Classic cars, Vintage Racing, Classic Rally - Concours d' Elegance

1931 Voisin Demi-Berline wins The Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance

nospam@example.com (ClassicRallies) — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 21:05:00 +0100

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Gooding & Company, the internationally-recognized auction house, is thrilled to announce that it will be hosting its first-ever auction at Amelia Island, Florida. Already starring a number of exceptional consignments including the Best of Show-winning 1931 Voisin C20 “Mylord” Demi-Berline, Gooding & Company’s one-day auction will take place on Friday, March 12, 2010 at 4 p.m. on the grounds of the Amelia Island Plantation.

“The Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance has become one of the preeminent automotive events of the world, attracting some of the best cars and collectors,” says David Gooding, president and founder of Gooding & Company. “In terms of East Coast auctions, we identified a gap at the top of the market. We are very pleased to announce that Gooding & Company will soon be in Amelia Island with an auction at the Plantation that will reflect our high standards.”

The 1931 Voisin C20 “Mylord” Demi-Berline – Known internationally for being one of the most sensational classics from the 1930s, the sparkling one-of-a-kind noir Voisin is Gooding & Company’s headline consignment for the auction. The unique C20 is recognized as a marvelous tribute to the design and engineering genius of Gabriel Voisin. It is powered by one of only five extraordinarily intricate Voisin 12-cylinder sleeve valve engines known to have been built, and the interior draws heavily from Gabriel Voisin’s aviation background with a myriad of controls and exposed mechanical components.
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Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance 2009 top award

nospam@example.com (ClassicRallies) — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 21:27:00 +0200

An ultra-rare car bearing the name of Audi’s “founding father” August Horch has won the top award in the prestigious Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, very appropriately crowning the prestige car company’s 100 year Centenary celebrations.

This year sees a host of anniversaries for Audi, which is synonymous with the famous four rings emblem that also takes pride of place on this exquisite Horch. Sixty years ago this month, the brand began producing cars at its Ingolstadt plant in Germany. At the Frankfurt Motor Show 30 years ago next month (September), Audi presented its first turbocharged petrol engine. Ten years later at the same show in Germany, the 100 became the first Audi model to wear the now ubiquitous TDI badge denoting turbocharged diesel power.

The 1937 Horch 853 Voll & Ruhrbeck Sport Cabriolet, owned by an American private collector, was named “Best of Show” at the 59th Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance along the 18th fairway of Pebble Beach Golf Links® on August 16th.

Competitors from almost 20 countries brought their lovingly restored cars to California’s Monterey Peninsula for judging in 28 classes. A 1938 Horch 853A Erdmann & Rossi Sport Cabriolet had won the “Best in Show” award in 2004.

The Horch company, which was founded in 1899 and began manufacturing cars in 1901, was unified with three other car manufacturers - Audi, DKW and Wanderer - to form Auto Union, or what is today known as Audi. In fact, Audi is the Latin translation of Horch.

In 1935, the Horch Company introduced the Horch 850 with a five-litre, straight-eight engine. The shorter wheelbase 853 model, which won this year’s “Best of Show” and featured coachwork by the Berlin coachbuilder, Voll & Ruhrbeck, was very popular among Germany’s rich and famous, offering luxury at a very competitive price. The last Horch roadcar was built in 1958.
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Hilton Head Island Concours d’Elegance & Motoring Festival

nospam@example.com (ClassicRallies) — Sat, 15 Aug 2009 23:40:00 +0200

HILTON HEAD ISLAND, S.C. – Believed to be the first time such an exhibit is to be included at a Concours event, the Hilton Head Island Concours d’Elegance & Motoring Festival introduces a special display sourced by Harvey Geiger, a member of the Automotive Advisory Board, for the 2009 event. ‘Life on the Road,’ an interactive display, will exhibit over 30 vehicles in the Motoring Midway show field Saturday, October 31 and Sunday, November 1. The display will depict a century of camping and living along the highway in RV’s, trailers, motor homes and off-road vehicles.

Auto camping was all the rage in the early years of the 20th Century. By the 1920’s millions of Americans had experienced traveling as “tin can tourists” and “auto hobos.” By the 30’s folding trailers had evolved into stand up “shoe box” camping units and few are more unique than those built under license from the Aerocar Corporation. Aviation pioneer Glen Curtis built his first “motor bungalow” in 1919 and later invented the “fifth wheel” coupling hitch. In 1927 he established his Curtis Aerocar Company which utilized airplane structural engineering concepts.

“We are thrilled to have such a unique exhibit as a part of our eighth annual event. Harvey has done a tremendous job sourcing such authentic and exciting vehicles to make this a thorough and dynamic depiction of ‘life on the road,’” said Carolyn Vanagel, the Festival’s Executive Director.

Multiple trailers from the post War period will be on exhibit along with several contemporary and antique motor homes including a 1927 Auto Kamp Trailer which unfolds into a tent-like structure and is complete with a display of vintage camping gear including cooking devices, folding furniture and a portable gramophone for camp site entertainment, a 1936 Curtis Aero trailer being pulled by the fifth wheel attached to a ultra streamlined custom 1938 International truck, a vintage 1962 Airstream with its 1955 GMC tow vehicle, the amphibious TerraWind coach and a 1929 Studebaker RV. The exhibit will also include off-road “safari” and military vehicles.
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Salon Privé announces sublime Le Mans line up for july concours

nospam@example.com (ClassicRallies) — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 16:29:00 +0200

Newly announced category in Salon Privé to feature some of history’s greatest Le Mans contenders. The new category to include: Frazer Nash Le Mans Coupe, Porsche 917 & 956, Ferrari 512 BB LM, Jaguar XJR-9/12 and McLaren F1 GTR – amongst others

Salon Privé, the UK’s exclusive international super car and historic Concours d’Elégance event, is delighted to announce a fantastic new Le Mans category that will form an outstanding attraction for visitors , with the exclusive event taking place at London’s Hurlingham Club on the 21st -24th July, 2009.

Drawing upon some of world’s most significant Le Mans contenders of the last 50 years, the recently announced category features some of the greatest cars to take part in the legendary 24hr race.

“Le Mans holds a very special place in motorsport history and the cars that have starred there over the years are some of the finest purpose-built racing machines ever created”, says David Bagley of Salon Privé. “We have managed to gather some of the true Le Mans greats together for the event this year, and it is a great opportunity to see these cars at close quarters in the fantastic surroundings of the Hurlingham Club.”

Amongst the cars to feature in the category include a beautiful 1953, Frazer Nash Le mans Coupe, which finished the great race that year 1st class and 13th overall, and which was also campaigned successfully 1954.

A highlight is sure to be the 1969 ‘Gulf’ Porsche 917, regarded by many as the ultimate sports prototype racing machine and which set a new bench mark for speed and performance that still resonates today. Amongst its numerous racing successes in the hands of names such as Rodriguez, Attwood, Bell and Oliver, this particular example of the 220mph endurance racing legend also featured in Steve McQeens’s iconic movie ‘Le Mans’.

Few marques have the racing pedigree of Ferrari, and the famous Italian brand is no stranger to Le Mans. Salon Privé is therefore delighted to have one of only 25 512 BB LM race cars produced for endurance racing. The 1978 example on show competed in various high profile races and took part in both the 1979 and 1980 Le Mans 24hrs. Capable of speeds in excess of 200mph, the 512 BB LM is sure to be a huge favourite with the Salon Privé visitors.
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Ultra-Rare 1953 Fiat 8V Ghia Supersonic Entered in 2009 Meadow Brook Concours d’Elegance

nospam@example.com (ClassicRallies) — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 19:04:00 +0200

The futuristic, Ghia-styled 1953 Fiat 8V Supersonic, one of only eight aluminum-bodied examples equipped with a 115-horsepower 2.0-liter overhead-valve 70-degree V8 Fiat engine, is among the exciting entries in the Sports Car class at the 30th anniversary Meadow Brook Concours d’Elegance on August 2, 2009 in Rochester Michigan.

The 1953 Fiat 8V Supersonic, celebrated by the press at its 1953 Paris Motor Show debut, came to market later that same year for a handsome sum of $3,100. The limited-production Supersonic was purchased by Detroit manufacturers of the day interested in studying its spectacular design and engineering.

“We are ecstatic that David and Ginny Sydorick have added Meadow Brook to the list of prestigious concours events at which to showcase their superb 1953 Fiat 8V Supersonic,” said Larry Moss, Director, Car Selection Committee – Meadow Brook Concours d’Elegance. “The recent alliance between Chrysler and Fiat makes this entry especially relevant to our event’s local audience as we all look to the formation of a vibrant “new” Chrysler and its continued contributions to the best Detroit has to offer.”

Other Sports Car entries include:
1967 Ferrari P3/4 (chassis 0846)
1964 Cobra 427
1966 Ghia 450 SS
1967 Morgan Super Sports
1953 Nash Healey LeMans Coupe Pinin Farina
1966 Abarth 100sp
1967 Lancia Flaminia Zagato SS
1960 Ferrari 400 SuperAmerica
1953 Cisitalia Concept Car
1954 Jaguar XK 120SE

Tickets for the 2009 Meadow Brook Concours d’Elegance are available online at http://www.mbhconcours.org/tickets.htm, or by calling 248.643.8645, and a commemorative program, parking and shuttle service are included in the ticket price.
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Ferrari 250 GT wins the 2009 Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este

nospam@example.com (ClassicRallies) — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 13:09:00 +0200

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Ferrari 250 GT Coupé Pinin Farina restored by Ferrari Classiche wins best restoration prize at the 2009 Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este

Cernobbio (CO) – April 26th 2009 – The Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este celebrated its 80th anniversary this year, once again attracting 50 stunning cars built between the 1920s and 1970s to the grounds of the eponymous Lake Como villa. All of the cars shown were of enormous historical value and either in pristine condition or restored.

The jury – presided over by Lorenzo Ramaciotti and made up of several high profile names from the car world, including Patrick le Quement, Lord Charles March and Hiedo Kodama - awarded the special prize for Best Restoration to the Ferrari 250 GT Coupé Pininfarina chassis no. 0419 GT. The car, owned by Kenneth and Dayle Roach from California (USA), also came second in its Class.

This particular Ferrari 250 GT Coupé Pinin Farina was originally exhibited at the 39th Brussels Motor Show in January 1956 and delivered to the Ecurie Francorchamps team that same year, going on to compete in numerous races. The full restoration, which encompassed both running gear and bodywork, was completed just a few days ago by Ferrari Classiche and returned the car to its original condition in every respect.

2009 Palos Verdes Concours d'Elegance

nospam@example.com (ClassicRallies) — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 21:31:34 +0200

To honor its theme “All Things Italian,” the 2009 Palos Verdes Concours d’Elegance will devote 12 of its 21 classes exclusively to Italian vehicles, according to Chairman Peter Kunoth. In addition, Maserati has been named the Featured Marque.

“Since Enrico Bernardi built his gasoline-powered three-wheeler in 1884, Italian cars have occupied a special niche in the history of the automobile,” Kunoth stated. “Performance, style and engineering have been a hallmark of the Italian auto industry, leading to pre-eminence in racing and consumer vehicles for more than 100 years.”

The 21 classes for the 2009 Concours d’Elegance on September 13 at the Trump National Golf Club in Rancho Palos Verdes, California are:
Maserati In-Line (1946-1969)
Maserati V8 (1959-1974)
Alfa-Romeo (1946-1974)
Lancia (1946-1974)
Fiat, Siata & Cisitalia (1946-1974)
Ferrari (1946-1974)
Ferrari Dino
Lamborghini
Iso & Bizzarini
Custom Pantera
Italian Motorcycles (including scooters, e.g. Vespa)
Italian Race Cars
Antique (Through 1915)
Vintage (1916-1924)
American Classic Open (1925-1948)
American Classic Closed (1925-1948)
European Classic Open (1925-1941)
European Classic Closed (1925-1941)
American Customs (1946-1960)
American Luxury (1948-1962)
European Luxury (1947-1962)
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Concorso Italiano Announces its Masters of Ceremonies

nospam@example.com (ClassicRallies) — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 22:52:38 +0200

Concorso Italiano is pleased to announce that Keith Martin is returning as Master of Ceremonies for the 2009 event to be held at Laguna Seca Golf Ranch on Friday, August 14th. We are just as thrilled to have Alan Richmond return for his 24th year, having never missed an event.

Keith Martin

Keith has been involved with Concorso Italiano for over a decade, participating in the growth of the event from a small gathering of Maserati owners into the world-renowned celebration of Italian cars that it is today.

Noted for his onstage wit, warmth and deep knowledge of Italian cars, Martin has been an MC at Pebble Beach, the Meadow Brook Concours, the Kirkland Concours, the Sun River Festival of Cars, the Forest Grove Concours and was appointed MC of the Houston-based Wheels and Keels Concours this year.

He founded the monthly Sports Car Market magazine twenty years ago, and has developed it into the authoritative informed voice of the collector car hobbyist. Keith has just announced his second publication, Corvette Market magazine, which brings the same intellectual vigor and analysis to the Corvette marketplace as Sports Car Market does to exotics and classics.

Keith's columns on collecting and reviews of exotic cars, including the Ford GT and the Bentley Continental GT, have appeared in the New York Times. He has hosted numerous television specials, and was most recently featured on "Appraise My Car", shown on Discovery HD Theater.

He is the Chairman of the Meguiar's Collector Car Person of the Year Award Committee, is on the Board of Trustees of the LeMay Museum and the Hagerty-founded Collectors Foundation, and has served on the faculty of the Collier Museum symposium on Connoisseurship.

Keith along with his wife Wendie and their four children, live in Portland, Oregon.
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2009 Meadow Brook Concours d’Elegance Celebrates The Best of Detroit

nospam@example.com (ClassicRallies) — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 21:29:51 +0100

Marking its 30th anniversary of showcasing the world’s finest vintage motor cars each August on the grounds of the historic Meadow Brook Hall in Rochester, Michigan, the prestigious Meadow Brook Concours d’Elegance returns in 2009 to pay homage to the Motor City by featuring “The Best of Detroit”.

“Detroit’s ‘Big 3’ auto makers have been perennial supporters of the Meadow Brook Concours,” said Matthew de Larcinese, Executive Director – Meadow Brook Concours d’Elegance.

“As a gesture of gratitude for their long-standing support, the Concours is pleased to commemorate its 30th Anniversary with a celebration of Detroit’s automotive heritage featuring the engineering and design excellence of General Motors, Ford and Chrysler with ‘The Best of Detroit’.”

The 2009 Meadow Brook Concours d’Elegance is scheduled for Sunday, August 2, with plans to exhibit an impressive field of vintage automobiles and motorcycles. In addition to “The Best of Detroit”, the following categories will be featured:

Fins and Chrome: The Convertibles of 1959
Packard V-12
Swoopy Coupes
Rolls Royce Phantom
100th Anniversary of Morgan and a Celebration of British Sports Cars
Motorcycles − The British Twins

This year’s Concours will also include a display of classic automobiles on loan from the Gilmore Car Museum located in Hickory Corners, Michigan.
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Concorso D' Eleganza Villa d' Este 2009 the 80th anniversary

nospam@example.com (ClassicRallies) — Sun, 08 Mar 2009 18:13:04 +0100

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Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este 2009: Bugatti Atlantic 57SC, 1938, owner Ralph Lauren (03/2009) - © BMW AG
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Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este drew visitors to Lake Como for the first time 80 years ago. For ten years now, BMW has organised the Concorso jointly with the Grand Hotel Villa d'Este luxury hotel. The longstanding tradition of this automotive beauty contest continues this year when, from 24 to 26 April 2009, a select range of classic cars will converge on the shores of Lake Como and be submitted to a vote by the public and a jury. At this anniversary Concorso, the BMW Group will itself be celebrating a rather special birthday: it was 80 years ago that BMW produced its very first automobile. "The past 80 years have shown the high status that BMW accords to design and style. The same applies to the Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este. And that is not least of all why are a perfect fit," says Karl Baumer, Director of BMW Group Classic and Chairman of the Concorso. Jean-Marc Droulers, President of Villa d'Este S.p.A., is of the same accord: "The success story of this event in recent years not only shows how well we work together but also reflects our sheer enjoyment in hosting such an extraordinary occasion."

80 years of the blue-and-white logo
When BMW looks back on its 80-year tradition of car manufacturing at this year's Concorso, visitors can expect to set eyes on some stunning beauties on wheels. Among the models on show will be a BMW 303, the first Bavarian car to sport the kidney-shaped radiator grille, and an example of the BMW 502, which entered the motoring history books as the so-called "baroque angel". Models dating back to the 1960s, such as the BMW 2002, and the cars that established the BMW model series in the 1970s will also rank among the exhibits. As a special highlight, BMW will be presenting all its legendary roadsters of the last 75 years: from the 315/1 and 319/1 to the 328 and 507, all the way to the Z1, Z3 and Z8 - plus the latest addition to the family, the new BMW Z4.

Once again, more than 50 classic beauties spanning six decades of motoring history have been selected to appear at the Concorso d'Eleganza. Urs Paul Ramseier, as the Selecting Adviser responsible for the line-up of cars participating in the Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este, provided a few tasters from this choice field of entrants in Geneva.
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Fisker Karma makes Premiere at the Desert Classic Concours d’Elegance

nospam@example.com (ClassicRallies) — Mon, 16 Feb 2009 21:22:12 +0100

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100mpg Fisker Karma makes its West Coast Premiere at the Desert Classic Concours d’Elegance in Palm Springs, California, March
1, 2009.

The world’s first luxury plug-in hybrid car, the 2010 Fisker Karma, will make its West Coast debut at the Desert Classic Concours d’Elegance, in Palm Springs, California.

Recently unveiled at the January 2009 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, the four door premium electric drive sedan proves that driving style and performance need not be compromised for environmental friendliness.

According to Paul Merrigan, founder of the Desert Classic Concours d’Elegance, “In addition to the most significant classic cars, our event also features exciting new models demonstrating the best in design and technology.”
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MG Car Club Announces MGLive!

nospam@example.com (ClassicRallies) — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 22:37:28 +0100

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The MG Car Club, has announced MGLive!, the new name for its traditional Silverstone International meeting. For the 59th anniversary of the event the Club has created a new action packed event with a range of new features, including an enhanced live arena, to make it the biggest and best event on the MG calendar.

With 2009 being the 85th anniversary of the MG car company, MGLive! will dedicate the weekend to celebrating the marque and its achievements through the years. The new MG Motors company, which has recently resumed production of MGs at Longbridge, will display the latest MG TF.

For the first time there will be action on the track for the full three days, with races running continuously over the weekend. The MGLive! Arena will feature, amongst its many attractions, the amazing Russ Swift Precision Driving Team including its two-wheeling, spinning, dancing and parking routines. This year they will be demonstrating the versatility of the new MG TF LE500. Overhead the crowds will be entertained by the amazing Blades 4-plane aerobatic team on the Saturday.

To mark the 85th anniversary of the marque there will be a display of MGs through the ages from the earliest to the latest with the intention of covering every model ever made. Those wanting a more hands on experience will have the opportunity to take part in the Sunday morning circuit tour or take a trip round the track in an MG ZR.
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Fairfield County Concours d’Elegance 2009

nospam@example.com (ClassicRallies) — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 21:42:34 +0100

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Welcoming more than 5,000 visitors and spectators in 2008, the Fairfield County Concours d’Elegance in Westport, CT, has truly become one of the leading classic car and bike concours in the nation. The 2009 event promises an even bigger scale as it expands to a two-day, on-field programs format, adding a fabulous Classic Car and Bike Celebration for clubs around the nation to its Saturday activities. The Nutmeg Tour for Autism, an over 50-mile tour through picturesque Connecticut, will be longer, bigger and provide more stops for the public, media and participants to mingle, learn and enjoy the classic cars and motorcycles attending.

12 and 13 September 2009
The second weekend in September has been chosen to host more than 200 significant motor vehicles spanning more than100 years at the beautiful Fairfield County Hunt Club in Westport, CT. Located just one hour north-east of New York City, the Fairfield County Concours d’Elegance has attracted more and more visitors and participants nationwide over the last five years.

The Car and Motorcycle Club Celebration
Chairman Bill Scheffler: “We are inviting significant car and motorcycle clubs from around the nation to participate in our celebration on Saturday. Our venue and event will provide an excellent opportunity for car and bike clubs, members and friends to show and use their wheels and attend a magnificent event at the same time. And for this purpose, I guess the closeness to New York City might help as well.” While club participation is strictly by invitation only, clubs who wish to participate can contact the Fairfield County Concours d’Elegance at clubs@fairfieldcountyconcours.com to apply for their particular club’s participation on Saturday, September 12. There will be club lunches available, and members will be able to attend restoration seminars or browse through the extensive automobilia and automotive section on display at the event.
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David Hobbs Amelia Island 2009 Honoree

nospam@example.com (ClassicRallies) — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 23:06:03 +0100

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The Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance Foundation, Inc. announced today that veteran racer David Hobbs will be the honoree for the 14th annual Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance, scheduled for March 13-15, 2009, at The Golf Club of Amelia Island at Summer Beach. As one of SPEED Channel’s most animated and popular commentators, Hobbs can be seen today providing expert analysis – laced with humorous anecdotes – on a variety of series, including Formula One, sports car, and endurance racing.

“It gives me great pleasure to announce that David is our honoree for 2009,” says Bill Warner, Concours founder and co-chairman. “We’ve known each other for a long time and I have watched David put in some of the most spirited drives ever of any racer. His work today for SPEED is fantastic and he always manages to educate as well as entertain with his race commentary. He’s a great supporter of Amelia and I’m looking forward to having him.”

Few drivers can boast as diverse a resume´ as Hobbs. In an international career than spanned nearly 30 years, the versatile U.K. native drove sports, touring, Indy, IMSA, Formula 1, NASCAR, and Group C endurance racers all with equal skill. Hobbs won the 1971 U.S. Formula 5000 championship and 12 years later added the 1983 Trans-Am championship to his trophy case.
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Phantom Corsair at Amelia Island Concours d' Elegance

nospam@example.com (ClassicRallies) — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 11:58:36 +0100

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The Phantom Corsair, a one-of-kind look at the future of auto design penned in the late thirties by Rust Heinz of the H.J. Heinz family food empire, will make its way to the 14th annual Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance, March 13- 15, 2009. The vehicle will be on display courtesy of the National Automobile Museum (The Harrah Collection) in Reno, Nevada.

“There are certain what I like to call ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ designs and the Phantom Corsair easily falls into that category,” says Bill Warner, founder & co-chairman of the Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance. “When this car came out of Bohman & Schwartz, it was called outrageous and futuristic at the same time. It’s a 70-year-old design and still generates a buzz wherever it goes, and still defies description today; just as it did when it rolled out of their Pasadena shop in 1938.”

Not Another One Like It In The World The Phantom Corsair was ahead of its time and displayed a number of innovative design queues. The streamlined look from bumper to bumper gave the Phantom Corsair a distinct aerodynamic advantage enabling the car to reach nearly 120 m.p.h., which was impressive for a car its size back in 1938. There were several never-seen-before features in the car such as hydraulic impact bumpers, covered driving lights, climate control system, and interior crash padding. After its stint at the 1939 World’s Fair, it moved on to a new career in Hollywood as the mysteriously sinister “Flying Wombat,” in the David O. Selznick production, “The Young in Heart,” which starred screen legend Douglas Fairbanks, Jr.
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