LOS ANGELES CONCOURS D'ELEGANCE 2008

LOS ANGELES CONCOURS D'ELEGANCE 2008 Words and pictures by Reed Berry I love summer. The warm weather, backyard barbecues, boating on Big Bear Lake and, of course, the summer car shows that bring collectors and enthusiasts out by the thousands. Summer 2008 is no exception, as Pasadena kicks off the summer season with the 3rd Annual Los Angeles Concours d'Elegance. This is one of my favorite automotive events for a variety of reasons. First, it's only about ten minutes from home, and with gas prices at current levels I appreciate anything that doesn't require a long drive. Secondly, it is held at the Brookside Golf Course at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, a venue that is both spacious and very picturesque - making it perfect for an event of this type.

Considering how well executed the event is, it's hard to believe that this is only the third annual L.A. Concours. Based on comments from exhibitors and attendees, it appears that this is quickly becoming one of the premiere concours events in Southern California. The event benefits Assistance League of Southern California so not only will you see some amazing automobiles, you will be helping a great organization that offers programs that serve children, families and seniors. There are cars as far as the eye can see. Over 300 unique vehicles have been grouped in forty categories. As I look to my left, I see a number of awesome pre-1950 race cars. As I glance to the right, the pre-war Cadillacs and movie cars grab my attention. Classic Ferraris, vintage Porsches, and midget racers (small cars, not little people) are also represented at this event.

Are you into muscle cars? You'll be pleased with the variety here, including a pristine 1970 Boss 302 Mustang (owned by Los Angeles news anchor and car collector Paul Moyer) and even a 1969 AMC AMX. These cars certainly bring back memories. Memories of when cars were serious driving machines; memories of when gas was around 60 cents a gallon. Ah, the good old days.

If luxury cars are more your style, there's a shiny 1958 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz that looks as if it just rolled out of the showroom. A 1937 Packard Limo can only make you imagine what it must have been like to go to a glitzy Hollywood premiere or a swank L.A. nightclub. And, of course, you'll find more than a few vintage Rolls-Royce and Bentley models here as well.

A little more on the unusual side, a 1925 Amilcar "skiff" looks like a car from the front and like a boat from the back. Aluminum and wood make the vehicle lightweight and sporty. The contrast of the materials gives the car a striking appearance. Amilcar is one of several coachbuilders that utilized the unique and attractive skiff design.

The appropriate vehicle for today's beautiful weather is a convertible, and the cream-of-the-crop of the "top down" cars are here, from a stately late 40's Hudson Commodore to a small, sporty 1956 Porsche Speedster. One of my favorites is a 1957 Mercedes 300Sc Cabriolet once owned by Clark Gable. The car was built the same year I was born and, between the two, frankly the car seems to be in better condition.

One unique vehicle is not only getting a lot of attention, it's also receiving a special award at today's Concours. The Lee Iacocca Award goes to a beautifully restored 1937 Talbot-Lago T150-C-SS owned by the Nethercutt Collection in Sylmar, California. Its rounded doors and aerodynamic tear drop body design make this car a real looker!

This particular Talbot-Lago has an interesting history, having first been owned by the Maharani of Kapurthala (India) and later by a Southern California playboy and auto enthusiast. The Nethercutt Collection obtained the car in 2004. On hand to present the Lee Iacocca Award is none other than the man credited with reviving Chrysler in the 80s and whose name appears on the award, Lee Iacocca.

For additional information about the Los Angeles Concours d'Elegance: www.laconcours.org