The 2011 Rodeo Drive Concours d’Elegance has announced that Italian automaker Fiat is the event’s honored marque. This year’s concours will celebrate “The Art of Italian Motoring” and will feature more than 125 vintage Italian cars on display. The annual Father’s Day event will take place on world-famous Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills, CA, on Sunday, June 19.The event is free and open to the public.
As the honored marque, Fiat will prominently feature the new 2012 Fiat 500 model, which is deeply rooted in Italian culture, values, sentiment and sensibilities. Fiat will display 14 of the 2012 Fiat 500 Cinquecento models in all 14 exterior colors-and showcase a vintage Fiat 500. Fiat will offer ride and drive opportunities for guests in the 2012 Fiat 500. “Fiat’s participation in the 2011 Rodeo Drive Concours promises to bring another level of excitement for our spectators as they will have exclusive access to the latest in Italian motoring,” said Bruce Meyer, Chairman of the Rodeo Drive Concours d’Elegance. “This annual event is a Father’s Day tradition for thousands of Southern California residents, car collectors and aficionados, and this year’s selection of world-class Italian entries promises to be one of the best. Many of the entries are rare and important collectible automobiles.”
As part of the celebration, some of the most prestigious Italian designers and automakers will be prominently featured on Rodeo Drive for the event.
The Rodeo Drive Concours d’Elegance is an exclusive display of luxury automobiles set against the backdrop of world-class Rodeo Drive boutiques. Celebrating the unique relationship between the automotive, fashion and entertainment industries, an estimated 30,000 spectators from throughout Southern California attend the event. The first-ever Concours on Rodeo was held in conjunction with the world premiere of the Ferrari 348 Spider in 1993 and since has been named one of the “300 Unmissable Events & Festivals Around the World” by top travel publisher Frommer’s.
During the week that follows, Beverly Hills tips its hat to Italian culture during La Dolce Vita Beverly Hills celebrating the 150th anniversary of the unification of Italy, beginning with the Rodeo Drive Concours on June 19 and ending with the Gran Fondo long distance cycling event on June 26.
Italian Week Enthusiasts are invited to experience exclusive promotions and events including prix fixe specialty menus from several renown Beverly Hills Italian restaurants. Many jewelry stores will also be offering something special for the week and Italian Cinema will be showcased to commemorate the celebration.
Partners for the 2011 Rodeo Drive Concours d¹Elegance include the Consulate General of Italy in collaboration with Italian Trade Commission, the Italian Ministry of Economic Development, Rodeo Drive Committee, City of Beverly Hills and Beverly Hills Conference & Visitors Bureau. The 2011 Honored Marque is FIAT and platinum sponsors include The Auto Gallery and Ferrari USA. Beverly Hills Rent A Car, GEARYS and IWC North America are gold sponsors. Silver sponsors include Beverly Wilshire A Four Seasons Hotel, Brooks Brothers, Lladro, Luxe Hotel, Petersen Automotive Museum and Seguso. The Beverly Hills Courier, Haute Living, Sports Car Market and Garage Magazine are this year’s media partners.
For more information and car registration, please visit the Rodeo Drive Concours website. All entry questions can be sent to Fred Bogardus via telephone at 310.410.1022; fax at 310.410.9156 or by email at fobogardus@aol.com.
