The Germans Have Suddenly Put On a Very Nice Concours Near Munich
While the automotive concours tradition originated in France between the wars, it was the United States that truly embraced and expanded the concept in the 1950s. From the prestigious Greenwich Concours to the iconic Amelia Island and the granddaddy of them all, Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, the American passion for showcasing exquisite automobiles has been unwavering. This fervor even extended to the creation of casual gatherings like Cars and Coffee.
In recent years, Europe has rekindled its love affair with the concours. Events like Villa d’Este and Chantilly Arts & Elegance Richard Mille have become prominent fixtures on the calendar. Germany, too, has been no stranger to this resurgence, with events such as the Classic Gala Schwetzingen and Classic Days Dusseldorf showcasing the country's rich automotive heritage.
A New Gem in Bavaria
Last week, a brand-new concours made its debut in Germany, the Concours of Elegance Germany, held over six days from July 22-27 at the picturesque Tegernsee, south of Munich. This inaugural event was orchestrated by the same team behind the renowned Concours of Elegance Hampton Court Palace and the London Concours. The event was a blend of a scenic tour and a prestigious show, with the first four days dedicated to a tour through the breathtaking Bavarian countryside, featuring 25 drivers and their stunning cars.
The final two days were reserved for the main show, which included an Under 30 class, a women’s concours, and other special events culminating in the grand display on June 27. The venue, Gut Kaltenbrunn, situated on the shores of Tegernsee, a large lake nestled in the Bavarian Alps, provided a stunning backdrop for the event.
A Spectacle of Automotive Excellence
The Concours of Elegance Germany showcased an impressive array of vehicles, ranging from classic supercars like the Lamborghini Miura and Lancia Stratos to modern marvels such as the Ferrari Enzo and the RUF Yellow Bird. Classic models like the original BMW 328, as well as vintage Bentleys and Rolls-Royces, were also on display.
For the awards, cars were categorized by decade, with winners including a 1926 Bugatti Type 35T for the 1920s, a 1935 Aston Martin Ulster for the 1930s, and a 1956 Bentley S1 Continental DHC for the 1950s. The 1960s winner was a 1968 Alfa Romeo Tipo Daytona 33/2, while the 1970s saw a 1976 Monteverdi Palm Beach take the honors. The 1980s winner was an F40, and the "1990s and Onward" category was won by a stunning blue Bugatti EB110 America. The Best in Show award went to a 1939 Lancia Astura Pinin Farina Cabriolet.
A Resounding Success
Winners were chosen by the entrants themselves, a tradition carried over from the Hampton Court and London events. The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with no complaints surfacing, indicating a successful and enjoyable event.
The organizers reported a sold-out event, impressive auction results from the concurrent RM Sotheby’s auction, and a delighted turnout of around 3,000 ticketed guests. James Brooks-Ward, CEO of Thorough Events, expressed his satisfaction, stating, “We set out to create an international German Concours that the passionate collectors and enthusiasts in Germany could call their own. We achieved this and went beyond all our expectations.”
Axel Schütte, owner of Axel Schütte Fine Cars and Dealer Patrons of the Concours, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the importance of having a platform to showcase Germany's rich automotive heritage. “We Germans have great collections and collectors, with fantastic cars throughout, but we have very few occasions and platforms to showcase them. We are delighted to now have a new event like this here in Bavaria where we can share our hobby and passion.”
This new concours in Bavaria is undoubtedly a must-visit event for automotive enthusiasts on their next European tour. Paired with the Concours of Elegance at Hampton Court Palace, it promises an unforgettable experience that beautifully bookends the iconic Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance.