10/05/03 THE MELTING POT
This article is from our archives and has not been updated and integrated with our "new" site yet... Even so, it's still awesome - so keep reading!
Published on Sun, Oct 5, 2003
By: The LACar Editorial Staff
THE MELTING POT
By JOHN GRAFMAN
Sitting in the middle of Los Angeles and San Diego lays Newport Beach. More significantly, Newport sits nicely between Japan and Europe. Although not as significant, but noteworthy, are the distance and culture differences of Detroit and Hawaii, divided in near equal portions here in Orange County.
The obvious telltale signs are visible in the cars covering the grounds of the
Newport Coast Concours d'Elegance as well as the parking areas for attendees.
No stone or make is left unturned in the quest for the best.
The hazy skies didn't diminish the fun on Sunday. Located in Irvine, the
temperature could have been a problem, but the day stayed mild enough for all
to enjoy. The venue at Hidden Valley still has a bit to be desired. A lush green
country club it isn't. The dry plains of Africa seem more akin to this
area that still bares the name Lion Country Safari from days gone bye.
Not lost on this attendee was the gathering of many automotive design studio
bosses and personnel. What better place to find these people than in the their
own backyard as virtually all the studios have their feet firmly planted in
Southern California's fertile design grounds.
Aston Martin DB7 and Vanquish (Bauer Aston Martin)
The focus, I admit, is still the automobiles at this event. The diversity of
what can be achieved in metal can be seen and cross-referenced with other auto
manufactures and from numerous time periods including several vehicles from
2004 were on display. It was hard not to notice the likes of the new Rolls Royce,
the Bentley Continental GT, or the flowing, swept lines of the Aston Martin
Vanquish and DB7s on hand .
1938 Delahaye Type 135M Roadster (Petersen Automotive Museum)
Speaking of flowing lines, one can't help but mention a couple of the French
cars that are the epitome of those words. Both the Delahaye and Peugeot look
so soft that their forms must have originated from soap sculptures that were
submerged under the faucet for a minute or so.
1938 Peugeot Darl-Mat Roadster (Chuck Schwimmer)
So frequently have amazing Mercedes vehicles dutifully represent Germany that
we have nearly become jaded to it, if that is even possible. The SL 300 Gull
Wings and assorted other four-wheeled eye candy are significant and rare. This
LA Car staffer actually saw a Gull Wing cruising down a busy street of Costa
Mesa just a day prior. That was very much out of place amongst the general population.
At this concours, they are right at home.
1960 Jaguar XK 150 Drophead Coupe (James Leonard)
As expected, the Brits had several nameplates to chose from. Of the many cars
at the field, the one that always catches my eye is the Jaguar XK 150. This,
to me, shows one of the high water marks in design refinement of the competitive
sports car line.
1948 Chrysler Town and Country Convertible (Richard Wesselink)
1940 Chevy Pick-up (Jerry and Martha Montgomery)
The special display of vintage American pick-up trucks emphasizes the boldness
of design that these vehicles contained many years before most collectors even
paused long enough to notice.
Like any good melting pot, this event had an added touch that spiced it up just
a bit more than normal. Situated strategically and impossible to miss on the
walkway to the main grounds sat the aeronautical equivalent of a balsa wood
airplane. Gravity series, a quasi-charitable organization had a few of their
racers on display including one from Porsche Design Services of Huntington Beach
and Mazda's design studio. The dubbed Soapboard Racer is three wheels and
80 pounds of gravity-propelled fun and efficiency. Now if they could just strap
a turbo V6 to that!
Award trophies (Tiffany & Co.)
The Newport Coast Concours d'Elegance is a charity event held by ATSC to benefit
children. This, in turn, benefits not just them but all those who enjoy all
things automotive. Especially those attendees who can't globetrot to the
far corners of the world. Fortunately, the rest of the world comes to California.
For more info on ATSC please go to www.newportcoastconcours.com More on Bauer Aston Martin at www.bauerastonmartin.com