The Amelia Concours awarded its top prizes to a 1931 Duesenberg Model J “Tapertail” Speedster by Weymann and a 1969 McLaren M8B. The cars were among 275 entrants at this year’s event, which culminated with Cars & Caffeine at The Golf Club of Amelia Island on Sunday, March 8. The Amelia Concours Auction by Broad Arrow also took place, resulting in more than $107 million in cars trading hands.
Best of Show – Concours d’Elegance: 1931 Duesenberg Model J ‘Tapertail’ Speedster by Weymann; William Lyon Family, Coto de Caza, California
This Duesenberg Model J carries a one-of-a-kind “Tapertail” speedster body on its short-wheelbase chassis (no. 2450). The body was designed by Gordon Buehrig, who also designed the final Auburn Speedster and the revolutionary Cord 810/812. It was fabricated by Weymann America Co. and installed by the Duesenberg factory.
The car was built to order for its first owner, Walter Varney, a businessman and pilot from San Francisco whose air mail operation later became United Airlines. The “Tapertail” is a true speedster, lacking exterior door handles and roll-up windows. Unusual design elements for the time include the absence of running boards or steps, a single-person rumble seat and elegant pontoon fenders.
“I haven’t been to The Amelia Concours in 12 years, but the Hagerty team welcomed us with great hospitality,” said Bill H. Lyon, caretaker of the winning Duesenberg. “It’s been a fantastic visit. The weather has been great, the experience was great, and winning the show, obviously, was icing on the cake.”
Best of Show – Concours de Sport: 1969 McLaren M8B; Mouse Motors, Chicago, Illinois
The McLaren M8B Chassis No. 2 was the defining car of the 1969 Can-Am “Bruce and Denny Show.” Bruce McLaren piloted this chassis to dominate the 1969 season and secure the driver’s championship with victories at Watkins Glen, Mosport Park, Mid-Ohio, Road America, Michigan, and Laguna Seca.
The distinctive and iconic McLaren Orange 1969 Can-Am Championship Winner was co-piloted by teammate Denny Hulme. Together, the duo won all 11 races of the 1969 season. Powered by a 7.0-liter Chevy V-8 producing more than 630 horsepower, the McLaren remains one of the all-time greats of the Can-Am era.
“Our goal was to bring awareness to this car’s story,” said Mike Marzano, caretaker of the winning McLaren. “It hasn’t been out there much over the years, so we were thrilled to share it at The Amelia Concours. The event is great for collectors and enthusiasts alike.”
Broad Arrow Auctions’ Most Successful Auction to Date
Broad Arrow Auctions saw another outstanding sale at The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island, on the final day of its March 6–7 Amelia Concours Auction, officials stated in a press release. The Saturday sale capped off what is Broad Arrow’s most successful auction since the company was founded in 2021.
The auction currently sits at an overall total of over $107 million before post-sale activities and official results, topped by a single-owner, Nero D.S. 2003 Ferrari Enzo at $15,185,000. Broad Arrow’s Saturday lineup at The Amelia Concours Auction was led by an original 1972 Lamborghini Miura P400 SV, which spent more than half a century with a single American private collector. Estimated to bring $3,500,000–$4,000,000, the Lamborghini sold for $6,605,000, surpassing the previous record for any Miura at auction by more than $1,700,000, noted the release.
Final results will be available at broadarrowauctions.com.