The 1938 Talbot Lago 150C roadster will be presented for the first time at a contemporary Concours d’Elégance. © Future Photography
Château de Coppet, 18 and 19 June 2016
From 1924 to 1954, the quays of Geneva hosted a prestigious concours d'élégance, a tradition that Mathias Doutreleau, co-founder of the event, has decided to revive on the edge of Lake Geneva. Organised in line with the official rules of the main automotive events of this type, the first Concours d'Elégance Suisse will be held in the exquisite settings of the Château de Coppet on 18 and 19 June 2016.
"The event pays tribute to the historical and cultural heritage of the automobile. In addition to beautiful collection cars, genuine masterpieces that are rarely seen, we will also be presenting themes celebrating the art of mechanics. Aside from the Concours itself, the public will be able to visit an exhibition of Haute Horlogerie timepieces, admire horse-driven carriages that were the seed of the art of coachbuilding and enjoy artistic creations from famous Fine Art Photographers", explains Mathias.
Celebrating classic cars
During the two-day event, the owners and aficionados of rare automobiles will be able to meet and share their passion for classic cars. The festivities begin on Saturday morning with a RoadBook Tour d’Elégance, along the scenic roads at the foothill of the Jura and along the shores of Lake Geneva. From 14h, the cars of the concours displayed on the lawns of the Chateau will be reviewed by a Jury presided by Adolfo Orsi and Ed Gilbertson from the International Chief Judge Advisory Group and leading figures of the automobile world. This preview day, reserved for entrants and VIP guests of the event sponsors, will end with a gala dinner at the Four Seasons Hotel des Bergues in Geneva.
As of 10h on Sunday, the Concours will be open to the general public, who will be able to admire these icons of the road, visit the Haute Horlogerie exhibition, explore the various pavilions of the sponsors and savour a choice of delightful barbecues alongside the Culinary Pavilion that will be exclusively reserved for entrants and VIP guests. The Concours d'Elégance will end with the award ceremony and the prestigious Best of Show Trophy starting at 14h.
18 outstanding classes
The automobiles taking part in the Concours d'Elégance will be displayed into eighteen classes and a main theme: the Pop-Art Era (1958-1969). Among these classes, it is worth noting a dedicated class for the legendary Hispano-Suiza, one of whose founding families comes from Geneva, a dedicated class celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Lamborghini Miura, launched at the Geneva Motor Show in 1966, as well as a class celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Maserati Ghibli and one for the 50th anniversary of the Jensen Interceptor.
1954 Ferrari 375MM. © Michael Furman
A world First
In line with the traditional Concours d'Elégance charter for vehicles prior to 1975, this inaugural event will also include a World premiere in concours d'élégance: a dedicated class for "Future Classics" (automobiles from 1975-1985). In this context, the jury will follow a new charter, drawn up especially for the occasion to reflect the quintessence of these emblematic contemporary cars.
The jury will grade each vehicle on the basis of the following criteria:
- its rarity, historical interest
- its authenticity
- the quality of its restoration or its state of preservation
- its elegance
Children’s design competition
Celebrating the talents of the past, the Concours d’Elégance Suisse will also honour young talents and their vision of the future, with a drawing contest sponsored by Caran d’Ache, open to children aged 7 to 16. Nine nominees, divided into three age groups (7-9, 10-12 and 13-16) will be selected from the hundreds of participants who sent previously their drawings to the organisers. The candidates will have to create a drawing of their choice during the Concours d’Elégance. The art work will be submitted to a jury composed of car designers, artists, historians and collectors who will award prizes offered by Caran d’Ache to the winner of each age group.
Programme of events
Saturday 18 June
Morning
Roadbook Tour d’Elégance, which will leave from Château de Coppet and take each competitor to explore the scenic roads of the Jura foothills and along the edge of Lake Geneva.
Lunch
An al fresco lunch, reserved exclusively for entrants, will be served to the sound of the alpine horn in the Culinary Pavilion located on the Concours lawn.
Preview of the Concours d'Elégance
From 14h, the cars taking part in the Concours will be displayed on the lawns in front of the Château, with an exclusive access reserved for VIP guests. Throughout the afternoon, the jury members will review each vehicle in view to nominate the winners for the award ceremony on Sunday.
Gala dinner
A gala dinner will be held at the Four Seasons Hotel des Bergues for Entrants and a few VIP guests. At the end of the dinner, some of the entrants will be awarded special additional prizes, offered by the event sponsors.
1930 Duesenberg Graber. © Michael Furman
Sunday 19 June
The Concours will be open to general public from 10h, welcoming visitors in the sumptuous setting of the Château de Coppet. They will be able to admire rare cars on display, visit the exhibition of Haute Horlogerie timepieces and explore the various pavilions set up by sponsors along the edge of the Concours lawn.
Chaired by Adolfo Orsi and Ed Gilbertson as honorary president, the jury of the Concours d'Elégance Suisse will be made up of leading figures of the automotive world, historians, journalists, designers, engineers and drivers. They will review each vehicle in detail, in line with the traditional charter of the Concours d'Elégance. As for the "Future Classics", the jury will follow a new charter, drawn up especially for the occasion to reflect the quintessence of these contemporary cars which have also made their mark on the history of automobiles.
The highlights of the Concours d'Elégance will be the award ceremony and the prestigious Best of Show Trophy starting at 14h. Throughout the afternoon, participants and special guests will have access to the Culinary Pavilion, where they will be able to discover the various dishes prepared by a team of talented chefs. The culinary delights on offer will be supplemented by various buffets set up alongside the Concours lawn and accessible to the public.
Click here for more information on ticket options.
1st Concours d'Elégance Suisse
Chateau de Coppet
Rue de la Gare 2
CH-1296 Coppet
Switzerland
18 and 19 June 2016
http://www.concoursdelegancesuisse.com/#!info/gkxz8
