300 Events Not to be Missed in 2010. One is a Concours d'Elegance

Filed in archive As We See Things , Concours , Fun Events on February 11, 2010

According to a recent book by Frommers, the travel publisher, there are "300 Unmissable Events & Festivals Around the World" to be seen in 2010. One of them, surprisingly, is the annual Rodeo Drive Concours d'Elegance. I say "surprisingly" because this show has never been acknowleged by the automotive media as a not-to-be-missed concours. Which isn't to say the event is not worth visiting but to be included with, for example, the Venice Biennale in Italy, the Tour d'Afrique from Cairo to Cape Town, and the King's Cup Elephant Polo Tournament in Thailand, would seem to be an honour more worthy of the concours at Pebble Beach or Amelia Island.

Well, maybe I'm being unfair for I've never seen the show in person, an annual event that draws thousands of visitors from throughout Southern California to the famed street. The event began in 1995 and has had numerous themes each year from "Cars of Stars," "Cars of California" and "Haute Wheels." No doubt the location has something to do with Frommer's listing, for Rodeo Drive is one of the most famous avenues in America, lined as it is with the finest (and most expensive) fashion, home furnishings, and luxury boutiques to be found anywhere. Window shopping is a unique experience and even the passing traffic can be impressive. Just don't expect to see Julia Roberts thrashing the clutch in Richard Gere's Lotus Esprit SE.

Awards in the 2009 Concours represented an interesting variety, including the Beverly Hills Mayor's Award for 3 microcars (1951 Fiat Topolino Truck, 1957 Fiat Multipla, and 1957 BMW Isetta); a 1962 Ferrari 250GT Super America for the Svend Ingerslev Award for Elegance; a trio of racing Bentleys (1924 8-Liter, 1926 Speed 6, and 1927 4½-Liter) given Chairman's Award for Most Sporting Classic; a 1967 Shelby Cobra received the Icon Award; and a1939 Delahaye 135M Cabriolet awarded Best in Show. No doubt 2010 will bring out an equally impressive group, with more than 130 classic cars expected. As always, the Rodeo Drive Concours d'Elegance will be held on Father's Day: Sunday, June 20, 2010.