Since the start of the Ponte Vedra Auto Show in 2003, the St. Johns County Chamber of Commerce has been in the driver’s seat. This year, responsibility for the event is being passed on to a St. Augustine business known for its commitment to classic and collectible automobiles.
Art ‘n Motion of St. Augustine will operate the show with some help from the Chamber.
“It had actually been something I had been wanting to get into, so it was a perfect fit,” said Justin Felker, who co-owns the business with his father, Paul Felker.
The show is presented in part by the St. Johns County Tourist Development Council.
One of the first decisions the new operators had to make was rescheduling the event from its original date – Sept. 27 – to Nov. 15.
“Being in November, the weather will be nicer,” Justin Felker said. “That was one of the complaints in the past, how hot it was.”
In addition, the date change – which will be permanent – steers the show away from the heart of hurricane season. In fact, Northeast Florida statistically sees its lowest rainfall of the year in November. The average high temperature is about 75 degrees, about 10 degrees lower than in September.
Plans for the transition to a new operator began in February. This being the first year for Art ‘n Motion, the show will be similar to years past. There will be a few changes, however.
The car corral, initiated last year, was originally a place where owners could display vehicles for sale. This year, it will be for display of cars brought in on the day of the show; these will not be eligible for judging.
Vehicles to be judged must have signed up in advance; the number of judged vehicles has been capped at 200.
Vehicles for the car corral will be accepted between 7 and 8:45 a.m. while space allows.
In another change, there will be no golf cart award this year, though Felker said a special golf cart show might be part of future events.
Art ‘n Motion is already looking ahead to future shows.
“Starting next year, it’s going to be a two-day event,” said Felker. “We’re going to try to do some other activities, not just a car show. Things that the community can embrace, though nothing’s set in stone.”
Looking at the cars and trucks already signed up, Felker called it “good quality stuff.”
The range of vehicles expected to appear in the show runs from a 1907 Cadillac currently housed at Art ‘n Motion to a brand new Nissan Z-car.
“The majority of stuff, I would say, is ‘50s, ‘60s, ‘70s,” Felker said. “That’s the era that’s popular. That’s what people grew up with.”
A special focus this year will be on the 50th anniversary of the Z-car. In addition, Ford GT models will be highlighted.
Felker has had an interest in automobiles since childhood. He has worked with a local racing team and today buys and sells classic and collector cars.
Art ‘n Motion is part dealership, part museum, part art gallery – Felker calls classic automobiles “an art you can interact with.” The public is welcome to visit and view these vehicles close up.
The business is housed in an early 1900s, industrial-style building at 283 San Marco Ave. Weddings, parties and other events are held at the site by House of Assembly Events, a business owned by Felker’s sister, Erin Felker-Murphy.
The 18th annual Ponte Vedra Auto Show will be held at the Nocatee Event Field, 245 Nocatee Center Way. Admission and parking are free for spectators.
For more information, go to PVAutoShow.com.
