The 34th Annual Concours d'Elegance of America July 27-29, 2012

Dedicated to the Genius of the Automobile: The 34th Annual Concours d’Elegance of America Returns to St. John’s in Plymouth on July 27-29, 2012

Plymouth Michigan July 24, 2012; After a hugely successful inaugural year at the beautiful St. John’s Inn in Plymouth, Michigan, the renowned Concours d’Elegance of America returns to St. Johns on Sunday, July 29. One of the most prestigious showings of classic, rare and magnificent automobiles in the world, The Concours will be spread out over the lush and historic St. John’s grounds. In addition there are numerous associated events on Thursday, Friday and Saturday leading up to the grand presentation on Concours Sunday.

Unlike any other Concours in the world, Concours d’Elegance of America is dedicated to the Genius of the Automobile. It is a unique celebration of exotic, beautiful and historically important automobiles and the people behind them: their innovations, designs and technology that influenced the world.

Keeping this mission in mind, this year’s event features an unmatched

range of innovative, one of a kind automobiles that include everything from the first and most innovative automobiles at the dawn of the age of motoring to Corvette and Jaguar race cars, record breaking Slingshot Dragsters , Jet Age Station Wagons, Supercars, Classic Trans Am Racers as well as breathtaking Duesenbergs and Delahayes, the biggest Pierce Arrow ever built, Cord Cousins, a Terraplane and a Topolov, a no wheel hovercraft style propelled vehicle.

The Setting

The Inn at St. John’s offers the Concours more than 200 acres of beautifully landscaped countryside and handsome grounds for showcasing the “ by invitation only” world class automobiles traditionally shown at the event. The showcase autos compete for honors during the show. Some 300 classic, rare and magnificent automobiles from across the country and the world have been invited to participate.

The Concours d’Elegance of America at St. John’s offers visitors an unparalleled experience of elegance from another era and a once in a lifetime opportunity to see so many valuable and important automobiles at one place and at one time. The total field is valued at well over 10 million dollars.

The handsome and wide ranging facility at St. John’s offers a capacious display field, a 27 hole golf course adjacent to the former Seminary and supremely elegant facilities with 25 foot high ceilings, hand painted inlays, dramatic lighting and soaring windows. It includes two ballrooms, a handsome atrium and an adjacent luxury hotel.

The Concours d’Elegance of America at St. John’s on Sunday, July 29 is open to the public and takes place 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., $25 General Admission includes free parking, shuttle and program book. Mode du Concours matching vintage fashions with cars are part of the presentation at the judges stand.

The Inn at St. John’s is located at 44045 Five Mile Road, Plymouth, Mi 48170. For information call 248-643-8645 or go to www.concoursusa.org

Related Activities Include New Track Event at Waterford Hills Raceway, Motoring Tour, Seminars, Auto Auction, Art Show and More

Three days of auto related events lead up to the big Concours day with exciting new events added this year.

Racing Events

The second annual Concours Track Event at a new venue, Waterford Hills Raceway takes place on Wednesday, July 25 as an open track. This will be followed by vintage racing Friday, July 27 through Sunday, July 29 . Owners of classic race cars and high performance cars will finally live their dream of running on a real 1.5 mile club circuit. Races will include a Trans-Am 2.5 Challenge Race and modern Corvette Challenge Race.

Motoring Tour

Friday, July 27, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Departing from The Inn at St. John's, classic autos will drive the countryside with a stop at Concours' Director, Richard Kughn's Collection. The tour will continue with the final stop for lunch at Mill Race Village in Northville. The buildings at the village will be open for touring. Classic cars and motorcycles, pre-1970, are welcome.

VIP Tour at the Edsel & Eleanor Ford House- Grosse Pointe, MI

Friday, July 27, 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. - Limited Availability - Depart from St. John's by charter motorcoach. The excursion includes luncheon, touring of the House, Gardens, Play House, and Gate Lodge Garage. Complete the visit with a trip to the Ford House Gift Shop.

Concours Artists & RM Auction Preview

St. John’s Grande Ballroom - Friday, July 27, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. On Friday visitors can preview select automotive paintings and sculptures in a special showing prior to the Concours show on Sunday. Some of the world’s finest automotive artists exhibit at the Concours d’Elegance of America Invitational Art Exhibit. Also, RM Auctions will offer a preview of cars to be auctioned on Saturday.

Plymouth Friday Night Concert in the Park

Friday, July 27, 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Concours-type car display and free concert.

Concours Seminars - St. John's Conference Center Saturday, July 28

BASF Classic Car Restoration Symposium: An all-day symposium consisting of a series of rotating restoration seminars on metal fabrication, finishes, chrome re-plating and leather work.

SCCA Trans-Am Series Car Assessment: An opportunity to take a look at the values of the chief protagonists of the SCCA Trans-Am series: Porsche 911S, Alfa Romeo 2000 GTV, Datsun 240Z & 510, Plymouth 'Cuda AAR, AMC Javelin, Chevrolet Camaro and Ford Mustang Boss 302.

American Speed Open House: American Speed Company, Plymouth, MI, Saturday, July 28, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Visits available to this unique manufacturer of high quality, all steel 1933 Ford roadster bodies. Shuttle available from St. John's, no charge.

Free Screening of "Wagonmasters" St. John's Conference Center, Saturday, July 28, shown on the hour, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Enjoy a first look at Wagonmaster, a 40-minute documentary, telling the story of the evolution of the station wagon and its effect on America.

6th Annual Bumpers, Bikes and Bands, Old Village Plymouth, Saturday, July 28, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. www.oldvillageplymouth.com

RM Vintage Motor Car Auction, St. John’s Grande Ballroom, Saturday, July 28, 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. The RM Auctions sale will feature an exciting array of high caliber classic and other collectible automobiles at one of the year’s most prestigious auctions.

Admission is open to registered bidders only. Bidder registration is $200 and includes an auction catalogue and admission for two to the auction and preview. Please contact RM Auctions at (800) 211-4371 or visit their website: www.rmauctions.com

Saturday Night Charity Gala, St. John’s Atrium, Saturday, July 28, 6:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. Ticketed event.

City of Northville Concours Preview Party, Saturday, July 28, noon to 10 p.m. Classic cars and free showings of the movie "Tucker" at the historic Marquee Theater.

34th Annual Concours d'Elegance of America, The Inn at St. John’s, Sunday, July 29, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 44045 Five Mile Road, Plymouth, Michigan 48179

General Admission: $25 (Includes free parking, shuttle and Program Book)

Children 12 years of age and under are free with paid adult admission.''

For information call 248-643-8645 or go to www.concoursusa.org