Thanks to our good friends at The Motorcar Society, we received this video of the outlet’s interview with Jack Nethercutt from last year’s Dana Point Concours d’Elegance regarding his 1931 Bugatti Type 51 that took home the coveted Best of Show award. Enjoy!

Two people who have become intricately linked to car culture are also an important part of the Dana Point Concours. Over the years, Helen and Jack Nethercutt have become forever connected to fine motorcars in the minds of those who attend the Concours.

Born into a family with a passion for beautiful vehicles, Jack has grown the Nethercutt Collection, initially founded by his parents, into one of the world’s leading private automobile museums. With nearly 250 American and European automobiles dating from 1898 to 1997 in the couple’s collection, the duo has a reputation for displaying some of the best examples of automotive marques at the finest events across the country.

The couple has been part of the Dana Point Concours d’Elegance for many years.  They even earned the coveted Best of Show award last year with a 1931 Bugatti Type 51.

This year, the Nethercutts will return with three vintage rides, including a 1930 Ruxton, 1932 Ford 18 hot rod and a 1932 Ford Atterbury roadster.  With these fine examples, the couple will once again compete for top awards in each of the respective categories.

Jack and Helen plan to arrive at the St. Regis Monarch Beach resort on Sunday morning, June 24, with a front-wheel drive 1930 Ruxton.  One of less than 500 built, the Ruxton features unusual horizontal bands of color to emphasize the long-low silhouette of the body. Known as body number 23, this Ruxton generates 100 horsepower, which was a stunning achievement at the time.

Another vehicle from the Nethercutt collection is a 1932 Ford 18 hot rod originally built by legendary hot rod builder Tom “Itchy” Otis. It sports genuine 1932 Ford components on the chassis and body with a 327 c.i.d. Corvette engine with four-speed transmission.

The Nethercutt’s will share their ‘32 Ford Atterbury roadster hot rod at the shop.  Built by Dick “Magoo” Megugorac, it will also be displayed on the green. George & Darcy Atterbury originally commissioned this award-winning ‘32 “Deuce” roadster, which is powered by a supercharged 350 c.i.d. Chevy V8.

To see these three unique classics and more on the golf links of the St. Regis, you can purchase a ticket today at www.danapointconcours.org. Don’t miss your chance to see the best automobiles the West Coast has to offer!

We hope to see you at Southern California’s premiere celebration of automotive elegance!

Founded on passion and a competitive spirit, Shelby American Inc. was established by legendary automotive designer and racer Carroll Shelby. Accomplishing what many gear heads dream of doing, Shelby was the only man to win the 24 Hours of Le Mans as a driver, team owner and manufacturer.

Shelby’s impressive career included winning Le Mans in ‘59, behind the wheel of an Aston Martin, as well as competing and claiming victory in ‘64 and ‘66 as a Shelby American team owner and a manufacturer with the Cobra Daytona Coupe and Ford GT40.

On Thursday, May 10, however, the automotive world lost an icon, teacher, competitor, enthusiast and brother. Carroll Hall Shelby, considered one of the last of the great independent car builders / drivers passed away at Baylor Hospital in Dallas, in his home state of Texas.

So it only seemed fitting that for this year’s Dana Point Concours d’Elegance, scheduled June 23-24, we recognize this American icon and his accomplishments in conjunction with our theme “Legends of Le Mans: Racing in the ‘60s.” Shelby American built its legend, as well as some great cars during the 1960s.

To honor 50 years of Shelby American and the man who started it all, the Concours will highlight vehicles from the manufacturer, including a Nightmist Blue on black 1967 Shelby GT500. Restored to factory-specifications, this GT500 is fully documented by Shelby American Automobile Club and is one of only four delivered to Spain for the festival of Seville in 1967.  The Shelby was then used as a display car at the Festival of Barcelona that year along with Cobras, GT350s and more.

Also on display from an exhibitor will be a 1964 Shelby Cobra equipped with a Ford V8 289 c.i.d. engine with Downdraft Webers. Reaching over 300 horsepower, this striking daily driver turns heads everywhere it goes and makes for an amazing drive through the mountains.

This 1967 Shelby GT500 and 1964 Shelby Cobra are just a couple of jewels that will be on display at the Concours. Guests interested in seeing these magnificent beauties can purchase tickets online or at the gate. Come help us celebrate the biggest party of the year and honor Carroll Shelby’s impressive career that has shaped the automotive world today.

Those interested in helping continue Carroll’s legacy, the Carroll Shelby Foundation, can click on the link and donate today in honor of one of the greatest icons the automotive world has known. As one of the Dana Point Concours d’Elegance charities, the Foundation will also be on-site during the Concours on Sunday, June 24.

We hope to see you this summer!

When people think of Southern California, a few things come to mind: celebrities, beaches, surfing and of course, incredible cars. This year, the Dana Point Concours d’Elegance has teamed up with EventWerks to bring locals a fun day in the sun with its first ever Beach Cruisers Show at the Sea Terrace Park, adjacent to the St. Regis from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, June 23.

For one magical day, families can kick back and enjoy live music featuring a Tribute to Jimmy Buffet performed by Mark Wood and the Parrot Head Band and the reggae sounds of Smoothie Jones and The Red X.  The kiddos can play in the “Kid’s Fun Zone” while the adults relish in the hundreds of Woodies, custom VW’s and assorted Hot Rods on display, overlooking the ocean and Salt Creek Beach.

Don’t worry about leaving with nothing. Beach Cruisers will have numerous vendors selling everything from memorabilia, food, drinks and more, including a variety of delicious items from the Taste of Doheny. Free to the public, this ultimate Southern California beach party will definitely be a day to remember, as it kicks off the 30^th annual Dana Point Concours d’Elegance weekend.

Want to be a part of the event? The Beach Cruisers Show is open to all vehicles manufactured prior to 1975 and registration is $20. For more information about the event or to register a vehicle in the Beach Cruisers Show, log on to www.beachcruiserscarshow.com.

Don’t forget your board shorts and sun block. It’s going to be RADICAL!

Twenty-four hours of lightning fast speed, gut-wrenching turns and edge-of-your-seat excitement describes the 24 Hours of Le Mans endurance race that draws top automotive marques from around the world each year.

An item on every race car drivers’ bucket list, the 24 Hours of Le Mans brings out the very best in not only a car that can be pushed to the limit for a full 1,440 minutes, but a driver that must go for two hour stints at neck-breaking speeds.

To celebrate the world’s oldest and most notable sports car race, the 2012 Dana Point Concours d’Elegance will revive the “golden age” of Le Mans with the Legends of Le Mans Race Car class and the Shelby Cars class.

Visitors of the Dana Point Concours d’Elegance will feast their eyes on three beautiful, vintage race cars that each have a story to tell of Le Mans.

First on the list to check out while you’re on the golf links is a 1961 Ferrari 250 SWB. No stranger to the Circuit de la Sarthe, this Ferrari brought glory to its namesake and won its class at Le Mans in 1961. Placing third over-all, the 250 SWB won the Manufacturer’s Championship for Ferrari.

The first Corvette to ever compete in the 24 hour endurance race will also sit pristinely on the green. Owned and sponsored by Briggs Cunningham in 1960, the team finished eighth over-all and First in Class. An underdog of the group, this 1960 Corvette was a fierce competitor.

A group of Le Mans racers wouldn’t be complete without a Shelby Cobra. Hot rodder and famous automotive manufacturer Carroll Shelby introduced the Cobra to Le Mans in the 1960s, which heated up the legendary competition between Ferrari and Shelby for years to come.

The Dana Point Concours will feature a breath-taking 1962 Shelby Cobra. Although this Cobra was sent to compete in the 1963 24 Hours of Le Mans, it never made it to the starting line. The very first production Cobra ever built, this classic was updated by Ford Racing of Europe to FIA specifications and raced successfully in Europe from 1964 -1966.

Whether you love American classics, or European exotics is your ride of choice, the Dana Point Concours d’Elegance will feature vehicles from marques around the world. Exhibitors can compete in more than 35 classes. Interested in entering your beauty into the competition? Log on to http://www.danapointconcours.org/applications.

See you June 23-24, at the luxurious St. Regis Monarch Beach resort!

For those of us who love collector cars, the season of giving does not end in December.  In fact, it’s still going strong in the heart of Southern California.  This summer, the 30^th Annual Dana Point Concours d’Elegance will enjoy far more than just the premier celebration of automotive heritage in So Cal. The Concours hopes to raise funds for five area non-profits, including the Carroll Shelby Foundation, South Orange County School of the Arts, Pet Project Foundation, Petersen Automotive Museum and the Art Center College of Design.

The first Concours, originally called the Newport Beach Concours d’Elegance, was started in 1983 by a group of volunteers as a charitable automotive event to celebrate some of the most sought after automobiles. Today, it’s grown to be one of the largest automotive festivals in Southern California and is proud of the charitable contributions it has been able to make because of its volunteers’ hard work, year after year.  This makes the Concours weekend both fun and a way to give back to the community.

From rescuing our four-legged friends to offering children an opportunity to explore their passions are some of the goals these charities strive to promote.  To access more information about each charity, check out our website with pages devoted to each of the organizations at www.danapointconcours.org/charities.  Whether you love animals, like helping kids or passionate about the perseveration of automobiles, you’ll find a charity that touches your heart!

So whether you’re visiting So Cal or a proud resident, make your way to the 30^th Annual Dana Point Concours d’Elegance on June 23-24, at the beautiful St. Regis Monarch Beach resort.  Not only can you check out the breath-taking scenery of the golf links that lay along the beach, you can also view some of the nicest classic automobiles and vintage motorcycles So Cal has to offer.  The best part about it is your ticket purchase of just $30 will go toward the ultimate donation to each of these five non-profits.

Feeling a little bit more charitable? You can also donate ahead of time at https://danapointconcours.webconnex.com/2012tickets.

See you in June!

A popular slogan is “it’s the little things that count”.  For the enthusiastic volunteers at the Dana Point Concours d’Elegance, no detail goes unnoticed, right down to the food served during the reception and the layout of the vehicles on the day of the Concours.  They know how to plan an event that excites and satisfies because they share a common passion for collectible cars and vintage motorcycles.

And while many people have already heard of the Beach Cruisers Show and the “crown jewel” of the weekend – Sunday’s Concours exhibit – they may not know about the other events sprinkled throughout the two days.

A major change for this year is that the Dana Point Concours team has opened the traditional Concours Reception to the public for the first time.   In the past, it’s been an invite-only gala for those exhibiting a vehicle during the Concours.  Along with the cool breeze and smell of the Pacific Ocean, guests will enjoy an entertaining night full of cocktails and delicious finger foods provided by the excellent team of chefs at the St. Regis, while mingling with fellow collector car fans.

Guests won’t want to sneak out early because a memorabilia auction is scheduled midway through the reception.  From famous celebrity autographs to exclusive collectibles, attendees will find something they want to take home.

The team has another trick up its sleeve during the opening ceremony of Sunday’s Concours.  Coordinated by Capt. Jason Dwinger, son of Concours Board of Directors Member Pieter Dwinger, seven vintage airplanes will fly overhead in conjunction with a flag presentation by the Marines Corps renowned Color Guards from Camp Pendleton.  Both are a tribute to the men and women who served or are currently serving our country.

The “wow-factor” doesn’t stop there either; guests will have the opportunity to purchase and review beautiful paintings and sculptures during the Dana Point Concours Art Exhibit.  Located on the South Lawn Winners Circle, the exhibit will feature prominent automotive artists from around the world, including members of the prestigious Automotive Fine Arts Society (AFAS).

Every step of the way, the volunteers at the Concours will continue to stoke the passion for this hobby.  When it comes to the celebration of everything automotive, they live and breathe it.  As each day progresses, more activities are being included so check back regularly.  For all ticketing information, please log on to https://danapointconcours.webconnex.com/2012tickets.

Join us at the 30^th Annual Dana Point Concours d’Elegance and see how paying attention to all the details will create a production you will always remember…long after the weekend is done.

Approaching its 30^th anniversary, the Dana Point Concours d’Elegance will celebrate the past, present and future of classic cars and vintage motorcycles in a truly unique way.  With 2012 marking 50 years of Shelby American Inc., the Dana Point Concours d’Elegance chose “Legends of Le Mans: Racing in the ’60s” as the theme to celebrate years of competitive racing among the world’s best automotive Marques.

The 1960s were legendary in the automotive industry with names like Shelby, Ferrari, Porsche, Lotus and Alfa Romeo.  Each competed for the coveted first place trophy during the historic 24 Hours of Le Mans.  This year’s theme will bring back not only racing nostalgia for veteran collectors and racers, but also excitement to the novice enthusiast, now entering the hobby.

We want you to be a part of our historic Shelby and Le Mans celebration.  If you own a vintage race car or Shelby, enter it today!  The Dana Point Concours will introduce special classes for exhibitors to participate, including the Legends of Le Mans Race Car class and the Shelby Cars class.

And what better way to bring the golden era of racing to life than to have a legendary automotive icon (and racer in his own right) honored during the two-day event.  Known as one of the greatest ambassadors to the collector car hobby, Bruce Meyer will be honored as the 30th Annual Dana Point Concours d’Elegance’s Automotive Icon.

No stranger to European roads and tracks, Meyer has driven in the Italian “Mille Meglia,” the French “Tour Auto,” the UK’s “Goodwood Festival of Speed” and on the Bonneville Salt Flats in the U.S.

With excitement mounting for this milestone year, the Dana Point Concours team is working diligently to bring visitors an experience they’ll never forget.

The Dana Point Concours d’Elegance would like to invite you to be its guest!