Boca Raton Concours d’Elegance

This event could either be what dreams are made of or a dream that comes true, depending on how you view it. Some of the world’s finest automobiles and their proud owners graced the grounds of the Boca Raton Resort & Club to raise funds for the Boys and Girls Club of Broward County. This past week, the three-day event started with a buzz and grand reception at Atlantic Aviation inside Boca Raton's Airport. Led by DuPont Registry and hosted by top  comic Jay Leno celebrating collectors and appreciationists. Here are some of the highlights from the event you may enjoy.

First, let’s discuss the Concours which originated in France. The Concours d’Elegance or "the competition of elegance" dates back to the 17th century with horse drawn carriages that evolved into vehicles. These sometimes rare, exotic and vintage vehicles are judged in three categories. The evaluation consists of the French Evaluation Rule with points and percentages and categories that assessed the car's condition, authenticity and originality. There is also comparison between exteriors/interiors, the engine, presentation and the impact of significance or the crowd’s reaction.

Another unique aspect of this show is that each car must drive onto the show field using their own power.  They can’t tow it or push the car into the viewing area.  That makes this show more interesting since many of the cars on display are pre-war and post-war. There’s no doubt that some of the contestants have had these incredible heirlooms handed down to them. Part of what makes this an amusing time for families as well as auto enthusiasts alike.

This year’s event held February 19th -21st was exquisite and entertaining. The attendance reached over 4,000 people enjoying the showcase of vintage cars and motorcycles that covered the par-71 golf course.

Since this event was a DuPont Registry there were plenty of exotic cars and custom motorcycles available for sale at the luxurious show. DuPont, a former publishing conglomerate of high-end magazines and publications, caters to elegant and sophisticated markets. This leader in admirable publications such as the "DuPont Registry of Fine Homes" helped host the fundraiser along with some local influential people. 

Individuals such as Stephen Cannon the President/CEO of Mercedes-Benz USA and a well-known couple were in attendance to accept their awards. South Floridians Rita and Rick Case from the Rick Case Automotive Group were presented with the "Automotive Lifetime Achievement Award" as a highlight of the event on a local level.

Rick and Rita have been in the automotive business since 1962 and remain one of South Florida’s most influential couples. Rita and Rick work side by side and have been married to one another since 1977. An award well deserved in observance of some married couples out there, these two are notorious for giving back to our community. Their generosity has helped them receive many accolades, like “Individual Philanthropists of the Year” in 2007.

The main goal of the Concours d’Elegance is to raise money for the Boys and Girls club of Broward County.  The non-profit organization serves over 12,000 kids per year and has 12 free standing facilities in the area.  The BGCBC originated in Ohio back in 1860 as an alternative to street life for young boys. The Broward branch united with the national organization in 1965 and they’re the 5th largest club in the nation to date. It's nice to know 100% of all proceeds from the Concours will be donated directly to the club.  These clubs have a focus on single parent households, children’s academia and citizenship as part of their worthy program, making this a winning organization.

Speaking of winners, this year’s award is far too long to mention in this blog. Yet, we’ve given you the link to the web address for you to view the list of Concours proud recipients. There you can see a winners for Excellence to Best of Show.  Among the makes and models are mint Rolls Royce and Pre-War Packards making this a historical and educational experience as well. To find out who was awarded for this year's 10th annual Concours d'Elegance click here.

The awards are classified as Best in Class to Excellence in Class and then Best of Show.  Best of Show for motorcycles went to Bryan Caskey of Vero Beach, Florida for his 1915 Yale Model 57 and Best in Class was taken by several recipients in the automotive categories.  There were many specialty awards distributed to various winners. Some of these awards included Jay Leno’s Big Dog Award, the Best European Classic and Best of Show which was taken by Robert S Jepson, Jr. of Savannah, Georgia for his 1919 Pierce-Arrow 66.

Besides the incredible winners with their spectacular collections there were over 20 of South Florida’s Finest restaurants helping make the three-day show, one of excellence. Some of the elite as well as local vendor’s got into the Concours d’Gourmet category. Venues such as Oceans 234 from Deerfield Beach to Settee Bello were among the twenty eateries that helped make the event a rich assortment of taste along with collectible cars.    

You can find the Concours d’Elegance around the globe, but there’s one thing unique to the Boca Raton location, as this is the fastest growing Concours to date in the U.S. Each year the attendance grows bringing in both people from Europe as well as local residents.

Tickets were reasonably priced for the event which was between $65 and $120. But if you attended, rest assure 100% of the proceeds were donated to the Boys and Girls Club making each dollar worthwhile.

People involved in the Big Wheels club included Jordan Zimmerman of Zimmerman Advertising and Gary C. Wendt formerly of General Electric, two well-known advocates to the auto industry supporting their appreciation. This isn’t just a classic car show, it’s considered one of the most prestigious and superior auto affairs in the United States as well as Europe.

Boca Raton is the perfect location for the type of crowd the Concours brings to the city. Boca being a hub of celebrities as well as other opulent society and the Boca Raton Resort & Spa was an ideal venue  to host such an event. With the plush grounds and beach areas, it’s no wonder that so many exuberant fundraisers are held there.

The Palm Beach and Boca areas seem to always be throwing a gala to raise money somehow. With the many philanthropists that live in the area, there seems to be a theme for our community of generosity among jet-setters.  We hope they continue to bring in these types of events as they're a grand way to bring in a well-deserved cause, like the Boys and Girls Club and celebrate the community. So next time the Concours is here, get out and enjoy a walk in time of well-heeled societies and their priceless collections. It's a delightful way to help those in need and learn what a fine piece of machinery is all about.