The Concours D'Elegance: A Celebration of Automotive History and Elegance
The Concours D'Elegance, an annual event held at the Studebaker National Museum in South Bend, Indiana, is a spectacle of automotive history and elegance. This year, the event showcased nearly 100 classic cars from across the country, each with its own unique story and history. From a Studebaker that originated at South Bend's Studebaker factory to a Duesenberg from the 1930s, the event was a testament to the rich history of the American automobile industry.
What makes the Concours D'Elegance particularly fascinating is the level of restoration and attention to detail that goes into each vehicle. Jonathan Klinger, executive director of The NB Center for American Automotive, described the work that went into bringing back a Studebaker that originated at South Bend's Studebaker factory. "It was a two-year project of a car that had a complete nut and bolt down to the frame restoration," Klinger said. This level of restoration is a testament to the dedication and passion of the event's organizers and participants.
For some attendees, the event stirred personal memories tied to the cars on display. Jim Wagner, an Elkhart resident, said his connection to classic vehicles goes back to his early teens. "It’s been an obsession since I was 14. I just got to see my first car I ever drove down here, Studebaker Lark," Wagner said. This personal connection to the cars on display adds a layer of emotion and meaning to the event.
One of the highlights of the event was the presence of two vehicles from actual James Bond films. Colin Clark, a board member of the Ian Fleming Foundation, described where the cars came from. "These vehicles come from a long way and from a long time. The dune buggy behind me, the movie was in 81. And it was filmed in Greece and the Cougar you see behind us. That was filmed in Switzerland and in Portugal in 69," Clark said. This added a layer of glamour and excitement to the event, showcasing the cars' roles in popular culture.
The Concours D'Elegance is held at the Studebaker Museum in South Bend, and the event is a testament to the rich history of the American automobile industry. It is a celebration of the cars themselves, but also of the people who drove them and the stories they tell. From the restoration of classic cars to the personal memories they evoke, the event is a testament to the enduring appeal of the automobile and its place in our cultural history.
