“Carillon Historical Park is incredibly honored to be the home of the Dayton Concours d’Elegance for the past 10 years,” said Lauryn Bayliff, director of community development for Dayton History. “This event is our largest and most successful fundraiser that directly supports the mission of the organization. We are expecting even greater attendance for this year’s show and the Preview Party so we are working with the committee to make sure the 10th annual Concours d’Elegance at Carillon Park is extra special!”
The concours, presented by AAA Miami Valley, is limited to 200 antique and classic automobiles and motorcycles and will be judged for awards in 27 classes. In addition, a number of specialty awards are presented, including the R.H. Grant Best of Show, Col. Edward Deeds Judge’s Choice, Charles F. Kettering People’s Choice, Jeffrey Siler Spirit Award, The Taj Ma Garaj Award and The Hagerty Youth Judging Award.
A dozen nationally recognized automotive artists will have a pavilion to display their work, and hand-built model cars will be shown in the Dicke Transportation Center. In addition, there will be a reunion of Fisher Body Craftsman’s Guild modelers exhibiting their hand -built models that embrace automotive-vehicle design creativity.
The parade of class-winning cars, motorcycles and major award winners will be presented at 3 p.m.
Concours Director Mike Edgerton noted, “Some of the must-see cars include a 1911 Cadillac, 1928 Bugatti Type 35B, 1948 Tucker, 1966 Willys Interlagos, 2004 Lamborghini Gallardo and the 1958 Kurtis Indy Roadster. Fans of little cars will marvel at a pair of French Vespas, a Crosley Fire Truck, a French Simca street rod, a BMW Isetta and the quirky Reliant Regal.” He added, “Motorcycle makes include but are not limited to: Ariel, BMW, Harley, Husqvarna, Indian, Matchless, Norton, Penton and Triumph.”
The concours weekend will kick off Sept. 17, with a special edition of Dayton Cars and Coffee. This morning gathering, which is free and open to any car, and will take place in the parking lot of the Carillon Brewing Co. from 8 to 11 a.m.
Saturday evening brings the casual Preview Party, open to the public, on the grounds of the Carillon Historical Park. The party will preview some of the Concours automobiles and feature an automotive art pavilion, music, silent auction, food and adult beverages. Brock Masterson’s will provide the catering and there will be craft beers, premium wine, artisan spirits and a bourbon sampling bar. Saturday evening’s Preview Party is held from 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. Tickets are $85 per person, or $75 for Dayton History members. Reservations are required.
The concours will be held from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday and will also feature live entertainment, an automotive art pavilion and a variety of local food and beverages. All exhibits at the park will be open. The Wright “B” Flyer is scheduled to make a flyover at noon, weather permitting, courtesy of Forgeline Motorsports.
All proceeds from the weekend go to Dayton History to maintain the various programs and facilities. General admission is $20 at the door, or $15 in advance, $5 for children 17-3; children under 3 and members of Dayton History are free.
Go online to www.daytonconcours.com or call 937-293-2841 for more information or to purchase tickets or make reservations for the Preview Party.
About the Author