2023 COBBLE BEACH CONCOURS D'ÉLÉGANCE
EDITED BY ALAIN LEMIRE
PUBLISHED ON SEPTEMBER 28, 2023
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Every year, this concours is the must-attend event for classic and rare car enthusiasts. It is reputed to be the most prestigious of its kind in Canada with 21 judging classes.
As soon as we enter the site, we're fitted with a rather chic wristband, in contrast to the fluorescent-colored ones used at other automotive events held in Quebec.
THE SUMMARY
All links in the table of contents are intended to facilitate navigation on this page. Links in light blue will take you to the sections that interest you most.
A "Back to summary" link in the same color will take you back to the page summary.
AN HIGH LEVEL CONCOURS JUDGING
The Cobble Beach judging team will be looking for authenticity and build quality in every part of the vehicle.
They will deduct points for parts that are not authentic.
They will also judge the fit and finish of the vehicle's components.
Each area will be examined to check that the components are correct, and that the installation and finish are correct.
The following operations are carried out during a judging:
- Each vehicle will be started by the owner or driver.
- Lights, gauges, etc. will be checked to make sure they are working.
Judges will use a 100-point deduction system, divided into categories including:
- body finish
- paintwork, shine work
- engine compartment details
- upholstery
- chassis finish
- windows, etc.
What's more, the categories change from year to year. But a vehicle that has already participated in the past can win an award in one class and come back a few years later.
Quebec events should take inspiration from this, instead of giving the same prizes to the same cars year after year...
AN ALL-COLOR SOUVENIR PROGRAM
A beautiful 170-page color program is handed out.
Inside, the cars on display are all detailed with descriptive text, as this is an event where you have to have your car approved in order to enter one of the judging classes.
An open-air automobile art museum!
In 2023, the Cobble Beach Concours d'Élégance will have been marked by four special commemorations that will have captivated visitors.
These were:
- 70 years of the Chevrolet Corvette
- 75 years of Porsche
- 60 years of Lamborghini
- 120 years of Buick
In this article, you'll find sections called "A LITTLE HISTORY" which recount the key dates of the manufacturers commemorated in this competition.
This program was a great help in the creation of this article, providing historical facts about some of the cars on display, and a list of cars entered in each class.
A VERY SPECIAL COMMEMORATION
The Cobble Beach Concours d'Elegance got things right with the commemoration of Buick's 120th anniversary.
Buick is an automotive brand that has embodied American elegance and innovation for over a century. Buick's iconic models, from past decades to the present prototype, were on display to the delight of enthusiasts.
The brand's models were very well represented, in 7 judging classes ranging from the first models of the early 20th century through the 30s, 50s, 60s and the muscle car period, to the 80s.
CLASS 1
Pre-1916 horseless carriages
There were 4 vehicles entered in this class, all Buicks.
3 out of 4 were McLaughlin-Buicks, including the first built in Canada, a 1908 Model F now owned by the Canadian Automobile Museum in Oshawa.
Cars in this class were the first to be offered to individuals who could afford the luxury of no longer
having to handle horses, such as tying them to a cart.
The vision of that class was very inspiring for the stories you can imagine to live with those cars back in the days.
A LITTLE HISTORY
- 1903 Buick founded by David Dunbar Buick in Flint, Michigan.
- 1904 first Buick sold, marking the beginning of commercial automobile production.
- 1905 start of car production by Mclaughlin Carriage Company, based in Oshawa.
- 1911 introduction of the Buick Model 24, establishing a reputation for quality and performance.
Class 1 cars are:
- 1908 Buick Model F
(First McLauglin-Buick built in Canada)
- 1909 Buick Model 10 (class-winning car)
(Available only in white, hence its nickname "White Flash" for its speed)
(Winner of numerous AACA and other awards since 2009)
- 1910 McLaughlin-Buick Model 8
(The chassis of this car is that of a Buick Model 10, prefiguring the birth of General Motor of Canada)
- 1913 McLaughlin-Buick Model 25
(The Model 25 was the smallest of 3 versions offered by Buick in 1913)
CLASS 2
Early U.S. production
1917-1948
Also in this class, it was all Buick models that were featured. 2 out of 4 were McLaughlin-Buicks built in Oshawa.
The Auto Trac is a transformation of a Buick into a farm tractor, which often seemed to be executed from a wrecked car front end fitted with a working engine and truck rear axle.
The Auto Trac's presence at the show owes its relevance to a habit developed in Canada in the first decades of the 20th century. It's not all chic at a concours d'élégance, but sometimes there are historic revelations.
A LITTLE HISTORY
- 1918 founding of McLaughlin-Buick, a Canadian manufacturer active until 1942.
- 1931 one of the first brands to offer an eight-cylinder in-line engine, the "Straight-Eight".
- 1936 first use of the "Century" name, introduced as a high-performance model.
- 1941 debut of one-piece side-opening hoods.
Among the cars in Class 2 were:
- 1923 McLaughlin-Buick 23/45 Tourer
(The car was stored for 51 years after 1929. It has undergone a good restoration since then)
- 1923 McLaughlin-Buick Auto Trac
(This "thing" is a demonstration of what could be done with a vintage car to get a tractor)
- 1926 Buick Master Six Model 48
(1 of 10,000 built, this model is not a rarity but its restoration has won it many AACA awards and competitions in recent years)
- 1935 Buick 46C Roadster with mother-in-law seat
(1 of 25 produced in 1935, and this model is equipped with a 235 h.p., 93 h.p. engine)
- 1934 Dodge DR Coupe with mother-in-law seat (class-winning car)
(Only non-Buick car in its class)
CLASS 3
American Classic
1915-1948
No fewer than 9 beauties on wheels competed in this class, which includes the most beautiful vintage cars in the Concours.
It's often in this class that the "Best of show" car is entered.
American marques such as Cord, Duesenberg and Packard, not forgetting Buick on the 120th anniversary of the company's foundation, were all entered.
It includes the following cars
- 1929 Cord L-29 Cabriolet (class-winning car)
(First front-wheel drive, allowing the car to look lower without a driveshaft)
- 1929 Duesenberg Model J Roadster
(The car made its world premiere at the 1928 New York Auto Show)
- 1930 Duesenberg Model J Dual Cowl Pheaton (Poetry in Motion Award)
(A rolling chassis cost $800, and once bodied, the price could go up to $20,000)
- 1931 Packard 840 Roadster Rumble-Seat
(Car not shown)
- 1931 Buick Model 94 Sport Roadster
(The arrival of an in-line 8-cylinder engine under the Buick hood)
- 1932 Buick Model 96C Convertible Coupe
(1 of 289 built, this model was Buick's sports car of 1932)
- 1936 Packard LeBaron Model 1408 Town Car All-Weather (Most elegant pre-war award)
(1 of 3 known, the car is a recipient of AACA, CCCA and other awards)
- 1936 Cord 810 Phaeton
(Owned by Canadians since 1951, the car has won awards from the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Club at their annual meetings)
- 1940 Packard Darrin Convertible
(Last of 24 cars converted by Darrin)
CLASS 4
European Classic
1915-1948
5 jewels on wheels competed for the top class prize in this category.
There were gems like the 1938 Peugeot 402 Darl' Mat Special Sports Roadster in a beautiful metallic green color. It was my choice for "Best of Show", but I'm no expert judge!
Another car, the SS Cars Limited One Airline Saloon 1935, was quite interesting to look at, especially as it was on trial when I visited.
The Class 4 cars were:
- 1927 Bugatti Type 39/35B
(Bugatti's most race-winning model from 1924 to 1930)
- 1931 Rolls Royce 20/25 Park Ward Saloon
(Restored over a 10-year period from 1998)
- 1935 SS Cars Limited SS One Airline Saloon
(Class-winning car, and pre-war Outstanding Car Award)
(1 of 16 known, the car was produced in the year of King George V's Silver Jubilee)
- 1938 Peugeot 402 Darl'mat Special Sports
Roadster
(1 of 53 produced by Darl'mat, Peugeot's major Paris dealership)
- 1935 Rolls-Royce Phaeton II Fixed Head Coupe by Hooper &
Co
(1 of 1 bodied by Hooper & Co, the car was ordered from the Montreal dealership)
(The car once belonged to Nicolas Cage and appeared in one of his films)
The Peugeot 402 1938 was chosen as the "Public's Favourite Car" and won the "Chairman's Award".
To see the car in real life, visit the Stahls Automotive Collection.
CLASS 5
European sports cars
Pre 1975
4 out of 6 beautiful registed sports cars could be admired in this class, including 3 Jaguars from 1956 to 1966.
One of these 2 Jaguars achieved a near-perfect score in judging by a club specializing in the marque at past shows.
Other cars in this class include an Alfa Romeo, used for a test drive article published by a
well-known American magazine in 1967, and a Ferrari with a 1972 Dino 246 GT.
Participating cars in Class 5 were:
- 1956 Jaguar XK 140 MC
OTS
(Has elements of the C-Type)
(The car was judged in 2022 at the Ontario Jaguar Concours at 99.5/100)
- 1965 Jaguar E-Type Series I
Roadster
(Car not present)
- 1966 Jaguar XKE Series 1 Fixed Head Coupe
4.2
(Car sold new in California, restored to concours standards)
- 1967 Alfa Romeo Giulia Sprint GT
Veloce
(Copy of car used by Road & Track for article published in June 1967)
- 1967 Mercedes-Benz
250SL
(Car not present)
- 1972 Ferrari Dino 246GT (class-winning car)
(Same owner for 40 years, the car regularly takes part in both static and dynamic events)
CLASS 6
Porsche Classic
Pre 1983
The 75th anniversary of Porsche's foundation was honored, recalling the exceptional heritage of this German brand that redefined the concept of the sports car, with the 356, and the 911.
Among the models entered were a 1955 356 Pre A sold new in Germany, a colorful 1970 911E in European specification sold new in Switzerland, a 1976 911S Targa that took 20 years to restore, a very nice Meissen Blue 1958 356 Speedster and a black with red interior 1959 356 Carrera.
A LITTLE HISTORY
- 1948 arrival of the first Porsche model, the 356 Pre A with power ranging from 40 to 70 h.p.
- 1954 introduction of the Porsche Speedster on the American market.
- 1956 debut of the 356 A, with standard versions ranging from 40 to 75 h.p.
- 1960 saw the arrival of the 356 B, with power ranging from 60 to 90 h.p.
- 1964 saw the launch of the 356 C, with power ranging from 75 to 95 h.p.
- 1955 Porsche 356 Pre-A (Most Elegant Porsche Award)
(Exterior color Adria Blue Metallic and interior Leatherette Blau Grau)
- 1959 Porsche 356 A 1600 Super Convertible
D
(Car not present)
- 1970 Porsche 911S
(Car not shown)
- 1970 Porsche 911E Targa in European specification
(Imported in Quebec in 1989)
- 1976 Porsche 911S Targa
- 1958 Porsche Speedster
- 1959 Porsche 356 Carrera (class winner)
In class 20, you'll find cars from the restoration competition.
70 YEARS OF AMERICAN SPORTS CAR
Visitors also had the chance to admire legendary Corvette models spanning 8 generations of production on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of the car's creation, displayed in class 21.
The C1, C2 and C3 had their respective judging classes.
CLASS 7
C1 Corvette Classics
1953 - 1962
A LITTLE HISTORY
- 1953 was the first year of production for the Chevrolet Corvette, with 300 cars assembled by hand.
- 1955 saw the Corvette get a 265 h.p. V8 engine under its hood.
- 1956 was the first redesign of the Corvette body.
- 1957 Chevrolet introduces the option of fuel injection on a Corvette engine.
- 1958 introduction of twin headlamps, as on the entire GM range.
The winning Corvette in this class was restored to the highest NCRS standard, leading to further prestigious awards at other competitions, the Chicago MCACN and Bloomington Gold to name but a few.
- 1954 Chevrolet Corvette
(One of 3640 Corvettes built in 1954)
- 1959 Chevrolet Corvette
(Class-winning car, and Chief Judge's choice)
- 1960 Chevrolet Corvette
(65 units built in Cascade Green)
CLASS 8
C2 Corvette Classics
1963 - 1967
A LITTLE HISTORY
- 1963 launch of a new generation of Corvettes, with a body design that was out of the ordinary for a sports car, including a unique 2-part rear window.
- 1964 saw the introduction of knock-off wheels, which were offered until 1966.
- 1965 sarrival of the 396 Turbo Jet engine under a redesigned Corvette hood.
- 1966 introduction of the 427 Turbo Jet engine under the hood of a Corvette.
- 1967 the 427-powered Corvette will see a colorful decorative stripe called a "stinger" appear on the hood. It is said that this colored stripe must match the color of the interior.
- 1963 Chevrolet Corvette Sting Ray Fuelie
(One of 2610 produced with the "fuelie" option)
- 1967 Chevrolet Corvette Sting Ray L-71
(One of 6 produced in this combination with the L-71 engine in 1967)
- 1967 Chevrolet Corvette Sting Ray L-79
(class-winning car)
CLASS 9
C3 Corvette Classics
1968 - 1973
A LITTLE HISTORY
- 1968 saw the introduction of the 3rd generation Corvette.
- 1969 saw the Corvette set a sales record with around 39,000 units produced.
- 1970 the 454 engine is offered as a high-performance engine.
- 1973 the chrome front bumpers disappeared, due to an American law requiring them to be driven at less than 5 mph.
The year 1969 took pride of place in this class, with 3 out of 3 cars from that year. The Corvette Stingray L-88 was the rarity of this class. Probably seeing it for the first time, the surviving car has quite a track record in concours and other prestige events!
- 1969 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray L-71
(A triple 2-barrel carburetor equips this Corvette)
- 1969 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray L-36
(This car has an original mileage of 57000 miles)
- 1969 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray L-88
(Class winning car)
CLASS 10
American production
Pré 1976
Another class in which Buick takes pride of place, with rather rare models such as the exclusive 1954 Skylark in Cavalier Blue, owned by a Montreal couple, the 1956 Special Convertible 46C in Glacier Green, a regular at American concours events, the 1958 Roadmaster Limited (1 of 839 built and convertible), the 1963 Wildcat Hardtop in Riverside Red, and the 1964 Riviera in Surf Green.
This Riviera was completely restored over a period of 6 years. Some 35 dealer options and accessories will have been redone or replaced to make the car functional.
Other vehicles in this class are the 1975 Century Pace Car Indy 500, the 1957 Ford Fairlane 500 Skyliner, and the 1956 Meteor Crown Victoria, built in Canada to compete against the Canadian Pontiacs.
This last car underwent a 4-year restoration to obtain the spectacular result shown in the
photos.
A LITTLE HISTORY
- 1953 The stylistic revolution of elegant, innovative automotive design begins, marking a period of renewal.
- 1953 Creation of the Roadmaster Skylark commemorating Buick's 50th anniversary, a more upmarket Buick car.
- 1959 appearance of "delta wings" on the all-new Le Sabre, Invita and Elentra.
- 1963 introduction of the stunning Buick Riviera, taking on Ford's Thunderbird in the luxury coupe market.
- 1965 introduction of the Gran Sport (GS), a high-performance version of the Skylark.
- 1970 launch of the Skylark GSX, a muscular version of the Buick GS, available only in white or yellow.
- 1954 Buick Skylark Convertible
(1 of 836 made in 1954)
- 1956 Buick Special Convertible 46C
(Available in 37 color combinations)
- 1958 Buick Roadmaster Limited Convertible
(class winner, and post-war Outstanding Car Award)
- 1958 Buick Wildcat Hardtop
- 1964 Buick Riviera
(McLaughlin Heritage Award)
- 1975 Buick Century Indianapolis 500 Pace Car Edition
(1800 units produced)
- 1957 Ford Fairline 500 Skyliner Retractable
Hardtop
(First mass-produced model with retractable hardtop)
- 1956 Meteor Crown
Victoria
(1 of 206 produced for the Canadian market only)
CLASS 11
Post-war American performance
- 1967 Pontiac Beaumont Sport Deluxe 396
(1 of 29 documented)
- 1969 Oldsmobile Hurst/Olds
(1 of 906 built)
- 1970 Plymouth 'Cuda
440-6
(Class winning car)
(1 of 1755 built)
- 1970 Buick GSX
(1 of 678 and one of 278 with engine and transmission combo)
- 1970 AMC AMX
(One full of options)
- 1970 Plymouth Superbird
(Car not present)
- 1969 Mercury Cougar XR7 Convertible
(1 of 4024 convertibles built in 1969)
- 1968 Dodge Charger
CLASS 12
"Red Rides" American cars of the 1980s
A LITTLE HISTORY
- 1978 launch of the Regal Sport Coupe, the first Buick Turbo with power ranging from 150 to 165 h.p.
- 1982 debut of the Riviera convertible, a first for this model.
- 1982 introduction of the atmospheric Grand National with 125 h.p. power.
- 1983 discontinuation of the Grand National and debut of the 180 h.p. Turbo-T, built in 3,732 units.
- 1984 return of the now black Grand National, equipped with a 6-cylinder turbo engine ranging from 200 to 235 h.p. from 1986.
- 1987 arrival of the GNX, the ultimate version of the Buick Regal Grand National, with a 276 h.p. turbocharged engine.
- 1988 introduction of the Reatta, considered a luxury sports model with a distinctive design.
- 1990 reintroduction of the Riviera with modern design and luxury features.
- 1982 Buick Riviera Convertible
(1 of 1248 convertibles produced from coupes)
- 1987 Buick Turbo Regal Limited
(Car not present)
- 1987 Buick GNX
(1 of 547 produced by ACS/McLaren from Grand National)
- 1990 Buick Regatta Select-Sixty
(1 of 65 hand-built given to top 60 dealerships for sales and service. The other 5 will be given to top GM executives)
- 1989 Pontiac Turbo Trans Am
(Car not present)
- 1989 Ford RS200S
(Class-winning car)
(1 of 20 produced)
- 1985 Dodge GLH Turbo
(1 of 2247 assembled, GLH for Goes Like Heel)
- 1990 Ford Mustang 5.0
LX
(1 of 22502 units assembled)
CLASS 13
Exotic Cars
Pre 2000
- 1965 Lamborghini
350GT
(class winner, and prize for most elegant post-war car)
(1 of 120 built)
- 1974 Detomaso Pantera
(1 of 5629 built between 1971 and 1974)
- 1972 Lancia
Stratos
(Tom Thomson Gallery Timeless Design Award)
(1 of 492 built)
- 1980 Lamborghini Countach LP400S
"Lowbody"
(1 of 237 spread over 3 series)
- 1993 Jaguar
XJ220S
(Ingenuity Award presented by Templeton Marsh)
(1 of 6 built)
- 1997 Ferrari 550
Maranello
(1 of 3,083 built, including over 2,000 for the non-US market)
- 1997 Panoz Roadster AIV
(1 of 176 assembled between 1996 and 1999)
CLASS 14
Custom Street Rods
Pre 1972
- 1963 Buick Villa Riviera By George Barris
Kustom
(class-winning car)
(Personal car of G. Barris in 1964 until a film appearance in 1965)
- 1956 Mercury Montery 64C
(Modified using pre-1957 parts and accessories)
- 1954 Meteor Rideau
Skyliner
(First-time entry award)
(1 of 385 built in Canada in 1954)
- 1949 Chevrolet
Fleetline
(A car magazine star with 6 appearances)
CLASS 15
Traditional Hot Rod
Pre 1951
- 1930 Ford Model A Coupe
(A post-war hot rod style car)
- 1932 Ford Roadster
(Class-winning car)
(A mix of old and new with a classic Corvette engine)
- 1932 Ford 5-window Coupe
(Modified in 1955 and restored to its original condition between 2006 and 2018)
CLASS 16
Antique American Motorcycles
Pre 1980
Only 4 motorcycles out of 6 registrated were present in this class of the Concours.
- 1901 E. R. Thomas
Auto-BI
(Considered the first motorized bicycle in North America)
- 1905 Indian Camelback
(First year of front suspension on an Indian motorcycle)
- 1913 Flying Merkel
Racer
("If it went over your head, it was a Flying Merkel!" A convincing advertising slogan!)
- 1928 Harley Davidson
JDH
(Motorcycle not present)
- 1940 Indian Four
(Motorcycle not shown)
- 1942 Indian 442
(Last year of engine production for this Indian model)
CLASS 17
Vintage Racing Cars
Pre 1994
- 1973 Rondel Motul
F2/Can-Am
(1 of 6 built for Formula 2 and Can-Am series)
- 1975 Lola T332-C
(Car not present)
- 1949 Ford Anglia "Roung Brothers" drag
car
(Car not present)
- 1923 Ford Model T altered drag
car
(Class winning car)
(Active between 1963 and 1969 in drag racing, the car is still active today in historic series. The car and its driver Charley Horse were inducted in 2016 into the "drag race hall of fame" that John Scotti set up in Montreal)
- 1966 Porsche 906 Carrera 6
"906-128"
(AACA - Spirit of the Automobile Hobby Award)
(The car had a successful European endurance racing career from 1966 to 1968.)
CLASS 18
Prototypes and concept cars
The 1951 GM LeSabre concept car foreshadowed future designers' deliriums in terms of rear fins. As the Sabre is a name associated with Buick, it was a fitting association to make between this prototype and the 120 years of Buick commemorated at the Concours.
The car was used by Harley Earl until his retirement in 1958.
The 1956 Buick Century X is another unique achievement of GM's design studios. It was Bill Mitchell's service car for several years. Note the rotating front seats that would be offered in the 1970s on GM's mid-size and full-size models.
The 1956 Pontiac Club de Mer is a successful re-creation of an early concept car built on a 1959 Pontiac Star Chief chassis. It demonstrates the olé olé aspect of the prototypes of the time, which were intended to demonstrate the development capabilities of interior and exterior design, as well as automotive engineering.
Finally, the 1967 Ferguson Super Sport is the brainchild of an engineer who worked on the Avro Arrow fighter plane, the first to reach a speed of nearly Mach 2. 1959 saw the end of this project, ordered by the Canadian government, which focused on guided missiles.
Ross Ferguson found himself without a job. His desire with this car project was to develop an endurance racing car like those active in the 24 Hours of Le Mans at the time. It took no less than 8 years to create this Ford 289-powered beast... which could have become the Canadian Shelby Cobra!
To read a detailed article about this car, click here!
- 1951 GM LeSabre Concept
(Class-winning car)
(Prototype forecasting the design of the next 10 years)
- 1956 Buick Century X
(Bill Mitchell's personal car)
- 1956 Pontiac Club de Mer GM Prototype
Recreation
(Interpretation of an old GM prototype)
- 1967 Ferguson Super Sport
(A Canadian Cobra?)
- 2022 Buick Wildcat EV
Concept
(A prototype seen at the Montreal and Toronto auto shows in 2023)
CLASS 19
60 years of Lamborghini
Lamborghini had only 4 exotic creations on show, celebrating its 60th anniversary, only one of which was in this class. I was expecting a more abundant commemoration!
- Lamborghini 350 GT 1965
(Restored and repainted in black in 2018 at RM Auto Restauration)
CLASS 20
Porsche Classic Restoration Competition
Porsche Canada launched a contest 2 years ago asking their dealerships to restore a Porsche. 2 Quebec dealerships participated.
A LITTLE HISTORY
- 1964 the 911 appears on the market with a 128 h.p. engine.
- 1966 the 911 Targa is added to the catalog.
- 1969 introduction of the Porsche 914 developed jointly with VW
- 1972 spectacular arrival of the Carrera RS 2.7 with 193 to 210 h.p. power.
- 1974 debut of the 2nd generation 911 with maximum engine power of 173 h.p.
- 1975 arrival of the spectacular Porsche 911 Turbo balanced at 260 h.p.
- 1976 arrival of the Porsche 924 equipped with a front-mounted in-line 4-cylinder engine.
- 1978 introduction of the Porsche 928 with, for the first time, a 5.4-liter V8 engine.
- 1982 launch of the Porsche 944 with a 2.4-liter turbo engine under the hood.
- 1988 debut of the 964 generation with a 3.3-liter engine.
- 1993 debut of the 993 generation with a 3.6-liter engine.
- 1996 arrival on the market of the Porsche Boxster.
Participating models and dealers are:
- 1958 Porsche 356 A Cabriolet by Porsche Center of Saskatoon
(Popular Vote Award)
(Western Canada Extraordinary Restoration Award)
(A Floridian barn find, this 356A was purchased at auction in Arizona)
- 1988 Porsche 911/930 Turbo by Porsche Center of Vancouver
(Despite its good looks, this 911 Turbo received an exemplary mechanical restoration)
- 1976 Porsche 911S Targa by Porsche Center of Winnipeg
(Marketing Award)
(Porsche Winnipeg searched long and hard for a Canadian car for this competition. It was found in British Columbia)
- 1981 Porsche 911SC by Porsche Center of Laval
(Eastern Canada Extraordinary Restoration Award)
(1 of approximately 50 Bamboo Beige 911s produced over 2 years, 1981 and 1982)
- 1981 Porsche 930 Turbo by Porsche Center of Victoria BC
(Ex of Loverboy singer Mike Reno)
(Mechanical restoration to factory specifications)
- 1984 Porsche 911 Carrera by Porsche Center of Toronto North
(Sold new to the dealership, the car was completely restored from A to Z)
- 1987 Porsche 911 Carrera by Porsche Center of Edmonton
(Best of show/class award)
(Purchased new by a family whose father worked for the dealership between 1972 and 2008)
- 1989 Porsche 930 Turbo by Porsche Center of Calgary (A somewhat colorful interpretation of a classic!)
- Porsche 964 Carrera 1990 by Porsche Center of London(Sold new in France and completely restored in Canada)
- Porsche 996 Turbo S 2005 cabriolet by Centre Porsche Rive-Sud, St-Hubert
(1 of 963 Turbo S cabriolets built)(First year of water-cooled engine)
(Last generation Turbo S offered with manual transmission)
CLASS 21
70 years of Corvette
There was a commemorative section displaying C2 to C7 Corvettes, including a 1996 Grand Sport convertible, a 2007 Ron Fellow edition Corvette Z06 made in 399 examples, and one of the 449 Corvette Z06 C7 convertibles assembled in 2018.
A LITTLE HISTORY
- 1978 the Corvette is chosen for the first time as pace car at the INDY 500.
- 1982 marked the end of the 3rd generation Corvette with 15 years of continuous production.
- 1984 start of the 4th generation after a year's absence from Corvette production.
- 1986 2nd time a Corvette is chosen as pace car at the INDY 500.
- 1988 marks the 35th anniversary of the Corvette with a special white edition.
- 1990 the Corvette ZR-1 goes on sale for the first time in the 4th generation.
- 1993 the 40th anniversary of the Corvette is commemorated with a special dark red edition.
- 1995 the INDY 500 selected the Corvette as pace car for the 3rd time.
- 1997 saw the arrival of the 5th generation Corvette with a more rounded body.
- 2003 marked the 50th anniversary of the Corvette with a special dark red and beige edition.
- 2005 sees the launch of the 6th generation Corvette.
- 2013 start of the 7th generation Corvette and the return of the Stingray name.
- 2019 Start of production of the 8th generation and 1st mid-engined Corvettes.
On the 8th generation Corvette side, the Z06 convertible seen at the Montreal and Toronto auto shows and a black E-Ray that I saw for the first time in this body color were on display.
- 1962 Chevrolet Corvette Roadster
(Car not present)
- 1966 Chevrolet Corvette Sting Ray 427/450
(Sold new in Montreal)
- 1969 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray
(Over 22,000 coupes sold out of 39,000 Corvettes produced in 1969)
- 2003 Chevrolet Corvette Z06
(Original condition)
- 2007 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Ron Fellow Edition
(One owner with 3500 km)
- 2018 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Convertible
(1 of 32 Corvette Z06 built in "Watkins Glen Grey" color)
- 2024 Chevrolet Corvette Z06
(This is the same model seen at the Montreal and Toronto shows in January and February 2023)
- 2024 Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray
(First known presentation of this black 2024 Corvette E-Ray. A red example seen at the New York show in April 2023 made its first known Canadian appearance at the Montreal electric and hybrid vehicle show in April 2023)
BEST OF SHOW
An extraordinary 1929 Cord L-29 Cabriolet was voted "Best of Show" at the Cobble Beach 2023 Concours d'Elegance.
This car was a technological pioneer, being the first mass-produced American front-wheel-drive sports car. The car is also one foot lower than its competitors, thanks to the absence of a transmission. This gives it a more elegant look.
The front headlights are a Woodlite creation, found at the rear and on the hood, aligned with the center of the spare wheels inserted in the front fenders, which is quite rare. They are a unique feature of this model.
The purpose of these rather sinister-looking lights was to concentrate the light beam for a longer range. They would have been installed on cars from many of the prestige marques of the time.
This example of the Cord L-29 Cabriolet was crowned "Best in Class" at the prestigious Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance 2023 in the "American Classic Open" class.
Manns Restoration was the workshop chosen to restore this jewel on wheels, which was yellow with green accents prior to the work.
A BIG QUESTION...
The question often asked is: "Can a judge know everything about a particular brand?" The answer is yes, if that brand has been their interest and passion.
However, they certainly know what is appropriate for different time periods. For example:
- They know that electric cooling fans were not used in early classic cars.
- They know that electrician's tape and plastic straps were not used.
- They know that certain nuts, bolts and other fasteners were used at very specific times.
Judges know what's wrong with certain manufacturing eras.
Only class winners will be eligible for the "Best of Show" award. As a participant, you'll go down in history as one of these all-round champions.
The Cobble Beach Concours d'Elegance is an ICJAG-sanctioned event.
For more information, please visit www.icjag.org.
AND FINALLY...
The Cobble Beach Concours d'Elegance is much more than just a car show.
It's a journey through time, where history, preservation and innovation meet, and where each car tells a unique story, continuing to captivate visitors with its timeless charm and commitment to the preservation of automotive heritage.
Every year, this exceptional event reminds us that cars are not just machines, but works of art on wheels, masterpieces of design.
CAN WE HAVE SUCH AN EVENT IN QUEBEC?
With the VAQ and VAG awarding their prizes regardless of how many times owners participate? Probably not, especially since quantity is what these organizations are looking for over the quality of the vehicles on display.
Élégance Trois-Rivières seems to want to develop such a Concours d'Élégance concept with a vision more focused on rarer cars. They would need a fenced-in exhibition area a bit like in Chambly or Granby, so as to be able to charge an admission fee to the public.
A vintage car should only be awarded once per event in its history of individual ownership, unless changes are made to enhance the vehicle's originality.
The NCRS (Corvettes from the '90s and under) and the Mustang Club of America offer this type of judging, the aim of which is to give value to a vintage vehicle in its original factory condition.
For high-calibre judging in Quebec, the events we had not so long ago were the Autorama in Montreal and the Salon de l'Auto Sport in Quebec City, when it was affiliated with the ISCA.
WORTH READING...
