Beverly Hills, CA. May 7, 2008 –-The Rodeo Drive Committee, in conjunction with the City of Beverly Hills, announces the initial line-up of astute automobiles for the 2008 Rodeo Drive Concours d’Elegance, themed “Haute Wheels: Celebrating Car Couture.” This annual Father’s Day event will be held on Sunday, June 15, 2008 from 10:00AM – 4:00PM. It is free and open to the public and will take place on the 300 and 400 blocks of North Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills. “Rodeo Drive Concours d’Elegance is responsible for showcasing an extraordinary array of antique and contemporary automobiles and this year’s selection focuses […]
Beverly Hills, CA. May 7, 2008 –-The Rodeo Drive Committee, in conjunction with the City of Beverly Hills, announces the initial line-up of astute automobiles for the 2008 Rodeo Drive Concours d’Elegance, themed “Haute Wheels: Celebrating Car Couture.” This annual Father’s Day event will be held on Sunday, June 15, 2008 from 10:00AM – 4:00PM. It is free and open to the public and will take place on the 300 and 400 blocks of North Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills.
“Rodeo Drive Concours d’Elegance is responsible for showcasing an extraordinary array of antique and contemporary automobiles and this year’s selection focuses on custom coachwork and exceptional style,” said Bruce Meyer, co-chair of the Rodeo Drive Concours d’Elegance. “As a world-renowned luxury retail destination, Rodeo Drive is the perfect location to showcase these magnificent, one-of-a-kind cars.”
In 1938, Andre DuBonnet, a pilot and racecar driver, and accredited designer Jaques Saoutchik created the elegant DuBonnet Xenia Hispano-Suiza H6C Saoutchik Coupe by combining automotive and aircraft designs. DuBonnet was responsible for manufacturing the independent suspension system, which was so successful in the DuBonnet that he sold the patent to Alfa Romeo, GM, Fiat and Delahaye. Saoutchik built the body of the vehicle. The unique parallel doors slide open into an interior reminiscent of a cockpit, which parallels the DuBonnet’s sleek, aerodynamic body.
Another car with bold proportions and an innovative design is the 2006 Bugatti Veyron. Based on classic Bugatti elements, the modern Veyron contains a 16.4-cylinder engine with a maximum speed of more than 245 miles per hour. As the fastest accelerating and decelerating car legally allowed on the road, it was appropriately named after the world-famous racecar driver, Pierre Veyron. The combination of power and beauty make this sports car highly desirable.
Couture will also be on display with the signature, one-of-a-kind Lamborghini Murciélago LP640 Versace Edition. In tribute to this year’s “Haute Wheels: Celebrating Car Couture” theme, Rodeo Drive Concours d’Elegance will showcase the special edition car, which reflects the Versace tradition of high-end innovation and fashion-forward style. The customized leather interior is branded with the trademark Versace emblem. There is also a plaque with the Versace and Lamborghini logos as well as an edition number behind the center console. One of only ten ever produced, this stunning vehicle is a testament to the influence of couture on the automotive industry.
The Rodeo Drive Concours d’Elegance will feature more than 100 cars on display along the world famous street. This year’s automotive magazine partner is American Driver and the local media partners are The Beverly Hills Courier and Beverly Hills Design & Life Magazine. Other sponsors include Brooks Brothers, David Orgell, Tag Heuer, ICON, Ferrari Maserati of Beverly Hills, GEARYS Beverly Hills and Lladro Boutique.
For vehicle registration information, please visit www.rodeodrive-bh.com/CNC/CNC_2008.
