MARIN, CALIFORNIA, (June 8, 2009) – The First Annual Marin Sonoma Concours d’Elgance took place Sunday May 17, in San Rafael California. The Marin Center Fairgrounds, with the iconic Frank Lloyd Wright Civic Center and grassy Lagoon Park, provided the backdrop for 206 Classic and Vintage cars, Cars of the Stars, Alternative Fuel Vehicles and Super Cars.
The show exceeded organizers’ expectations, from the number and quality of entrants, exhibitors and special exhibits. Even the mid 90s temperatures didn’t deter thousands of spectators who came to admire the antique and showroom-condition cars.
Ferrari and Corvette were the featured marques. Best in Class Ferrari 1969 and Earlier was a 1960 250 GT SWB owned by Peter Read of Berkeley, CA. A 1984 308 GTS owned by Kevin Enderby of Redwood City CA took best in class 8-Cylinder Ferrari 1970-1989. The 12-Cylinder Ferrari’s 1970-1991 trophy was accepted by Nick Stenn of Morgan Hill, CA, for his 1987 Testa Rossa.
The Corvette 1953-1962 winner also won Best of Show d’Sport. Cliff Hansen of Burlingame displayed a 1959 Scaglietti-built Corvette, one of three built.
Winning Best in Class D American Classic Open and Closed 1925- 1948 and Best of Show d’Elegance was a 1934 Duesenberg SJ Dual Cowl Phaeton owned by Arturo and Deborah Keller of Petaluma CA.
To see photos of all the Class and Best of Show winners please visit the website.
The Marin Sonoma Concours d’Elegance was a benefit for Hospice, a non-profit organization that has been comforting and caring for seriously ill patients and their families since 1975.
Concours Chairman Charlie Goodman and Vehicle Selection Chair John Nirenstein are already planning next year’s event, which will be held May 16, 2010. Under consideration are Historic Hot Rods and Kustoms, Pre and post war Vintage Race Cars and European Designed American Muscle Cars. Applications should be available in the Fall at the Marin Sonoma Concours d’Elegance website.