Photo Credit: Concours d’Elegance Key Biscayne
The Emerson Fittipaldi Concours D’Elegance Key Biscayne revved up for its third consecutive year, making a shift to a new December schedule. Formerly recognized as Key Biscayne Car Week, this 3-day event promised an extravaganza tailored for car enthusiasts, Formula 1 aficionados, and families alike. From December 15th to December 17th, 2023, Key Biscayne transformed into the global hub of luxury automobiles, with the legendary Emerson Fittipaldi, a two-time Formula 1 World Champion, two-time Indianapolis 500 Champion, and CART Champion, taking the helm to welcome cars and drivers from across the globe. And despite some stormy weather, its third year was a success.
Fittipaldi, renowned for his racing prowess, expressed his deep-rooted affection for the Key Biscayne community, affirming the presentation of Concours d’Elegance Key Biscayne as a testament to his enduring love for this locale. Beyond a world-class showcase of luxury cars, this event served as a platform to honor automotive heritage and raise funds for charities like Eternity and Grace and the Buoniconti Fund dedicated to curing paralysis.
“We had expectations for there to be sunshine this time of the year, but it was a heavy rain after lunchtime today.” Fittipaldi told Haute Living.” But at least we had half the day in beautiful sunshine, though, and we had a lot of people here. It’s a family event; it doesn’t matter what age you are or if you have a lot of cars, it is about passion! We have beautiful cars here; it’s fantastic!”
Photo Credit: Lotus Cars
In tandem with the highly anticipated return of the Miami Grand Prix, Concours D’Elegance pivoted its focus towards Luxury, Vintage, and Formula 1, curating a judged Automobile exhibition. Attendees relished the opportunity to explore picturesque grounds, test-drive remarkable vehicles, engage with unique vendors, and revel in the essence of motoring.
Celebrating a longstanding collaboration spanning over half a century, Lotus and Emerson once again united at the Emerson Fittipaldi Concours d’Elegance Key Biscayne. This union spotlighted the championship-winning Lotus Type 72, alongside the debut of the Evija Fittipaldi and the introduction of the reincarnated Lotus Type 66. The latter, a manifestation of a ‘lost Lotus’ design from 1970, merges contemporary racing technology with classic Lotus aesthetics, paying homage to an era of racing heritage.
“The Emerson Fittipaldi Concours Key Biscayne delivered against all the odds, succeeding in adverse conditions to be a world-class event. The collaboration between Emerson and Lotus started more than 50 years ago, so to share the stage with him, his Championship-winning Type 72, the groundbreaking Lotus Evija limited edition that bears his name, and the Type 66 ‘Lost Lotus’ was yet another moment for our great relationship to celebrate.” Said Simon Lane, Lotus Advanced Performance Director.
Photo Credit: Concours d’Elegance Key Biscayne
The Evija Fittipaldi, adorned in the iconic black and gold Lotus race livery, embodies a hand-painted exterior and distinctive design elements commemorating the triumphant 1972 season when Emerson clinched the F1 championship. These features include a hand-tinted plan view of the Type 72 etched into the exposed carbon fiber roof and Emerson’s signature intricately stitched into the dashboard.
The bustling Concours D’Elegance Exhibition showcased Vintage, Luxury, and F1 Cars at the Village Green and Monaco Square, welcoming the public to immerse themselves in automotive splendor. For enthusiasts seeking collectibles, Tachen unveiled an exclusive assortment of car books, while Fittipaldi Wheels flaunted a captivating array of distinctive trucks at Monaco Square.
Photo Credit: World Red Eye
The pinnacle of the program arrived with Emerson Fittipaldi himself leading the awards ceremony, alongside a panel of esteemed judges, to honor the most remarkable vehicles and culminate the extravaganza on a high note.
