The Concours d’Elegance of America is pleased to announce the featured and traditional classes for the 2012 Concours d’Elegance of America at St. John’s. Over 300 cars will be on the show field, making it the one of the largest displays of historically important automobiles in the world. The 34th Annual Concours d’Elegance of America will be held at The Inn at St. John’s, Plymouth, MI, on Sunday, July 29, 2012, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
2012 Highlights:
American Classic Open 1928 to 1934
In the Classic era the custom coach building trade reached new heights in styling and design. Although the Great Depression affected the automobile industry in sales volume, it also inspired designers to reach out and develop new looks that attracted the buying public’s attention. The Concours at St. John’s recognizes the excellence in design of this period and will continue to feature the superb and wonderful expressions of this automobile design.
American Classic Open 1935 to 1942
During this period the Great Depression was subsiding and automobile styling entered a new era. No longer were designs tied to the past. The airplane began to influence styling, and streamlining became a major factor in car design. The radiators and windshields now sloped, headlights were integrated into the body, the running board disappeared and the entire body shape evolved into the modern idiom. The early 1940s automobile design had made a complete separation from the design of the early 1930s while looking to the future. In keeping with the emphasis on styling, which has always been important at all Concours, St. John’s continues to display the finest design from every era.
Trans-Am
Examples from the glory days of the Trans-Am (1966 to 1972) when the racers were primarily modified versions of the road-going car will include early American pony cars and many European marques.
Can-Am
Manufacturers such as McLaren, Chaparral, Lola, BRM, Shadow and Porsche were among the first race cars to sport wings, effective turbocharging, ground-effect aerodynamics, and revolutionary materials such as titanium and carbon fiber in the Can-Am (Canada-American) sports car racing series from 1966 to 1986.
Jaguar & Corvette
Some of the finest early specimens of these two iconic brands will be displayed head to head.
Three-Wheel Motorcycles
“Vintage Three Wheel Motorcycles” with a focus on design, historical significance, original condition and restoration.
Traditional Classes:
Pioneers Pre-1900
Gaslight 1900 – 1914
Jazz Age 1915 – 1928
Duesenberg Model J
Auburn Cord
American Popular 1928 – 1942
American Classic Closed 1928 – 1942
American Classic Open 1928 – 1934
American Classic Open 1935 – 1942
Pre-War European
Pre-War Sports
American Post-War 1946 – 1959
American Post-War 1960 – 1970
American Muscle
Post-War Sports 1946 – 1959
Post-War Sports 1960 – 1970
Post-War European 1946 – 1959
Post-War European 1960 – 1970
Featured Classes:
Can-Am
Trans-Am
Slingshot Rails
Jaguar & Corvette
Station Wagons
Micro Cars
Three-Wheel Motorcycles
Supercars
Featured Designer
The selection process is underway with many invitations already mailed. Nominations received before December 31will be reviewed on a priority basis. Nomination forms are available at the Concours website: www.concoursusa.org. Further information regarding specific automobiles will be released in the coming months.