The Meadow Brook Concours d’Elegance brings together the traditions of antique and classic automobiles on display at the historic Meadow Brook Hall. This year’s event will celebrate General Motors’ 100th anniversary, the Model T’s 100th anniversary, and will feature Ferraris, 8-Litre Bentleys, 16-cylinder cars, flying cars, vintage motorcycles with side cars and cars from 1933. While the Concours d’Elegance will be held on Sunday, Aug. 3, events including a motor tour and auction began earlier in the week.
The SPEED Channel will be at the Concours d’Elegance to film BASF receiving its newly restored 1957 Mercedes 300 SL Gullwing on Sunday, Aug. 3. The segment will air during an early 2009 episode of “Dream Car Garage.” Peter Klutt, host of “Dream Car Garage,” will participate in the formal handoff of the Gullwing, one of only 76 built in the last year of the car’s production.
The 2008 Concours d’Elegance events include:
· Second Annual Meadow Brook Airport Hangar Party, Thursday, July 31, 6:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. Oakland Airport
The hangar party features new and historic cars and planes. Lufthansa German Airlines is sponsoring the event. For ticket information, visit the Concours ticket Web site.
· Meadow Brook Concours Motoring Tour, Friday, Aug. 1, 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m., beginning at Meadow Brook Hall
Concours d’Elegance participants will take part in this invitation-only motoring tour.
· Meadow Brook Concours d’Elegance Art Reception and Auto Auction and RM Auctions, Inc. Automotive Preview, Friday, Aug. 1, 6-9 p.m., Shotwell-Gustafson Pavilion
For ticket information, visit the Concours ticket Web site. For a list of cars at this year’s automotive auction, visit the RM Auctions, Inc. car list.
· Destination d’Elegance, Saturday, Aug. 2, 10 a.m., Meadow Brook Hall and Gardens
Unique food ventures will participate in Bistro d’Elegance. Shoppes on the Green will feature The Private Label Collection. There also will be Ferrari seminars at Meadow Brook Hall. Celebrity Chef Michelle Bommarito hosts two cooking demonstrations, including “Che Buono! Panini with the Posh Lifestyle” at 11 a.m. and “Cooking Healthy” at 1 p.m.
· If Wine Matters, So Does the Glass, Saturday, Aug. 2, 12 p.m. and 1:30 p.m., Meadow Brook Hall Sunroom.
The event is a wine tasting and stemware seminar. Tickets are $45 and seating is very limited. For ticket information, visit the Concours ticket Web site.
· RM Auctions Vintage Motor Cars, Saturday, Aug. 2, 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Shotwell-Gustafson Pavilion
Registered bidders and consignors buy and sell classic automobiles. For a list of cars at this year’s automotive auction, visit the RM Auctions, Inc. car list.
· Historic Races, Saturday, Aug. 2, Waterford Hills Raceway
· Meadow Brook Concours d’Elegance Gala Vineyard on the Hill, Saturday, Aug. 2, 6 to 11 p.m., Meadow Brook Hall Loggia Terrace
The event features wine stations and international cuisine, a silent auction, art exhibit, silent wine auction and an afterglow. For ticket information, visit the Concours ticket Web site.
The Concours d’Elegance will be held Sunday, Aug. 3 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at Meadow Brook Hall. Tickets are $25. Groups of 10 or more are $20 each. Children 12 and under are free. Students who can show a valid student ID will be able to attend the annual Meadow Brook Concours d’Elegance for free. Tickets are available online from the Concours ticket Web site.
The Meadow Brook Concours d’Elegance collector car show and its art auction raise money to help with the preservation efforts at Meadow Brook Hall. Over the years, the Concours d’Elegance has raised and contributed more than $5 million to the preservation of the mansion, the former home of Matilda Dodge Wilson, the widow of John Dodge and wife of lumber baron Alfred Wilson, which has been a trademark of American automotive history.
For more information on Meadow Brook Hall, visit the Meadow Brook Hall Web site. For more information on the Concours d’Elegance, visit the Meadow Brook Concours Web site.