The history and intrigue of the sprawling Doheney Estate — known by most as Greystone Mansion in Beverly Hills, California — makes a visit to the grounds a very special occasion. Add to that a plethora of special pre-1974 automobiles, great food and like-minded enthusiasts, and you have a world class event, that in just 7 years, has steadily gone from strength to strength.
Last Sunday’s Greystone Mansion Concours d’Elegance was all that and more. The picturesque manor and grounds that have played a backdrop to so many Hollywood films, weddings and other special occasions enjoyed the rolling eye candy of Porsches, Bugattis, Alfa Romeos, Ferraris, Jaguars, Mercedes, Cobras and other significant marques shown by some of Southern California’s (and a few other states’) most influential collectors.
The estate itself is an embodiment of the tragic historical tale of its patriarch, Edward Jr. (Ned), the sole heir to the Doheney Oil fortune. At a cost of $3.1 million to build, in 1928, only a few months had passed when Ned was shot and killed by his personal secretary — stories vary on the motive. His widow, Lucy and their five children inherited the fortune. Lucy remarried and became one of Beverly Hills’ most interesting and legendary characters. She sold the mansion in the 1950s and died in 1993 at the age of 100, survived by 14 grandchildren, 27 great-grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren.
Perfect weather provided panoramic views of the cities of Los Angeles, Burbank and Beverly Hills and a reflective sheen to the more than 150 cars and motorcycles on hand. The mansion was open for exploring and filled with vendors, displaying everything from jewelry to custom apparel to exclusive automotive art. Catered food and beverage tents (included with the admission) rounded out the ambiance. This Concours is a “must-see” event for any serious enthusiast.
Best of Show for Concours de Sport went to Ron Hein and his 1961 Alfa Romeo Sprint Zagato Coda Tronca — a very rare Alfa, as only 30 of the Sprint Zagatos had the long tail bodywork. The Best of Show Concours d’Elegance award went to the 1903 Thomas Model 18 owned by Ron and Sandra Hansen who have collected many concours awards over the years with this particular car. The People’s Choice award went to Jon Iverson for his 1962 Volkswagen Beetle.
All of the winners were from California, except Spencer Wolcott of Seattle, Washington, whose 1966 Mustang GT was chosen as the best Ford. A listing of winners follows, and for further information, please visit www.greystoneconcours.org
BEST OF SHOW
Concours de Sport
1961 Alfa Romeo Sprint Zagato Coda Tronca – Ron Hein – Los Angeles
Concours d’Elegance
1903 Thomas Model 18 – Ron & Sandy Hansen – Valencia
BEST OF CLASS
Alfa Romeo – 1965 Alfa Romeo Guilia Sprint Speciale – Ian Wayne – Los Angeles
Cadillac-LaSalle – 1930 Cadillac V16 Roadster – Frederick (Fred) Lax – Malibu
Corvette – 1962 Chevrolet Corvette – Jack Bianchi – Santa Barbara
Ferrari – 1967 Ferrari 275 GTB/4 – Adrien Labi – W. Hollywood
Ford – 1966 Ford Mustang GT – Spencer Woolcott – Seattle, WA
Grand Touring – 1954 Chrysler Ghia GS Special – Robert Frumkin – Los Angeles
Jaguar – 1955 Jaguar XK140 MC Drophead Coupe – Arthur Cook – Pacific Palisades
Mercedes-Benz – 1957 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster – Dannie & Craig McLaughlin – Encinitas
Morgan – 1935 Morgan Super Sport – Edward Berghino – West Hollywood
Packard – 1929 Packard 645 Dual Cowl Phaeton – Lianne & Dana Graham – Rancho Palos Verdes
Porsche – 1952 Porsche 356 America Roadster – Stanley P. Gold – Burbank
Post War American – 1953 Chrysler New Yorker – Randy Kunes – Fairfield
Post War British – 1952 Allard J2X – Craig & Hanne Ekberg – Rolling Hills
Preservation – 1967 Porsche 911S – Victor Preisler – Hermosa Beach
Pre-War American – 1923 Duesenberg Model A Touring – Gregory Vanley – Los Angeles
Pre-War European – 1935 Bugatti Type 57 Ventoux – Bruce Meyer – Beverly Hills
Shelby – 1967 Shelby 427 Cobra – Tomy Drissi – Los Angeles
Special Interest – 1958 Fiat-Abarth 750-GT Coupe – Alan & Wendy Hart – Topanga
SPECIAL AWARDS
Director’s Choice – 1951 Alfa Romeo 6C 2500 Convertible – Jim Gianopulos – Los Angeles
Friends of Greystone Outstanding Restoration – 1956 Mercury Montclair – Art Cragnotti – Glendale
Mayor’s Choice – 1931 Chrysler Imperial CG Dual Cowl Phaeton – Aaron & Valerie Weiss – San Marino
People’s Choice – 1962 Volkswagen Beetle – Jon Iverson – Mission Viejo
Spirit of Greystone – 1932 Lincoln KB Roadster – Gary Severns – Long Beach
