South in St Augustine.

Cars and Coffee Fleming Island: 7 to 10 a.m. every third Sunday of the month at the New Vision Theatre at 1820 Town Center Blvd., Fleming Island.

Johnny Angels: 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. every third Friday at Johnny Angels diner at 3546 St. Johns Bluff Road S. 

The First Coast Car Council holds its newest cruise-in from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. every first Saturday at The Beaver Street Farmers Market, 1810 W. Beaver St. And its cruise-in from 5 to 8 p.m. every second Saturday returns at the Medical & Merchants Center of Mandarin, 11701 San Jose Blvd.

Clay County Cruzers’ events: 3 to 6 p.m. every first Saturday at Big Dawg Sports Restaurant, 1330 Blanding Blvd.; 3 to 6 p.m. every second Saturday at Gator’s Dockside Oakleaf at 8316 Merchants Way, Jacksonville; 5 p.m. every third Friday at Freddy’s Steakburgers at 386 Blanding Blvd.; 9 to 11 a.m. every fourth Saturday at Nicole’s Café, 2216 S. Mimosa Ave. in Middleburg; and 2 to 5 p.m. every fourth Saturday back at Gator’s Dockside Oakleaf, 316 Merchants Way, Jacksonville.

Cruise Night at Beachwalk: cancelled

Jacksonville Caffeine and Gasoline: 7 to 10 a.m. on every first Saturday at the Orange Park Mall at 1910 Wells Road in Orange Park.

The Part’s House/The Brothers Banter Podcast Cruise-in: The renamed White Brothers Auto Parts Cruise-in at the same time – 5 to 8 p.m. every second Friday at 405 Lane Ave. N.

NEW – Auto Legends Amelia Cars and Coffee: 9 a.m. to noon every second Saturday at Mocama Beer Company, 629 S. 8th St. in Fernandina Beach.

Historic Springfield Main Street Cruise: 4 p.m. every fourth Saturday between 8th and 17th streets at Main Street in Jacksonville’s Springfield community.

And finally….

The DriveTribe blog, an online social media site for gearheads for the past five years created by the gang at The Grand Tour – you know, the former Top Gear trio – will close up shop at the end of this month. In announcing the move this week, DriveTribe said it’s been “facing significant industry challenges” for many months, plus the protracted global shortage of computer chips has caused “a number of challenges for the automotive industry, and led to severe reductions in marketing budgets across the industry.”

That said, the Grand Tour’s own Hammie – Richard Hammond – will be keeping the DriveTribe community alive through its social media channels with video reviews, his new projects including his Smallest Cog Workshop, and even some appearances by Jeremy and James from time to time. Hammond even promised he’s revisiting a jet dragster that almost killed him – watch his video for the rest of the news.

Posted on

904 Events Calendar January 5, 2022

Jacksonville Car Culture events calendar

Caffeine and Octane Jacksonville: It is time to highlight Classic Japanese Vehicles in a special display within the Central Lot at the next C&O, from 8 to 11 a.m. on Saturday at The Avenues mall’s south side at 10300 Southside Blvd.

Submit your ride for consideration here to join the estimated 1,000-plus cars, trucks and more at the free cruise-in. And remember – Caffeine and Octane Jacksonville is an all makes, all models show, with all parking spots first come/first serve.

Cars should start arriving by 7 a.m. to the Southside Boulevard side of the shopping mall, the best way in through Malabar Boulevard.
As always, there will be a Porsche section, and an exotics area, as well as hundreds of vintage and classic cars, muscle cars and so much more.

Official Caffeine and Octane merchandise is on sale at all Caffeine and Octane Jacksonville events.

Check out more at firstcoastcarculture.com.

First Coast Car Council’s newest cruise-in, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. every first Saturday at The Beaver Street Farmers Market, saw some New Year’s Day action at 1810 W. Beaver St. last weekend.

Sunshine State Chevelle’s President Chris Conover was snapped as he drove Goldie, his just-restored classic, to the event:

First Coast Car Council president Lon Greenwood (left) talks to Jacksonville (First Coast) Car Culture’s Chris Brewer after he and family arrived in two Zs.

And the farmers market lot was filled with everything from a V-12 Aston Martin to rat rods, classics and hot rods.

Event news

The Amelia – it has a new name and a new logo just in time for the soon-to-be 27-year-old Concours d’Elegance: Watch this website – https://www.ameliaconcours.com – as tickets for The Amelia, set forThursday, March 3 through Sunday, March 6, go on sale in January.

Events now listed on the website include: Saturday’s Cars & Community, a celebration of the automobile featuring more than 300 vehicles on the same show field used for Sunday’s Concours d’Elegance; and a NASCAR Saturday Seminar hosted by Ray Evernham. The RM Sotheby’s auction, as well as the annual Silent Auction, will both be back in 2022.

Sign up to be a Concours volunteer at ameliaconcours.com/event/volunteer. More information on how to reserve spots for those events, as well as many others, is coming.

Nate Deremer photo

Bill and Jane Warner, founders of the award-winning 26-year-old Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance, now known as “The Amelia,” have been named Hagerty Grand Marshals for Sports Car Market Magazine’s 2022 SCM 1000 Classic.

The SCM 1000 Classic is a 1000-mile tour on Oregon’s scenic two-lane roads for classic American and European sports cars, limited to 45 vehicles as they explore the Columbia River Gorge and other highlights. Warner is a former motorsports photojournalist, race-car driver and an avid classic and significant car collector who handed The Amelia’s “keys” to Hagerty, which will now host the event with the purpose of saving driving and car culture for future generations.

“We are thrilled to have Bill and Jane Warner, as the Hagerty Grand Marshals,” SCM publisher Keith Martin said. “Bill’s passion for racing and cars has impacted the car collector and racing community in such a profound way. The Amelia Island Concours has become the playbook for other concours to follow.”

“I am honored that Keith has invited Jane and me to be the Hagerty Grand Marshals for the SCM 1000 Classic,” Warner said. “Jane is the patient and ever supportive wife of 55 years. Without her, things would not have been so fortuitous for me.”

The 6-day SCM 1000 Classic takes place July 17 to 22, featuring the cars of Italy through 1974, with others accepted by application. Registration is available at scm1000.com. The tour benefits the Oregon Wildfire Relief Fund.

The Warners will present “The Spirit of Amelia” award to the tour participants and car that most represent the enthusiasm and elegance of “The Amelia”

2022 Jacksonville RV MegaShow: Hosted by the Florida RV Trade Association from Thursday, Feb. 10 through Sunday, Feb. 13, at the Jacksonville Equestrian Center at 13611 Normandy Blvd. Show hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday. Regular admission is $10 for adults and children 12 years or younger are admitted free. Active and retired military and first responders receive half-off the regular admission. Hundreds of new recreational vehicles will be on display. The February event marks the 13th consecutive year the show has been held at the Jacksonville Equestrian Center.

Now the Car Shows:

Third annual Car Show: 8 a.m. Saturday at the Suwanee County Coliseum, 1302 11th St. in Live Oak. Proceeds support RIVEROAK SkillsUSA for local veterans.

Amelia Cruizers Car Show: noon to 4 p.m. on Sunday at Townies Pizza, 819 T.J. Courson Rd, Fernandina Beach

Relay for Life Rod Run: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 22 at the Northeast Florida Fair at 543378 U.S. 1 in Callahan. Hosted by the Callahan Cruisers of North Florida.

North Florida Legends Car Show: 4 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 22, at Dee’s Music Bar and Grill, 2141 Loch Rane Blvd. in Orange Park.

Knights of Columbus Council 13337 Charity Car Show: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 29, at The Classic Car Museum of St. Augustine, at 4730 U.S. 1 S./Dixie Highway South in St Augustine. Free for spectators and $25 for show vehicles day of show.

Peterson’s Automotive Showcase: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 5, at the Frank H. Peterson Academies, 7450 Wilson Blvd. in Jacksonville. The show is free for spectators and $25 for show vehicles.

Rumble at the Ranch – Hot Rod vs Rat Rod: May 5 through 7 at WW Motocross Park, 1439 Otis Road in Jacksonville. The event features burnout contests with a $1,500 purse, car show and other events.

The FIRM (Florida International Rally and Moto Park): Open Track Days held most weekends at the road course and rally course at 7266 Airport Road in Starke.

All the Cruise-ins

First Coast Car Council, Clay County Cruzers, Callahan Cruisers and Amelia Cruizers all hold regular weekend cruise-ins, so check their Facebook pages.

Caffeine and Octane Jacksonville: 8 to 11 a.m. every second Saturday at The Avenues Mall at 10300 Southside Blvd. 

The First Coast Car Council holds its newest cruise-in from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. every first Saturday at The Beaver Street Farmers Market, 1810 W. Beaver St. UPDATE: The Car Council’s second Saturday cruise-in suspended through the end of the year.

Clay County Cruzers’ events: 3 to 6 p.m. every first Saturday at Big Dawg Sports Restaurant, 1330 Blanding Blvd.; 3 to 6 p.m. every second Saturday at Gator’s Dockside Oakleaf at 8316 Merchants Way, Jacksonville; 5 p.m. every third Friday at Freddy’s Steakburgers at 386 Blanding Blvd.; 9 to 11 a.m. every fourth Saturday at Nicole’s Café, 2216 S. Mimosa Ave. in Middleburg; and 2 to 5 p.m. every fourth Saturday back at Gator’s Dockside Oakleaf, 316 Merchants Way, Jacksonville.

Cruise Night at Beachwalk: 5 to 8 p.m. every second Friday at the Beachwalk Amenity Center, 1000 County Road 210 in St. Johns.

Cruise Fruit Cove: 4 to 8 p.m. every third Saturday at the PDQ at 194 Florida 13 in Saint Johns, just south of Julington Creek.

Amelia Cruizers: 4 to 7 p.m. every third Saturday at Cold Stone Creamery, 808 Sadler Road, Fernandina Beach.

Jacksonville Caffeine and Gasoline: 7 to 10 a.m. on every first Saturday at the Orange Park Mall at 1910 Wells Road in Orange Park.

The Part’s House/The Brothers Banter Podcast Cruise-in: The renamed White Brothers Auto Parts Cruise-in at the same time – 5 to 8 p.m. every second Friday at 405 Lane Ave. N.

NEW – Auto Legends Amelia Cars and Coffee: 9 a.m. to noon every second Saturday at Mocama Beer Company, 629 S. 8th St. in Fernandina Beach.

Classic Car Museum of St. Augustine monthly cruise-ins: St. Augustine Cruiser’s “Cruise In” from 5 to 7 p.m. every third Saturday, and Cars and Coffee from 8 to 10 a.m. every fourth Saturday resuming on Nov. 27 (see above), both at 4730 U.S. 1 S./Dixie Highway South in St Augustine.

Cars and Coffee Fleming Island: 7 to 10 a.m. every third Sunday of the month at the New Vision Theatre at 1820 Town Center Blvd., Fleming Island.

Johnny Angels: 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. every third Friday at Johnny Angels diner at 3546 St. Johns Bluff Road S. 

Historic Springfield Main Street Cruise: 4 p.m. every fourth Saturday between 8th and 17th streets at Main Street in Jacksonville’s Springfield community.

And finally….

There’s a new blog in town for folks who groove on EVs (electric vehicles), slickly done by gearhead and retired journalist Bill Bortzfield. Called EV Rider – https://www.facebook.com/EVRiderFL –  Bill’s blog looks at folks who have gone solar with an EV as well as a long-term test of his own 2021 MINI Cooper SE EV. Bill updates charging station status, looks at some new EV ATVs and motorcycles, and more.

Courtesy of Mercedes-Benz

Speaking of EVs, here’s Mercedes-Benz’s latest: VISION EQXX.

M-B says a single charge “would take you from Berlin to Paris; from New York City to Cincinnati, Ohio; or from Beijing to Nanjing.” That’s because the concept is highly efficient.

“Based on average distances driven per year, a driver in the U.S. or China would have to fully recharge the VISION EQXX only twice per month, and in Europe, just once per month,” Mercedes-Benz said. “It is the result of a mission we set to break through technological barriers and lift energy efficiency to new heights.”

The company says the very aero concept sedan can do more than 1,000 kilometers (620 miles) on a single charge using a battery that would fit even into a compact vehicle. It has energy consumption of less than 10 kWh per 100 kilometers (or more than 6 miles per kWh). output of around 150 kW. Its drive unit consists of the electric motor, transmission and power electronics featuring a new generation of silicon carbides. Inside, a dashboard-wide screen and sustainable materials from mushrooms to bamboo, cactus and vegan silk.

Posted on

904 EVENTS CALENDAR DECEMBER 29, 2021

Happy New Year’s edition!

Caffeine and Octane Jacksonville: Attention, all those owners of Crowns and Ceras, of GT-Rs and HiJets, of Autozams and Beats – it is almost time to highlight Classic Japanese Vehicles in a special display within the Central Lot at the next C&O, from 8 to 11 a.m. on Saturday, January 8 at The Avenues mall’s south side at 10300 Southside Blvd.

Submit your ride for consideration here to join the estimated 1,000-plus cars, trucks and more at the free cruise-in. And remember – Caffeine and Octane Jacksonville is an all makes, all models show, with all parking spots first come/first serve.

Cars should start arriving by 7 a.m. to the Southside Boulevard side of the shopping mall, the best way in through Malabar Boulevard.
As always, there will be a Porsche section, and an exotics area, as well as hundreds of vintage and classic cars, muscle cars and so much more.

Official Caffeine and Octane merchandise is on sale at all Caffeine and Octane Jacksonville events.

Event news

Mecum Auctions

What could be the most legendary lead sled of them all, the 1951 Hirohata Mercury Coupe, is coming up for auction in Florida. And the sleek 2-tone coupe will have a sales estimate of $1 million to $1.25 million when it rolls onto the stage at the Saturday, Jan. 15 Mecum’s Kissimmee Auction.

The name “lead sled” came from the fact that customizers dropped, chopped and channeled Ford Chief Designer Bob Gregorie’s sleek 1949 Mercury design, using lead to smooth out its lines as they lowered the top for an even more dropped look. The Mercury, the centerpiece of a historic Great Mercury Customs class at the 2004 Amelia Island Concours, was named for original owner Bob Hirohata of Los Angeles, and custom built by Sam and George Barris. Seen in major car magazines of the day, like Hot Rod and Hop Up, it appeared in the 1955 film “Running Wild” starring Mamie Van Doren.

“The purpose of taking a production car was not that it wasn’t beautiful, but I wanted it to be different, look different and make it more aerodynamic. I wanted to proportion it within reason, not just because we lowered the top, or sectioned the body or got it low to the ground, but it had to have the perspective of being unique, attractive and aspirational to the people who look at it,” Barris told the Florida Times-Union in a story about the Hirohata Merc. “In my period, it was what we called pioneering. We had to pioneer customizing. Custom is spelled with a ‘C.’ When I did my cars, it stated with a ‘k.’ If I am going to change the car, I have to change the word.”

Californian Jim McNiel owned the spectacular 1951 Mercury Hirohata coupe since 1959, but his family is selling it after his death.

“It has been everywhere. I dated my wife in it. It has been part of me all these years,” he told the Times-Union in 2004. “It’s about time that people realize the amount of workmanship that went into these. This was young American kids doing what they thought was cool in the ’50s. George knew what was cool, and he captured that in what he built. All of these cars here are beautiful. They all have something unique, and it is the first time they have all been together.”

The coupe was radically re-sculpted by the King of Kalifornia Kustoms’ shop – 4 inches taken from the roof up front and 7 in the rear, a butted, V-type windshield finished the upper structure changes. Frenched Ford headlights and Lincoln taillights were added, plus 1952 Buick Riviera side spears with customized door skins and fender skirts. In recent years, the car was added to the National Historic Vehicle Register and displayed for a week in a glass enclosure on the National Mall in Washington D.C.

Car collector and historian Wayne Carini guides us through the classic coupe and its history in a Mecum video. And check out the full story on how the car came to be from Hagerty.

Speaking of The Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance: Watch this website – https://www.ameliaconcours.com – as tickets for the 27th annual Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance, set forThursday, March 3 through Sunday, March 6, go on sale in January.

Events now listed on the website include: Saturday’s Cars & Community, a celebration of the automobile featuring more than 300 vehicles on the same show field used for Sunday’s Concours d’Elegance; and a NASCAR Saturday Seminar hosted by Ray Evernham. The RM Sotheby’s auction, as well as the annual Silent Auction, will both be back in 2022.

Sign up to be a Concours volunteer at ameliaconcours.com/event/volunteer. More information on how to reserve spots for those events, as well as many others, is coming.

Now the Car Shows:

Third annual Car Show: 8 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 8 at the Suwanee County Coliseum, 1302 11th St. in Live Oak. Proceeds support RIVEROAK SkillsUSA for local veterans.

Amelia Cruizers Car Show: noon to 4 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 8, at Townies Pizza, 819 T.J. Courson Rd, Fernandina Beach

Relay for Life Rod Run: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 22 at the Northeast Florida Fair at 543378 U.S. 1 in Callahan. Hosted by the Callahan Cruisers of North Florida.

Knights of Columbus Council 13337 Charity Car Show: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 29, at The Classic Car Museum of St. Augustine, at 4730 U.S. 1 S./Dixie Highway South in St Augustine. Free for spectators and $25 for show vehicles day of show.

Peterson’s Automotive Showcase: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 5, at the Frank H. Peterson Academies, 7450 Wilson Blvd. in Jacksonville. The show is free for spectators and $25 for show vehicles.

Rumble at the Ranch – Hot Rod vs Rat Rod: May 5 through 7 at WW Motocross Park, 1439 Otis Road in Jacksonville. The event features burnout contests with a $1,500 purse, car show and other events. More info to follow at facebook.com/events/1252072518622329.ref=newsfeed.

The FIRM (Florida International Rally and Moto Park): Open Track Days held most weekends at the road course and rally course at 7266 Airport Road in Starke.

All the Cruise-ins

First Coast Car Council, Clay County Cruzers, Callahan Cruisers and Amelia Cruizers all hold regular weekend cruise-ins, so check their Facebook pages.

Jacksonville Caffeine and Gasoline: 7 to 10 a.m. on every first Saturday at the Orange Park Mall at 1910 Wells Road in Orange Park.

Happy New Years – the First Coast Car Council holds its newest cruise-in from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. this and every first Saturday at The Beaver Street Farmers Market, 1810 W. Beaver St. UPDATE: The Car Council’s second Saturday cruise-in suspended through the end of the year.

Clay County Cruzers’ events: 3 to 6 p.m. every first Saturday at Big Dawg Sports Restaurant, 1330 Blanding Blvd.; 3 to 6 p.m. every second Saturday at Dick’s Wings, 1803 East-West Parkway in Fleming Island; 5 p.m. every third Friday at Freddy’s Steakburgers at 386 Blanding Blvd.; 9 to 11 a.m. every fourth Saturday at Nicole’s Café, 2216 S. Mimosa Ave. in Middleburg; and 2 to 5 p.m. every fourth Saturday at Gator’s Dockside Oakleaf, 316 Merchants Way, Jacksonville.

The Part’s House/The Brothers Banter Podcast Cruise-in: The renamed White Brothers Auto Parts Cruise-in at the same time – 5 to 8 p.m. every second Friday at 405 Lane Ave. N.

NEW – Auto Legends Amelia Cars and Coffee: 9 a.m. to noon every second Saturday at Mocama Beer Company, 629 S. 8th St. in Fernandina Beach.

Cruise Night at Beachwalk: 5 to 8 p.m. every second Friday at the Beachwalk Amenity Center, 1000 County Road 210 in St. Johns.

Caffeine and Octane Jacksonville: 8 to 11 a.m. every second Saturday at The Avenues Mall at 10300 Southside Blvd. Information: https://bit.ly/3gPRvVQ.

Cruise Fruit Cove: 4 to 8 p.m. every third Saturday at the PDQ at 194 Florida 13 in Saint Johns, just south of Julington Creek.

Amelia Cruizers: 4 to 7 p.m. every third Saturday at Cold Stone Creamery, 808 Sadler Road, Fernandina Beach.

Classic Car Museum of St. Augustine monthly cruise-ins: St. Augustine Cruiser’s “Cruise In” from 5 to 7 p.m. every third Saturday, and Cars and Coffee from 8 to 10 a.m. every fourth Saturday resuming on Nov. 27 (see above), both at 4730 U.S. 1 S./Dixie Highway South in St Augustine.

Cars and Coffee Fleming Island: 7 to 10 a.m. every third Sunday of the month at the New Vision Theatre at 1820 Town Center Blvd., Fleming Island.

Johnny Angels: 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. every third Friday at Johnny Angels diner at 3546 St. Johns Bluff Road S. 

Historic Springfield Main Street Cruise: 4 p.m. every fourth Saturday between 8th and 17th streets at Main Street in Jacksonville’s Springfield community.

And finally….

By now, everyone has seen the 1946 classic, “It’s A Wonderful Life,” and remembers George Bailey (Jimmy Stewart) crashing his 1010 Dodge brothers touring car into the tree, just before (SPOILER ALERT) he meets Clarence the angel.

Well, Hagerty has a story about that very same black Dodge, now owned by Keith Smith and complete down to its wood-spoked wheels, leather upholstery, and a small, circular brass tag on the dash that proves it was a Twentieth Century-Fox movie prop.

FYI – The Classic Car Museum of St. Augustine has an earlier version of the same car – a 1914 Dodge Brothers Touring Car – the second oldest car in the museum on U.S. 1.

Costing $800 when new, it is one of the first 249 cars built by Horace and John Dodge, with a 25-hp four-cylinder engine under its bonnet.

Posted on

904 EVENTS CALENDAR DECEMBER 21, 2021

Jacksonville Car Culture events calendar

Happy Holidays edition!

Caffeine and Octane Jacksonville: It’s 8 to 11 a.m. on Saturday, January 8 at The Avenues mall’s south side at 10300 Southside Blvd. Cars should start arriving by 7 a.m., the best way in through Malabar Boulevard off Southside Boulevard.

Next month, we highlight Classic Japanese Vehicles in a special display within the Central Lot.

Submit your ride for consideration here to join the estimated 1,000-plus cars, trucks and more at the free cruise-in. Caffeine and Octane Jacksonville is an all makes, all models show, and remember – parking spots are first come/first serve.

As always, there will be a Porsche section, and an exotics area, as well as hundreds of vintage and classic cars, muscle cars and so much more.

Official Caffeine and Octane merchandise is on sale at all Caffeine and Octane Jacksonville events.

Event news

The Amelia Concours d’Elegance: Watch this website – https://www.ameliaconcours.com – as tickets for The 27th annual Amelia, set for Thursday, March 3 through Sunday, March 6, go on sale in January.

Events now listed on the website include: Saturday’s Cars & Community, a celebration of the automobile featuring more than 300 vehicles on the same show field used for Sunday’s Concours d’Elegance; and a NASCAR Saturday Seminar hosted by Ray Evernham. The RM Sotheby’s auction, as well as the annual Silent Auction, will both be back in 2022.

More information on how to reserve spots for those events, as well as many others, is coming.

Honda will inspire young people to follow their dreams with its “Believe and Achieve!” float as it leads the 133rd Rose Parade at 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 1 on ABC and NBC. And a Snapchat filter will enable viewers to build a virtual jet pack to fly over the parade route as a 2022 Acura NSX Type S and 2022 Honda Passport TrailSport (sound vehicle) serve as official parade vehicles as Honda celebrates its 12th years as a presenting sponsor.

 Image provided by Honda

The float will have four Honda women associates aboard as it celebrates science, technology, engineering, arts and math (STEAM) education by depicting a young girl whose dreams have taken flight with a rocket pack she designed and built through her own efforts, ingenuity and passion. Sue Bai is a chief engineer and division director at Honda Research Institute in Ann Arbor, Mich.; Nicole Harvel is an engineering coordinator and lead material engineer of the Material Analysis Lab at Honda`s manufacturing plant in Timmonsville, S.C.; Melanie Morimoto is asenior fabricator at American Honda in Torrance, Calif.; and Yolanda Pate is the quality division lead for Honda`s Alabama Auto Plant in Lincoln, Ala.

More news:

Jacksonville’s Bill Warner donated his 93-year-old No. 88 Simplex Piston Ring Special, built and raced back then by Bert Moyers, to the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America at 1801 W. International Speedway Blvd. in Daytona Beach.

 Motorsports Hall of Fame/Thomas R. Miller Photography

Believed to be the last surviving race car of its kind, the car was built by Moyers in Jacksonville using a 1928 Chevrolet engine and brakes, a 1926 rear axle from the same maker, and a 1927 Whippet radiator, all atop a shortened, narrowed 1927 Essex frame. Moyers campaigned it on beach courses from Jacksonville to Daytona Beach as well as a track at what is Jacksonville Naval Air Station.

Warner, founder and chairman emeritus of The Amelia Concours d’Elegance, found the car partially restored in 2006 in a Jacksonville garage where Moyer’s son had begun restoration. He and others restored the car, unveiling it to the Moyers family at the 2007 Amelia Concours. Now he has donated it to the Hall of Fame at Daytona International Speedway.

“This car, well, it’s not something I can push a button and drive,” Warner said at the museum, according to a Facebook post. “I’m on the MSHFA Board of Directors. I’m 78 years old. If I died tomorrow, my family wouldn’t know what to do with this jewel. I felt like it had to go somewhere where it would be appreciated and tell a story. It was natural that it would come here. It’s here next to the Richard Petty (stock) car, the Mickey Thompson truck and Bob Tullius’ prototype sports car. It’s in a place with cars it belongs with. I’m glad this car has a really good home. It gives the public a chance to see exactly what racing was like back in those days.”

The Florida Times-Union documented the race cars’ discovery, restoration and reintroduction to the Pablo Beach sands it used to race on in a 2009 story.

Now the Car Shows:

Third annual Car Show: 8 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 8 at the Suwanee County Coliseum, 1302 11th St. in Live Oak. Proceeds support RIVEROAK SkillsUSA for local veterans.

Relay for Life Rod Run: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 22 at the Northeast Florida Fair at 543378 U.S. 1 in Callahan. Hosted by the Callahan Cruisers of North Florida.

Knights of Columbus Council 13337 Charity Car Show: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 29, at The Classic Car Museum of St. Augustine, at 4730 U.S. 1 S./Dixie Highway South in St Augustine. Free for spectators and $25 for show vehicles day of show.

Rumble at the Ranch – Hot Rod vs Rat Rod: May 5 through 7 at WW Motocross Park, 1439 Otis Road in Jacksonville. The event features burnout contests with a $1,500 purse, car show and other events. More info to follow at facebook.com/events/1252072518622329.ref=newsfeed.

The FIRM (Florida International Rally and Moto Park): Open Track Days held most weekends at the road course and rally course at 7266 Airport Road in Starke.

All the Cruise-ins

First Coast Car Council, Clay County Cruzers, Callahan Cruisers and Amelia Cruizers all hold regular weekend cruise-ins, so check their Facebook pages.

Historic Springfield Main Street Cruise: 4 p.m. every fourth Saturday between 8th and 17th streets at Main Street in Jacksonville’s Springfield community. Yes, it will be held Christmas Day.

Jacksonville Caffeine and Gasoline: 7 to 10 a.m. on every first Saturday at the Orange Park Mall at 1910 Wells Road in Orange Park. 

Clay County Cruzers’ events: 3 to 6 p.m. every first Saturday at Big Dawg Sports Restaurant, 1330 Blanding Blvd.; 3 to 6 p.m. every second Saturday at Dick’s Wings, 1803 East-West Parkway in Fleming Island; 5 p.m. every third Friday at Freddy’s Steakburgers at 386 Blanding Blvd.; 9 to 11 a.m. every fourth Saturday at Nicole’s Café, 2216 S. Mimosa Ave. in Middleburg; and 2 to 5 p.m. every fourth Saturday at Gator’s Dockside Oakleaf, 316 Merchants Way, Jacksonville.

First Coast Car Council events: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. every first Saturday at The Beaver Street Farmers Market, 1810 W. Beaver St. UPDATE: The Car Council’s second Saturday cruise-in suspended through the end of the year.

NEW – Crossroad Cruise-in: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. each first Saturday at Crossroad Church at 10005 Gate Parkway N.

NEW – Auto Legends Amelia Cars and Coffee: 9 a.m. to noon every second Saturday at Mocama Beer Company, 629 S. 8th St. in Fernandina Beach.

Cruise Night at Beachwalk: 5 to 8 p.m. every second Friday at the Beachwalk Amenity Center, 1000 County Road 210 in St. Johns.

Caffeine and Octane Jacksonville: 8 to 11 a.m. every second Saturday at The Avenues Mall at 10300 Southside Blvd. Information: https://bit.ly/3gPRvVQ.

Cruise Fruit Cove: 4 to 8 p.m. every third Saturday at the PDQ at 194 Florida 13 in Saint Johns, just south of Julington Creek.

Amelia Cruizers: 4 to 7 p.m. every third Saturday at Cold Stone Creamery, 808 Sadler Road, Fernandina Beach.

Classic Car Museum of St. Augustine monthly cruise-ins: St. Augustine Cruiser’s “Cruise In” from 5 to 7 p.m. every third Saturday, and Cars and Coffee from 8 to 10 a.m. every fourth Saturday resuming on Nov. 27 (see above), both at 4730 U.S. 1 S./Dixie Highway South in St Augustine.

Cars and Coffee Fleming Island: 7 to 10 a.m. every third Sunday of the month at the New Vision Theatre at 1820 Town Center Blvd., Fleming Island.

The Part’s House/The Brothers Banter Podcast Cruise-in: The renamed White Brothers Auto Parts Cruise-in at the same time – 5 to 8 p.m. every second Friday at 405 Lane Ave. N.

Johnny Angels: 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. every third Friday at Johnny Angels diner at 3546 St. Johns Bluff Road S. 

And finally….

Courtesy of Lotus

Lotus has released a new film of the Lotus Emira in action, showing the V-6 First Edition being put through its paces by Gavan Kershaw on the iconic Hethel test track.

Kershaw, the director of attributes and product integrity at Lotus Cars, leads the dynamic development of their products. Amid some sideways action at Hethel, he explains the Emira’s performance on both the track and the road on the video.

“With the 3.5-liter V-6 configuration and the supercharger, you start an acceleration from as low as 1,500 rpm,” he said. “The car just pulls and pulls and pulls, getting stronger and stronger as the revs increase. This is what a real sports car feels like.”

The video also allows Kershaw to expand on the car’s driving performance, and four different driving modes – Tour, for maximum stability and control; Sport, for increased body slip and throttle response; Race, with even greater motorsport-derived dynamics and a revised instrument cluster; and Fully Off, where the stability control is completely disengaged.