Hello Gents,
This past weekend was full of events related to the 2004 Concours d'Elegance at Cranbrook--a stunning event for which I was grateful to have received an invitation to. From a lovely tour through the high-rent town of Bloomfield Hills, MI, to brunch at the Pine Lake Country Club, to looking at what amounts to all of GM's history at a black-tie affair at their Heritage Center, and finally the Concours itself, it was quite a memorable weekend, but extremely humbling at the same time.
I say humbling because many of the cars were extremely rare and most were in the most elegant showroom condition. In reality gentlemen, we have it easy--nearly anything we want or need for a Pagoda can be had with a phone call. Try getting a fender for a 1959 Jaguar XK150, or diagnosing a fuel pump issue with a 1953 Siata Berlina...get the picture?
Anyway, I came away not with any award or trophy, but wonderful memories. I was entered into, in a few words, a tough class--Open Sports Cars after 1955. In my class the blue ribbon winners were a 1973 Ferrari 365 Daytona Spyder with 2200 original miles, and a 300SL Roadster--both which were on my flanks on display. The best of class was a 1969 E-type Jaguar Roadster--equally as red as my little Pagoda, and as nice a car as you'll ever see. Noted automotive journalist David E. Davis, former editor of Car&Driver and founder/editor of Automobile Magazine was the chief judge for my class. While he spent some time at my 113, and even commented that "Whoever did this restoration did a very, very nice job", his heart was elsewhere--which was fine. Given half an opportunity, I might have taken that Jag home anyway!
1934 Buick? Oh yeah--while on the tour on Saturday, while waiting to leave the Cranbrook School, a 1934 Buick backed into the 1958 300SL Roadster--causing some deep gouges and scratches on the front. At the Concours itself, I was right next to the 300SL and the owner was very relaxed about the accident. Turns out he'll have to bring the car in for repair to the same guy who is restoring his Gull Wing! The owner of this Roadster and Gull Wing, a Mr. Marc Dutton, installs lawn sprinklers. I don't know about you guys, but I think I might be in the wrong business...
I hope to see some of you at Starfest this coming weekend. If any of you have a chance to enter your Pagoda in any kind of notable Concours, it will be worth the opportunity if only for the experience and the chance to be amongst so many fine cars.
Later this week, I'll post a few photos.
Michael Salemi
1969 280SL
Signal Red w/Black Leather
Restored
