Concours d’Elegance
July 20th, 2009
If you have a classic car you will almost certainly want to show it off – it may not be the reason you bought it in the first place, but when you have a classic car you want people to know about it. The ultimate epitome of showing off in the world of classic cars is the Concours d’Elegance – based on the old French contests where members of the aristocracy would show their horse-drawn carriages in all their finery, in order to win prizes and gain the boost to their reputation. Fast forward to the present day, and we have the classic car with immaculate bodywork, an engine that is as smoothly-running as it is clean and tyres that are unblemished by even the merest bit of grit.
There are now many Concours events all over the world, with many of them in the US – of which arguably the most famous is the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. This event has taken on legendary status among fans of classic cars, with some of the most highly-rated car artists in the world falling over themselves to design posters for the event, and lovers of the automotive industry to see the finest examples of the craft. Awards are given for the most impressive cars, including many which center around the cleanliness of the automobiles. Many motorists do not even drive their vehicle to the event, having them transported to the venue so as not to tarnish their immaculate exterior or even cause the engine to work. Anyone who loves the look and feel of classic cars will adore the Concours d’Elegance.
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