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Concours Brings Automotive History to SJ

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Summertime brings all sorts of classic auto shows to Michigan's Great Southwest, but none so elegant and filled with historical significance than the Lake Bluff Concours d'Elegance of Southwest Michigan coming in two weeks. More than 100 spectacular and rarely seen vehicles will line the bluff overlooking Lake Michigan in scenic St. Joseph during the 12th Annual edition of the venerable showcase on Saturday, August 13th from 10am until 4pm.

This highly-regarded invitational show features 80 automobiles from the Brass, Classic, Vintage, and Muscle Car eras produced through 1981. In addition, 29 special-interest vehicles, including newer and rare reproduction models, will be highlighted on the north end of the bluff. The entire collection representing twelve decades was selected from a field of 162 applications.

According to Dar Davis, entrant liaison, founder and Chairman Emeritus of the Lake Bluff Concours d'Elegance of SW Michigan, the show continues to grow in recognition and reach among car owners, with vehicles coming from 11 states and Canada, and from as far away as Wyoming, Texas, and Oklahoma.

The featured marques for 2016 include:
 

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  • Nash: A Centennial Celebration — A selection of Nash automobiles commemorating the 1916 founding of the Nash Motor Company…
  • Art Deco Airflow — Chrysler and DeSoto Airflow automobiles from 1934 to 1937…
  • Concours Five-0 On Patrol — A selection of squad cars showing the marriage of automotive power and law enforcement…
  • Jeep: Now 75 — Jeeps, old and new, will document the evolution of this military-turned-civilian vehicle…

Just a few of the more than 100 vehicles to expect at this year's Concours include:
 

  • 1904 Oldsmobile 6C Curved Dash Runabout
  • 1908 Maxwell Model D Touring
  • 1910 Stoddard Dayton K 4-passenger Touring
  • 1910 Ford Gentleman's Speedster
  • 1929 Packard 640 Convertible Coupe
  • 1929 Essex Speedabout Boattail — one of only five built
  • 1931 Buick Series 8-50 Roadster
  • 1934 Chrysler Airflow
  • 1937 Nash Ambassador Coupe
  • 1937 Hupmobile Custom Series Aerodynamic Coupe
  • 1941 Ford GP (Jeep)
  • 1954 Nash Ambassador Country Club
  • 1958 Meadows Frisky Sport micro car
  • 1963 Studebaker Sceptre concept car
  • 1971 Plymouth Cuda 340 hardtop

Anne Odden is Chair of the Lake Bluff Concours. She says, "We are looking forward to one of the most outstanding Lake Bluff Concours events yet." She adds, "The quality of this year's collection will be a must-see for any automobile enthusiast who appreciates the beauty and legacy these cars represent."

A three pat afternoon Pass in Review of all the vehicles in the show is narrated by auto authority F. Edward Lucas II, who has been with the Lake Bluff event since its inception in 2005. Lucas is also the voice of some of the most prestigious Concours events in the U.S. including Amelia Island. The Pass in Reviews will take place at noon, 1:30pm, and 3pm on Lake Boulevard along the bluff.

The featured Concours guest and keynote speaker at the Friday, August 12, pre-event presentation will be James T. W. Wheary, the great-grandson of Charles W. Nash. Wheary, who is an automotive historian and lecturer, will present "Charles W. Nash, The Greatest Rags to Riches Story in American History." With rare photos and vivid detail, Wheary recounts his great-grandfather's meteoric rise from indentured farmhand to President of General Motors and founder of the Nash Motor Car Company. Along the way, he will discuss legends like Will Durant, David Dunbar Buick, Walter Chrysler, and Henry Ford.

The Friday evening event begins at 7:30pm at Tosi's Restaurant in Stevensville. The event is free and pre-registration is required as seating is limited. To register for the presentation, contact Dar Davis at drd43@sbcglobal.net or by phone at 269-983-0742.

This year's featured designer was originally scheduled to be award-winning automotive artist Tom Hale. While Hale will be unable to attend, his painting of a 1936 DeSoto Airflow is the featured image on the 2016 poster, which will be available for purchase at the event for $5.

The Lake Bluff Concours d'Elegance of Southwest Michigan has become a summer activity mainstay in St. Joseph, attracting more than 3,000 spectators last year. Admission is $10 for adults. Children and those under 18 are admitted free with a paid adult. Net proceeds of the show will benefit Hospice at Home, a Lakeland Health affiliate. More information about the event can be found by clicking this link:  http://www.ConcoursSWMI.com
 

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