Spectacular 1936 Delahaye Type 135 Competition Court Coupe and 1969 Ford GT40 MKI take Best in Show at the Concours d'Elegance of Texas

May 17, 2013 by Concours d'Elegance of Texas

Houston, Texas. May 17, 2013. Last weekend, the award winning La Torretta Lake Resort & Spa in Montgomery, Texas, played host to the biggest celebration of vintage motoring in Texas, welcoming thousands of visitors through its doors for The Houston Classic Weekend and 2nd annual Concours d'Elegance of Texas. The weekend got off to a high-octane start when Concours participants took to the open road on the Texas Tour d'Elegance, led by Richard Rawlings of Fast N' Loud fame, in a newly re-styled Ferrari F40. Worldwide Auctioneers' 12th annual The Houston Classic Auction saw an outstanding selection of over 100 great motorcars cross the block in the Versailles Ballroom on Saturday, May 4, with 90% finding new homes. The high sale went to the 1966 Shelby 427 Cobra, which hammered sold for $1,050,000 and the very first purpose built American sports car, the ex-Donald Healey 1950 Nash-Healey Roadster, which hammered sold for $500,000. A 1958 Messerschmitt KR200 Kabrio, once owned by motorcycle daredevil Evel Knievel, sold for $35,200, with current owner Richard Rawlings of Gas Monkey Garage donating $5,000 of the proceeds to the Concours charity, Holy Angels, from the auction podium.

On Sunday, May 5, visitors enjoyed glorious Texas weather and a spectacularly diverse gathering of fine motorcars, staged on La Torretta's award winning golf green. Best in Show Pre-War went to a fantastically elegant Figoni & Falashi bodied 1936 Delahaye Type 135 Competition Court, from a collector in Colorado, with a breathtaking 1969 Ford GT40 MKI, owned by Mr. Randy Johnson of Dallas, Texas, taking Best in Show in the Post War category. This year's event honored the 'Cars of Carroll Shelby' and Concours guests gave the People's Choice award to the only big block DragonSnake Cobra ever built, a 1966 AC Cobra 427 DragonSnake owned by Mr. Sam Pack of Dallas, Texas, formerly the property of Carroll Shelby himself. A select group of highly respected judges graded seventeen individual classes recognizing the diversity of entries by celebrating everything from pre-war European classics, through sports and competition cars, modern supercars and American trucks. Twelve and fourteen year olds Matt & Ryan Logsdon of Arlington, Texas, reminded everyone what the collector car hobby is all about when the 1931 Austin Taylor Roadster 'Nippy' that they have been busy restoring with their grandfather took Best in Class in the 'Fun & Funky' category. The full list of this year's winners can be enjoyed online at www.concoursoftexas.org, along with an extensive photo gallery.

'Our team has worked hard all year to bring about a world-class event,' said Mike Ames, Concours Chairman. 'Our goal is to host one of the great Concours events right here in the heart of the country, all served up with warm Texas hospitality. Our thanks go out to our vendors and sponsors, especially to founding sponsor Gullo Auto Group, without whom this event could not take place. Special thanks also to our great volunteers, to the fantastic team here at La Torretta and of course to all those who take the time and effort to share their wonderful automobiles with us. We look forward to welcoming visitors back here to the Concours d' Elegance of Texas for many years to come.'

The Concours d'Elegance of Texas is a 501(c) 3 non-profit and is proud to support the Holy Angels Residential Facility, Montgomery County Emergency Assistance and Collectors Foundation as its primary charities. The 2014 Concours is scheduled for May 2-4 at the La Torretta Lake Resort & Spa, and will also play host to the Rolls-Royce Club of America's annual meet. Executive Director Lolly Bezy can be contacted at 855.262.9900 or lolly@concoursoftexas.org. Sponsorship inquiries should be directed to Rob Bohli at 713.906.4526