DETROIT – The 40th Concours d’Elegance of America had their preview at the Center for Creative Study to kick-off this year’s event, July 27-29th.
The Concours d’Elegance of America announced long-time supporters of the event, Sam and Emily Mann of New Jersey, as 2018 Collectors of the Year. The Mann’s will have five vehicles from their amazing collection on the show field for Sunday’s final viewing, including:
1932 Chrysler Imperial CH LeBaron Roadster
1935 Duesenberg JN Rollston Roadster restyled by Bowman & Schwartz
1937 Delahaye 145 Franay Roadster
1937 Delage D8-120S Pourtout Coupe
1937 Delage D8-120 de Villars Roadster
To support the announcement, nine iconic vehicles were on display and the official poster was unveiled. Executive Director Diane Flis-Schneider announced the finalists, including Javier Guerra, Andrew Gombac and the winning designer, David Pichia of Rochester Hills. Larry Moss invited the artists to be honorary judges for the show.
In attendance was Keith Crain and he had his 1939 Bugatti displayed. Crain is publisher of the Chicago and Detroit based Crain’s Business Magazine. Also appearing was motor-muscle performance auto builder, Ken Lingenfelter.
Flis-Schneider said, “We will have three pillars of support for the vehicles … Art, Fashion and Automobiles. We are featuring diversity and inclusion this year. There really is something for everybody.” Fashion designers Janna Coumoundouras and Mathew Richmond had spectacular auto inspired creations on display.
The Concours d’Elegance of America originated at Oakland University’s Meadow Brook Hall, the historic home of Matilda Dodge Wilson and widow of automotive pioneer John Dodge. In 2011 this world-class event moved to the beautiful grounds of the Inn at St. John’s in Plymouth, Michigan.
This year, Porsche is the featured auto manufacturer. Also on the grounds will be seven fine automotive artists from around the circuit previewing their work during the Invitational Art Exhibition.
