The Rodeo Drive Concours 2018 was held Sunday, June 17 on the famed thoroughfare in Beverly Hills, California. This year marked the 25th year of this annual Father’s Day tradition, which features a superb selection of rare and contemporary automobiles within a three block area between Wilshire and Santa Monica boulevards.
Because of the significance of the Concours’ 25th anniversary, this year’s event was highlighted by a special display of approximately 50 silver cars. The “silver” collection, which was displayed on an entire block along of Rodeo Drive, included European classics, exotic cars, race cars and super cars, among others.
Between 30,000 and 40,000 people attended the Rodeo Drive Concours and were treated to a cool overcast day instead of record high temperatures of recent years. The Rodeo Drive Concours 2018 offered dads and their families a chance to enjoy an impressive selection of vehicles displayed along the fashionable shops and boutiques.
“Our 25th anniversary celebration generated the largest turnout and the most spectacular cars ever … until next year, of course!” said Bruce Meyer, chairman of the Rodeo Drive Concours d’Elegance. “I am especially proud of the diversity of the cars we had on display today, offering selections for every car enthusiast’s interest and passion. It’s our goal to expose as many people as possible to both Beverly Hills and the world of car collecting. “
The Rodeo Drive Committee — in conjunction with the City of Beverly Hills, organizes this yearly automotive event on what is arguably one of the most expensive shopping districts in the world. It featured a wide selection of high-performance sports and collector cars valued at more than $100 million. Examples from Ferrari, Porsche, McLaren, Bugatti, Maserati, Jaguar and several others, lined the upscale streets in both directions.
The intersection of Rodeo and Brighton was the show’s featured exhibited area where the unique vehicles displayed included the Best of Show-winning 1938 Hispano Suiza H6B Dubonnet Xenia owned by the Mullin Automotive Museum, a 2009 Ruf CTR3, a 1963 Ferrari 400 Superamerica Coupe Aerodinamico, a 1954 Fiat 8V Supersonic.
Other notable cars on display were an Aston Martin Red Bull Racing Formula One race car, a 1928 Bentley 3/8 Litre Racer, owned by Doug Weitman; 1997 Mercedes-Benz CLK-GTR FIA GTR race car and a 1993 Jaguar XJ220S TWR – both owned by Rusty West; and a 1994 Bugatti EB110 Supersport Le Mans owned by the Mullin Automotive Museum.
The Best of Show-winning Xenia was based on the Hispano-Suiza H6, incorporating modifications that included independent suspension designed by World War I flying ace, race car driver and Olympic athlete Andre Dubonnet. The Xenia’s Art Deco-themed hand-built coachwork by Jacques Saoutchik features teardrop-shaped wings and a sculpted cockpit.
The Rodeo Drive Concours d’Elegance is the largest single-day Concours in North America, drawing record spectators each year. The event attracts connoisseurs, collectors, tourist and locals who have the opportunity to admire a curated collection of impressive automobiles, all while shopping along one of the world’s most legendary and exclusive shopping destinations. The event also hosted the Beverly Hills Police Foundation, a non-profit charity raising funds for officers and their families.
On behalf of Sports Car Digest, I would like to dedicate this year’s report and photos to all our Fathers, and in remembrance of my father, Saul Varela, who passed away in May, 2013.
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Similar to 2011, 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017, Sports Car Digest also documented the 2018 Rodeo Drive Concours, with photographer Victor Varela offering the following selection of pictures from the Concours held annually in Southern California.
Rodeo Drive Concours 2018 – Photo Gallery (photos: Victor Varela)
Along with the Best of Show selection, the 25th anniversary Rodeo Drive Concours d’Elegance recognized the following award winners:
Mayor’s Award: Most Elegant
1957 Mercedes-Benz 300Sc Coupe
Vin Di Bona, owner
Chairman’s Award
1964 Porsche 904
Sam Yagi, owner
Icon Award: Timeless Classic
1964 Pontiac GTO
Tenney Fairchild, owner
Rodeo Drive Award: Most Stylish
1960 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz Convertible
Kip Cyprus, owner
Police Chief’s Award: Life In The Fast Lane
1997 Mercedes-Benz CLK-GTR Competition
Rusty West, owner
Beverly Hills Award: Most Unique
2009 Ruf CTR3
Phillip Sarofim, owner
Rodeo Drive Award: Most Fashionable
1965 Lamborghini 350GT
Doug Cohen, owner
Carroll Shelby Award: Most Sporting
1950 Ferrari 166 Inter Touring Berlinetta
Don Murray, owner
Steve McQueen Award: Classic Sports Car
1957 Chevrolet Corvette Roadster
Ken Ciscek, owner
Precious Metal Award: Most Outstanding Silver Car
1960 Aston Martin DB4 Series II
Bill Feldhorn, owner
Most Passionate Enthusiast
Jim Hull
HVA Preservation Award
1954 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Coupe
Bruce Goldsmith, owner
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