The 23rd annual Amelia Concours will celebrate the creation of the Super Bike category by honoring the Italian marques that began it all.
1974 Ducati 750SS photo courtesy of Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum
The prewar classics of Moto Guzzi and Benelli were joined by Italy's postwar powerhouses; Laverda, Ducati, and, of course, the hyper exotic 75-time World Champion MV Agusta in the pantheon of Italian exotics.
Long before the label "Super Bike" was coined Italian motorcycles won the great Isle of Man Tourist Trophy -- the "TT", motorcycling's most famous, evocative, romantic and dangerous road race -- a disproportionate 47 times. Moto Guzzi was the first Italian motorcycle to win the island classic in 1935. It launched a tradition.
1956 MV Agusta 250 GP photo courtesy of Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum
A fleet of 13 exotic Italian motorcycles, covering a quarter century, from Benelli, Ducati, Laverda, Moto Guzzi and MV Agusta have been selected to make the ultimate fantasy collection for the 23rd Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance's Motorcycle class on March 11, 2018.
1976 Benelli SEI photo courtesy of Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum
"We have assembled a premium collection of exotic and thoroughbred Italian motorcycle
s with the stature, presence and reputation of Italy's most famous sports and grand touring cars," said John Duss, "The Amelia's" resident motorcycle expert. "These are true classics by any definition and represent the pinnacle of Italian design and motorcycle poise and performance."
For 2018, John Duss will be joined by Vicki Smith and Paul Teutul Jr. to judge The Amelia's motorcycle class.
Smith is active in the Ducati motorcycle community as a rider, historian, curator and collector. She produces Ducati online daily, Ducati.com, the worldwide Ducati Owner's Club, Ducati.net, and, along with her partner, noted Ducati restorer Rich Lambrechts, owns and operates Desmo Pro, which specializes in restorations for museums and select collectors.
Teutul is the founder of Paul Jr. Designs and is known for his work as the chief designer and fabricator of the motorcycles featured in the hit television series American Chopper on the Discovery Channel.
Paul Teutul Jr rides one of his custom motorcycles during the 2017 Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance
THE AMELIA ISLAND CONCOURS d'ELEGANCE SILENT AUCTION NOW ONLINE AND TAKING BIDS
A long standing tradition, The Amelia's Silent Auction raises money to support the Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance Foundation. Volunteers work throughout the year to procure rare and interesting automotive-related memorabilia which is displayed throughout the weekend at Plaza 1 in the Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island. Bids are placed and winners announced the evening of Saturday March 10.
For 2018, The Amelia Silent Auction will use Bidpal technology to enhance the experience and open the bidding to individuals who are not able to visit Amelia Island, Florida in person.
IMPORTANT: In order to bid, whether online or in person, each individual must register by clicking on the "sign in" link at the top right corner. Register online now, or allow one of The Amelia's volunteers to help you sign up when you arrive at the event.
While the online Silent Auction is open for bids 24/7, the physical Silent Auction hours are as follows:
* Thursday March 8, 3:00pm-6:00pm
* Friday March 9, 10:00am-6:00pm
* Saturday March 10, 10:00am-4:00pm
Today's Featured Items:
The Amelia's Silent Auction 2018 features some unique experiences including an exclusive visit to Jay Leno's Big Dog Garage, a private tour of Ray Evernham's collection and The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering with Karma Automotive.
Tickets for the 23rd annual Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance on March 9-11, 2018 at the Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island are available now.
Click Here for Ticket Locations
