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2005 Concours d'Elegance at Cranbrook
By: Nathan Leach-Proffer
Photos by the author
August 13, 2005

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This year marks the 3rd annual Concours d’Elegance at Cranbrook on the grounds of Cranbrook educational community in Michigan. This year’s show will surely add to the growing reputation, even with the lack of cooperation from the weather.

If you have every visited or lived in Michigan you know the weather never cooperates, especially not for world class auto shows. Despite the early morning showers, the show organizers did a phenomenal job of staying on schedule even though most cars did not set up until after the show was opened to the public. While the dreary weather remained through the morning, the show still went according to plan, and everyone was rewarded when the sun finally appeared after lunch.

The weather did leave its mark, though. Because of the rain and high winds, a large branch fell on a modified Chevrolet HHR, injuring a man and sending him to the hospital. Fortunately, the car received most of the damage.

The afternoon sunshine allowed for the gathered crowds to view the incredible selection of cars. Perhaps the most incredible automobile at the show was the 1907 Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost Barker Touring owned and flown over from Europe just for this show by Bentley Motors Limited. This car is said to be the most valuable car in the world today, insured by Bentley for an astounding $35 million.

Enhancing the scenery along with the cars was the beautiful grounds of the Cranbrook campus. The architecture and artwork complemented the selection of cars, and many times the two were placed adjacently to create an intriguing combination.

In charge of judging for the show was none other than Bob Lutz, who took time away from his position at GM to enjoy the festivities. Cars were split into seventeen classes, and unlike other major concours events, style and design take precedence over originality and condition.

The wood bodied cars were the main feature at the show this year. The class included a 1939 Lagonda V-12 Rapide and 1914 Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost among others. The Ferrari class had a strong presence, including one of only two 250 GTO spyders. It is a custom car conceived, designed, and built by Mark Gerisch, owner of Genaddi Design Group using a 1962 Ferrari GTE chassis. Even Giotto Bizzarinni, the original designer of the 250 GTO, was impressed by Marks work when he saw it in Monterey. A 1963 California Spyder, however, won the award for best Ferrari.

Best in show was awarded stunning 1932 Alfa Romeo 8C 2300 Viotti owned by Arturo Keller. The car has many other awards, including the Most Elegant Sports Car Trophy at Pebble Beach in 2004. The car features a one-off body design and a V8 engine composed of two Alfa Romeo 4-cylinder engines. Its elegant design made it an excellent choice for the award.