Choosing the Best in Show vehicles for the Concours d’Elegance of America at the Inn at St. John's in Plymouth, MI is all about elegance.
"Each Concours does it differently," explains Larry Moss, Chairman of the Concours d'Elegance of America. "Many use points systems. For our competition, we follow the French style of judging. No points. The judges let the cars speak to them, expressing their elegance."
This year, that elegance was best expressed in two gorgeous roadsters.
Best in Show (American): A 1934 Packard 1108 – 65 Convertible Victoria by Deitrich - Owned by Joseph and Margie Cassini from West Orange, NJ
Best in Show (European): 1937 Talbot-Lago Type 150CSS Roadster by Figoni et Falaschi - Owned by J.W. Marriott From Bethesda MD
“The two Best in Show recipients reflect the overall quality and one-of-a-kind vehicles that were on display at the 2016 Concours d’Elegance of America,” said Larry Moss. “An estimated crowd of almost 15,000 had the opportunity to see close to 300 rare and outstanding vehicles that they may never have the opportunity to see again.”
The Concours d’Elegance of America is dedicated to the preservation and historical relevance of prestigious automobiles. Through the yearly exhibition of automotive design, craftsmanship and history, it strives to provide the community at large with a visual, artistic and educational perspective of the classic world of automobiles.
"When the vehicles get to our showfield, the assumption is that the vehicle has been properly restored," Moss explains. "From their, once judges confirm this, Best in Class awards are given, along with other special awards, and the Best in Show vehicles then are chosen from that pool."
Judges for the individual classes, as well as the Best in Show, come from a range of fields.
"Our Nexus of 60 judges come from many states and Canada, all with various levels of expertise in certain marques, certain types of cars," explains Moss. "This year we had heads of design from Ford, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA), & GM. We also have folks who are in the restoration business, have been in the hobby, who restore cars, know cars, and it takes a combo of everything. We evaluate the vehicles based on beauty, but want to make sure the car was restored properly, the paint is right, etc."
Whatever the criteria, these beautiful vehicles represent the best of the restoration and enthusiast hobby, and it's always a treat to get to see them.