Palos Verdes Concourse d'elegance 2011 Sep 18th

[esprist]

I just received an invitation from Palos Verdes Concourse d'elegance. Well, it looks like they will have "Japanese Sports Cars (thru 1972)" for the first time.

Since I live very near by, I will except the invitation and bring 2 or 3 very fine 240Z cars.

Let's see what happens. I also heard that Toyota museum will bring 2000GT also, so it will be a good show for Japanese classics.

http://www.pvconcours.com/classes.php

[Decoy12]

Congratulations, sounds like it is going to be a good show full of nice cars. Make sure to get lots of pictures

Edited May 22, 2011 by Decoy12

[CarCrazy24]

Should be a great event!

[motorman7]

I'm going to borrow Jay's thread here for a post. This will give him something to look forward to at the Palos Verdes Concours. Maybe we should start a thread called Z's at Concours events. Anyway, thought I'd post some pics. Had a great show. I have to say this is the best car show I have ever been to. The car was well received and they gave me a primo parking spot. You had to walk by my Z to see the other cars in this section. Had a great time and a lot of great conversations. No awards, but that's OK. The competition was excellent. Enjoy the pics.

Rich

[esprist]

I just got an acception from Palos Verdes Concourse.

So I will be there. I might bring another one.

[motorman7]

Hi Jay,

Congrats on Palos Verdes invite. I am not sure if they want my car as I have not received an invite yet. This does bring up an interesting subject though.

For a Concours event, an un-restored car is truly an anomaly. Your 1972 and my 1970 fall into this category (and I still think my ’70 is better :-) ). Of the over 250 cars at the Dana Point Concours, I spotted only 3 that were not restored. None of these won awards except for the 1930’s Hudson that won the Survivor award. The winning cars at a Concours have flawless paint jobs, like new under carriages and perfect interiors. I really don’t think it’s possible for a 40 year old car that has been driven thousands of miles on the highway, or stored for long lengths of time (rubber deterioration) to compete with cars that are newly restored and trailered to these events. There are no points or bonuses given for the age of the car. In some cases, you don’t even get points for having the original parts. Either way, I have yet to see an un-restored car of any type place well at the Concours events I have been to. On the flip side, it makes no sense to restore such cars. In my opinion, it would cut the value of the car in half.

So, the bottom line is that true Concours vehicles will be excellent restorations, like your white Z. As for the survivors in excellent condition, those will be honored in museums and by the true connoisseurs of our hobby/passion.

I did get to speak with Barry Meguiar (of Meguiar car wax fame) –Honorary Judge at the Dana Point show. Like most people, he owned a 240Z and stopped to chat with me for a while. He loved my car. I joked that that I probably would not win the Meguiar's "Finish Fantastique" Award presented at the show with my ‘41 year old single stage amino alkyd enamel’. He agreed, but like most people said the paint and car should not be touched. This was the overwhelming response, even by the judges.

Anyway, just thought I’d post my opinion. As I’ve said before, I’m getting old, so I’m becoming more opinionated. Also, below is a copy of an e-mail I sent to the hosts of the Dana Point Concours expressing my thanks.

Hi Janet,

I just wanted to send you and everyone responsible for the Dana Point Concours event a huge “THANK YOU”. This was by far the best car show I have ever attended. Every aspect of the show was very well done. The facilities were gorgeous, registration and pictures went very smooth, and show vehicle parking was very well coordinated.

`The announcers were excellent and always kept the interest of my wife and I. They were very key players in keeping the show interesting and entertaining for everyone. Even my wife was very impressed and commented on how knowledgeable they were. She was also very impressed with the one announcers singing of the National Anthem. Since my wife in a concert flautist with a music degree, I trust here opinion on this.

I also appreciate you allowing me to display my Japanese vehicle at the show, an original un-restored 1970 240Z (I am pretty sure it was the only Japanese car at the show ). My car was very well received by both the judges and the crowd. You also provided me a great location to display my car, at the very front of our display area. It was prime real estate. I say this only because the early Japanese imports are often an afterthought of most car shows or relegated to the far back of the display area. Again, thanks for the very special treatment. I could not be more satisfied.

One more thing , the display placards for the car and promotional gifts were top notch.

Thanks again for everything,

Best regards,

Rich Scharf

ZCCIV President

(Z Car Club of Inland Valley)

Edited June 27, 2011 by motorman7

[motorman7]

Z coverage in Automotive Traveler magazine . Car is on page 24 of the online picture magazine.

http://www.automotivetraveler.com/magazine/viewer.php?path=2011/06/2011_Dana_Point_Concours

Those hubcaps look great in the photo. If Guy sees these, he'll swap out his new Panasports for them .

[Zulaytr]

Rich,

Kudos for both your car and you for being involved in this event. Over the past few years there have been numerous posts about Z's gain respect in the Concours communities so anytime a nice Z, like yours, can be invited to this type of event it will add value and the recognition to 240Z's in the future.

[motorman7]

Thanks Bob! The great thing about a 240Z at a Concours is that most people recognize what they are, and it seems almost everybody has owned one at one time or another. It makes for great conversations. I'm trying to venture out here and not attend just the Japanese or Datsun car shows. The Concours are very well run shows which makes for a nice event. Those with nice restorations could easily attend these events. This exposure for the Z is good and can only help over time.

[motorman7]

Congrats Jay!!! Thanks again for your support of the Z community.

[Travel'n Man]

Great clip! Thanks for sharing!