"Clemsie McKenzie" (thestirringcolumn)
09/07/2016 at 12:30 • Filed to: Classics
9
9|
"Clemsie McKenzie" (thestirringcolumn)
09/07/2016 at 12:30 • Filed to: Classics | 9
| 9 |
FACT: the Miura will never age
Saying that Chantilly Art & Elegance is the French Pebble Beach would be missing the point. Sure, on the one hand you could say that it’s marginally less impressive, because it doesn’t share (yet) the American event’s worldwide exposure. But at the same time, it is so much more than a simple copy of Pebble Beach.
If you get there early enough, you can witness some judging being done
This Bugatti was gorgeous in these unusual colors
The event is like a big car-centered party, which contains different attractions.
First of all is obviously the Concours d’Elegance in itself. What I loved about that one was how wide-ranging it was. Sure you had your lot of incredibly rare pre-war cars, as is always the case with this kind of events. Cars from unrestored Bugattis to the tailor-made Alfa that won (very deservedly) Best In Show. Even if pre-war machines are not usually my cup of tea, boy were these mindblowing.
That Alfa won Best In Show, and it’s easy to see why. The car looked incredible, as if it had been designed for some fantasy 1930s movie. Not to mention how unique it is
It’s easy to forget how cool the 300SL looks. Happy to have found a reminder!
But what I found most incredible about the main show was the diversity of it. There was a whole section about the history of Zagato, panning all the way from the 1920s to the most recent creations, including what is definitely on top 5 prettiest cars of all time: the Aston Martin DB4 GTZ.
The event celebrated BMW, and the brought some magnificent metal along, like that Brabham BT52
Then, another aisle of the garden was dedicated to pre-war French cars, another one to BMW, celebrating a 100 years of the marque’s history, and finally, a sample of all the racing cars that made Jean Todt’s career, from the Peugeot rally cars to the Ferrari F2007 which won Ferrari’s last F1 title. As a motorsport drug addict, that was one of the best thing I’d seen all year.
Amazing contrast between that F2004 and the Chateau in the background!
Rolls-Royce Enthusiast’s Club won the fanciest picnic award, and it was hard to argue with that
But these guys seemed like they had the most fun!
So that’s the Concours in itself. But as I said, Chantilly Art & Elegance isn’t only that. The Concours’ cars were presented in the gardens just in front of the Chateau, but the rest of the park was filled with multiple clubs. With the sheer scope of it all, the variety and the atmosphere among those clubs, you could even say it was the main event.
Covering the vast area around the Chateau, the clubs were ranging from Amilcar to Rolls-Royce, from Morgan to Ferrari, from Alfa to the Bugatti Veyron owners’ club (yes that’s a thing - I never thought I would one day have to actually count Veyrons).
Wandering through the clubs was like visiting many different scenes,
especially during lunchtime. Some where enjoying a cup of Champagne, some were sat on the ground eating sandwich, but all seemed to be passionate, and more importantly, having a great time.
It really felt like a big party. The surroundings were magnificent, almost everyone was overdressed, but it never felt obnoxious.
!!! UNKNOWN CONTENT TYPE !!!
Bizzarinis come in various shapes and colors, but all remain achingly beautiful
These are just the parking lots...
The Ferrari club was quite tasty
Loot at that little Saab towing like a pro! Look at it!
Actually, I found many families and kids just enjoying the atmosphere more than the cars themselves.
There were some activities other than cars, like some wooden games, the National Guard playing some music, a steam boat going up and down the canal, and of course the Chateau itself. So even if you didn’t like cars, there was plenty to enjoy, and especially the whole fancy party atmosphere.
Everyone was respecting each other, and you could clearly see how impressed everybody was with the whole event. What struck me is how relaxed it all felt, despite the fact that everything (including the ladies’ hats) looked so fancy, and that some of the rarest cars on the planet were there. There was something for every one, from the hardcore pre-war enthusiast to people who were just here to overdress.
Next year is already planned, and if you’re in the area, I can’t recommend it enough.
Old CItroens, a magnificent Chateau, and a broken SM; what more could you possibly want?
Many more pictures I took at that gorgeous event can be found on Flickr there:
!!! UNKNOWN CONTENT TYPE !!!
S65
> Clemsie McKenzie
09/07/2016 at 12:43 |
|
I need a moment....
|
Clemsie McKenzie
> S65
09/07/2016 at 12:51 |
|
Well, yeah. Still haven’t fully mentally come back from that one!
Cé hé sin
> Clemsie McKenzie
09/07/2016 at 12:56 |
|
We see an SM with its bonnet up and inspection underway - but that’s not a PRV engine. It came from Maserati.
|
Clemsie McKenzie
> Cé hé sin
09/07/2016 at 12:59 |
|
Oh waw you’re absolutely right. Why the hell I remembered it as a PRV, I have no idea.
Dru
> Clemsie McKenzie
09/07/2016 at 13:16 |
|
At first glance I thought this was at the Biltmore in Asheville, and I wondered how I could not have known this was happening. But it appears to be in Le France.
BvdV - The Dutch Engineer
> Clemsie McKenzie
09/07/2016 at 16:13 |
|
Awesome write up! It looks like it sure was a large variety of cars.
I guess your dad’s Rolls would fit in quite well.
|
Clemsie McKenzie
> BvdV - The Dutch Engineer
09/07/2016 at 16:18 |
|
Thanks! He did take it, and I have to say it was perfect. But we were busier looking at other people’s great stuff!
|
BvdV - The Dutch Engineer
> Clemsie McKenzie
09/07/2016 at 16:25 |
|
I kinda expected that, sure beats taking the Prius! I understand you were busy looking at the other stuff, though. I mean all of it is so awesome!
|
Clemsie McKenzie
> BvdV - The Dutch Engineer
09/07/2016 at 16:42 |
|
Great weekend. Usually static shows like that are not my favorite, but that was just a great time.