Le Concours d’Elegance

by Alex Kent

On the third weekend in September, 2010, car owners and enthusiasts will amass in Founder’s Park, located at Donald Trump’s “most treasured property”, the Trump National 18-hole Golf Club that overlooks the beautiful ocean cliff view of Rancho Palos Verdes, for the 18^th annual Concourse d’Elegance.

This ‘competition of elegance’, as it is translated, dates back to 17^th century France when the aristocracy flaunted their refined (and sometimes ostentatious) horse-drawn carriages through the parks of Paris for summer fun and festive holidays. Eventually, the horse evolved into the motorized automobile we are more familiar with today, though terms like ‘fast paced’ and ‘horse-power’ remain. Unconsciously comparing the output of horses to the equal output of an engine, these and other such idioms still find their way into conversations about the fastest and most powerful vehicles. It should be noted that a unit of “horse-power” is not an exact science and the phrase is not recognized by the International System of units; it just helps us visualize how amazing a car can really be!

Each year the Concours features automobiles from a different country and this year it’s Germany’s turn with Mercedes-Benz as the featured marque.

The Concours is divided into three parts in two days:

• Saturday, September 18^th at 1:00 pm is the Tour d’Epicure Road Rallye starting at the Trump National Golf Club. Tickets are $190 for one car, two passengers (driver and navigator). A third adult will be an additional $90. Children 12 and under are free. Tickets can be purchased online at www.pvconcours.com or by calling the Concours office at

866.522.7746. Rallye sales close on September 8. This affair is open to both exhibition cars and the general public. The tour includes stops for refreshments and a treasure hunt, with a “Pirates of PV” flair.

•. Saturday the 18^th at 4:00 pm the Rallye ends at the Edelbrock Automotive Museum in Torrance. In keeping with the German theme, the evening of the 18^th will continue with Oktoberfest and honoring the Grand Marshal, Andy Granatelli. Oktoberfest is included in the price of the Tour d’Epicure tickets; however, if you do not wish to go on the Rallye, Oktoberfest tickets are $90/person and again can be purchased at www.pvconcours.com or by calling the office at 866.522.7746. Saturday’s festivities conclude at 8:30pm

• Sunday the 19^th is the Concours d’Elegance’s main event - the Automotive Exhibition, from 10:00am to 4:00pm. Entrance tickets for Exhibition are $35.00 per person unless you buy them online at www.pvconcours.com , where you get a $10 discount.

There will be items of interest for everyone: classic, exotic, vintage historical and special interest vehicles, like Andy Granatelli’s Indy 500 turbine racer, will be on display. Vendor tents offering car and non-car related goods will be available for purchase and, of course, there will be plenty of food - both German and American.

Throughout the day, classic car restoration demonstrations will be going on at Restoration Alley, or Wiederherstellungsallee in German. Look for the big trailers in the parking lot. This will be the second year for the Alley, as it was a big draw last year and likely to be an even bigger attraction this year.

This is the eighteenth year the Palos Verdes Concours has been held on the peninsula and is one of the west coast’s premiere concours, attendance increasing each year. Over five thousand spectators are anticipated this year to view the exhibitors from all over southern California in twenty-three classes including pre-World War II, post-war, convertibles and motorcycles. Part of the allure can be attributed to the charity funds this event generates, the Palos Verdes Art Center and the Palos Verdes Rotary Foundation being the main recipients.

Judging for the ‘invitation only’ Best of Show award is accompanied by the Most Exciting Open Car, the R. Eric P. Allan Elegant Car, Best Design and Best Paint Finish awards. First-, second-, and third-place trophies of etched-glass, made especially for this event, will be announced in all twenty-three classes on Sunday, between 2:00 pm and 4:00 pm.

Directions to the Concours are fairly simple for locals, as Palos Verdes Drive South runs by the entrance to the Trump National Golf Course at Ocean Trails Drive, a continuation of Forrestal Drive, located between Portuguese Bend and Palos Verdes Drive East.

From the 405, exit heading on Hawthorne Blvd. approximately 12 miles all the way up the Palos Verdes Peninsula, to Palos Verdes Dr. South. Turn left and proceed to the Trump entrance.

From the 110, exit Gaffey Street going west. Take Gaffey to 25^th Street and turn right. Proceed west on 25^th Street past Western Avenue. 25^th becomes Palos Verdes Blvd. South and leads to the Trump entrance.

Apparel should be comfortable though tasteful as, traditionally, “one dresses for such occasions” since the 17^th century originators were all about showing off. Some participants will even be in period costumes so you may want to get in the spirit of things and wear your lederhosen!

To register automobiles for consideration for the 2010 show or to inquire about sponsorship and vendor opportunities, contact Andi Lingman at andilingman@pvconcours.com, tel. 866-522-7746.

Photos by Mary Jane Schoenheider; carriage composite by Alex Kent; Special thanks to Nissen Davis

LiveJournal Tags: Concours d'Elegance,auto show,Palos Verdes,Valmonte Living Magazine,Valmonte,Niki Chanel,Alex Kent,Nissen Davis,Mary Jane Schoenheider