CELEBRATE 100 YEARS OF THE ICONIC DUESENBERG AT THE DANA POINT CONCOURS D’ELEGANCE

1936 Duesenberg SJN

The iconic Duesenberg is just that – iconic. And the Orange County Collector Car and Motorcycle Week^TM is proud to celebrate its centennial anniversary at the 31^st annual Dana Point Concours d’Elegance^® this weekend. Held on Sunday, June 23 from 9:30am-4:00pm at the Monarch Beach Golf Links adjacent to the St. Regis Monarch Beach, the acclaimed Concours will present an extraordinary assembly of Duesenbergs to pay homage to this legendary vehicle designed and manufactured by the Duesenberg Automobile and Motors Company. In addition to the Concours’s featured automobile marque, the event will also honor anniversaries for these in the automotive industry: Aston Martin (100 years), Porsche 911 (50 years) and the BMW M3 (25 years in the United States).

Highlighting the 2013 Dana Point Concours d’Elegance is the 1936 Duesenberg SJN Convertible Coupe that starred in the original 1949 “Great Gatsby” film and it has collected numerous awards including this year’s Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance – First in Class and Best in Show. Representing Aston Martin, the 1957 Aston Martin DB 2/4 Mark III and the 1961 Aston Martin DB4 will command a crowd. The 1964 Porsche 901 and the 1967 Porsche 911 Coupe will be turning heads as well. Finally, for BMW, the 1989 BMW M3 is a must see.

The more than 200 vehicles and motorcycles at the event have been generously provided to the Concours by individual owners and collections such as Crevier Classic Cars, Mercedes-Benz Classic Center, the Nethercutt Museum and the Petersen Automotive Museum.

It’s such a privileged to celebrate these timeless vehicles at this year’s Dana Point Concours d’Elegance. With America’s love affair with the automobile, and specifically here in Orange County, you will enjoy a broad spectrum of these automakers and their models. And no doubt, it’s our passion to year after year bring together the very best show field in Southern California.

Join us! It will be a great day of automotive and motorcycle enthusiasts coming together to support three Marine Corps charities – the Semper Fi Fund, MARSOC (U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Special Operations Command) Foundation and the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation.

 

ORANGE COUNTY COLLECTOR CAR AND MOTORCYCLE WEEK TO HOST FREE HOT ROD AND CUSTOM CAR SHOW

1961 Chevy Impala Bubbletop

The Orange County Collector Car and Motorcycle Week^TM continues to grow with new features to complement the celebrated Dana Point Concours d’Elegance^®. For the first time, the Sea Terrace Park, located adjacent to the St. Regis Monarch Beach, will host the free, Hot Rod and Customs in the Park this Saturday, June 22, 2013. Drawing families, military personnel and automotive enthusiasts, the event offers the area’s coolest hot rods, custom vehicles, muscle cars, special coach bodies and a historic collection of military transportation from 9:00am-2:00pm. The 2013 Orange County Collector Car and Motorcycle Week is a multi-day event that celebrates Southern California’s automotive heritage, while also honoring the U.S. Marine Corps.

Festival goers will see a variety of vehicles spread across the rolling hills of the park complemented by its picturesque ocean views, while the band, Outer Wave, and DJ, Rick’s Tune Saloon, entertain the crowds. The food truck craze that has swept the nation will also make a stop at the event, featuring Stuff n It, Tornado Potato, Mustache Mike’s Italian Ice and Dogzilla to name a few.

Plus by attending Hot Rods and Customs in the Park, visitors are supporting the Semper Fi Fund, MARSOC Foundation and the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation. These charities will benefit from the proceeds generated at this festival, as well as the rest of the week’s events.

Entries will be accepted until the morning of the event. Event day registration is located at the Salt Creek Beach parking lot on Ritz-Carlton Drive and Pacific Coast Highway from 7:00am to 9:00am.

So, join us for this free and fun family event!

ORANGE COUNTY COLLECTOR CAR AND MOTORCYCLE WEEK REVS UP ITS ENGINES TO SUPPORT MARINE CORPS CHARITIES

The Orange County Collector Car and Motorcycle Week^TM, featuring the celebrated Dana Point Concours d’Elegance^®, is revving up its engines to support three extremely deserving groups of Marine Corps charities including Semper Fi Fund, MARSOC (U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Special Operations Command) Foundation and the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation. Each charity will receive a portion of the proceeds raised during the week-long automotive celebration held June 21-23, 2013, adjacent to the acclaimed St. Regis Monarch Beach resort.

The celebration will also include an exclusive tour of Camp Pendleton, the Corps’s largest West Coast expeditionary training facility. The tour will leave the St. Regis Monarch Beach and follow the historic Basilone Road, which is not open to civilian traffic, and wind its way through the 125,000 acre training facility and end at Camp Pendleton. At the base camp, tour members will be treated to a full-day of activities including a rare opportunity to cruise through the base, enjoy lunch at the School of Infantry (SOI – West) mess hall, and end the day with a private dining experience at the respected Pacific Views Event Center.

More about the charities:

Semper Fi Fund: The Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund (SFF) provides immediate financial support for injured and critically ill members of the U.S. Armed Forces and their families. As a 501(c)(3) non-profit, the Semper Fi Fund gives financial relief to post 9/11 service members for hospitalization and recovery requirements, as well as assistance for those with long term perpetuating needs. The Semper Fi Fund acts quickly in a service member’s greatest time of need with a 24 to 72 hour response time for resources. Since establishing the organization in 2004, the Semper Fi Fund team has issued more than 55,000 grants totaling $72 million to more than 9,100 of our heroes and their families.

MARSOC Foundation: The MARSOC Foundation was established in 2011 to provide benevolent support to active duty and medically retired MARSOC personnel and their families, as well as to the families of Marines who lost their lives in service to the United States of America. Today, MARSOC is deployed in more than 40 countries around the world, and the Foundation aims to meet the needs unmet by the government with an emphasis on building personal and family resiliency and supporting the full reintegration of MARSOC Marines and Sailors following wounds, injuries and extended deployments. To date, the foundation has delivered over $81,000 in assistance to MARSOC personnel and their families.

Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation: The Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation provides scholarships to the children of Marine and Navy Corpsmen attending accredited community colleges, universities, and vocational/technical institutions, with particular attention given to those with a parent who was killed or wounded in action, or who have demonstrated financial need. The Scholarship Foundation is the nation’s oldest and largest provider of need-based scholarships to military children, having awarded more than 30,000 scholarships valued at over $75 million since 1962.

To purchase tickets for the week’s events – including the Rallye Basilone Historic Tour – please visit www.danapointconcours.org. Event information can also be found on Facebook and Twitter (@DPointConcours).

Complimentary tickets to Sunday’s Concours are available to active military and DOD personnel, as well as $15 tickets for their family.

Please join us as we honor those in the armed forces and their families at Southern California’s premier automotive and motorcycle event!

Orange County Collector Car & Motorcycle Weekend Kicks-off Fourth of July Festivities by Honoring the U.S. Military

Image provided by Cpl. Christopher Duncan

The Orange County Collector Car & Motorcycle Weekend^TM and the Dana Point Concours d’Elegance® are scheduled to host thousands of collector car and vintage motorcycle enthusiasts from across Southern California two weeks before Fourth of July festivities get underway.

To kick-off the patriotic celebration that will sweep through Orange County, the Dana Point Concours team will honor U.S. military men and women at home and overseas through its 2013 theme: “Salute to Military: Past & Present War Vehicles,” from Friday, June 21, to Sunday, June 23.

Besides offering active duty military and DOD personnel free admission (and a $15 discounted ticket for a friend or family member) to Sunday’s Concours d’Elegance on the Monarch Beach Golf Links at the St. Regis Monarch Beach resort, the Concours team will also display some of the most impressive and rare military vehicles ever used in combat.

And that’s just part of the amazing surprise! The Orange County Collector Car & Motorcycle Weekend^TM and U.S. Marine Corps Installations – West / Marine Corps Base have teamed up to host a never-before-offered, guided tour of the West Coast’s largest U.S. military base on June 21. Only a select group (200 to be exact) of vehicles who sign up for the Rallye Basilone Historic Tour will have the opportunity to cruise down the famous Basilone Road, which was named after the only Marine to be awarded both the Navy Cross and the Medal of Honor during WWII – U.S. Marine Gunnery Sergeant  John Basilone.

Jumping out of your seat yet!? We are! We hope you will join us for the inaugural Orange County Collector Car & Motorcycle Weekend^TM!

As a reminder, the Rallye Basilone Historic Tour is set up on a first come, first serve basis until all seats are filled!

To learn more, visit www.danapointconcours.org.

Image provided by Ren Wicks

For years, the Dana Point Concours d’Elegance® has been the epicenter of the collector car celebration in Southern California. Now, for its 31st year, the team has expanded the Concours d’Elegance into a three-day event – The Orange County Collector Car & Motorcycle Weekend^TM.

As part of the celebration, the Dana Point Concours d’Elegance® will honor the 100th anniversary of the Duesenberg as the featured automobile marque during Sunday’s event, while the Harley-Davidson will be honored for its 110th anniversary as the featured motorcycle marque. Other special car classes include:

• 100th Anniversary of Aston Martin
• 50th Anniversary of Porsche 911
• 25th Anniversary of the BMW M3 in the U.S.
• Factory Concept Show Cars

We’re also proud to announce some returning activities which have been a huge hit, including the Dana Point Concours d’Elegance® Art Exhibit and Saturday evening’s Concours Reception. But, we’re even more excited to tell you that new, family-friendly activities are in the works for the festival, including a never-before-seen guided tour of one of the West Coast’s most revered U.S. military bases.

Stay tuned as we send out announcements and updates via our blog and social media accounts in the next couple of weeks!

We hope you can join us for another fabulous year of cool classic rides, vintage two-wheelers and camaraderie among fellow gear heads.

History Buffs and High Performance Junkies Descend on Southern California

There aren’t very many places where you’ll find a combination of high performance and history in the same place. But rest assured speed junkies and history buffs because the Dana Point Concours is lining up hundreds of Southern California’s finest classics, exotics, sports cars, hot rods, muscle cars and motorcycles at the St. Regis Monarch Beach resort June 23-24, for its 30^th  annual Dana Point Concours d’Elegance®.

History buffs and automotive enthusiasts will have the opportunity to see this year’s theme, “Legends of Le Mans: Racing in the ‘60s,” symbolized through a 1964 Sunbeam Lister Tiger that will arrive at the Concours on Sunday morning. This Tiger is one of two race cars commissioned by Rootes Group, and built by Brian Lister of Cambridge to compete in the 1964 24 Hours of Le Mans. The original race engines were built by automotive icon Carroll Shelby. Today, the Tiger is fitted with a SBF, 289 cid motor equipped with four Weber carburetors.  Who doesn’t love a good tale of competition and thrill?

Also to be among the favorites is a 1933 Marmon Model 144 two-door convertible, which is a beautiful example of an American pre-war classic. It bears historical significance because it was the last unit ever sold by the company. The Model 144 was traded to William Ansted, owner of Metal Auto Products, for the forgiveness of a $70,000 accounts receivable from the near bankrupt Marmon Motor Co.

The Dana Point Concours d’Elegance is not just a car show. It’s a group of people from around the world who share the same passions – history, automobiles and racing. And they know there is only one place during the summer where they can find it all – the Dana Point Concours d’Elegance.

Mark your calendars. We’re only eight days away from launching one of the best car events in Southern California. Let the countdown begin!

A Compendium for the Ages: the Nethercutt Collection

Over the past 30 years since the first Dana Point Concours d’Elegance, the definition of collectible for cars has changed almost as much as the automobile.  While once premier shows only included pristine pre-war classics, today the Concours typically features classes of historic hot rods alongside European exotics and vintage V12 Cadillacs.  This diversity has helped raise the appreciation for the automobile as more people are attracted to car events.

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!

Honoring a Legend & Celebrating a Golden Birthday

  

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!

World’s Oldest Sports Car Race Honored at the Dana Point Concours d’Elegance

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!

IT’S THE LITTLE THINGS THAT COUNT

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.