Concours d'Elegance at Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens

The inaugural Concours d'Elegance at Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens welcomed over 180 rare and exclusive automobiles, motorcycles, and bicycles on the well-manicured 70-acre landscape. The backdrop for this elegant affair was the 6th largest historic estate open to the public - the Stan Hywet – which has the reputation as being the home of The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. co-founder F.A. Seiberling.

With this being the inaugural event at the Stan Hywet, teething problems were to be expected. The individuals and organizers of the event, led by Mr. David Schultz and his very capable team, brought with them a wealth of experience and knowledge on hosting and planning for this type of world class affair. Having organized the Glenmoor Gathering of Significant Automobiles for nearly two decades, the team proved they had the professionalism and the capability to tackle the challenges of a new location. Bypassing all of the typical problems with a new event, the event was well run and managed, the classes were very well curated, and the awards presentation was very educational and enjoyable.

The group of cars on the show field ranged from the brass era to the 1960s. Featured groups included Packard Darrins, Cord (L29 and 810/812), Duesenberg, and Ford Thunderbird (1955-57). Perhaps the best display were the two groups of Pierce-Arrows which included over a dozen examples. Visitors were treated to a very rare opportunity to study the history and evolution of this great American marque, from its earliest years of existence through the 1930s.

When it came time to select the Best of Show, the judges selected Mr. Joseph & Margie Cassini's Duesenberg Model J with coachwork by Derham. The Duesenberg was unquestionably the most elegant vehicle on the show field. The very large and stately vehicle was powered by a dual overhead camshaft, inline eight-cylinder engine which displaced 420 cubic-inches and offered 270 horsepower. The car is capable of achieving 90 mph in second gear. The Derham-bodied Tourster is one of eight originally built for the Duesenberg chassis and one of seven that survive today, with its history known from the beginning.

The inaugural Concours d'Elegance at Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens was certainly a success and we look forward to what the event's organizers have planned for the future.

posted on conceptcarz.com

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