2018 Greenbrier Concours d’Elegance winners

WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS, W.Va. – The Greenbrier Concours d’Elegance wrapped up its inaugural edition on Sunday, May 8, handing Carl Baxter’s 1934 Swallow Sidecar (Jaguar) SS1 Saloon its Best in Show trophy in front of the iconic front circle at America’s Resort, The Greenbrier.

The rare automobile that took home the Best in Show honors is one of six known to survive with all of its original running gear. Its interior features the Lyons-designed Sunburst door upholstery that replicated the archway leading into the Lyon’s original Swallow factory.

The unique trophy given to the winner, designed on The Greenbrier property by Virtu Glass, wrapped up a weekend full of events.

The opening day on Friday, May 4, featured 40 cars participating in The Summit drive. Drivers took their cars to the top of the mountain at The Summit at The Greenbrier Sporting Club for lunch and then traversed scenic West Virginia backroads, testing the power and precision of their vehicles along the way.

Saturday’s Car Club Day featured nearly 100 cars scattered throughout The Greenbrier’s famous golf courses, as spectators milled around looking at their favorites. That evening, car owners, sponsors and guests listened attended mingled while listening to entertainment and watching the Kentucky Derby at the Charitable Gala. Money was raised to support to important charitable initiatives, the Mountaineer Autism Project and theAntique Automobile Club of America Library and Research Center.

A rare overnight storm dropped five inches or rain and flooded the golf courses on Sunday, rendering the original plan of holding the Concours d’Elegance on the same showfield impossible. Organizers quickly came together and implemented an entirely new blueprint to hold the event in front of the hotel on the paved front circle and inside the declassified nuclear bunkerthat is housed on property.

Less than two hours after scrapping the original plan, nearly 100 cars were spread throughout the two new locations, and the move proved to be a good one, providing a spectacular backdrop for photos as well as easy access for shelter during spotty rain showers throughout the day.

“Overall, it was a fantastic weekend,” said Show Director Wayne Long. “Mother Nature provided us with some obstacles along the way, but we were able to find positive solutions. The move to the front circle proved to be a blessing in disguise, and I’ve heard nothing but positive feedback from car owners and patrons who came out to enjoy the weekend.”

At the end of the weekend, 11 class champions were crowned in addition to the Best of Show winner. Those champions are listed below.

Class 1 – Brass Era Cars: 1911 Stanley Steam Car, Model 63 owned by Eric Arbuckle

Class 2 – Classic Cars: 1928 Isotta Fraschini 8A SS owned by Peter BoyleClass 3 – Pre-War Production Cars: 1934 Swallow Sidecar (Jaguar) SS1 Saloon owned by Carl BaxterClass 4 – Post-War Production Cars: 1953 Mercedes Benz 220 Cabriolet A owned by Martin StickleyClass 5 – Foreign Sports Cars: 1960 Triumph Italia 2000 GT owned by Alan AnspaughClass 6 – Exotic Sports Cars: 1966 Ferrari 275GTB owned by John GerhardClass 7 – American Sports Cars: 1957 Ford Supercharged Thunderbird owned by Marvin HillClass 8 – Preservation Cars: 1967 Chevrolet Corvette owned by Mark DavisClass 9 – Race Cars: 1957 Ferrari 500-TRC owned by David CartClass 10 – Muscle Cars: 1967 Ford Shelby GT350 owned by Hunt Palmer-BallClass 11 – Vipers: 2017 Dodge Viper owned by Bob MillerPlans are already being made for The 2019 Greenbrier Concours d’Elegance, and officials are excited about the possibilities of growing the event for years to come.

“We really couldn’t have asked for a better start, but it’s just the beginning,” said Long. “We proved we could do it, we learned some lessons and we’re incredibly excited about the future. We expect many who participated this year to return, and we’re excited about bringing some new car enthusiasts to this amazing property, as well.”

Four main sponsors were critical to the success of the Concours – Astorg Auto,Foreign Cars Italia,Grand Home Furnishings and Mountaineer Automotive.

The 2019 Greenbrier Concours d’Elegance will take play May 3-5 at The Greenbrier. 

About The Greenbrier

The Greenbrier is a distinct and spectacular luxury mountain resort situated in the Allegheny Mountains in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia. It’s best known as “America’s Resort” and is synonymous with world-class, authentic, southern hospitality. The Greenbrier experience, beginning in 1778, offers a luxurious respite to discerning guests from around the world. The grand scale architecture, Dorothy Draper décor, immaculate attention to detail and legendary gracious service set The Greenbrier apart from all others. Guests walk in the footsteps of Presidents, celebrities and generations of families who regard The Greenbrier as a “one of one” destination. The 710 perfectly appointed Signature Resort Rooms, Classic and Historic Suites, Legacy Cottages and Estate Homes are situated on our breathtaking 11,000-acre playground. Play championship golf courses or experience more than 55 activities, including professional indoor and outdoor tennis, Off-Road Driving and Falconry. America’s only private casino features table games, slot machines and simulcast racing. The Greenbrier’s full-service, 40,000-square-foot world-renowned spa is widely recognized as one of the most luxurious mineral spas in the world, and the Retail Collection is comprised of 36 boutiques, shops and hand-crafted works of art. In addition to The Main Dining Room, The Greenbrier Restaurant Collection is comprised of 19 restaurants, cafés and lounges featuring traditional, award–winning southern-inspired cuisine. The Greenbrier Clinic has been practicing diagnostic medicine since 1948 and in 2014 was expanded to include a full-service MedSpa and Plastic Surgery Center. The Greenbrier Sporting Club is the pinnacle of luxury real estate, offering exclusive home sites within distinctive neighborhoods across The Greenbrier estate. Follow The Greenbrier on Facebook at The Greenbrier, on Twitter at @the_greenbrier or on Instagram at the_greenbrier.