The inaugural Concours d’Elegance of Texas was held Sunday, May 6th, 2012 on the grounds of the La Torretta Lake Resort in Montgomery, Texas.
A show field divided into sixteen classes was on display at the 2012 Concours d’Elegance of Texas, recognizing pre- and post-war classics, through American and European sports cars, American Woodies and performance cars, competition cars and pre- and post-war motorcycles. Special displays included Beatle George Harrison’s Aston Martin DB5, which made its U.S. debut at the Concours, a trio of hand-built tribute Cobras and a collection of historic military vehicles and antique tractors. Long-time collector Roger Willbanks Jr. served as Chief Judge of the event.
“We were stunned and excited by the quality of entries and we sincerely thank all those who made the time and effort to participate,” said Concours d’Elegance of Texas Executive Director, Lolly Bezy. “We also extend a big thank you to the Gullo Family Dealerships and all our sponsors, to our volunteers, to the local community, and the team here at La Torretta who embraced this event right from the start and whose commitment to its success has been overwhelming. We set out to build the foundation for one of the finest Concours in the country and we could not be happier with the success of our first year.”
The Houston Classic weekend kicked off on Friday, May 4th with the Texas Tour d’Elegance, giving Concours participants the opportunity to hit the open road on a 50-mile scenic tour of the local area, stopping for a Texas-style lunch at the Thomas Ranch, followed a cocktail reception later that evening. Event partner, Worldwide Auctioneers, presented their 11th annual Houston Classic Auction on Saturday, May 5th, with the six-hour sale as the focus of the second day. (See Worldwide Houston auction results).
The Concours d’Elegance of Texas offered two Best of Show awards, one for the Pre-War category and another for Post-War. A 1935 Mercedes-Benz 500/540K Cabriolet A, owned by John Groendyke of Enid, Oklahoma, took Best in Show Pre-War, while a 1966 Porsche 906 Carrera Competition Coupe owned by Jeff Moore of Houston, Texas, won the Post-War Best of Show award. The 1937 Ford Darrin Convertible Cabriolet of J.B. Saunders won the People’s Choice Award, appropriate for an event that honored custom-bodied classics.
Concours d’Elegance of Texas 2012 – Notable Awards
Best of Show Pre-War
1935 Mercedes-Benz 500/540K Cabriolet A
Best of Show Post-War
1966 Porsche 906 Carrera Coupe
People’s Choice
1937 Ford Darrin Convertible
Best Open Car
1934 Rolls-Royce PII Continental Roadster
Best Closed Car
1932 Reo Royale Rumble Seat Coupe 8-35
Best Styling Design
1932 Cord L-29 Cabriolet
Most Elegant Car
1957 Bentley S1 Continental Mulliner Fstback
Best Sports Car
1952 Allard J2X
Concours d’Elegance of Texas 2012 – Best in Class Awards
American Custom-Bodied Classics
1937 Ford Darrin Convertible
American Classic Open 1925-1942
1936 Packard 1407 Convertible Victoria
American Classic Closed 1925-1942
1932 Reo Royale Rumble Seat Coupe 8-35
American Woodies
1936 Ford Deluxe Station Wagon
American Convertible & Luxury 1946-1969
1957 Dual Ghia Convertible
American Performance
1966 Shelby GT350 Convertible
European Classic 1925-1942
1935 Mercedes-Benz 500/540K Cabriolet A
European Convertible and Luxury 1946-1958
1957 Bentley S-1 Continental Fastback
Sports Cars through 1959
1930 MG M Roadster
Sports Cars 1960-1973
1966 Ferrari 275 GTB Alloy
Competition Cars
1966 Porsche 906 Carrera Coupe
Fun and Funky
1959 Nash Metropolitan Coupe
Early Preservation through 1949
1949 Packard “Fastback” Club Sedan
Late Preservation Post-1950
1970 Plymouth Hemi Cuda Coupe
Cool Creations
1936 Ford Lockhart Speedster
Pre-War Motorcycles
1931 BMW R11 Motorcycle with Sidecar
Post-War Motorcycles
1951 Horex Regina 350
The Concours d’Elegance of Texas is a 501(c)(3), with Texas Children’s Hospital and the Collectors Foundation as its official charities. The 2013 event is scheduled for Sunday, May 5th, with Worldwide Auctioneers’ 12th annual Houston Classic Auction on Saturday, May 4th. For more information, visit www.concoursoftexas.org.
[Source: Concours of Texas]
