The weather was perfect. The ocean vibes were perfect. The event was perfect. In other words, the 27th Ocean Reef Club Vintage Weekend was a real Duesy. And that’s not just for the reasons we mentioned. Vintage Weekend includes historic boats, aeroplanes and vehicles of all types. This year organizers took it further, with organizers rounding up 22 of the most desirable Duesenbergs on the planet. It’s a safe bet that the collection was valued at around $77 million, with the average price of a Duesy being $3 million. And that didn’t even include the other vehicles on display.
Needless to say, Napleton News was there to cover it all.
Grab that cup of coffee (or an adult beverage, if that’s your hang), sit back and relax while we show you some highlights.
Duesys and more at Ocean Reef Vintage Weekend.
The Duesenberg Automobile Company was founded in 1920 by Fred and August Duesenberg. Known for popularizing the straight eight engine, Duesenberg automobiles were built in Indianapolis, Indiana and considered way ahead of their time, with a 260 cubic inch (4.3-liter) straight eight-cylinder engine delivering 88 horsepower. It was the largest example of an available production engine.
Duesenbergs were among the most luxurious American cars ever made. Considered by some to be the American version of a Rolls-Royce, they were popular with royalty, movie stars and other high-revenue earning types. Eventually, the company was sold to the Cord Corporation, which had other automotive holdings including Auburn, Cord and Checker Motors brands.
Because of the limited time the Duesenberg company existed, the value of these vehicles have climbed astronomically. According to the Classic.com website, the average price of a Duesenberg is $1,642,595. Yes, even that price is a Duesy.
Ocean Reef Vintage Weekend featured 22 of these classics on display under gorgeous Florida winter skies. It was not a record collection of Duesenbergs, at one location, at one time, but it was an impressive showing, nonetheless.
Other Rides in Abundance.
It wasn’t just all about the Duesy at Vintage Weekend. There was everything from A to V (for Volvo) in attendance, including a sweet 1953 Alfa Romeo 1900C Sprint Supergioiello with body by Ghia. One of less than 20 built, this was made for the 1953 Milan, Italy Auto Show.
Brits weren’t left out of the festivities either. In fact, they were well represented by the likes of a 1959 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud, a 1967 Jaguar E-Type, a 1965 Mini Cooper S, several Aston Martins and a classic Austin-Healey “Bugeye Sprite.” An unlisted special was the French 1948 Delahaye 135M Coupe with coachwork by Henri Chapron. Recently purchased at the Gooding and Company Pebble Beach Auctions, it gathered a crowd of onlookers anywhere it lingered.
More modern vehicles made the show as well, including one that was on every 1980 boy’s bedroom wall. We’re talking of nothing less than Lamborghini Countach. With a larger-than-life rear wing, golden alloy wheels and trademark Lamborghini scissor-style doors, it appeared to leap off the wall of a few auto aficionados.
Speaking of Italians, the 1950 Alfa Romeo 6C 2500 Riva Serenissima Berlinetta took best in show.
On the Water and In the Air.
It wasn’t just the roadways having fun at “the Reef.” Vessels like the Outer Reef Yachts’ “Eagle” and the Rybovich Spencer Sportfishing boat held court on the docks. Formerly owned by singer Jimmy Buffett, visitors would doff their shoes for a tour on board. The “King and I” was another award-winning favorite.
The skies over Key Largo are always filled during the first weekend in December and this year was no exception. A twilight air show featuring the Titan Aerobatics Team started the evening with formation flying and lots of smoke and lights to get things started. Trevor Rafferty laid down a thrilling performance while skimming the water in his Pitts 12. Finally, the father-son team of Ken and Austin Rieder and their Redline Air Shows lit up the sky with their Van’s Aircraft RV-8 airplanes for a spectacular pyrotechnic show. Saturday, they repeated the show with the addition of the spectacular flying of Patty Wagstaff.
The event wrapped with an awards brunch Sunday. A private club, it opens its doors yearly to the public for this event. For more information, please contact the Ocean Reef Club.
The Ocean Reef Vintage Weekend Photo Gallery
