Ida built 1940 Merc with the Phantom Corsair at Amelia Island Concours
1940 Mercury, Amelia Island, Car Show, Concours d'Elegance, Ida, Jack Kiely, Merc, Phantom Corsair, Rob Ida
The Amelia Island Concours is always a spectacular car event. It brings a wide variety of cars together from high end cars, such as new cars from Porsche, Jaguar and the like, to vintage sportcars and famous custom built creations.
While at the 2016 Amelia Island Concours d’Elagance, Jack Kiely’s 1940 Mercury, built by Rob Ida was on display and Motor House was shooting footage for the documentary of this build. When I found the Merc, I noticed it was parked next to this amazing car. Which turns out to be the Phantom Corsair. I have never heard of it before, but I knew that I had to capture the two together.
The Phantom Corsair was one of the most unique automotive designs when it was introduced to the public in 1938. The car was designed by Rust Heinz, who had a dream of what an American supercar should look like. Heinz was from the well-known family that made its fortune selling condiments like ketchup and mustard. The Phantom Corsair stood out because of its futuristic look, its innovative features and looking different then anything else in 1938.
While they were only parked next to each other for a brief period. The Merc was later relocated to the front of the Concours in its own space, but I am really glad that I go to capture them together.
Both beautiful ground breaking builds that looked so good next to each other. Keep an eye out for the story behind why they were parked next to each other and for our documentary of Rob Ida’s build.