The 41st Annual Concours d’Elegance of America, set for the weekend of July 26-28 at the Inn at St. John’s in Plymouth Township, has added new programming as part of the overall mission of celebrating art, fashion, and the automobile.
“There is something there for everyone,” says Larry Moss, chairman of the Concours d’Elegance of America during a media preview of the event at M1 Concourse in Pontiac on Wednesday.
Friday, July 26 activities include motoring tours throughout the region. Guests will be able to enjoy leisurely rides in luxury cars and stop at multiple metro-Detroit destinations. On Saturday, July 27, a Cars and Coffee at St. John’s will allow guests to spend the morning viewing a variety of automobiles. Later in the day, optional events include lunch, educational seminars, an art exhibition, and the chairman’s dinner.
The Friday and Saturday festivities will lead up to the main event, Concours d’Elegance of America, which will take place on Sunday, July 28 at The Inn at St. John’s.
During the main event, guests will have the opportunity to view about 300 automobiles that are estimated at a field value of $100 million. The featured classes of cars on display will include Ferrari, Rolls Royce, Bentley, and more. Awards will be presented after a panel of judges evaluate the collection of 2019 nominated automobiles.
This weekend also will honor three individuals and celebrate their contributions to the world of classic and collector cars. The honorees include John D. Groendyke as collector of the year, William Warner as enthusiast of the year, and Wayne Carini as grand marshal. All three honorees come from different states across the nation and share a passion for automobiles.
At the media preview, Jordan Zlotoff, CEO of M1 Concourse, Joe Cauley of Cauley Ferrari, and George Miller of the nonprofit Rainbow Connection were introduced. The preview also announced this year’s new and enhanced partnerships, including Lexus, Lotus, Tappers, and AAA of Michigan. Moss also introduced board members, revealed this year’s poster designed by Jay Koka, and highlighted the importance of diversity in the Concours d’Elegance.
The preview featured a 1909 Rolls Royce Silver Ghost and a 1960 Bentley S2 Continental. The 110-year-old Rolls Royce, presented by LBI Limited, is nickel-plated and includes a snake on the right side that doubles as a horn. The Rolls Royce also has its original crankshaft, located at the front of the vehicle, a quilted black leather interior, and a posterior passenger cabin.
The Bentley, owned by Michigan native Peggy Nagler, was designed to travel across the European continent. After the second World War, customers were able to meet with Bentley designers to customize their automobiles. Customers often opted for a lightweight coach build, which allowed it to travel long distances. Nagler acquired the car in the 1980s and got married in it shortly after. The Bentley includes a red leather interior, complementing the car’s pink pearly exterior.
More information and tickets are available here.
