GREENWICH — The 27th annual Greenwich Concours d’Elegance, an auto show that brings automotive enthusiasts and motoring excellence to the Greenwich waterfront, will take place this weekend.
The Concours will attract about 10,000 visitors from around the region, and dozens of antiques, racers, sedans, roadsters and “supercars” will be part of the lineup.
Here’s what you need to know about the Concours d’Elegance:
What is the Councours?
The phrase means “competition of elegance” in French, and the Concours was founded in 1996. The purpose of the event is to promote the love of automobiles and boost business, and is considered one of the best in the country
The management of the long-awaited event changed hands four years ago. The Wennerstrom family that had run the Concours for more than two decades sold the rights to Hagerty, a Michigan-based company that promotes classic car appreciation and offers specialty insurance.
More than 150 cars will be on display Saturday, June 2 and Sunday, June 3 at Roger Sherman Baldwin Park near Exit 3 of Interstate 95.
A “Grand Tour” limited to Concours participants will tour the streets of Greenwich and the New York area on Friday, by invitation only.
What is the expected attendance?
Five thousand car fans are expected each day of the event.
What are celebrity connections to cars?
There will be a unique class called “Driven by Celebrity,” says Matt Ordenac, vice president of Concours Group.
“Many of the cars were driven by famous people like Elvis Presley, (football legend) Walter Payton and John Lennon,” Ordenac says.
What are the food and drink options at the show?
“We have multiple food trucks from local businesses that offer a wide variety of cuisine,” Ordenac said. “Our hospitality suite, ‘Club Greenwich’, offers gourmet food and drink throughout the day.”
What can children do at the show?
The event is meant for family fun, organizers say.
“Our ‘Future Drivers Club’ is a dedicated safe space for ‘Future Drivers’, also known as enthusiasts of the younger generation. We offer various activities such as designing your first key ring, first car and other activities. We also have juvenile courts Saturday and Sunday,” Ordenac said.
What kind of clothes should people wear?
According to organizers, the Concours is known for fun dress and great people-watching. Participants often wear old caps, dusters and glasses, and racing jackets are another familiar sight at the show.
“We always encourage attendees to dress up and enjoy the fun and familiar atmosphere,” said Ordenac.
What is the oldest car in the show?
“We have several steam cars from the early 1900s and an 1896 Roberts electric automobile that will be on display,” Ordenac said. Modern “supercars” will also be on the line.
Who is the master of ceremonies this year?
Television host Wayne Carini will appear at the Concours and serve as grand marshal. The “Chasing Classic Cars” star has run an automotive business in Portland, Connecticut for many years.
What is the cost of entry?
Saturday general admission for adults 23 and older is $55. Younger attendees ages 13-22 will pay $25. All children under 12 are free.
On Sunday, adults 23 and older will pay $65. The younger group, ages 13 and 22, will be charged $35. Again, children under 12 are free.
