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Louisville Concours d’Elegance 2012 Information

Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing CoupeThe Louisville Concours d’Elegance 2012 will be held October 5-7 at historic Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky.

John Carlson, permanent chief class judge at the Pebble Beach Concours, will return as chief judge for this year’s Louisville Concours. Paul Sable, automotive enthusiast, historian and former executive director of the Concours of Eastern United States, will serve as honorary chief judge. Master of ceremonies, Ed Lucas, also will return with his colorful commentary as the “voice of the Concours.”

The home of the Kentucky Derby will host featured marques Cadillac and Porsche Racing, in addition to a selection of historic collector cars on display. The Louisville Concours d’Elegance 2012 will feature fifteen judged and three special exhibition classes. Nominations for the 2012 show field are still being accepted and can be made at LouisvilleConcours.com.

Louisville Concours d’Elegance 2012 – Judged Classes:

  • Vintage Cadillac 1916 to 1924
  • Pre-war Cadillac 1925 to 1942
  • Post-war Cadillac 1946 to 1974
  • Auburn-Cord-Duesenberg
  • American Classic CCCA 1925 to 1942
  • European Classic CCCA 1925 to 1939
  • Vintage Automobiles 1916 to 1924
  • American Pre-war Automobiles 1925-1942
  • American Post-war Automobiles 1946-1974
  • Porsche Racing
  • Sports and Grand Touring Cars 1925 to 1942
  • Sports and Grand Touring Cars 1946 to 1974
  • American Muscle Cars 1964 to 1974
  • Closed Corvettes
  • Vintage Hot Rods

Louisville Concours d’Elegance 2012 – Exhibition Classes:

  • Early Cadillac 1903 to 1915
  • Vintage Fire Trucks
  • WWII Military Vehicles and Triage Tent Display

In addition to the Concours on Sunday, weekend activities include a “Welcome to Louisville” reception on Friday, followed by the “Dawn at the Downs” Champagne Brunch and the evening at Glenview Country Estates on Saturday.

Louisville Concours d’Elegance 2012 – Schedule of Events

Friday, October 5 – “Welcome to Louisville” Reception
The weekend will begin at 21c Museum Hotel with a private welcoming reception for exhibitors, judges, sponsors and invited guests. Attendees will enjoy southern hospitality while exploring the work of contemporary artists and sampling local culinary specialties. Complimentary food, drink and entertainment included.

Saturday, October 6 – “Dawn at the Downs” Champagne Brunch
This event starts with a private viewing of the morning workouts of the racehorses that call Churchill Downs home. Nothing quite matches the beauty and splendor of watching these million-dollar, four-legged athletes run the track on a quiet October morning. After the workout, guests will be treated to a champagne brunch at the Kentucky Derby Museum, followed by a private tour of historic Churchill Downs, where they will learn about the history and pageantry that make it one of the world’s most famous sporting venues.

Saturday, October 6 – An evening at Glenview Country Estates
Enjoy an evening in one of the most historic neighborhoods of Louisville. Glenview Historic District is on the National Register of Historic Places and includes what were once the country estates of Louisville. Now, the neighborhood is a collection of some of the most beautiful homes in the area. The evening includes a cocktail hour and heavy hors d’oeuvres in one historic home before traveling to another for specialty drinks, desserts and dancing. Includes a premium silent auction and original Kentucky entertainment.

Sunday, October 7 – Louisville Concours d’Elegance
Many historic collector cars will be on display in the infield of Churchill Downs, each competing for the coveted “Best in Show” crystal trophy. The day includes VIP facilities, refreshments and entertainment, an automotive artist exhibit, a “Kids and Cars” tent and other attractions.

The 2012 Louisville Concours d’Elegance will benefit Kosair Children’s Hospital, Kentucky’s only full-service, free-standing children’s hospital. For more information, visit LouisvilleConcours.com or call (502) 629-8060.

[Source: Louisville Concours; photo credit: Leigh Dorrington]