"Concours d'Elegance" is a unique affair dating back to the early 30's. It was originally a beauty contest for cars in an era when custom bodies were the rage among wealthy playboys and their fashionable ladies. Following a depression, World War 2 and eventual recovery, the concours soon became a social event in both Europe and America.
The Concours d'Elegance is no longer contested by new cars but by classics; in essence recreating those halcyon days of art deco and streamlining. There are enough events happening now, and their organisers competing, that a prize for the best show might even be appropriate. Indeed, if I could afford the travel there would a Classical Drives award; imagine the fun of attending all the world's great concours in one season!
What causes me to muse about this is the annual Fairfield County Concours d'Elegance, held in Westport, CT on September 20 and 21. Chairman Bill Scheffler says: "When you enter our venue you will be greeted by the oldest car or motorcycle on display. The layout then guides you through a timeline of automotive history and ends with significant examples of automobiles and motorcycles of today."
September 20 features the Nutmeg Tour for Autism, with up to 50 vintage automobiles taking a 50-mile tour. Each will raise money for one of the event's charities benefiting autism research and relief. Saturday evening will feature a gala reception with this year's celebrity dinner speaker, Frank Deford, Senior Contributing Editor for Sports Illustrated and the author of fifteen books. The evening also honors one of the deans of automotive art, the renowned Chuck Queener. Oh, to be in Connecticut in September!