By Cathy Higgins | Sept. 25, 2018 | Weekend of Driving
1953 Jaguar XK120DHC
It looks like the third year is indeed the charm for the third annual Atlanta Concours d’Elegance, with distinguished collections to suit every enthusiast – from the romanticism of rare pre-war vehicles to prominent collections that have made their historic markings from Pebble Beach to Amelia Island – all to be shown September 29-30 at Chateau Elan Winery and Resort in Braselton, GA. With nearly 180 cars expected on the field this year, the program has grown from a local area regional event to a nationally regarded concours with entries that include top class winners from shows nationwide.
1909 Rolls Royce Silver Ghost
According to Bill Wallet, CEO of the Atlanta Concours, this year’s show heralds a nod to both heritage and innovation, creating a hybrid of automotive culture and all on one field.
“Technology is always relevant,” he said. “The origins behind cars are enormously intriguing – whether found on a rare aluminum body Graham Phaeton or those that have earned class winning status in renowned concours events – each holds a spot in automotive history.”
1958-Mercedes-Benz-300-SL-Roadster
This year, famed collector Steve Plaster will showcase half a dozen unique vehicles from his Evergreen Historic Automobile Collection in Lebanon, MO, a house that holds more than 600 rare motorized gems. Entries of his for the Atlanta Concours range from a 1909 Washington Model A-1 Tourabout — a four-passenger surrey that is believed to be the last remaining Washington automobile in existence, to a 1937 De LaHaye 135 MS Cabriolet, built by one of the French automobile industry’s grandest coachbuilders, Henri Chapron.
1961 Maserati Frua
New for 2018 is the establishment of the Atlanta Concours d’Elegance Foundation, a non-profit dedicated to restoring mobility to the lives of the disabled – both civilians and veterans – the Foundation also channels outreach to enhance the hobby of collecting and restoring classic cars.
With the Foundation comes the creation of an all-new mobility area that will not only showcase vendors and sponsors bringing utilities such as all-terrain wheelchairs, but of more importance working with the Shepherd Center to provide appropriate equipment for disabled veterans and those that are handicapped to make the Atlanta Concours a truly accessible show.
“We believe that the spirit of innovation brings a lasting education to everyone,” Wallet said, “and we’re looking forward to displaying all types of significant advancements within the automotive realm to our attendees.”
Porsche current models
The third annual event will also feature Porsche as its marque, in honor of the luxury automobile brand’s 70th anniversary.
“As the Atlanta Concours continues its growth cycle in the southeast region, it’s been a pleasure for Porsche to help champion its beginnings and future success,” said Peter Sanford, area south marketing manager for Porsche Cars North America, Inc. “This will be Porsche’s third year of involvement with the concours – and this is our most meaningful contribution yet.”
Porsche, which makes its corporate headquarters in Atlanta, will host a display large enough to showcase at least a half dozen vehicles while providing its own test-drive experience for consumers and attendees throughout the weekend, with a mix of current models ranging from 911s to 718s and the Macan GTS sport luxury sport utility vehicle.
1933 IsottaFraschiniTipo8A
With a myriad of events for the public to enjoy throughout the entire Concours weekend, Saturday September 29, will kick off an opportunity to see and be seen – beginning with Classics and Coffee at the Chateau from 9 a.m.–2 p.m. Open to the general public, the morning tradition offers the ability for consumers to showcase their own vehicles and share their car aficionado enthusiasm. From 9 a.m.–1 p.m., judges will be on hand to view attendees’ cars to potentially include in the special class, the Magnificent Seven. In this class, seven vehicles of various provenance will be chosen to partake in their own private class for display and judging on Sunday at the actual concours. Concours entrants will have their own private driving tour sponsored by Magellan Planning Group, with the ability for weekend attendees to welcome the group onto the Concours field beginning at 1:30 p.m.
Chateau Elan in Braselton, GA
Both days of the Atlanta Concours will include merchant walkway with automotive artists, automotive manufacturer’s row, manufacturer ride and drives, docent field tours and a food pavilion.
IMAGES: Courtesy of Atlanta Concours d’Elegance
