Held on the eve of the 2023 Amelia Island Concours, the inaugural edition of The Hangar proved to be everything it promised and more. The event, curated and produced by CarCoterie, was a magnificent gathering of significant automobiles posed against a sun-setting backdrop of luxury and vintage aircraft on the tarmac of Bent Wing Flight Services of Fernandina Beach. A more perfect backdrop for such an event could not be asked for.
A car collector’s dream, the menu of vehicles presented offered an eclectic selection for even the most ‘pure’ of enthusiasts, ranging from a “Survivor” 1955 Mercedes Benz 300SL ‘Gullwing’ all the way to Jim Glickenhaus’s SCG 007 #709, which placed 3rd at the 2022 24hrs of LeMans.
The festivities included live music, great food and amazing cocktails. Shamin Abas and Jeffrey Einhorn sure know how to throw a party, and best of all, part of the proceeds of the ticket sales from the event benefited the Friends of Fernandina Aviation organization.
Having never met Shamin and Jeffrey, I have to tip my hat off to these two individuals for putting on an amazing exhibition. Many of my friends and clients had cars on display at the event and I can tell you, it won’t be long before The Hangar becomes the must-attend event of the Amelia Island Concours weekend.
The main highlight of the event (for me at least) was the appearance of the Max Bobnar ‘Turbo Countach’. I’ve shot this Lamborghini before while my good friend John Temerian had it at @wearecurated, but I was never satisfied with the setting in which I photographed it. I can now say that I FINALLY! have a shot that I’m happy with and to top it off, the guys from @rally invited me to NY to shoot it at their warehouse.
The other eye-opener at the event was the 1970 Porsche 917K Chassis 022. This race car was leased by Solar Productions/Steve McQueen for the making of the movie ‘Le Mans’ back in 1971 and was also previously owned by renowned Porsche collector and world-famous comedian, Jerry Seinfeld.
As you walked across the tarmac, it was virtually impossible to maintain focus on a single car. Just as you spotted that Porsche 904/6 GTS in the distance, a Jaguar XJ220 managed to get in your way, and then a stunning Ferrari F-40 after that, such was the story all evening long as you moved from place to place. Aside from the cars, the aircraft on the tarmac were nothing short of spectacular and the crowd truly enjoyed touring the cabins.
The sight of amazing cars, coupled with the sound of jet engines amidst the lively music, food and drinks, made for a sensory experience that only car-people can fully understand. It had been a long time since I last attended a car event in such a setting. Catching up with old friends and clients, as well as meeting new ones, is what these events are all about. I cannot wait to see what next year’s event will hold and what surprises it will bring.
See you next year!
Top Speed Journal 