Having made a significant mark within the automotive community during its first two seasons and proving itself as a bona fide Concours recognized for highlighting a distinguished field of entries that include collectible vehicles of national merit, the Atlanta Concours d’Elegance moves into its third year by adding a non-profit status to both its mission and its outreach.
With the establishment of the Atlanta Concours d’Elegance Foundation, a non-profit dedicated to restoring mobility to the lives of the disabled — both civilians and veterans – the Foundation also channels outreach to enhance the hobby of collecting and restoring classic cars. This years’ event, to be held September 29th and 30th at Chateau Elan Winery and Resort in Braselton, GA, will expand its community efforts to support both the regional Shepherd Center, along with student involvement from, and financial support to, the McPherson College Automotive Restoration program.
According to Bill Wallet, CEO of the Atlanta Concours, this third year marks a near trifecta for the organization as it offers the ability to reach out beyond the local and regional focus, gaining support and entries from globally renowned car collections such as the Evergreen Historic Automobiles collection; further growth and support from manufacturers and local dealers — beginning with Porsche adding the Atlanta Concours to its 70th anniversary celebration of events and taking on the lead marque for the event; and the creation of an all-new mobility area that will not only showcase vendors and sponsors bringing utilities such as all-terrain wheelchairs, but of more importance working with the Shepherd Center to provide appropriate equipment for disabled veterans and those that are handicapped to make the Atlanta Concours a truly accessible show.
“We’re quite proud of the strong foothold we’ve gained in both the community and throughout the industry,” said Wallet. “Expanding our relationship with Evergreen Historic Automobiles – the largest historic car collection in the U.S. — is but one example of the strength in quality of cars we’re providing to the people of Atlanta and we’re looking forward to educating our audience on the provenance we are sharing.”
Evergreen Historic Automobiles of Lebanon, MO, owned by Stephen R. Plaster and curated by Michael Rhodes, a former graduate of the McPherson College School for Automotive Restoration, will be returning with six distinguished vehicles to show, including such rarities as a ‘one-of-one’ 1909 Washington, built in D.C., an aluminum body Graham Phaeton, (another ‘one-of-one’ vehicles and an original protype built by Graham) and the 1933 Isotta Fraschini Tippo 8A SS driven by James Dean in the movie “Giant.”
Of the more than 600 vehicles of distinction cared for within the overall Evergreen collection, Plaster has chosen several for Atlanta this year that have also competed and earned recognition at the famed Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance.
Last year, the stunning 1937 Mercedes-Benz 540K, owned, restored and maintained by Evergreen Historic Automobiles, received prestigious honors and the European “Best of Show,” setting the stage for the more than 30 total award winners to gain their famed moments during the 2017 Atlanta Concours. The award-winning 540K, valued at $4-$5mm, had previously received a 3rd place class win at Pebble Beach in 2016.
More information can be found at www.atlantaconcours.org
