Legendary marques to compete at Dana Point

DANA POINT, Calif. – The 29th Annual Dana Point Concours d’Elegance will showcase the finest automobiles in the world with more than 200 vehicles representing legendary marques, including Mercedes-Benz, Bugatti, Jaguar, Porsche, Shelby, Ferrari and many more. The cars will compete for top honors on the Monarch Beach Golf Links at the St. Regis Monarch Beach in Dana Point, Calif., from June 24-26. During the three-day celebration, the Dana Point Concours d’Elegance will honor the 125th anniversary of the first Benz automobile, as well as display two beautiful classics from the esteemed Nethercutt Collection. 

“This distinguished group of automobiles that will be displayed on the lawn represent some of the most elegant vehicles ever built,” said Dick Waitneight, chairman on the board of the Concours. “Only the best examples of pre-war classics, European exotics and American muscle are invited to compete at the Dana Point Concours d’Elegance. Automotive enthusiasts will be impressed by the diversity of vehicles vying for one of the 30 different classes, including the top award, Best of Show.”

From the remarkable Nethercutt Collection are two award-winning Concours-ready classics with fascinating histories. The first, a Black Cherry 1931 Bugatti type 51 coupe, was manufactured in France by coachbuilder, Louis Dubos. Originally built as a Bugatti factory team Grand Prix racer, the car generates up to 185 horsepower with its eight-cylinder engine. Following the 1931 race season, the Bugatti was given to famous racing driver Louis Chiron by Ettore Bugatti. Passing through the hands of several French and American owners through the years, the Nethercutt Collection purchased it in 2000. The Nethercutts restored the vehicle and reunited the body with its original chassis.

A 1913 Mercedes 37/95 Double Phaeton–Torpedo from the Nethercutt Collection will also exhibit. Receiving top honors and awards at many shows over the years, the black on black Mercedes is one of the few 37/95 examples to survive for more than 85 years. Considered a high performance vehicle at the time, this car could hit nearly 100 mph. Restored in 2000 and 2001, the 37/95 was returned to its 1913 specifications by the Nethercutt’s. Only a few have enjoyed the luxury of owning this classic and on June 26, visitors can see it up close.

“The Nethercutt Collection includes some of the most sought-after vehicles in the world,” noted Waitneight. “These two majestic cars are prime examples of the automotive heritage the Dana Point Concours d’Elegance will commemorate during the three-day weekend.” 

During the weekend, Mercedes-Benz will not only be the featured class, but the Dana Point Concours d’Elegance will also celebrate the anniversary of the first Benz automobile. A striking example of the marque can be found in the 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300SL coupe. The prominent red ’55 Mercedes-Benz gullwing isn’t just for show; the six-cylinder 3L direct fuel-injected engine is pushed to the limit on the road by its owner. The 300SL coupe still has the original unmodified chassis with the original matching engine serial number. 

The Jaguar Club of America will also present some of its members’ most celebrated makes and models. A wonderful example to honor the 50th anniversary of the Jaguar E-type is a black 1962 Jaguar Series 1 XK-E convertible. The period-correct six-cylinder, 3.8 liter engine is mated to a Moss four-speed gearbox. The Jag features its original leather-upholstered bucket seats and an aluminum-trimmed center instrument panel and console.

Two other historic automobiles that will be shown on the lawn are a 1927 Bentley 6.5 Litre BX 2416 and a 1931 Marmon 145 four door convertible. The ’27 Bentley, registered as YF4648, started life as a Gurney Nutting saloon car in the Weymann style. Delivered to the first owner in London in May 1927, it was later rebuilt as a 1930 Le Mans Speed Six Team Car. The 6.5 liter engine comes in Le Mans specs with twin HV5’s. Le Mans style head light frame and fuel tank highlight the features of the Bentley. 

Another pre-war gem that will be available for spectators is a ’31 Marmon convertible. Marmon was notable for having introduced the rear-view mirror, as well as pioneering both the V16 engine and the use of aluminum in automotive manufacturing. The recipient of multiple awards, the navy blue and maroon Marmon is one of 390 total V16 automobiles manufactured by the company, which only produced the vehicle for three years.

An automotive event in Southern California would not be complete without the unofficial Southern California car: the Woodie. A 1929 manilla brown and black Ford Model A Woodie features the original unmodified chassis, four-cylinder engine and original serial number. Restored in the early ’70s, the Woodie has been in the current owner’s hands for more than 35 years.

“Each of these rare beauties has a story,” added Waitneight. “We’re excited to witness the competition between some of the best kept and most skillfully restored vehicles in automotive history. The Dana Point Concours d’Elegance will be the automotive event to attend this summer in Southern California.” 

For more information, please visit www.DanaPointConcours.org. 

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