2013 Concours D'Elegance
The 21st Palos Verdes Concours d’Elegance will be a memorable event as we celebrate the “Age of Elegance” by showcasing some of the most luxurious automobiles from the Classic era. This year’s marques and featured classes will include Rolls-Royce & Bentley, Duesenberg, Town Cars and Dietrich Coachwork.
With its iconic “Spirit of Ecstasy” hood ornament, Rolls-Royce has long been recognized as one of the most elegant automobiles in the history of motor cars. When Charles Rolls and Henry Royce formed a partnership in 1904 they established a firm that quickly set the standard for luxury automobiles. Sir Henry Royce’s legendary commitment for the finest engineering and manufacturing quality has continued to be the hallmark of this company for over 100 years.
Owned by Rolls-Royce for most of the 20th Century, Bentley automobiles have enjoyed areputation for elegance and quality that’s equal to Rolls-Royce. During the early years, Bentley’s had a reputation for speed and durability that culminated in the famous consecutive triumphs at the Le Mans 24-hour race from 1927 to 1930. After being acquired by Rolls-Royce during the Depression, the Bentley evolved into a refined luxury automobile that still retained a reputation for agility and power.
It’s a privilege to be able to show outstanding Rolls-Royce & Bentley automobiles at this year’s Concours.
Another highlight of this year’s Concours will be a class featuring Duesenbergs, an automobile that many would consider to one of the most, if not the most, elegant American car ever manufactured. The brothers Frederick and August Duesenberg founded Duesenberg Automobile & Motors Company, Inc. in 1913. They initially focused on building performance cars and Duesenbergs won the Indianapolis 500 in 1924, 1925 and 1927. The direction of Duesenberg changed when E.L. Cord bought the company in 1926. Although they had sold the company, the Duesenberg brothers stayed with the new company that was simply named Duesenberg Inc. Frederick Duesenberg was still in charge of engineering and E. L. Cord challenged him to design the highest quality, fastest, and most expensive automobiles in America. Throughout the world, Duesenbergs were enjoyed by royalty and wealthy individuals. It’s not surprising that Duesenberg advertized itself as “the best car in the world.”
The Palos Verdes Concours is also proud to feature the elegant coachwork of Raymond H. Dietrich. Celebrating a career that encompassed his early years working for Brewster & Company, to co-founding LaBaron Coachwork, and his many design contributions at Chrysler Corporation, Dietrich has provided some of the most graceful and distinctive coachwork for many of the famous automobiles of the classic era. Packards, Lincolns, Pierce-Arrows, Cadillacs, Rolls-Royces, and Isotta-Fraschinis all benefitted from his distinctive coachwork. The Concours will field one of finest collections of Dietrich’s designs every assembled.
In addition to featuring these elegant classics, the Palos Verdes Concours will also highlight many special post-war classes. The Concours will be recognizing the centennial of Aston Martin, the 60th anniversary of Corvette, and a class for Loewy designed automobiles in celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Avanti. Plus several other classes that will showcase post-war luxury cars, and a full range of sports cars.
Once again this year preservation cars will be included --- automobiles that are in original and well maintained condition. These cars will be displayed alongside the beautifully restored cars in all of the classes.