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Richard Petty is, most likely, the most popular Nascar driver throughout the series's history. I've been to his impressive facilities in North Carolina. The cars shown here are some of his collection he brought with him to the Amelia Island show.

As you would imagine, the crowds swarmed him as he walked around in the display area. I had gotten close to him when he abruptly changed directions. He stepped on my foot. He graciously apologized before moving on. I felt like a fool.

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FL Streetrodder

Tom, it seems somewhat paradoxical that Amelia Island would allow such "low brow" vehicles to grace the grounds of their show! I guess it's encouraging that they recognize the significance of the "Good 'ol Boys" of NASCAR as homegrown American racers. Long live the King! As usual, great photography on your part!!!

MrBob Loc: lookout Mtn. NE Alabama

I REALLY love the last shot of The Oldsmobile.... Don't see many of the older late 50's Oldsmobile Iron. BTW, If any of you have the opportunity to do a " Richard Petty " experience... just DO IT ! The REAL THING, just detuned a little.

pdsdville Loc: Midlothian, Tx

The last shot is fantastic of that old Olds. The rest are great but I love the last one.

Earnest Botello Loc: Hockley, Texas

Excellent series, Tom.

UTMike Loc: South Jordan, UT

Not what I would expect at Amelia Island, Tom.

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For those Oldsmobile fans ( and I'm one myself ) here's another shot of that car.

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Curmudgeon Loc: SE Arizona

What a beautiful set of iconic cars of a bygone era.

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Hi, Bob.

The man who founded the Amelia Island Concours, Bill Warner, a Jacksonville businessman, photographer. and car collector, had a clear vision of where he wanted to take the show. Certainly, he wanted to attract the " high brow " crowd that was, and is, the mainstay of the Pebble Beach show in Monterey, CA. But having written for the "Road and Track " magazine, he recognized and appreciated the benefits of creating an event that had a much greater range of appeal that would, obviously, attract a much larger enthusiast base.

With Mr. Warner's savvy as a businessman, his contacts in the automotive industry, and his understanding of what the public craved and would support, he has succeeded in creating what is now acknowledged as the premier auto show in the world. The Pebble Beach exhibitors embraced the Amelia show because of its less formal, more relaxing atmosphere. I know that's a fact because I've had conversations with some of those folks and that's their position.

The creation of a venue that could successfully merge and foster the participation of such a diverse group of enthusiasts has been monumentally successful.

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I suar appreciate you joining in and commenting.

Tom

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Join the crowd, Dean. I'm glad you stopped by.

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Thanks, Earnest.

I figured you'd like it.

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Actually, Mike, the Amelia show has benefitted from this element of exhibitors for quite some time, but only when and if the " product " is of this caliber.

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Thank, Jack.

I appreciate you commenting.

jack schade Loc: La Pine Oregon

Well done.

Jack