In its inaugural year, the 2019 Las Vegas Concours d’Elegance brought a historic automobile show to the entertainment capital of the world. The concours exhibited nearly 25 classes of rare and unique automobiles invited from around the world, most never before shown in Las Vegas. The Concours was founded by Stuart Sobek, who described the event as "not a contest of speed, but of elegance."
What is unique about the Las Vegas Concours d’Elegance is the Helene Awards, a tribute to Helene Rother, a French native. She was the first woman to work as an automotive designer for General Motors. And, she did so way back in 1943. The Helene Awards honor the achievements of specific individuals, and the Best in Show given to the collector car deemed most desirable.
Wynn Las Vegas' inaugural Las Vegas Concours d'Elegance took place from Friday, Oct. 28 through Sunday, Oct. 30 at Wynn Golf Club in Las Vegas, Nevada. Throughout the three-day event, attendees and enthusiasts enjoyed over 200 examples of automotive beauty, which included modern hypercars and antique classics from luxury manufacturers such as Jaguar, Morgan, Bugatti, Czinger, Koenigsegg, Lamborghini, McLaren, Bentley and Rolls-Royce among others. From the time these spectacular cars were placed on to the greens Friday afternoon up through the opening ceremony held later that night, the excitement and anticipation built up to a fever pitch and at an all time high when the competition and exhibition opened at 10 a.m. on the picture perfect Saturday.
Master of Ceremonies and Concours Grand Marshall Jay Leno arrived in his Shelby Bronco GT500 (the only one of its kind), kicking off the event with some jokes and car talk.
The grounds of the Concours d'Elegance were filled avid collectors and winners, prestigious brands and even an authentic Formula 1 race car. Inclusive of 15 judged classes and 230 automobiles representing the past, present and future, two exemplary vehicles captured the most prestigious honor, Best of Show. Categories were Best Pre-War and Best Post-War; and one winner was selected for each category (see the photo galleries below).
The team from Classic Showcase was on hand for the sold-out event, and were impressed with the event; Tom Krefetz remarked that it was "truly one of the best concours experiences I've ever had, and look forward to returning next year. The setting was beautiful, the staff was friendly and attentive, and the selection of vehicles was spectacular."
Avid car collector Jay Leno of The Tonight Show fame served as the weekend’s grand marshal and rolled into the event in his own 1968 Ford Bronco. The SUV was gifted to Leno upon his departure from The Tonight Show in 2009 as a fixer-upper by fellow comedian Craig Ferguson, and now boasts a sleek navy paint job and a custom 800-horsepower Shelby engine. In addition to viewing more than 200 cars, guests who purchased VIP packages gained access to complimentary food and drink stations, adding to the day’s delight.
"This weekend's Las Vegas Concours d'Elegance surpassed expectations and featured some incredible moments and automobiles," said Brian Gullbrants, president of Wynn Las Vegas. "Saturday's exhibition ended with the awarding of two Best of Show winners that match the excellence and distinction of Wynn Las Vegas in every way. We're privileged to have showcased them, and all others present."
Master of Ceremonies Jay Leno speaks at the Las Vegas Concour d'Elegance
This 1959 Jaguar XK-150S on display, was previously restored by the team at Classic Showcase and has been
a stellar performer on the show field since it's restoration. The Jaguar has been pedigreed and achieved an astonishing
(3) 100-point 1st place showings in a calendar year and declared a Jaguar Clubs of North America Champion. Its current
owner is continuing that tradition with a new first place showing at this year's Las Vegas Concours, as well achieving
first place showings at JCNA sanctioned events in Idyllwild, CA and in Scottsdale, Arizona. All of us at Classic Showcase
are elated with the new caretaker’s results and look forward to seeing the XK150S at future events!
The highlight of the weekend was the awarding of two Best of Show winners. The Best of Show Pre-War trophy went to the 1933 Duesenberg Model SJ Arlington Torpedo Sedan “Twenty Grand” of The Nethercutt Collection, and the Best of Show Post-War title was awarded to the 1951 Delahaye 235 of the Mullin Museum.
Arguably the most famous of all Duesenbergs, this 1933 model SJ Arlington Torpedo Sedan was the factory show car for the “Century of Progress” 1933-1934 Chicago World’s Fair. The car was the hit of the fair due to its color, styling and asking price of $20,000 during the height of the Great Depression, when most cars typically cost $600-$800. It became knowns as the “Twenty Grand” car.
"The one-of-a-kind 1933 Duesenberg SJ Arlington Torpedo Sedan “20 Grand” was awarded Best of Show amongst an incredible lineup of vehicles,” says Helen Nethercutt, chairman of The Nethercutt Collection. "She remains a fan favorite amongst all automotive and Concours enthusiasts and owns the competition status of ‘undefeated’. We could not have asked for a better show—we look forward to next year.”
The Delahaye 235 was an exclusive sports car that combined both the luxury of pre-war handcraft with post-war technological innovation. Produced between 1951 and 1954 by French manufacturer Delahaye, this car was the fifth of a total of only 84 produced.
“We are honored to receive the Best of Show Award from the Las Vegas Concours d’Elegance,” says Mullin Automotive Museum Founder Peter Mullin. “Las Vegas has quickly become a standout event for automotive enthusiasts, and we’re thrilled to be recognized by some of the world’s most passionate collectors.”