Fort Clinch, Amelia Island Florida
September 28, 2019
The Challenge
What do you get when you combine an eclectic mix of vintage cars, Civil War era fort, and a warm early autumn day, all in a location known throughout the world for its legendary Concours d’Elegance? We will let you decide.
The Cars
“Eclectic mix of cars?” you may ask.
Where else will you find a national award winning 1934 Chevrolet Roadster Ute, one of only two built with a well-side body, parked next to a 1969 Camaro Z26? No, that is not a typo! Check out that Chevy 250 CID engine topped with a four-barrel carb with twin air intakes.
There were Austin-Healeys, Corvairs, MGs, Mustangs, Porsches and Triumphs.
Add in a classic Alfa-Romeo, Firebird, Lotus and Rolls-Royce with a good assortment of Corvettes, including a pristine 1957 that won the People’s Choice Award, the only recognition granted.
Still, there were a few classics missing. There were no Bentleys, no C-2 Corvettes, no Jaguar XKs, first generation Mustangs or Porsche 914s. Why? Perhaps you will correct that next year.
The Setting
The cars were protected the thick brick walls and and cannon battery of historic Fort Clinch, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean channel leading to Fernandina’s harbor and the Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay.
Construction of Fort Clinch was started in 1847 but was not complete by the beginning of the Civil War. Although it was occupied by both Confederate and Union forces, it did not play a meaningful role in that conflict. It became Florida’s first State Park in 1935. Today it is a well maintained example of mid-19th century masonry fort.
Cars and Cannons is hosted by Friends of Fort Clinch and AutoLegends Amelia. It is held in late September and open to vintage cars manufactured prior to 1995. Check it out at:
Alpha Gearhead 