And now for something completely different. The inaugural Moda Miami, the vision of RM CEO Rob Myers, combined a traditional Concours d’Elegance feel with the cool vibe that only Miami can create. With spectacular weather and held against the backdrop of Coral Gable’s legendary Biltmore Hotel, the event February 29-March 3rd offered a dynamic showcase of automotive artistry, innovation, and heritage. The event was a celebration of not only the sleek lines and performance capabilities of modern cars but also the timeless elegance and historical relevance of classic automobiles.
In a departure from conventional awards, Moda Miami broke away from the norm, relinquishing the concept of a “Best of Show” title and made this event a celebration of automotive culture. The philosophy behind this decision was rooted in the belief that every showcased car, including those that who have already earned the prestigious Best of Show accolade at Pebble Beach, is inherently deserving. Within the classes, Moda adopted a peer-based awards system, emphasizing a collective celebration of the rich tapestry of automotive artistry.
Some of the interesting classes included, “Eureka Early Morning”, these vehicles were built from 1905 to 1915 and were primarily considered “Brass Era” cars. These were truly something to behold which included my personal fave, the 1910 Thomas Model K 6-70 Flyabout. The Coupe Group showcased an amazing collection from the 1930’s Art Deco era. The 1931 Marmon Sixteen Coupe by LeBaron and the 1938 SS 100 Jaguar 3-1/2 Litre Coupe by Graber were absolute standouts in the field of perfection. Closed Season European Classic was another amazing class with the gorgeous 1935 SS 1 Airline Saloon, owned by Jim and Lisa Hendrix and Guy Lewis’ 1939 Rolls-Royce Wraith Phantom Limousine. Our own George Hervert, with his wonderful Series I Jaguar E-Type rubbed shoulders with a cool 1966 Aston Martin DB6 Vantage, a 1968 Jaguar Eagle Low Drag GT and a 1960 Auto Union 1000 SP Roadster by Baur.
In the departure from traditional Concours, “Power and Performance” included a curated collection of supercars and hypercars, all exclusive modern mega cars. Of course, a 1993 Jaguar XJ220 was in the mix. There was a celebration of Caroll Shellby’s centenary, Miami style. No less than 20 Shelby’s lined up on the fairway in an amazing display.
In addition to the exhibition, Moda Miami hosted a two-day RM Sotheby’s auction. In a packed ballroom, collectors had the chance to acquire rare and coveted automobiles. From classic Ferraris to limited-production hypercars, the auction floor buzzed with excitement as bidders competed for these prized automotive treasures. Some highlights included the 1968 E-Type 1-1/2 Roadster in Carmen Red that went for $80,000. A highlight sale was the 1939 Mercedes-Benz 540K Special Cabriolet A which sold for a cool $2M. A 1930 Duesenberg Model J Disappearing-Top Convertible Coupe by Murphy hammered for $3.5M with the 1953 Ferrari 250 Europa by Vignale selling for $3.9M.
Along with all the car excitement, Moda Miami offered guests and participants the chance to experience Miami culture at its finest. Evening events included an under the stars party, with live music, spectacular food and drink amidst the grace and elegance of The Biltmore. This event really was something special.
While just in its first year, the event had all the earmarks as one of the “seasoned pros” on the concours circuit. In conclusion, Moda Miami stands as a testament to the intersection of Miami’s cool vibe and the timeless allure of historically significant automobiles. With each passing year, Moda Miami promises to push the boundaries of automotive excellence and redefine the art of the car show.