The inaugural event had many intriguing elements.
A new event, the Las Vegas Concours d’Elegance, celebrated its inaugural gathering October 25 through 28. On exhibit were not only classic cars, but also modern vehicles and even some concepts. On Sunday the event included an exclusive cruise down the Las Vegas Strip and the first-ever Helene Award for Best of Show being announced.
A total of 130 vehicles were handpicked for display at the DragonRidge Country Club in MacDonald Highlands as part of the event on Friday. These cars were divided into 25 classes such as American Pre War and Japanese Post War. Judges then gauged entrants against their peers. Among the entrants was quite the range of years and type, like Peter Brock’s Superformance Cobra Daytona Coupe, a 1933 Lincoln Ka Rumble Seat Roadster, a white 1967 Corvette Stingray Roadster, and a white 2017 Acura NSX. To have this many high-caliber vehicles in the inaugural year of the event bodes well for future gatherings.
The Helene Award is named after Helene Rother, the first female General Motors automotive designer who was hired in 1943. That sets a different tone for this event, demonstrating automotive achievement is open to both women and men. Aside from best of show, individuals will be singled out for Helene Awards in several categories: design innovation, industry achievement, product development and technical achievement, legacy collections and collectors, photography, publishing, and media. The physical awards include a likeness of Helene Rother’s head, making its namesake clear.
For the Tour d’Elegance, organizers blocked off The Strip in Las Vegas from Mandalay Bay to the Wynn. Car fans lined both sides of what arguably is the most famous street in the world to catch a glimpse of the many amazing vehicles.
A featured marque was announced ahead of the Concours, Nash Motor Company. Considering Helene Rother worked for Nash styling the automaker’s interiors from 1948 to 1956, it’s a fitting tribute. The brand’s vehicles were marveled at for being surprisingly luxurious, considering their economical pricing.
Organizers plan to hold the Las Vegas Concours d’Elegance every year.
Images credit: Neil Pitt #PoweredBySpeedDigital
