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!