2009 and 2010 Concours D'Elegance car show events in United States celebrate motorsports heritage

2008 Viva Italia Concours D'Elegance photo compliments of Jeanette Scott    

Passion: it's a word that holds serious meaning in the auto industry. To heck with rising gas costs, poor fuel mileage, and bad for the environment gas guzzling antiquated technology. Americans are still wildly in love with exotic car, classic car, and collectible car models. Manufactured from all 20th and 21st century global auto manufacturers, the cars on display at Concours D'Elegance special events and charity benefits represent the passion of more than 100 years of human ingenuity.

Car lovers are not simply in love with their favorite cars; they are deeply passionate about sharing their fond appreciation of the engineering marvels with other members of the car showcase community (and product loyalty and genuine brand enthusiasm should never be underestimated). If you are looking to see car guys and women driving enthusiasts flocked together like wild and woolly happy sheep at one high horsepower wild oats location, look no further than the next Concours D'Elegance event coming up in your community or nearby region.

CAR SHOW CULTURE

Whether you are an exhibitor bringing a pristine ultra-exotic, record setting race car, or million dollar antique automobile, car shows across the nation welcome your participation. If you are a vendor ready to sell your car brand promotional or collection-making memorabilia, or simply want to attend as an amateur photographer exotic auto examiner enthusiast, Concours events welcome both your sponsorship dollars and your active participation.

ROAD TRIP WORTHY CONCOURS D'ELEGANCE SPECIAL EVENTS

Traveling to see one of these aforementioned and notably stellar "Concours D'Elegance" style  events anywhere across the United States are recommended mecca journeys. Not only is seeing these historical car up close and in person an incredibly memorable lifetime experience, it's a great way to boost your exotic car knowledge and motorsports trivia education. 

BE A PART OF MOTORSPORTS HISTORY BY PARTICIPATING IN THE TRADITION OF ATTENDING CAR SHOW EVENTS

Friends and family of all ages can participate in a global phenomenon of automobile appreciation (noting that many car nuts started out by being toted along to car shows as children). As a family pastime and common cultural experience, gathering to view fine automobiles and mechanized transportation machines is a tradition that has taken place since cars were invented, refined, and made so incredibly popular in the early 20th century. Coast to coast, the Concours movement in Americana mentality to gather together for professional and specialty auto exhibit showcases for recreation is still expected to be a popular trend in the 21st century.

Just say no to penny pinching mentalities when it comes to supporting the preservation of the history and heritage of human engineered racing machines and luxury transportation products. Say YES to spending that fuel and hotel accommodation money you have been squirreling together in your savings on long car trips and cross-country travel to share the exotic fever with others who have caught a similar virus: a passion for autos. The only cure advice the Exotic Car Examiner can offer is to temporarily sooth the ache for exotics by taking in at least two major car shows per year and to subscribe and read regularly here at this column.

1. May 2009
   
   • Newport Concours D'Elegance in Newport, Rhode Island
     • ACTIVITY NOTE: "The 2009 Newport Concours d'Elegance will include an exclusive Private Auto Salon and Formal Dinner, followed by a Boutique Concours d'Elegance, all to be held during the Weekend of May 30th & 31st. Displays combine cutting-edge fashion influenced by coachwork and the design of historic and significant automobiles. Oceanfront Newport Rhode Island venues pay homage to inspiring European Concours."
     • HOST MISSION STATEMENT: "The Newport Concours d'Elegance is a charitable organization, committed to the conservation, restoration and preservation of the vintage automobile. We strive to highlight the importance of historic motorcars, by means of exhibition and education."
     • 4th Annual fund raiser event
     • Click HERE to view the charity organizations listed as beneficiaries
     • 2009 EVENT DATE(s): May 30, 31
2. June 2009
   
   • Los Angeles Concours D'Elegance at Rose Bowl Stadium/Brookside Golf Course in Pasadena, California
     
     • Sponsored by Lamborghini Beverly Hills and Aston Martin Beverly Hills
     • 2009 EVENT DATE: June 7
   • Rodeo Drive Concours D'Elegance Fathers Day Event in Beverly Hills, California
     
     • ACTIVITY NOTE: "The 2009 Rodeo Drive Concours d’Elegance will take place on Sunday, June 21.This year, the Father's Day tradition will highlight classic alternative energy vehicles including steam, electric and hybrid models. More than 100 exotic cars will be on display in Beverly Hills, lining the 300 and 400 blocks of Rodeo Drive. This annual event will be free and open to the public from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm."
     • 2009 EVENT DATE: June 15
3. July 2009
   • Barrington Concours D'Elegance in Chicago, Illinois
     
     • ACTIVITY NOTE: "The Barrington Concours d’Elegance, Legends & Legacies, is held in Barrington, Illinois, a picturesque countryside village just 40 miles northwest of Chicago... In 2009, the Barrington Concours will present Legends & Legacies: Celebrating a Century on Wheels at Makray Memorial Golf Club on July 12, 2009. The event will kick off with a Road Rally across the Chicago region; we'll then be hosting an elegant evening dinner at Makray featuring 20 to 25 of the most stunning classic vehicles from around the Chicago region."
     • SPECIAL EVENT FEATURE FROM THE BARRINGTON CONCOURS SILENT AUCTION: "To celebrate its Centennial in 2009, Bugatti has generously provided our guests a chance to win a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience the legendary Bugatti Veyron and “Feel the Road” at the Bugatti Estate in Molsheim, France. You and a guest will fly to France courtesy of United Airlines, where you’ll stay near Molsheim at the private home of a French member of Rotary International, who will be your private tour guides throughout the wine country. The highlight of the trip is your “12 hours under the Bugatti sign” at the Bugatti Estate in Molsheim. You’ll experience the new Bugatti Veyron automobile alongside your own Official Veyron Driver, traversing the autobahn and the area’s mountain roads. Then, you’ll revel in the thrill of driving on the “Anneua du Rhin” racecourse. Gourmet lunch and an evening meal in Molsheim are just icing on the cake for this fabulous offering, which is valued at $15,000." 
     • Click HERE to view charity beneficiaries
     • The cost for road rally and cocktail buffet registration is $175 per person.
     • 2009 EVENT DATE: July 12
4. August 2009
   
   • Meadow Brook Concours D'Elegance in Detroit, Michigan
     • ACTIVITIES NOTES: "... 30th Anniversary show  will feature “The Best of Detroit”, The 100th Anniversary of Morgan and a celebration of British Sports Cars, “The Class of 1959”, Rolls-Royce Phantom, Featured Museum – The Gilmore Museum, Swoopy Coupes and British motorcycles."
     • 2009 EVENT DATE: August 2
   • Pebble Beach 2009 Concours D'Elegance in Monterey County, California
     
     • ACTIVITY NOTE: "First conducted in 1950, the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance is often said to be the world’s premier celebration of the automobile. Only the most beautiful and rare automobiles are invited to appear on the famed eighteenth fairway of Pebble Beach Golf Links each year, and connoisseurs of art and technology congregate to see them."
     • The annual affair has raised over $12 million for charity
     • Click HERE to view the list of 2009 Pebble Beach Concours Beneficiaries
     • General Admission tickets for 2009 are $150 in advance and $175 on Day of Show.
     • 2009 EVENT DATE(s): August 12, 12, 14, 15, 16
   • Geneva 2009 Concours D'Elegance in Geneva, Illinois
     
     • ACTIVITY NOTE: "Classic Car enthusiasts will gather together again this year in Geneva, Illinois to view a beautiful collection of antique, classic and modern automobiles. Participants from all over the Country will be displaying their prized automobiles on Third street, hoping to be awarded one of the coveted "Benz" Trophies. This year Rolls-Royce is Geneva Concours Feature Marque and there will be numerous Rolls-Royce from all eras on display. Third Street is the heart of Geneva's charming downtown shopping district lined with shops, restaurants, parks and historical buildings. This event is open to the public at no cost making this a wonderful family event with something for everyone to enjoy and marvel."
     • Event benefits the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation
     • 2009 EVENT DATE: August 23
5. September 2009
   • Glenmoore Gathering of Significant Automobiles 2009 Concours D'Elegance in Canton, Ohio
     
     • ACTIVITY NOTE: "The 2009 event will recognize Alice Ramsey, who, in 1909, became the first woman to drive an automobile across the United States [a notable figure in women's history and subject of womens studies seminars]. A 1909 Maxwell, restored exactly as Alice's, will be on display. That Maxwell, restored by Richard Anderson of Washington State, will be driven by his daughter, Emily Anderson, on Alice's exact route in June 2009... More than 175 vehicles in total will be on display. In addition to the automotive authors, artists will have their automotive artwork on display and for sale throughout the weekend... More than 4,500 people attended last year's event, which included invitation-only vehicles from throughout the United States. The weekend activities included a countryside tour, cocktail party and gala dinner, cooking demonstrations, a junior judges program and other family activities... The 2009 Glenmoor Gathering will [also] honor perhaps one of the most underrated automobile executives - Edsel B. Ford, the only son of Ford Motor Company founder Henry Ford. Edsel Ford was president of Ford Motor Company at the time of his death in 1943 at the age of 49."
     • For 2009 ticket prices will remain at $15 per person. Children 12 and under will be admitted free of charge. The ticket price includes a souvenir program.
     • 2009 EVENT DATE(s): September 18, 19, 20
   • Ironstone 2009 Concours D'Elegance at the Ironstone Winery in Murphy, California
     
     • ACTIVITY NOTE: "In 1993, Gail and John Kautz decided to stage an automotive concours d’elegance at their winery near Murphys, California. The Kautzes, being farmers and vintners, suggested that proceeds from the concours benefit young people involved in agriculture, notably 4-H Clubs, Future Farmers of America and the California State Fair Scholarship Fund. Each September, the Ironstone Concours d’Elegance has taken place on the lush, rolling, 20-acre grounds of the Ironstone Winery. The winery’s manicured lawns and shimmering lake are nestled comfortably in the green-and-golden Sierra foothills. This is California’s gold-rush country at its finest, brimming with history and natural beauty."
     • VACATION AND LOCAL DAY TRIP TRAVEL IDEAS: "Murphys is conveniently located between Lake Tahoe and Yosemite. The town is surrounded by natural and historic wonders of its own, so it’s an ideal destination for visitors of every interest. Many concours attendees stretch the weekend to take advantage of the area’s many other attractions. Within Calaveras County you'll find championship golf courses, awe-inspiring caves and caverns, places for panning gold, museums, art galleries, antique shops, plus facilities for hiking, boating and just relaxing."
     • 2009 EVENT DATE: September 26
   • Viva Italia 2009 Concours D'Elegance 5th Annual All Italian Car and Motorcycle Show in Baltimore, Maryland
     • ACTIVITY NOTE: 5th annual event to benefit the Childrens Guild with 100 Italian vehicles expected [including Ferrari, Maserati, Lamborghini, Lancia, Alfa Romeo, and Fiat showcars from all around the Mid-Atlantic community]
     • Car show organizer host volunteer Jeanette Scott [Lamborghini Owner, Car Gal Extrordinaire]
     • Ducati Moto Guzzi Motorcycle show host volunteer Speed Millet of Speed's Cycle
     • LOCATION DETAILS: Happening [again] (rain or shine) at Harbor East, downtown Baltimore's distinguished Inner Harbor shopping and fine dining district. Safe parking for spectators is available in nearby pay for parking lots and parking garages.
     • The event is free for the public to attend (car registrations with breakfast and lunch included are separate cost for registration and tickets). Donations will be accepted throughout the event.
     • 2009 EVENT DATE: September 27
   • St. Michaels Concours d ’Elegance on the waterside lawn of the Inn at Perry Cabin in St. Michaels, Maryland
     • Click HERE to view photos of the 2008 Event
     • 2009 EVENT DATE: September 27
6. October 2009
   
   • Hilton Head Island Concours D'Elegance and Motoring Festival in Hilton Head, North Carolina
     
     • ACTIVITIES NOTES: Four stage festival includes (excerpts):
       
       1. Savannah/Hilton Head Historics: Hosted at the newly reopened Hutchinson Island track, this two-day vintage track event offers everything for the avid performance car fan including vintage racing, autocross courses and hot lap rides at racing speeds in the latest and greatest sports car models.
       2. The Motoring Midway: From Memory Lane to the Fast Lane exhibit is unique to the Hilton Head Island event.  This two-day showcase offers a variety of interactive displays from year-to-year.  2009 will feature both the new and the old.
       3. Car Club Jamboree: With participating car clubs from throughout the US and more than 150 cars on the field, the Car Club Jamboree is an eclectic mix of covering the history of the automobile, from modern day's high performance muscle cars and hot rods to 19th Century classics.  2009 will feature clubs that showcase British engineering such as Jaguar, Aston Martin, Austin Healey, Rolls-Royce and MG.
       4. Concours D'Elegance: The first Sunday of November, official Concours d'Elegance competition day, will feature 150 vintage cars competing for various awards. Selected as the 2009 Honored Marque, the Concours will celebrate the majestic history of Mercedes-Benz.  2008 top honors were presented to a 1928 Packard 4-43 Phaeton owned by Gordon Logan (Georgetown, TX) winning both Best of Show and Most-Outstanding Pre 1945 Car.
     • 2009 EVENT DATE(s): October 31, November 1*
7. November 2009*
   • Winter Park Concours d’Elegance at Winter Park, Florida
     
     • 2009 EVENT DATE: November 8
8. December 2009
9. January 2010
10. February 2010
11. March 2010
    
    • Amelia Island Concours D'Elegance at the Ritz Carlton in Amelian Island, Florida
      • ACTIVITY NOTE: "For 2009, [the Amelia Island Concours] will be featuring one of the most celebrated coachbuilders in America – Bohman & Schwartz of Pasadena, California. Their custom designs were sought out by the rich and powerful of Hollywood and one of their most famous creations, the “Phantom Corsair,” will be at Amelia. This spectacular vehicle will be making a rare appearance courtesy of the National Automobile Museum (The Harrah Collection) in Reno, Nevada. It’s a design that still stops people in their tracks today and it’s nearly 70 years old!"
      • 2010 EVENT DATE(s): March 12, 13, 14
12. April 2010
    • Centennial Era Concours d'Elegance Coming To Indiana Motor Speedway (IMS)
      • ACTIVITY NOTE: "The Indianapolis Motor Speedway Centennial Era Concours d'Elegance on June 18-20, 2010 will bring together motorsports and automotive industry legends and some of the world's finest classic and vintage cars."
      • 2010 EVENT DATE(S): June 18, 19, 20

For more information about luxury cars, classic cars, antique cars, exotic cars, concept cars, collector cars for sale, car show events and charity benefit fund raising success that involves autos visit the following link(s):

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