Sixth Annual Philadelphia Concours d’Elegance raised money for charity, celebrated Porsche while delighting showgoers
Fun, family-friendly events celebrating Porsche’s 75th anniversary highlighted show of significant collector cars at Simeone Foundation Automotive Museum
PHILADELPHIA – The Sixth Annual Philadelphia Concours d’Elegance is now in the rearview mirror following a celebration of the Porsche marque’s 75th Anniversary at the famed Simeone Foundation Automotive Museum in Philadelphia on June 23-24.
Significant cars of all eras competed in the Concours d’Elegance; a road rally through the Pennsylvania countryside of Porsches and other models received the checkered flag from a movie star as they arrived at the Museum; a seminar on how racing built Porsche’s brand headlined the one-day Concours; youth judging of cars was held; kids of all ages were treated to a visit from the Phillie Phanatic, the mascot of the Philadelphia Phillies; and live and silent auctions of collector items at Friday night’s gala – and more – highlighted the “boutique” Concours at the iconic museum.
Cool Cars for Kids, Inc., and the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia were the beneficiaries of the proceeds. CCfK is a nonprofit organization based in Philadelphia that delivers care and support to children and families who struggle with the medical complexities associated with rare diagnoses. CCfK supports local and national charities, including The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP).
At the Concours, the Best in Show award went to Ronald Schotland of Skillman, New Jersey, for his 1966 Jaguar E-Type Series 1.
The second annual “Heart of a Champion Award,” in honor of the late Dr. Fred Simeone, was presented to Gordon Zimmermann, of Farmington, Connecticut, for his 1986 RC Cola Porsche 962 race car.
A full list of Concours d’Elegance class winners may be found HERE.
Actor Luis Da Silva Jr., of the “Fast and Furious” franchise, was the Grand Marshal of this year’s Concours, taking part in a number of activities, including assisting with the live auction at the gala, waving the checkered flag as rally participants arrived at the Museum, signing autographs and helping distribute awards.
“The event was stellar, from Friday’s gala to Saturday’s Concours," said Da Silva, who plays "Diogo" in "Fast X," now playing in theaters and streaming on Amazon Prime. "There are a lot of cars at the Simeone Museum that are very rare, and to be a part of this celebration of Porsche’s 75th anniversary and tying it to the cause for Cool Cars for Kids and CHOP is terrific. I’m honored to be part of it in my first appearance as the Grand Marshal. My family and I had a really good time. We enjoyed it.”
A panel discussion, led by historian/photographer Harry Hurst, who is also the Director of Programs at the Simeone Museum, on the subject of “how racing built the Porsche brand,” was held on the Museum stage during the Concours. Images of Porsche’s racing history looped on the screen, while panelists Prescott Kelly, former president of Porsche Club of North America, Penske Racing’s John “Woody” Woodard, and Brumos Racing’s Jack Atkinson, told “war” stories of their days working on Porsche race teams. They provided “insider” information not previously revealed of the strategies and innovations that helped those teams win races and championships. Also on the screen were pre-recorded videos featuring Porsche drivers Hurley Haywood and David Donohue, and Alwin Springer, former President of Porsche Motorsports North America.
About Cool Cars for Kids: Cool Cars for Kids, Inc., is a nonprofit organization based in Philadelphia, Pa., that brings together families of children with genetic conditions and classic car enthusiasts who share a common passion and appreciation for the one-of-a-kind. Funds raised from this unique partnership will directly forward its mission by supporting local and national charities – including The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia – to deliver care and support to children and families who struggle with the medical complexities associated with rare diagnoses. www.coolcarsforkids.org
If you like stories like these and other classic car features, check out Old Cars magazine. CLICK HERE to subscribe.
Want a taste of Old Cars magazine first? Sign up for our weekly e-newsletter and get a FREE complimentary digital issue download of our print magazine.
*As an Amazon Associate, Old Cars earns from qualifying purchases.
