Category Archives: Arizona Concours

Save the Date: Arizona Concours returns January 18, 2026

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Scottsdale hosts prestigious collector car and motorcycle event

The world’s most interesting and exciting automobiles are often referred to as Sculpture in Motion, their kinetic beauty expressing the joy and excitement of motoring.

Sculpture in Motion is the theme of the next Arizona Concours d’Elegance, a premiere celebration of superb vehicles from the past and present, scheduled for Sunday, January 18, 2026, on the parklike lawns of the Scottsdale Civic Center.

A professionally judged and curated assembly of 100 rarely seen dream cars and high-value collector vehicles, the Arizona Concours is presented in partnership with Scottsdale Arts, the organization responsible for an array of artistic services in the city.

Spectators admire cars on the show field. Photo: Trevor Freeman

The 8th edition of the Concours will display exceptional vehicles from around the world, guaranteed to impress and excite not only dedicated car lovers but anyone who appreciates the beauty of expressive design, enjoyed in the atmosphere of a stylish garden party.

Ed Winkler, who serves as co-chairman of the Arizona Concours, along with Chuck Stanford Jr., said, “2026 is shaping up to be a great year for the Arizona Concours.

“Once again, the Concours will be an upscale lifestyle event featuring rare and fascinating vehicles arrayed on the grass, with entrants and spectators, some in period costumes, strolling the lawns under the sparkling-blue Arizona sky.”

Donald Osborne speaks with guests at the 2025 Arizona Concours d’Elegance. Photo: Michael Ross.

The Arizona Concours committee has designated 15 judged classes for 2026, including special classes that range from the 140th anniversary of Mercedes-Benz, the event’s featured marque, to a class for dune buggies and beach cruisers.

Other classes include a celebration of 125 years of Indian motorcycles, mid-century station wagons, post-war European sports/racing cars, and exotic supercars from 2000 through 2025.

Awards are presented in each class, along with a variety of special awards and the two coveted Best of Show trophies – one for pre-World War II and one for post-war. There is also an award for favorite costume.

1936 Bugatti Type 57SC Atlantic and 2023 Bugatti Chiron SS 57 One of One. Photo: Michael Ross.

Stanford, a longtime Mercedes-Benz enthusiast, noted that 2026 is a significant year for the esteemed German car company.

“As the company that invented the automobile, Mercedes-Benz has always been at the forefront of automotive engineering and has presented the world with extraordinary examples of voluptuous design and fierce competitiveness,” Stanford said. “I’m certain that a wide variety of Mercedes-Benz style and heritage will be on display come January in Scottsdale.”

Proceeds from the Arizona Concours benefit local artists and art programs, as well as the Concours’s longtime beneficiary, Make-A-Wish® Arizona, the founding chapter of the national organization that grants wishes for children facing life-threatening medical conditions.

The Arizona Concours not only raises money for Make-A-Wish but gets some of the children involved in judging the cars and awarding a specially designed trophy to their favorite.

Tickets for the Arizona Concours d’Elegance at the Scottsdale Civic Center will be available starting August 1. For information about tickets, vehicle submissions and sponsorships, visit the Concours website at ArizonaConcours.org.

About the Arizona Concours d’Elegance

A curated and judged exhibition of the world’s finest collector cars, the Arizona Concours d’Elegance is a celebration of automotive design held every January. A point of pride for the region’s car community, the non-profit event supports Make-A-Wish® Arizona, as well the arts and local artists.

About Scottsdale Arts

Through its partnership with the City of Scottsdale, the nonprofit Scottsdale Arts creates diverse, inspired arts experiences and educational opportunities that foster active, lifelong community engagement with the arts. Since its founding in 1987, Scottsdale Arts has grown into a nationally recognized, multi-disciplinary arts organization offering an exceptional variety of programs through four acclaimed branches — Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts, Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art (SMoCA), Scottsdale Public Art and Scottsdale Arts Learning & Innovation — serving more than 600,000 participants annually.

Celebrate the Art of Engineering at the 2025 Arizona Concours d’Elegance

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Car enthusiasts and lovers of fine craftsmanship, mark your calendars! The 2025 Arizona Concours d’Elegance is set to return on Sunday, January 19, 2025, promising a spectacular celebration of automotive beauty and innovation. Hosted at the Scottsdale Civic Center, this highly anticipated event will run from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., offering an unforgettable day of automotive excellence and artistry.

Celebrating The Art of Engineering

The Arizona Concours d’Elegance is more than just a car show; it is a celebration of the Art of Engineering. This year’s theme highlights the balance between design and technology that makes these classic and exotic cars a work of art. Whether it’s the graceful lines of a vintage automobile or the cutting-edge precision of modern engineering, the event honors the craftsmanship and creativity that define automotive history.

A Showcase of Over 100 Remarkable Vehicles

This year’s event promises to be bigger and better than ever, featuring more than 100 distinct vehicles presented in 16 unique classes. Attendees will have the rare opportunity to see some of the world’s most stunning automobiles up close, including:

  • Timeless pre-war classics that capture the essence of a bygone era
  • Impeccably restored mid-century marvels that shaped automotive design
  • Cutting-edge modern exotics showcasing innovation and performance

Each car on display tells its own story, offering visitors a glimpse into the evolution of automotive engineering and style over the decades.

The Perfect Setting: Scottsdale Civic Center

The Scottsdale Civic Center serves as the ideal backdrop for this annual event. Located in the heart of Old Town Scottsdale, the beautifully landscaped grounds provide an elegant and inviting atmosphere for showcasing these iconic vehicles. Stroll through lush gardens, take in the beauty of the meticulously restored automobiles, and enjoy a day immersed in automotive culture and history.

Why You Should Attend

The Arizona Concours d’Elegance is a must-attend event for car enthusiasts of all ages. Here’s what makes this show stand out:

  • Unparalleled Variety: From classic icons to modern masterpieces, the diverse lineup ensures there is something for everyone to admire.
  • A Celebration of Innovation: Explore how automotive engineering has evolved over the years, blending art and function.
  • Stunning Venue: Enjoy a day in Scottsdale’s Civic Center, surrounded by elegant cars, beautiful scenery, and like-minded enthusiasts.
  • Community & Culture: The event brings together passionate collectors, industry experts, and fans to celebrate a shared love of automobiles.

Event Information

  • Date: Sunday, January 19, 2025
  • Time: 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
  • Location: Scottsdale Civic Center, Scottsdale, Arizona

Mark your calendars now and don’t miss this extraordinary event. Whether you’re a lifelong car enthusiast or simply appreciate the beauty of world-class design and engineering, the 2025 Arizona Concours d’Elegance offers an unforgettable experience that celebrates the artistry of the automobile.

Final Thoughts

The Arizona Concours d’Elegance isn’t just an event; it’s a journey through history, innovation, and craftsmanship. Join fellow enthusiasts in celebrating The Art of Engineering at this premier automotive showcase. Be ready to marvel at more than 100 remarkable vehicles, enjoy Scottsdale’s vibrant setting, and create memories that will last a lifetime.

See you at the 2025 Arizona Concours d’Elegance!

1953 Chevrolet Corvette CF1 Roadster by Dave Kindig

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Dave Kindig became a household name in 2014 when his show “Bitchin’ Rides” debuted on TV. However, he was well-known in the custom car world long before that. At his shop in Salt Lake City, Dave and the team build, restore and modify custom cars for their clients. The show is more focused on the cars compared to Overhaulin’, which is about trying to get a car done on a tight timeline and in secret.

Fans of the show may remember that in 2021, Dave embarked on a project to do his own small-production run of cars inspired by the 1953 Chevrolet Corvette. The “CF1 Roadster” is Kindig’s take on the classic Corvette. The episodes ran in Season 8 of the show and featured the car’s debut at the 2021 SEMA Show in Las Vegas.

I was fortunate to see Chassis #07 of 10 on display at the Arizona Concours d’Elegance on January 21, 2024. It was an uncharacteristically rainy day in the desert with clouds and rainthroughout most of the day. Still, they were able to remove the plastic and exhibit the car during the show. The Arizona Concours d’Elegance provides the opportunity to admire and enjoy rare and special cars such as this, and I am grateful to the organizers and volunteers who put the event together.

Though it looks like a custom 1953 Corvette, the CF1 Roadster is a completely new car. It starts with a Roadster Shop chassis that retains the stock Corvette wheelbase, while adding modern strength and rigidity to the car.

The body features plenty of changes including a raked windshield, restyled wheel arches, custom headlamps, a redesigned grille, and much more. The entire body is made of carbon fiber and weighs just 70 lbs (32 kg) while also being incredibly strong. The new body is wider and longer than the original. There are some trick features too, such as the fuel filler and onboard trickle charger concealed behind the car’s flip-up taillights. The car is a true roadster with no soft top or cover of any kind.

Under the hood is a 427 cubic inch LS7 V8 engine that has been upgraded by Lingenfelter Performance Engineering to produce 650 horsepower and 580 lb-ft of torque. This is a huge upgrade over the ’53 Corvette’s original 150 horsepower engine. Poking out through the hood is the 8-stack EFI setup from Borla.

Other performance highlights include a floor-shifted GM 4L80E automatic transmission, independent rear suspension, and Wilwood 14-inch disc brakes mounting 6-piston front and 4-piston rear calipers. Dakota Digital gauges and a Borla exhaust that exits through the rear bumper, just as on the original Corvette.

The wheels are a unique design created by Kindig and made by EVOD. They are inspired by Lamborghini Miura wheels and are finished in gold with chrome tri-bar center caps. They measure 21″ up front and 22″ in the rear and are wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires.

This specific car was shown in the Dynamat booth at the 2022 SEMA Show.
At the same time Chassis #07 was on display at the Arizona Concours, CF1 Roadster Chassis #04 was just a few miles away at the Barrett-Jackson collector car auction in Scottsdale. While there are some cosmetic differences, the cars are substantially the same specification. Chassis #04 is painted in Blue Suede Blue with a white interior, while Chassis #07 is Bering Sea Blue with a tan interior. Chassis #04 sold for a staggering $605,000 at auction (including the buyer’s premium). So if you were wondering what one of these ultra-rare and bespoke roadsters is worth, there is your answer.

I think that Kindig’s take on the classic Corvette is a good one. The CF1 Roadster is a very special car that is truly a work of art on four wheels.

1968 Fiat Dino Coupe by Bertone

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I absolutely fell in love with this little Italian car at the 2024 Arizona Concours d’Elegance! The car is a 1968 Fiat Dino Coupe by Bertone.

Introduced at the Geneva Motor Show in 1967, the Dino has a body by Bertone with a 2.0-liter V6 engine, the same as in the Ferrari 206 Dino. The all-aluminum engine was produced by Ferrari as a way to homologate the engine for racing in Formula 2. Power output is 158 hp at 7,200 rpm and torque is 120 ft-lbs at 6,000 rpm. The car has a 5-speed transmission with disc brakes all around. It is a Gran Tourer with a 2+2 seating configuration.

I love the body lines and proportions of the car, especially the quad round headlamps and the slightly recessed front grille. This is the first Fiat Dino I have ever seen, and it was a highlight of the event for me. The car is one of 3,670 coupes built between 1966 and 1969.

According to the catalog description, the car was sourced out of a Los Angeles eBay ad in 2019 in need of a complete makeover. The body was stripped to bare metal, the interior restored with wool carpets and black leather upholstery, and the engine and transmission restored. The Arizona Concours is its first outing since restoration.

I have to congratulate the owners and their mechanics and body guys on an incredible restoration. The car truly looks top-tier in every category.

So what is a Fiat Dino worth? A couple of examples of the Coupe have sold on Bring A Trailer in the $50,000 to $70,000 range, while the Spider models are more valuable, ranging from $95,000 to $140,000. Meanwhile, a 1967-74 Ferrari Dino – which has the same engine – would sell for an easy $300,000 to $600,000.

Interestingly, the Spider was designed by Pininfarina and the Coupe was designed by Bertone. The cars have different body lines as a result, and the Spider chassis is 11 inches shorter than the Coupe.

Though not the fastest or most expensive car at the Arizona Concours, it was definitely one of my favorites at the event.

2024 Arizona Concours to Feature ‘The Art of Automotive Design’

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About the Event

January is an exciting time in Arizona, when multiple collector car events converge during “Arizona Car Week.” Automotive enthusiasts gather in the desert to kick off the new year with the Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Auction, RM Sotheby’s Arizona auction, and the Bonhams Scottsdale Auction. A signature event that should be at the top of every list is the 2024 Arizona Concours d’Elegance, which is scheduled for Sunday, January 21, 2024.

The Art of Automotive Design is the theme for the sixth edition of the Arizona
Concours, who partnered with Scottsdale Arts to present this exceptional show and competition, with vehicles carefully curated to impress and excite not only car lovers but anyone who appreciates the beauty of expressive design. Show vehicles are professionally judged with awards presented to class winners, and the coveted Best of Show award.

The acclaimed show and competition returns to the newly renovated Scottsdale Civic Center on January 21st, with 100 rarely seen dream cars and highly valued collector
vehicles dating back to the dawn of motoring, through the Art Deco era, and up to the
coveted super sports cars of more-recent years.

The Best of Show winner for the 2023 event, a stunning 1947 Talbot-Lago T26 Record
Cabriolet with a sweeping body designed by Giuseppe Figoni (shown above), exemplified the elegant automobiles that are seen at the Arizona Concours.

Ticket Information

General Admission tickets for the Arizona Concours are now available online at
ArizonaConcours.com. Single admission currently costs $100 after January 1, 2024.

There are also Concours Plus tickets that include additional features: admission to a
collector car lecture series to be held on Saturday, January 20 (subjects and special
guests to be announced), and early “Dawn Patrol” admission to the Concours starting
at 7 am. Concours Plus tickets currently are priced at $110, increasing to $125 on January 1, 2024.

Proceeds from the Arizona Concours benefit local artists and art programs through its partnership with Scottsdale Arts, one of Arizona’s largest arts nonprofits. Tickets for
the Concours also are available at ScottsdaleArts.org and the box office in the
Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts.

Previously held at the Arizona Biltmore Resort in Phoenix, the 2024 Concours will
mark its second year at The Scottsdale Civic Center, a vibrant landscaped space that
recently was extensively renovated.

Entrant Information

Owners and caretakers of special vehicles are invited to submit their cars for entry on
the ArizonaConcours.com website. Fifteen classes have been chosen for the 2024
Concours, and are listed on the website, with awards presented in each class, along
with special awards and Best of Show.

Sponsor Opportunities

Arizona Concours sponsorship opportunities also are explained on ArizonaConcours.com, showing the range of possibilities for becoming a supporting member of this popular and well-publicized event.

 

Arizona Concours d’Elegance Returns in Splendid Fashion

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The Arizona Concours d’Elegance recently put on a splendid event on Sunday, January 22, 2023. The event took place at the newly renovated Scottsdale Civic Center.

Previously, the Arizona Concours was held at the Arizona Biltmore Hotel & Spa from 2014-2017, and went on hiatus following the 2017 event. The 2023 Concours marks a long-awaited return of this exciting event, which is both a car show and charity fundraiser. Proceeds go to benefit local artists and the arts community through a partnership with Scottsdale Arts.

The theme of the 2023 Arizona Concours is The Art of Aerodynamics, with cars ranging from the early beginnings of streamlined vehicles, including classic race cars, up to the most exotic supercars of today.

Approximately 90 cars were on display at the Scottsdale Civic Center, organized into the following classes:

  • Brass Era (pre-1916)
  • Vintage Era (1916-1927)
  • Aerodynamic Pre-war Sports and Race Cars
  • 1930’s Aerodynamic American Coachwork
  • 1930’s Aerodynamic European Coachwork
  • 1930’s Aerodynamic French Coachwork
  • 1940’s Coachwork
  • 1950’s Leading-Edge Coachwork
  • Preservation: Pre-1973
  • Iconic 1950’s Aerodynamic Customs
  • Sports & Racing Cars, 1948 through 1975
  • Exotic Sports Cars, 1975 through 2000
  • Contemporary Hypercars (display only)

In addition to the regular classes, a number of special and significant automobiles were on display that exemplified the theme of “The Art of Aerodynamics.”

These included a 1931 Bugatti Type 51 Dubos Coupe from the Nethercutt Collection, a 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing Light Metal Version, and a 1953 Alfa Romeo BAT 5 concept car.

The Best of Show winner went to the 1947 Talbot Lago T26 Record Cabriolet featuring striking coachwork from Figoni et Falaschi. The vehicle was recently acquired by its owners at the RM Sotheby’s Monterey 2022 auction, where it hammered for $2.975 million.

The car has numerous other wins including a class award and an Elegance in Motion Award at the 2003 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, Best Postwar European Car at the 2004 Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance, Best of Show at the 2013 Cavallino Classic, and Best of Show at the 2013 Boca Raton Concours d’Elegance.

Overall the Concours was a very enjoyable event. My only feedback would be that the cars were parked very close together, making it difficult to get clear photos. A little more spacing would have been great, but that is just my personal opinion. I look forward to more great events from the Arizona Concours d’Elegance in the future.