The 2009 Concours d'Elegance, a Premier Car Show
By Eva Dunn

Ironstone Vineyards, just outside the charming town of Murphys, CA, hosted the annual Concours d'Elegance, a premier car show on an unseasonably hot, day in September. The lush grounds, the serene, lovely pond, framed by shady trees, the many picnic areas and refreshing places to relax, provided an oasis for a wonderful event. The vintage array of antique cars, motorcycles, trailers, fire trucks and even a hearse, parked on the gently sloping lawns following the natural landscape at Ironstone, were exciting to see. Appreciative crowds ambled along between the rows of cars, snapping photographs of favorites and chatting with the owners. A delicious buffet lunch in the Music Room and a grand buffet al fresco under umbrellas, fortified everyone for even more car viewing.

My husband Tim and I attended this car show and exhibition with our good friends, Bill and Andrea Smith of Sutter Creek; we all had a wonderful time seeing these romantic vintage autos. The Exhibition & Benefit was held on Sept 26, 2009 that featured over 300 cars and benefited local 4H programs: FFA programs, The California State Fair Scholarships and the Calaveras County Fair Scholarships, the community's local kids, which made the event even more worthwhile. The young people were there, along with a few goats and an information table to let people know about their activities.

Despite the 100 plus degree  heat, hundreds came out throughout the day to see these unique antique cars, the different models, colors, gas, steam, and electric. Lined up on the expansive, beautiful lawns at Ironstone according to type and make, from one end of the expansive grounds to the other, the highly waxed cars shone in the bright sun, providing hours of delight to car aficionados. There was fun talk of our first cars, and the memories the sight of these awesome antique cars brought back to us. Some of our favorite entries were absolutely breathtaking, in pristine condition.

A 1972 white Bentley, owned by Joel Carash of Stockton, CA, parked in the shade by the pond, won an Award of Merit and was just beautiful. Photo left by Eva Dunn It was a friendly crowd, the buffet lunch in the Music Room was great fun as we shared a table with a couple of exhibitors. We made sure to check out their cars after lunch which were located down by the pond. Interesting conversations with some of the owners on their personal stories behind their acquisitions, and the extent of refurbishing required made for a delightful afternoon. Ducking into some shade now and then along lovely, landscaped paths, or sitting on stone walls, relieved the burn of the hot sun. We were happy we remembered to bring spray sun screen along.

One of the most interesting stories of the afternoon was the one told to us by Bud Juneau of Brentwood, CA. His 1950 Oldsmobile 88 Convertible sported a rare dealer display hood, see-through engine, and features a new rocket engine. Originally purchased with a standard closed hood, this owner found the display hood boxed up in a crate in a warehouse in another state through a tip from a friend. Now it sits proudly providing viewers a unique view. A jaunty 1954 black MG Roadster owned by Bill and Shirley Angeloni of Sonoma, Ca won Award of Merit. They told us laughingly that they drive it everywhere; yes indeed, so would I! Another interesting entry was a 1932 Alvis Pre-war Speed 20 Sport Jourer. One of the first cars I saw were the Pierce Arrows, wonderful cars I would love to drive back in the day. There was no lack of amazing cars on this afternoon at Ironstone.

One of my favorites places to enjoy some of these beauties was at Ironstone's pond. It was so refreshing, so beautiful with the water backdrop. Shade and lovely, verdant green manicured lawns made it picture perfect. Several ladies were dressed in vintage clothing, adding to the charm. Smiling proud owners sat behind or alongside their autos, ready to answer questions, or share stories of their prized possessions. My Uncle Jess used to own Austin Healeys, and Triumphs; I know he would have loved to been at this car show! I will have to send him some photos, he will so appreciate their beauty.

The annual classic car show, featuring some of the world's best classic automobiles, travel trailers and motorcycles, was a unique experience, and great fun; we love attending this event at Ironstone. Staff is always a Five star experience, they are so accommodating and friendly, making each visit memorable. This year there were some exceptional cars exhibited. A 1900 Locomobile Steam Car, the first car in Yosemite National Park, had a speed of 40 mi per hr. There was an old photo of the black car with large thin wheels shown against the majestic backdrop of Yosemite. Tim spent some time reading about this interesting automobile. I can just imagine how exciting that day must have been for all involved! The history and stories behind all these cars added to the charm and nostalgia of the afternoon besides the beauties themselves. 

I loved seeing the Triumphs, especially "Rosey", a 1970 Triumph Roadster owned by Annabelle & Bill Pugh of Wallace, CA. These jaunty cars were known fondly as Juicers. A Best of Class award went to Stephen Finn, Los Altos Hills, for his 1934 Dusenberg Model J, Murphy-Bohman & Schwartz for their convertible Coupe, just two of the magnificent entries. A 1909 Rauch & Lang electric Opera Coupe sported the first safety belt and was eco friendly. Just as all things old are new again, eco friendly is of great interest these days. The Linde Material Handling Corp. 1912 auto was the highest priced of its day at $3,800 in California. Be sure to mark your calendars for next year's Concours d' Elegance; it is an amazing event you and guests will enjoy.

The Ironstone Concours d' Elegance is presented by the Ironstone Concours Foundation, a non-profit organization. This event was a benefit for the California Agriculture Youth Development Programs, California State Fair Scholarship Fund, Calaveras County Fair Scholarship Program, and California FFA, California 4-H, Local 4-H and FFA Chapters. Visit online for more info at www.ironstonefoundation.org. The Concours d'Elegance, at Ironstone Vineyards, 1894 Six Mile Road, Murphys, CA (209) 736.4327.
All Photos by Tim and Eva Dunn

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2008 Concord d'Elegance, the perfect summer affair
By Eva Dunn

For a romantic and highly nostalgic venue, you cannot surpass an afternoon wandering among vintage automobiles. Immaculately kept lawns at Ironstone Vineyards in Murphys were filled with row after row of antique cars, the sun glinting off the gleaming curves of fenders and rumble seats. These beauties took your breath away. Marvels of design and function, classic cars will always be in high esteem for aficionados. What an exciting glimpse into the world of the vintage automobile and a wonderful way to see these classics represented over the last 100 years.

This year's 12th Annual celebration of automobile history included "Cars from the former Harrah's Automobile Collection" and the "Lincoln Continental, 1940-1960." There were over 300 entrants, including antique motorcars, vintage and American classics, and contemporary cars through 1971. This was in addition to a great lineup of vintage trailers and antique motorcycles. There was absolutely a full day's worth of cool automobile to see! New this year was two displays, one of "new performance and luxury automobiles" and a circle of "hybrid and alternate-fuel automobiles." There was certainly something for everyone at this elegant car show.

Our guests, Bill and Andrea Smith, had a great time enjoying the delicious buffet prepared by the Ironstone Vineyards chef to checking out all these marvelous cars. One beauty was the car owned by Lana Turner. A beautiful, soft red color with white interior, this convertible was parked on a stone dais, set apart in its glory. This stunning automobile was bought by a wealthy Angelino named Topping as a present for his wife, the great movie star, Lana Turner. The "T" on the grill stands for Topping & Turner. The car was originally a 1941 Chrysler Newport parade phaeton, only one of six built by the Le Baron Division of Briggs Manufacturing in Detroit.

Every car had a story; their owners were happy to share it with the guests, telling us when and how they came to purchase the car, whether it was restored or not, and a little history too. Just when I thought we had seen all the cars as we had reached the end of the lawn, it sloped down towards the left, to a large pond in the back, behind a seating and picnic area, an area I did not know existed. The gentle, sloped lawns with oaks and flowering Crape Myrtles, lovely flowers, evergreen shrubs and grape vineyards in the distance provided stunning surroundings for this annual automobile show held at Ironstone Vineyards, Murphys.

I remember thinking how lovely a wedding would be here, or how much fun just having a picnic lunch on these beautiful grounds would be. There were so many more cars to see on these expansive, manicured lawns. I would not want to be one of the judges, it would be too difficult to choose the best from this fantastic array of beauties. But judge they did, and here are some winners:

BEST IN SHOW went to Tom and Julie Williams of Los Altos Hills for their 1931 Pierce-Arrow Salon Series 41 LeBaron Convertible Victoria; Most Elegant Closed Car was won by Dick King, Murphys, 1913 Peerless Model 48 Town Car; Ironstone Foundation Award went to Donny Lewis of Lodi for his 1909 Rauch and Lang Electric Brougham; and the 4H Members Choice, Favorite Entry was awarded to Ted and JoAnn Raines, Rescue, for their 1930 Chris Craft Triple Cockpit Runabout.

I cannot encourage you enough to visit Ironstone Vineyards located in the historic Gold Rush town of Murphys, quietly nestled in the Sierra Foothills. Come for lunch; for a wonderful evening in the Alhambra Music room enjoying a buffet dinner, popcorn and cookies, and silent movies; visit the historic museum or the Jewelry Shoppe; have lunch at the Deli while enjoying a wine tasting; or just stroll around the lovely grounds.

There are several events planned for the fall and winter season. Check the website often for details. The Ironstone Concours d' Elegance is presented by the Ironstone Concours Foundation, a non-profit organization. This event was a benefit for the California Agriculture Youth Development Programs, California State Fair Scholarship Fund, Calaveras County Fair Scholarship Pro-gram, and California FFA, California 4-H, Local 4-H and FFA Chapters, including Horse Classics, the Guide Dog and Service Dog program, Computer Corps and Citizenship Service Learning.

Call 209.728.1251 to reserve attendance at an event soon. You will be delighted being a part of the elegance at Ironstone. Visit online at: www.ironstonevineyards.com. Ironstone Vineyards is located at 1894 Six Mile Road, Murphys, CA.

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