Friend's Friday - Concours d'Elegance

Concours d'Elegance is French for "the competition of elegance". Car shows are a huge part of automotive culture, and from small towns to big cities they are held. I have written about several I attend regularly.

 Concours d'Elegance events are different. They are shows you can't just show up and sign your name on the list of contestants. Instead, owners and their cars are personally invited to attend.  As one example, enthusiasts like Jay Leno are a staple at some of the shows. The "Best of the Best" vintage and exotic cars are there.

Many places around the world, including Paris and Mumbai have their own concours events, but some of the most famous shows are held in the United States at Pebble Beach, in California  and on Amelia Island in Florida. 

Just this past weekend my Mercedes group held  our own  mini Concours d'Elegance at the Mariner Sands Country and Yacht Club, Stuart FL.  We all met with our washed, polished and pristine Mercedes, shared stories and have a wonderful group lunch. We voted on each other's cars and ribbons were awarded to the "Best of the Best" in three car/age groups. 

OK, not Pebble Beach but our own beautiful sunny, February, Florida version. For me the highlight was a 1957 Mercedes Benz 300 SL Roadster two-seat coupé (W198). The 300SL was the first iteration of the SL-Class grand tourer and fastest production car of its day. Introduced in 1954 as a two-seat coupé with distinctive gull-wing doors, it was first offered in 1957 as an open roadster. There were only 554 produced in 1957 and today the remaining ones are all valued at millions.  What a treat to see this car.   

The 300SL was parked one car away from my humble ride and I so enjoyed looking and talking with the couple that owned it. Jay Leno eat you heart out.  Photos below.