The Marin Sonoma Concours d'Elegance Announces Spectacular Showing of Vintage French Coachbuilt Automobiles For 2012

The Marin Sonoma Concours d’Elegance announced today its spectacular showing of French coachbuilt vintage automobiles appearing on the Green at the 2012 Concours in San Rafael, Calif, on May 20. Just one of the museum quality automobiles on display is a 1936 Delahaye 135 Competition Disappearing Top Convertible with Coachwork by Figoni et Falaschi. Chassis No. 46864 was a one-off creation by Joseph Figoni for his wealthy Parisian personal friend Mr. Wolf and features streamlined coachwork, a competition engine and chassis, disappearing convertible top, folding windshield and turned metal dash. According to Andre Vaucourt, Archivist a the Club Delahaye France, “This is one of the most elegant creations of Joseph Figoni and one of the most important Delahaye cars.”

Another outstanding entry for the Marin Sonoma Concours d’Elegance field of automobiles is a 1939 Delahaye Type 165 Cabriolet exhibited at the 1939 New York World’s Fair. Built by Figoni et Falaschi, Chassis No. 60744 was one of only six 12-cylinder Type 165s produced. Built to represent France at the Fair, the car was promoted in an exposition aptly titled “Dawn of a New Day.”

While reviewing the attached group of premier participating vehicles, Concours Chairman John Nirenstein noted “These cars represent a level of automobile you don't see at every Concours." These are truly significant pieces of art with rich histories that are rarely seen outside of automotive museums. To have one of these automobiles present is significant for any Concours but to have several of them in one location that is not Pebble Beach or Villa d'Este, is truly a unique and exciting opportunity for the public.”

The 2012 Marin Sonoma Concours d’Elegance will be held on Sunday, May 20 at the Marin Civic Center. The Concours will feature exceptional automobiles from French coachbuilders through 1950; Italian automobile designers from 1946 through 1975; and Cord, to mark the 75th anniversary of the last year these extraordinary automobiles were produced. New to the Concours this year is a judged display of vintage British motorcycles, covering all years through 1979. Classic wooden boats and vintage military vehicles will also be on display, along with American and European classics, supercars, muscle cars, and closed-wheel race cars.

Automobiles to be shown include:

For more information regarding the Concours please visit the Web site at marinsonomaconcours.org.

The Marin Sonoma Concours d’Elegance is dedicated to advancing the interest of vintage automobile culture and promoting the education of its heritage to the community. Charitable beneficiaries for the 2012 Marin Sonoma Concours include Hospice By The Bay and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Marin and Southern Sonoma Counties