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 The Greenwich Concours d'Elegance 2007 featured Antique, Vintage, and Classic automobiles, as well as the latest "toys" from Masserati, Ferrari, Bentley Motors, Bugatti, Lamborghini, Maybach, and more.
Roger Sherman Baldwin Park in Greenwich, Connecticut was the idyllic setting for the 12th annual Greenwich Concours d'Elegance 2007 which took place over two gloriously sunny days from June 2 - 3, 2007.
 A few of the many show highlights of the 262 Antique, Vintage, and Classic cars on display included a 1904 Oldsmobile 6C Curved Dash Runabout owned by Priscilla Hopkins, the earliest entry in the show, that had an unusual wicker umbrella holder on the side of the car that looked like it could serve double duty as a baguette holder.
Another early entry was a 1905 Renault Town Car owned by George Dragone. Sarah Cooper-Hewitt of the wealthy Cooper-Hewitt family in New York was the original owner of this early limousine from 1905-1939, which features cut crystal vases and the original upholstery. George was passionate in his pursuit, which took him 30 years to acquire this car.
Penny Havard, George Dragone with 1905 Renault Town Car
 Although many people think electric and hybrid cars are new to the market, George Dragone, owner of a 1898 electric car, and a 1912 Rauch and Lang Electric Coupe, explained that at the turn of the 20th century, there was steam, electric, and gas, and that by 1912, the electric car was old news, yet was a definite hit with show attendees. His 1912 Rauch and Lang Electric Coupe reminded us of Cinderella's coach, and Debra could not resist sitting next to Penny Havard dressed in a period costume, who looked like Cinderella's fairy Godmother.
 Parker and Gwen Ackerley attend the show every year and are always beautifully dressed in period costumes to match their automobiles. This year they entered their 1915 Dodge Brothers Touring Car, "accessorized" with Parker and Gwen Ackerley, and Lynn and baby Lili Pritchard dressed in period clothing.
 Racing fans went wild over a very rare 1926 Salmson Grand Prix GSS Roadster owned by Alexis V. Kirk. One of only two in the world, this car has won many races, verified in its original racing book. Alexis has meticulously restored this impressive racing vehicle, which features a domed teardrop shape back and a double seat. He explained that in the early days of racing, a mechanic would ride beside the driver with the mechanic's seat set to the left and slightly behind the driver's seat. Passionate about racing since his first race in 1956, race fans should look for Alexis on the race circuit with this sleek and sexy vehicle, which reaches a top-speed of 130 mph.
We enjoy attending this show each year not only because of the quality of the entries, but also because the owners are passionate collectors who have a wealth of information and welcome the opportunity to share their passion.
 While we were walking the show, we noticed a rather unusual hood ornament, also called a mascot, for a 1929 Cadillac 341-B Dual-Cowl Phaeton, and stopped to ask owner John P. Beveridge about it. He explained that the 1929 Cadillac herald was a transitional ornament, with the herald with a coat of arms on  his tunic blowing a horn and the word Cadillac written on the base. John said that that for him, "1928-1934 was the high water mark for automobiles with regards to technology, styling, and craftsmanship," which he clearly demonstrated in his pride of this beautiful car.
Rare and unusual car entries from Alfa Romeo, Auburn, Bentley, Bugatti, Cord, Delahaye, Jaguar, Knox, Lagonda, Lancia, Marmon, Pierce-Arrow, Reo, Rolls-Royce, Talbot Lago, Tatra, Vauxhall, and many more completed the sensational line-up.
 Some of the highlights from the 1930s entries, included a 1931 Cadillac 452A All-Weather Phaeton owned by Charles B. Gillet; a 1932 Plymouth PB Sports Roadster owned by Richard and Bonnie Bieder dressed in period clothing to complement their car; and a 1933 Lincoln 516 Victoria Coupe owned by Janice and Glenn Davis that received "celebrity status" as artist Robert Seffert painted this teal beauty.
Artist Robert Seffert
There is something about the Packard that brings out the passion in its owners. Rick Reale, owner for 40 years of a 1941 Packard Model 1951 Touring Sedan, is one such owner. When he and his wife had their first child, they gave their son a middle name of Packard, perhaps playing a role in their son's career choice as a toy designer who once worked at Mattel in the Hot Wheels division.
 A few of the late model entries included a 2006 Ferrari 612 Kappa Coupe owned by Peter S. Kalikow, a 2007 Porsche GT3 RS Coupe owned by Ray Minella, and a 2007 Callaway C16 Cabrio owned by Reeves Callaway.
There were 29 motorcycle entries, of which a few highlights included a 1909 Racycle Board Track Racer owned by Kip and Peggy O'Hara; six Harley-Davidson's ranging from 1914 - 1917 owned by David Fusiak; and a 2002 Triumph Bonneville owned by Horst G.H. Pelka; and in the aeroplane category, there was one entry, a 1927 de Havilland DH-71 Tiger Moth Racing Monoplane owned by Michael Maniatis.
Five boat entries displayed in the water included the 1937 Aphrodite, Purdy Brothers Commuter recently stored by owners Charles and Deborah Royce; the 1947 Empress, Consolidated Cruiser owned by Round Island Holdings; the 1957 Peace, Cape Cod Ship Building Herreshoff Bullseye owned by Michael Traci Fiore; the 1960 Westray, Abeking & Rasmussen Concordia Yawl owned by John and Mary Melvin; and the 1987 America II, America's Cup 12m Sloop US-42 owned by 12 Yacht Development Group.
Dealers from Aston-Martin, Audi, Bentley, Ferrari, GM, Infiniti, Jaguar, Lamborghini, Land Rover, Lexus, Lincoln Mercury, Maserati, Maybach, Meguiar's, Mercedes-Benz, Mini, Porsche, Rolls-Royce, Spyker, Volvo, and XI Motorsports brought their latest models for viewing, dreaming, and drooling over.
 Audi and General Motors brought cars available for test drives, and since it was a beautiful day for a drive through Greenwich, Edward got behind the wheel of the Audi TT Coupe Roadster and the Cadillac STS-V, while Debra drove the Saab 9-3 Aero Convertible 352.
For attendees looking to purchase cars, Christie's held their Exceptional Motors Cars Auction on Sunday, June 3, 2007 where one of the spectacular cars on the auction block was an unrestored 1938 Bugatti Type 57C Atalante Coupe that greatly exceeded the auction estimate of $300,000 - $400,000 by selling at the remarkable price of $852,500 including buyer's premium. Read about Christie's Exceptional Motors Cars Auction in the Arts and Antiques section.
For information on next year's Greenwich Concours d'Elegance, please visit the website www.GreenwichConcours.com.
Greenwich Concours d'Elegance
Contacts: Bruce and Genia Wennerstrom
Telephone: +1 203-618-0460
Fax: +1 203-618-0460
www.GreenwichConcours.com
© July 2007. Luxury Experience. www.LuxuryExperience.com All rights reserved.
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