The Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance

[Carl Beck]

Black Dragon sent me a Calendar for 2009....

January has a great picture of the BRE 300 240Z Baja car in it's restored splendor

Jay

Not just a Z - zdisease

Hi Jay:

The picture on the Calendar was taken by Peter Brock. I'm thinking of having it enlarged for a full wall mural ;-) Mr. and Mrs Brock were hired by Classic Motorsports Magazine to do a photo shoot, in support of an article published in the Sept. 2008 issue. I was pleasantly surprised to see it on their 2009 Calendar.

If you are interested, I have a semi-private web page with pictures taken during the photo shoot. Several of the guys were there to help me get the car staged, in very cold and windy conditions. hls30.com scouted out possible locations and then picked the most difficult and beautiful one. You are welcome to visit See: http://ZHome.com/Amelia/Amelia.htm

Mr. Brock and his wife have their own Web Site now - and they are putting a lot of the pictures and information about Mr. Brock's amazing career on line. This was wonderful news if you are a Corvette, Cobra Daytona Coupe and/or BRE DATSUN fan. See: http://BRE2.net

FWIW,

Carl B.

[hls30.com]

Here are some more details on the Get together in Saturday, March 14th

I have rented pavilion #5 on Big Talbot Island State Park for a full day of "Z Enthusiast" use

Park access is $3 for a single person car, $4 for a car with more than one person.

The pavilion has tables, grills, and shade/cover.

I'll bring some picknick fare, and welcome anyone else to as well. Please Pm me and we'll coordinate our efforts.

As with all State parks Alcohol is not allowed.

For those of you with family plans, the Jacksonville Zoo is on the same road(Heckscher)-its entryway is called Zoo Parkway. It is easily a full day to visit-to do it right, they'll need two days!

Here are its details:

Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens

370 Zoo Parkway

Jacksonville, FL 32218

(904) 757-4463

info@jacksonvillezoo.org

Hours

Mon - Fri: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Sat - Sun: 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Admission

Adults: $13.00 (13 and up)

Seniors: $11.00 (65 and up)

Children: $8.00 (ages 3 - 12)

Children under 3: Free

Jaxzoo.pdf

Edited January 18, 2009 by hls30.com

[rdefabri]

I'm really excited to have the BRE Baja Z invited this year. To my knowledge it is the first DATSUN 240-Z so honored. A small group of us have been working hard to get the DATSUN 240-Z recognized for the Classic that it is, and on display at the Countries most prestigious events. I am hoping to have time to meet more of the members of the Amelia Concours Committee this year, and get more DATSUN 240-Z's invited to the event, as well as other top flight Classic Shows in the future.

Carl - much needed and great to hear. I recall reading somewhere that Steve Earle was one that didn't give the 240Z much respect, that needs to change.

Getting your car invited to Amelia is fantastic - I am certain you'll get a good amount of interest!

[hls30.com]

I received the Pavillion Rental Confirmation today.

To nail down the particulars,

Pavilion #5 at the North Beach is rented For "Z Enthusiasts" from sunrise to sunset on Saturday, March 14th 2009. The Pavilion is rated at 40 adults, has 8 picnic tables, between two and four grills, a beach access boardwalk right off of it, and is convenient to restrooms, shower facilities, and most importantly 104 parking places!

Will

I almost forgot, The cars Parade in down the Amelia Island Causeway starting EARLY Sunday morning, so if you plan to park together we will have to park EARLY, or the night before...

Edited January 22, 2009 by hls30.com

[26th-Z]

Check out the schedule of events. Great stuff not to miss. The " great customizers" session is Friday. The panel discussion and Q&A session with Parnelli Jones, Bobby Unser, Johnny Rutherford & Jim Rathmann is Saturday morning. David Hobbs makes his entrance Saturday morning at 9:30. Slot car racing, center court, Ritz Carlton tennis courts all day long Friday and Saturday. A bunch of displays and silent action events. Of course, there are several receptions. Sounds like too much fun.

[280~Master]

We are getting closer to the show. I have confirmed reservations and driving plans. Found out Peter Brock is going to be there again.

[hls30.com]

Twelve Days to the Amelia Island Concours!

Join us there to celebrate Carl's Invitation to show his exquisitely restored BRE Rally Z on the field! Add to that Peter Brock(founder and owner of BRE and more recently BRE2.net for those that don't know) will be Judging in the show, and a cast of many more racing legends, Automotive Enthusiasts, and Celebrities-Including the Infamous Carl Beck!!!!!

We will be having an impromptu Z get together on Saturday the 14th at Pavillion #5 at the North Beach of Little Talbot State Park.

John(280~Master) and I will be traveling down Friday(the 13th!) morning to attend "The Great Customizers" panel talk, and to research the new acceptance and involvement of Japanese cars in the concourse!

Will

[hls30.com]

Here are the last of the Little Talbot State Park particulars!

The park is open 8am to dusk,

Park Entry Fees

Admission Fees: $4.00 per vehicle (up to 8 passengers). Single Car Occupant: $3.00

Motorcycle Fee (one or two persons):$3.00

Pedestrians, bicyclists, extra passengers, passengers in vehicles with a holder of an Annual Individual Entrance permit: $1.00 per person.

Special Events for Little Talbot Island State Park

* ARCHAEOLOGY OF THE TALBOT ISLANDS

Date: Saturday, March 14th, 2009. 1:00 p.m.

Description: Join a Park Ranger for a look into the archeological resources left behind by previous cultures. Find out what we find today and what makes the Talbot Islands so significant. The program will take place at pavilion one on Little Talbot Island. No reservations are necessary and the program is free with regular park admission.

Fees: The program is free with regular park admission.

Contact: For more information, call 904-251-2320.

Beaches

Little Talbot Island offers four and half miles of beautiful beaches. With two parking areas and 5 boardwalks, access to the beach is easy. Three bathhouses and outdoor showers are also provided for your beach enjoyment.

Bicycling can be enjoyed throughout the park, whether you prefer to stay on the paved two and a half mile Park Drive, or ride along the hard packed sand of the beach. A limited number of bicycles are available for rent at the Ranger Station.

Guided Segway Trips. Looking for a unique and exhilarating experience? Explore the beauty of these barrier islands as never before—on Segways®. EcoMotion Tours is one of Talbot Islands State Parks’ visitors service providers operating on Little Talbot Island and nearby Fort George Island. EcoMotion Tours uses Segway transporters to provide an enjoyable and modern way of touring. Segways are two-wheeled, battery-powered devices that respond to the way you lean. These eco-friendly transporters are quiet and easy on the trails, providing a wonderful way to explore nature without disturbing its inhabitants. You’ll be equipped with a wireless headset so our guides can point out the fascinating plant and animal life along the trails.

Ecomotion Tours provides helmets, orientation and training to ensure everyone has a relaxed and safe experience. No experience is necessary, but there is a minimum age requirement (13 years old) and a weight requirement (between 100-250lbs). Riders under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult. All guided trips include instruction, interpretation, bottled water, and a snack. RESERVATIONS ARE REQUIRED.

The tour on Little Talbot Island is a 5-mile trip through a mature maritime forest that leads to the beach. You’ll enjoy watching the true beauty of a coastal hammock unfold as your cross-terrain Segway transports you along this amazing island trail. This trip departs from the north parking lot of Little Talbot Island and will last about 2.5 hours.

There are two tour options available for Fort George Island. The morning tour is nearly four miles long and travels through the island’s maritime forest and visits Kingsley Plantation. The afternoon tour is approximately an hour long and omits the Kingsley segment. Fort George tours depart from the Ribault Club. On these tours you’ll hear the storied history of the island and see up close the unique flora indigenous to this habitat.

Visit Ecomotion Tours for schedules and call 904-251-9477 to make reservations.

Canoeing/Kayaking Icon

Canoeing & Kayaking

Long Island Outfitters is Talbot Islands State Park's canoe and kayak visitor service provider located on AIA between Little Talbot and Big Talbot Islands. The service is operated by Kayak Amelia and offers everything from basic rentals to special focus guided trips.

The facility provides local information including maps, safety information, and possible routes. Inside the concession, you'll find snacks and drinks, restrooms, and souvenirs. Canoe and kayak rentals are available, or if you have your own, there is access to a hand launch ramp.

Kayak Amelia offers guided paddles including; birding paddles, tai-chi paddles, sunset and full-moon paddles, and special focus paddles. All guided trips include instruction, snack, and interpretation.

For those bringing their own kayaks or canoes the fees for using the hand-launch at Long Island Outfitters is $1.00 per person. Long Island Outfitters is open from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm throughout the year, however it is closed on Wednesdays December through February. For additional information contact Kayak Amelia at 904-251-0016 or the Ranger Station at Little Talbot Island State Park (904-251-2320).

Fishing Icon

Fishing

With literally miles of beach, Little Talbot is a surf fishing paradise. The list of species caught from this beach is long. Check with the ranger at the gate or strike up a conversation with one of the regulars; either should know what is biting and where.

The coastal salt marsh on the "back" side of the island offers superb light tackle angling. From tailing redfish to bottom hugging flounder, ambushing trout to hard pulling black drum, you are sure to find something to "stretch your string."

Camping is offered on the western side of Little Talbot Island along Myrtle Creek, approximately a quarter of a mile from the beach. Our campground has 40 campsites, each with water, electricity, an in-ground fire ring, and a picnic table. Most of the sites are nicely shaded by huge moss-draped Live Oak trees.

Little Talbot offers the opportunity of sampling a complete cross section of a coastal barrier island.

Exposing a variety of the island's wildlife, the Nature Trail is anchored at one corner of the campground and provides a comfortable walk of approximately one mile.

The Hiking Trail winds four miles through five distinct natural communities, including maritime hammock, beach dune, and depression marsh and finishes its last mile and a quarter with a breathtaking stroll on the sandy beach.

If you choose to hike the trails, always check in at the ranger station and remember your water, sunscreen, and insect repellant.

Pets must be confined, leashed (not to exceed six feet in length) or otherwise under the physical control of a person at all times. Tethered pets must not be left unattended for more than 30 minutes. Quiet hours must be observed from 11:00 p.m. - 8:00 a.m. Pet owners must pick up after their pets and properly dispose of all pet droppings in trash receptacles. Florida law requires that pets be vaccinated against rabies. Any pet that is noisy, dangerous, intimidating or destructive will not be allowed to remain in the park. Non-furbearing pets, such as reptiles, birds, or fish must be confined or under the physical control of the owner. Some animals may be prohibited on park property. Failure to abide by these rules may result in the camper being asked to board the pet outside the park or to leave the campground.

Well-behaved dogs are welcome at Little Talbot Island State Park on our hiking trails, pavilions, paved park roads, parking lots, multi-use trails, and campground. They must be kept on a 6-foot leash at all times and can not be left unattended for more than a half-hour. Dogs are not permitted on beaches, shorelines or beach boardwalks.

Picnic Areas Icon

Picnicking

The North bath house has a handicap toilet, sink, and shower in Men's room and in Women's room.

The South bath house has a handicap toilet, sink, and shower in Men's room and in Women's room.

Surfing

The north beach area of Little Talbot offers one of the best surfing beaches in northeast Florida. While there are 5 miles of beach on Little Talbot Island, the northern section of the beach offers the best surf, with plenty of space to catch your own wave. Please be aware of other swimmers and always use caution while enjoying the ocean.

Wildlife Viewing

Because Little Talbot is one of the few remaining undeveloped barrier islands, it provides many different natural habitats. These diverse habitats make for a wealth of wildlife within the park. Gopher tortoise and snakes can be seen throughout the park. The shoreline provides ample opportunity to view shorebirds, and the backside of the island is a haven for wading birds. Follow the Little Talbot Hiking Trail over a cross section of ecosystems, and you may be surprised at what you find!

Will

PS, let me know if you are planning to drop by, the plans for the Saturday are evolving, I am planning a Z cruize.

Edited March 4, 2009 by hls30.com

[stevef1972z]

Please burn lots of digital pics for the rest of us that cannot attend. Love seeing this kind of activity on the site and about the car. It helps get me off the couch and on the creeper!

[280~Master]

We will have pictures for everyone to see. Turst us we took ove 700 last year and there was not 1 Z car there.

Edited March 6, 2009 by 280~Master

[hls30.com]

The Plans for Saturday, March 14th, the day before the Amelia Island Concours, and the proud display of Carl Becks exquisitely restored BRE Rally 240Z are done!

The Ritz Carleton historically has hosted a convention style atmosphere with different vendors giving away goodie bags and freebees all day long Friday and Saturday, in addition to their posted schedule of events(see below).

The Alternate plan is for those that can and want to to meet Saturday morning at Pavilion #5 on the North Beach at

Little Talbot Island State Park

(12157 Heckscher Drive, Jacksonville, Florida 32226 904-251-2320),

9AM Z Show and tell Bring your favorite Z items/literature to show off! at Pavillion #5 on the North Beach of Little Talbot Island State Park. At 11am the get together will change venue to a Z CruiZe to Lunch!

12:00 Lunch at Clark's Fish Camp & Seafood, 12903 Hood Landing Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32258

3PM Z Show and tell resumes until 5pm

Then hopefully we will get together for dinner at:

The Surf Restaurant and Bar

3199 South Fletcher Avenue

Fernandina Beach, Fl. 32034

904-261-5711

Lunch CruiZ details

The restaurant I have chosen is one I have been enjoying for over a decade, almost every time I visit Jacksonville, (since the Mash Unit restraunt (Dressed up as the 8063rd if memory serves) closed years ago), and have never been disapointed with.

Any CruiZ should have a decent drive, and this restaurant is 50 minutes(39 miles) from the park! There is also an optional route that will allow your Z to be carried carried across the St. Johns by a boat($8) instead of a bridge!!

The restaurant is called:

Clark's Fish Camp & Seafood, 12903 Hood Landing Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32258

It has a casual, family friendly, "anamalistic" atmosphere with a seriously extensive menu (found here: http://www.clarksfishcamp.com/menu.pdf ). The full website can be found here:

http://www.clarksfishcamp.com/page3.html

I promise you will get a kick out of this place!

Will

Ritz Carleton Events for Saturday March 14th.

4750 Amelia Island Parkway, Amelia Island, FL 32034

(904) 277-1100

New car displays by The Ritz-Carlton Front Door by:

Bentley Motors, General Motors, Mercedes-Benz USA, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, Spyker Cars North America, Ultimate Motorworks

Amelia Golf Classic $175 per person Reservations required

8 a.m. registration, 9 a.m. shotgun start

at The Golf Club of Amelia Island at Summer Beach

Contact Keith Gibson or Eric Cannon at (904) 277-0012.

"The Great Roadster Drivers" Seminar $25 Reservations required, tickets online.

10:30 a.m.- 12 noon st The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Ballroom

Celebrate the 50th anniversaries of the first US Grand Prix F1 race and the only time Indy cars ran at Daytona. Panel discussion and Q&A session with Parnelli Jones, Bobby Unser, Johnny Rutherford, Lloyd Ruby, & Jim Rathmann.

RM Auctions' Automobiles of Amelia Island

Cost: G.A.: $100 (includes catalog, admission for two to the auction only)

Bidders: $200 (includes catalog, admission for two, seating in the main tent, and invitation to Friday’s Preview party).

11 a.m. - 6 p.m. The Ritz-Carlton, Ocean Front Lawn

Test Drives - Various Manufacturers No charge, open to public

Time: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Location: The Golf Club of Amelia Island at Summer Beach

Heacock Classic Collector Car Insurance Silent Auction No charge, open to the public

10 a.m. - 7:15 p.m. at The Ritz-Carlton

:

Slot Car Racing $2 per race

10 a.m. - 4 p.m. at The Ritz-Carlton, Center Tennis Court

Location:

Cost:

Automotive Fine Arts Society No charge, open to the public

9 a.m. - 11 p.m. at The Ritz-Carlton, Plaza II

Breitling Cocktail Reception $275 per person, including Mercedes-Benz Gala Dinner. Limited availability. Reservations required.

6:30 p.m. - 7:15 p.m. at The Ritz-Carlton, Pre-function Area

Mercedes-Benz Gala Dinner $275 per person, including Breitling Cocktail Reception Limited availability. Reservations required.

Keynote speaker: Veteran racer & SPEED Channel Commentator David Hobbs

Directions from Little Talbot Island, Jacksonville, FL to

Clark's Fish Camp & Seafood, 12903 Hood Landing Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32258

--------------------------------------------------

1. Start out going WEST on HECKSCHER DR/FL-A1A toward CHAPMANS PL. Continue to follow HECKSCHER DR. (go 13.9 miles)

2. Merge onto FL-9A S via the ramp on the LEFT toward SOUTHSIDE CONNECTOR. (go 19.8 miles)

3. Merge onto I-295 N via the exit on the LEFT. (go 2.4 miles)

4. Take the OLD ST AUGUSTINE RD exit, EXIT 3. (go 0.3 miles)

5. Turn SLIGHT LEFT to take the OLD ST AUGUSTINE RD SOUTH ramp. (go 0.0 miles)

6. Merge onto OLD ST AUGUSTINE RD. (go 0.9 miles)

7. Turn RIGHT onto HOOD LANDING RD. (go 1.7 miles)

8. End at 12903 Hood Landing Rd Jacksonville, FL 32258

>> ESTIMATED TIME: 49 minutes | DISTANCE: 38.95 miles

--------------------------------------------------

Please PM me if you plan to come to participate in the CruiZe, or meet at the restaurant so that I can make reservations to keep our wait time down. Everyone will pay for their own lunch and dinner!

We also will make plans to line the Amelia Island Parkway with Zs on Sunday Morning!

Will

[hls30.com]

For those of you wanting to get together at AMelia

I am heading to Little Talbot State park in a moment.

It is seriously foggy. If the weather at the park is not suitable for a good meet, We will hook up at Clarkes Fish camp at 12-12:30 for lunch, afterwards, and figure out where to go from there. We are staying at the BeachSide Motel in Fernandina-right across the street from the Surf Restaurant mentioned above.

Will

PS I will leave word of changes at the park gate.

WIll