Car enthusiasts from the Pacific Northwest and beyond are invited to celebrate Mercedes-Benz on July 15. The 40th annual Forest Grove Concours d’Elegance will honor Mercedes-Benz as the featured marque with a special display showcasing 60 years of the Mercedes SL. From the iconic 1952 300SL ‘Gullwing’ coupe that won at Le Mans, to the all-new 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL550, this event brings to life the shining stars of automotive history.
The Forest Grove Concours d’Elegance features more than 300 vintage, sports and collector cars presented on the campus of Pacific University, just west of Portland, Oregon. Classic automobiles compete for awards in over 50 judged classes. Keith Martin and Donald Osborne from Sports Car Market magazine emcee the awards ceremony, telling the stories behind each car. What makes this Concours special is the gorgeous tree-shaded setting and the relaxed nature of the event. Great food and live music make it a perfect day out for the whole family.
The 1952 300SL coupe entered by Bruce and Jolene McCaw is the honored centerpiece. Taking first place at the 24 hours of Le Mans in 1952, it became the genesis of Mercedes-Benz sporting style and design that continues to this day. Clubs such as the Mercedes-Benz Club of America and the Gullwing Group will participate. Mercedes-Benz Club of America National Concours Chairman Pete Lesler is Senior Judge.
On Saturday July 14, a Vineyard and Lake Tour will wind through the picturesque Tualatin Valley to a local winery for lunch, then on to Henry Hagg Lake for excursions in vintage wooden boats. On Saturday night, entrants and guests are invited to the Evening of Elegance Dinner.
Registration for entrants is open at the Forest Grove Concours d’Elegance web site. The entry deadline is June 30. Judged classes for Mercedes-Benz include pre-War automobiles to 1945, early post-war to 1960, post-war from 1961 to 1971, and Mercedes-Benz SLs. Advance-sale tickets can be purchased at the Forest Grove Concours web site , or at the gate on the day of the event.
The Concours is produced by the Rotary Club of Forest Grove, with all proceeds benefiting Forest Grove Rotary Foundation college scholarships, youth sports, scouting programs and various service projects. The Concours d’Elegance has raised almost one million dollars for the community, including scholarships and financial aid to over 700 Washington County students to Pacific and other colleges. Major sponsors are American Car Collector and Sports Car Market Magazine, Chubb Collector Car Insurance and Mercedes-Benz of Wilsonville.
To learn more about the 2012 show, see photos of the 2011 winners and learn about the rich history of this unique event, please visit www.forestgroveconcours.org.
More information is also available through email at [email protected].