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.
