Palo Alto Concours d'Elegance 2010

By Rob Eckaus

Rob Eckaus

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A life-long enthusiast, automobiles have been a big part of my life for over three decades including data analysis from multiple sources. Experience... More

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1 1,583 views Jun 30, 2010

Palo Alto Concours d'Elegance

Sunday, June 27 was the forty-fourth annual Palo Alto Concours d’Elegance. It was another scorching hot event just like last year, covered in my column from July 3rd, 2009. And again, for $20 prior to the show date, it’s a bargain. Besides that, seeing five street cars I’ve never seen in person is very memorable as well. In my opinion, the hot sunshine made the colors even more vibrant. 

This year Cadillac and Mercedes-Benz were the featured marques, which is a great combination. There is a tremendous amount of history between the two, but there were standouts past and present. The Gullwing Mercedes are timeless classics. The 1930s era V-16 Cadillacs have a certain magic about them as do many Concours quality cars from that era. And yes, the first view in person of the new SLS was a treat. It seems small compared to the McLaren parked next to it and the rear styling is a little weak in my opinion.

There were dealers and manufacturers that had their own cars on display too. Sure enough, the CTS Coupe was there with big doors, a big butt, and unique styling. I don’t think silver is a good color for it due to the slab sides. The interior is quite nice, however.

A white Lotus Evora was also present and looked quite stunning and more polished than the Tesla. A comparison is warranted since the body and chassis is from an extensively re-worked and lengthened Lotus. Aston Martin had their Rapide four-door as well. Dennis Dardinelli, craftsman of dardanellidesign.com, exclaimed:“That’s bitchin!” upon approaching it. It really is a stunner with sports car styling. A big V-12 engine producing 470 horsepower with a six-speed automatic means adequate power. It’s quite a bit slower than the Porsche Panamera Turbo, but looks far better from any angle.

The Fisker Karma stole the show in my opinion. This four-door plug-in hybrid has curves that are nearly R-rated. It made the Aston Martin Rapide look tame. Interestingly, Henrik Fisker used to be the stylist at Aston Martin and for less than one-halfthe price of the Rapide, this car could change everything. Its interior nearly matches the exterior. Charging is done via plug-in or by a GM-sourced 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbo. This thing redefines four-door styling and must be seen in person to be appreciated. Fisker could sell these as a rolling chassis for those wanting internal combustion performance and still do well.

Other highlights include retired race cars in the “Gallery of Greats”, the “Green Cars” exhibit, which had only two entrants worthy of the parking on the grass at this event (see above), plus a Tesla Roadster Sport. Other displays included motorcycles with sidecars including a wheelchair bound special, ever-present and gorgeous Ferraris, Emergency and Police vehicles, and a boat display with some wooden boats.

This show is one of the best; covered parking for many, excellent staff and vehicle variety, food and professionalism. The not-so-hot parts were the corral for non-judged cars was particularly weak versus past years, easily eclipsed by the cars for sale which was rather impressive. Some of the cars were parked too close together, almost discouraging looking inside and behind them.  

Be sure to check out their website for all the information you could possibly want about the show and put the future shows on your calendar.