The 7th annual Greystone Mansion Concours d’Elegance was staged Sunday, May 1, 2016 in Beverly Hills, California. Approximately 3,000 auto aficionados gathered at the Tudor Revival Greystone mansion where 135 distinctive automobiles and more than 20 unique motorcycles graced the historic, hilltop 18-acre estate.
Awards were given in 18 Best of Class categories and in two Best of Show categories. In addition, nine Special Automobile Awards and three Motorcycle Awards were also presented. The entries that were considered for awards were assessed per the “French” method of judging. This method puts an emphasis on the overall impression of the automobile and factors such as originality, authenticity, design, styling and elegance are also taken into account.
The “Pietruska” awards that were presented to those chosen were designed by artist Richard Pietruska, a highly respected professor at the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, who was commissioned to create the custom Greystone Mansion Concours d’Elegance signature awards.
The Best in Show Concours d’Elegance award was presented to a Thomas Model 18, owned by Ron and Sandy Hansen and a 1961 Alfa Romeo Sprint Zagato Coda Tronca, owned by Ron Hein, was named Best of Show Concours de Sport. A 1939 Brough Superior SS 80 was awarded Best Vintage Motorcycle, a 1980 BMW R100 was awarded Best Custom Motorcycle and a 1954 BMW R 51/3 was named Best Preservation Motorcycle.
In addition to the Best of Show awards, these notable automobiles were also presented with the following awards – The Fédération Internationale des Véhicules Anciens (FIVA) Preservation Award was given to a 1967 Alfa Romeo GTA/P 1600 Corsa; the HVA “This Car Matters” Award was given a 1961 Ferrari 250 SWB Berlinetta; the Mayor’s Choice Award was presented to a 1931 Chrysler Imperial CG Dual Cowl Phaeton and the Spirit of Greystone Award was presented to a 1932 Lincoln KB Roadster. And for the first time, the Concours offered a Preservation Class category with a 1967 Porsche 911S being presented with this award.
Other automobiles were featured and awards presented in categories for Alfa Romeo, Cadillac-LaSalle, Corvette, Ferrari, Ford, Grand Touring, Jaguar, Mercedes-Benz, Morgan, Packard, Porsche, Post-war American, Post-war British, Pre-war American, Pre-war European, Shelby and Special Interest.
“The Greystone Mansion Concours is unlike most any other automotive event because it offers something for everyone. Each year the show highlights a variety of remarkable cars that are rarely seen by the public and features a completely new field of entries annually,” commented Concours Director Cindy Brynan. “This is the 7th year of the event and was easily our most successful ever. We had the honor of receiving the most applications we have ever had for potential exhibitors. We ultimately showcased 135 world class cars and 20 motorcycles. We thank our attendees and gracious sponsors for all of their support.”
Throughout the day, attendees at the Concours had access to the estate grounds and were able to see the interior of the mansion. With the thousands in attendance for this year’s event, the organizers did an excellent job of keeping everyone within a comfortable level to enjoy all the cars, motorcycles, vendor displays, gourmet food, beverages, libations and the vendor marketplace and seminars within the historic Doheny mansion.
The Greystone Mansion Concours d’Elegance supports The Friends of Greystone, a non-profit organization dedicated to the continuing restoration and preservation of Greystone Mansion. Built in 1927, the estate was a gift from oil tycoon Edward L. Doheny (The 2007 film “There Will Be Blood” was loosely based on his life) to his son, Edward “Ned” Doheny, Jr. and his family. The city of Beverly Hills purchased the estate in 1965, with the property becoming a city park in 1971. In 1976, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places as the Doheny Estate/Greystone. The house and grounds are often used in movie and television production, with the descending staircase being one of the most famous sets in Hollywood.
The 8th annual Greystone Mansion Concours d’Elegance is scheduled for Sunday, May 7, 2017 and occurs annually on the first Sunday of May.
Greystone Mansion Concours 2016 – Photo Gallery (click image for larger picture and description)
Greystone Mansion Concours 2016 – Award Winners
Automobiles – Best of Class
Alfa Romeo, Ian Wayne, 1965 Guilia Sprint Speciale
Cadillac-LaSalle, Fred Lax, 1930 Cadillac V-16 Roadster
Corvette, Jack Bianchi, 1962 Chevrolet Corvette
Ferrari, Adrien Labi, 1967 Ferrari 275 GTB/4
Ford, Spencer Woolcott, 1966 Ford Mustang GT
Grand Touring, Robert Frumkin, 1954 Chrysler Ghia GS Special
Jaguar, Arthur Cook,1955 Jaguar XK140 MC Drop Head Coupe
Mercedes-Benz, Dannie & Craig McLaughlin 1957 M-B 300 SL Roadster
Morgan – Edward Berghino, 1935 Morgan Super Sport
Packard, Lianne & Dana Graham, 1929 645 Dual Cowl Phaeton
Porsche, Stan Gold, 1952 Porsche 356 America Roadster
Post-war American, Randy Kunes, 1953 Chrysler New Yorker
Post-war British – Craig & Hanne Ekberg, 1952 Allard J2X
Preservation, Victor Priesler, 1967 Porsche, 911S
Pre-war American, Greg Vanley, 1923 Duesenberg Model A Touring
Pre-war European, Bruce Meyer, 1935 Bugatti Type 57 Ventoux
Shelby – Tomy Drissi, 1967 Shelby 427 Cobra
Special Interest – Alan & Wendy Hart, 1958 Fiat-Abarth 750- GT Coupe
Automobiles – Special Awards
BRM Award – Richard Zeiger, 1941 Lincoln Continental
Corvette Mike Award, Jaime Gesundheit, 1963 Chevrolet Corvette
FIVA Award, Brandon Adrian, 1967 Alfa Romeo GTA/P 1600 Corsa
HVA “THIS CAR MATTERS” Award – Mark Haddawy, 1961 Ferrari 250 SWB Berlinetta
Meguiars Outstanding Paint, Kip Cyprus, 1960 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz
Director’s Choice, Jim Gianopulos, 1951 Alfa Romeo 6C 2500 Convertible
FOG Outstanding Restoration – Art Cragnotti, 1956 Mercury Montclair
Mayor’s Choice, Aaron & Valerie Weiss, 1931 Chrysler Imperial CG Dual Cowl Phaeton
Spirit of Greystone, Gary Severns, 1932 Lincoln KB Roadster
Automobiles – Best of Show
Best of Show Concours de Sport, Ron Hein, 1961 Alfa Romeo Sprint Zagato Coda Tronca
Best of Show Concours d’Elegance , Ron & Sandy Hansen, 1903 Thomas Model 18
Motorcycles
Best Vintage Motorcycle, Serge Bueno, 1939 Brough Superior SS 80
Best Custom Motorcycle, Chris & Rebecca Canterbury, 1980 BMW R100
Best Preservation Motorcycle, Eugene Carson, 1954 BMW R 51/3
Great photos, thanks. Looks like a very nice event.
Thanks, William!