Tag Archives: 2017

Arizona Concours D’Elegance Shuts Down

Arizona Concours D’Elegance

Last month the Arizona Concours D’Elegance regretfully announced that after a successful four year run, they were discontinuing the show. Held at the beginning of Arizona Auction week in January on the grounds of the Arizona Biltmore, they drew a diverse collection of cars, in unique classes. The grounds at the Biltmore made for a great background for those cars too.

Arizona Concours D’Elegance Accomplishments

Over the years we’ve covered the event and met a great group of car owners and volunteers. The show was able to raise over $300,000 for their designated charity, Make A Wish. So in many measures it was a success. But without support from sponsoring companies with deep pockets, the organizing board opted to shut down the show.

Here are some links to previous coverage

2017 Coverage

2016 Winners and More Coverage in 2016

2015 Coverage

Arizona Auction Week

Arizona Auction Week will be held next year from January 14-21, 2018. Last year seven different companies had auctions in the area. It is hard to imagine but over $260 million of dollars traded hands in one week; buying and selling American and imported metal and fiberglass, with nearly 3,500 vehicles available to buy. These Arizona auctions are highly anticipated; setting the tone for the classic car market for the year.

Here is the text of the board’s notice –

Thank you

We are humbled by the critical acclaim bestowed upon the Arizona Concours d’Elegance over the past four years by the public, the media and our participants. However, the long-term success of events such as the Arizona Concours is built on sustained corporate support. Although the event has been a critical success, it unfortunately has not established the financial foundation necessary to support it sustainably into the future.

There will not be a 2018 Arizona Concours d”Elegance.

Our sincerest gratitude goes to the dedicated Concours Committee, many faithful volunteers, our wonderful entrants and judges, as well as numerous sponsors.

We thank every one of those who have supported us with your investment of time, talent, enthusiasm and resources. You all have been directly responsible for raising more than $300,000 for Make-A-Wish® Arizona, enabling the granting of more than 30 wishes for young people who face the most serious of life’s challenges.

“In the beginning, we set out to achieve a word-class Concours and an event that would positively impact the lives of children in need. The group of people responsible for the Arizona Concours take great pride in what has been achieved and we thank all of those who worked so hard to make this, our dream, a reality. As Dr. Seuss said, ‘Don’t cry because it is ending…be happy because it happened!’” Kevin Cornish, executive director of the Arizona Concours

 

 

Arizona will miss all of your efforts and benefits

 

 

Bugatti Type 57SC Wins Arizona Concours d’Elegance

To the surprise of few, a 1936 Bugatti Type 57SC Atlantic, won the “Best of Show” honors Sunday at the 4th annual Arizona Concours d’Elegance held at the Arizona Biltmore Resort on Sunday January, 15, 2017.Bugatti Front Fender

Bugatti Wins Best of Show

To win best of show, the car first took the honors for its class – The cars of Ettore and Jean Bugatti.  Then the four top class winners were judged again for the Best of Show Award.

The low slung car, capable of a top speed of 122 MPH with a an inline eight cylinder engine with less than 200 ci is quite unique with the body seams joined at flanges by rivets.  Originally it was thought that this prototype used the rivets as the metal ( a blend of magnesium and aluminum) is difficult to weld.  Perhaps the builder was so taken with the effect that he needed up using the same process on the three Atlantic cars built on this design.  This car was originally owned by Lord Victor Rothschild. It later had a supercharger added and it was imported to the states by 1946.Bugatti Rivets on Roofline

Bugatti Background

The car had recently been seen at Los Angeles’ Petersen Museum, but normally is on display at the Mullin Automotive Museum, which makes sense since Peter and Merle Mullin, Bugatti aficionados, are part owners of the car, along with Rob and Melani Walton (from the Wal-Mart clan).  The car has won at other showings, including best of Show at the Pebble Beach Concours in 2003.  The joint owners paid $36 million for the Bugatti.  A different Type 57SC is owned by Ralph Lauren.Bugatti

Arizona Concours d’Elegance

 The entry field consisted of ninety cars, entered in seventeen classes.  The grassy lawn of the palatial Arizona Biltmore was the perfect spot for the show and the proceeds from the show go to Make A Wish of Arizona.  The Arizona Concours d’Elegance kicks off a week of classic car auctions in the Phoenix, AZ region.  In a future article we’ll highlight some of our favorite builds and award winners.  So be sure and sign up so you won’t miss the next article?

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Alumatub by Boyd Coddington Sells at Barrett-Jackson

Alumatub, Boyd Coddington’s third all aluminum build sells at the Barrett-Jackson auction this week.  This was the third in a series of aluminum bodied customs that Coddington produced.  The top can come off to allow for a roadster feel. Alumatub Passenger Side

Alumatub Specs

This one is powered by a Chevy small block 350 and sends power to the back through a Chevrolet TH350 transmission with a quick change rear end.  The body work was done by famed master Marcel‘s Custom Metal and is hard to believe this was hand formed and not stamped out on a press.  Our friends at Hot Rod sure loved it.Alumatub Driver's Side

Alumatub Build

This hand crafted Boyd Coddington build was showcased on his TV show, “American Hot Rod” TV series which can still be seen on the Discovery Channel. After Coddington’s untimely death, it was thought that his builds would increase in value as his output was now finalized. Alumatub Rear End

Alumatub Prices

Alumatub first sold at Barrett-Jackson in 2005 to Ron Pratte with a listed price, including commissions, of $170,500.  He sold it ten years later for $187,000 in 2015.  The current owner is selling this year and it’ll be interesting to see what it sells for.

Any guesses?

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Hennessey Venom GT Selling at Barrett-Jackson

Steven Tyler’s 2012 Hennessey Venom GT convertible is selling next week at the Barrett-Jackson Auction in Scottsdale, AZ. Tyler, from American Idol and Aerosmith fame, bought the first convertible that Hennessey built and is donating the proceeds to a child abuse group- Janie’s Fund which he created.

Hennessey Venom GT Spyder

The Hennessey VENOM GT convertible holds the top speed record for convertibles at 270.49 mph, set in 2014 at the Houston Space Center. 0-60 times is a scorching 2.7 seconds while the 0-200 mph time is a “sedate” 14.5 seconds.Hennessey Venom GT Front View

Hennessey Specs

How did Hennessey created such a speed demon? Take a 7 liter V-8 (Gm’s 427 ci LSX engine) and add twin turbos to created 1244 horsepower. Craft the mid-engine convertible out of carbon fiber, sitting on a composite/aluminum monocoque frame so it weighs in at 2,743 pounds. It is actually based on the Lotus Exige.

The car has a Ricardo 6 speed manual transmission, Brembo six piston brakes, electric assisted rack and pinion steering and adjustable coil overs. The car even has a JL Audio system.Hennessey Venom GT Rear view

It’ll be interesting to see what this supercar sells for at Friday’s auction spot.  What’s your guess for the hammer price on this Hennessey Venom GT?

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