CONCOURS D'ELEGANCE OF AMERICA AT MEADOW BROOK FOR 2010 - Sunday July 25

Meadow Brook 2010
Literally, A Exhibition of Elegance
By Steve Purdy
TheAutoChannel.com
Detroit Bureau

Larry Moss insists, “Michigan is still the automobile capital of the world.” He also insists that the Concours d’Elegance of America at Meadow Brook, often considered the most prestigious classic and collector car event east of Pebble Brook, is a reflection of the vibrancy of Michigan’s automobile culture.

Moss is the chairman of the car selection committee at Meadow Brook and former chairman of the show. His level of enthusiasm is infectious as he touts the theme of the show this year as “Not your Father’s Concours.” Sure, we’ll see the classic brass-era cars, the recognized classics based on Classic Car Club of America standards and other classes we’ve come to expect but there will be more unexpected displays as well.

For example, A/FX class drag racing cars of the 1960s, which were defined as “factory experimental” will be featured. These wild racecars came from each of Detroit’s big automakers and were raced by famous drivers of their day – Sox and Martin’s “Paper Tiger Too,” a 1965 Plymouth, Dick Landy’s 1964 Dodge with altered wheel base precursor to later funny cars, and the “Old Reliable” 1963 Chevy.

We’ll see four of Joe Bortz’ famous one-of-a-kind concept cars from GM’s Motorama of the 1950s. The most recently discovered and restored of the collection, the 1955 Biscayne, will make its debut here at Meadow Brook.

For me this is one of the biggest stories. The late Harry Wahalick, Sr. owned a junkyard near the GM Tech Center in Warren and he was charged with disposing of many GM concept cars. Some he was able to save rather than crush. His son still owns the business and helped bring the Biscayne back to life.

Chuck Jordon, GM’s prolific design chief in the 80s was around creating some of these Motorama cars and will assist Meadow Brook’s famous MC, Ed Lucas, in describing these amazing cars. Jordon has not been a part of Meadow Brook in many years and his return is significant.

Speaking of Bugatti, we’ll see two examples of the sensuous Bugatti Type 57 from 1937. Nearby we’ll see a Voisin C27 Aerosport and a Rolls Royce from 1939 with a most unusual custom body. These are among the many amazing European classics rarely seen anywhere in the world.

As an avid aficionado of these wonderful old cars, and as one who has covered this show for most of its 32 years, I must admit that I’m always surprised to see cars I’ve never seen or even heard of, like the 1932 Bergholt Steamline. I’ll bet most of you have never heard of that one either. It looks rather like an angular, exotic version of the innovative Chrysler airflow. Check it out on the Website listed below.

The CCCA has now designated “Town and Country” vehicles as full classics and they will be featured at Meadow Brook. These are sometimes called “woodies” but you’ve probably never seen a Bentley woody. You’ll see one at Meadow Brook.

Meadow Brook, like most Concours events, features an automotive art show. Tom Hale, an accomplished, internationally known Michigan artist, is a founder of the Automotive Fine Art Society and puts together the show each year. He also helps determine the official poster artist. Poster art this year, as seen above, is by another noted Michigan artist, Gerald Freeman.

Among other elements often enhancing the best Concours events are fashion shows. The original French Concours were actually clothing fashion exhibitions using expensive cars as a backdrop. Margery Krevsky, owner of Productions Plus, the premier modeling agency that has provided talent for auto shows since the 1980s, has, for the second year, orchestrated a fashion show to go with the beautiful cars. Featured are the original costumes, designed by Bob Mackie, used for the 1983 Detroit introduction of the Pontiac Fiero.

For the past 15 years RM Auctions has offered classic and collectible cars for sale during the show weekend. This year they will present about 100 cars, including many American Classics, with values up to $1-million. Ian Kelleher, COO of RM Auctions, says this is one of the best auction venues for these classic American vehicles.

The Concours d’Elegance of America opens to the public at 10AM on Sunday, July 25th. Admission charge is only $25 - a bargain, indeed.

For details on the Concours d’Elegance of America at Meadow Brook and all the peripheral events go to their Website: http://www.meadowbrookconcours.org. You’ll see many of the cars we’ve talked about here.

©Steve Purdy, Shunpiker Productions, All Rights Reserved