by Bernard Martin

I had been reaching out to Bill Warner for nearly a decade to visit us at the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix.  It wasn't until he passed the torch of the Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance to Hagerty that he could find the time.  So, it was really an honor to invite him to be the Grand Marshal for the 2024 Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix (PVGP) and recognize his incredibl contribution to automotive history. Bill Warner brings a wealth of experience, knowledge, and a contagious enthusiasm for all things automotive. His candor and humorous stories speak for themselves, as you'll see in the video below.

Not many know that Bill Warner was born in Pittsburgh in 1943 but spent his life in Jacksonville, Florida. Bill's journey from Jacksonville to motorsports photography, then racing, and to the founding of the Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance, one of the most prestigious automotive events in the world, reflects a lifetime devoted to the art and history of motoring.

In my interview with Bill from the 2024 PVGP, he shares stories about, among many other things, the origin story of the event and his even delves into his favorite cars ever displayed at the Amelia Island Concours, offering viewers a rare glimpse into his own personal insights and tastes. Bill’s passion shines through as he emphasizes that a Concours is ultimately about the people—not just the famous attendees, but also the volunteers and the camaraderie they create.

A standout moment occurs when he shares his impression of modern electric vehicles with 'piped-in' sound effects, just as the open-wheel formula cars begin their opening lap on the PVGP racecourse—an impeccable coincidence that we could not have timed better, even if we had planned it.

The Backstory on Kip Wasenko
During the interview, Bill acknowledges Kip Wasenko in the audience. I suppose I should provide a bit more backstory that you won't get in the video. For those who don't know, it's been said that Cadillac’s styling was stuck in a rut until GM put Kip in charge of a new two door concept car, and it was Kip who brought Cadillac back to its roots to embrace its racing heritage.

"Kip is credited with several significant designs. These include the Buick Wildcat Mid-Engine PPG Indy Series Pace Car, the Two-Rotor Mid-Engine Corvette Concept Car where he received his first Design Patent, and many Indy 500 and Daytona 500 Pace Cars. Kip was Cadillac's Chief Designer and is best known for the Design of the Cadillac EVOQ that was named “Best Concept Car at the 1999 North American International Auto Show."  This design initiated the Art & Science Design Direction which was recognized as a Design Renaissance for Cadillac. The EVOQ was sold to the public as the Cadillac XLR and XLR-V two seater performance sports car Kip felt Cadillac needed.

Kip applied the same Design Philosophy to the CTS-V, STS-V and the Cadillac LMP Race Car, developed with Riley & Scott, that raced LeMans. In addition, he designed the winning CTS-VR World Challenge Cadillac Race Cars by Pratt Miller. These race cars and the technology learned from Cadillac’s Racing Programs have contributed to the success of the world respected Cadillac V-Series Performance Cars. In February 2005, Motor Trend magazine recognized Kip’s contribution on their Power List, Kip continues on the track racing today!" (www.allantexlrinvitational.com)

The Backstory on Luigi Chinetti Jr.
During the interview, Bill and I look to Luigi Chinetti Jr., who's literally in the front row of the audience, to answer question about Ferraris. Bill playfully asks, "Would you prefer a short wheelbase Ferrari Berlinetta or a GTO?" The answer is in the video below, but to appreciate the significance of this exchange, it's really important to understand the Chinetti legacy.

Luigi Chinetti Sr., born in 1901 in Italy, was a pivotal figure in Ferrari's history. A skilled mechanic and racer, he won the 24 Hours of Le Mans three times, including Ferrari's first victory in 1949, where he drove nearly 23 hours himself. He got stuck being in the United States at the outbreak of WWII and became a US citizen which resulted in Chinetti becoming Ferrari's first dealer in North America, establishing the brand's dealer network on the continent. In 1958, he founded the North American Racing Team (NART), which played a crucial role in promoting Ferrari in American motorsport.

Luigi Chinetti Jr. followed in his father's footsteps, becoming a prominent figure in the Ferrari world and a talented racing driver. He began his racing career in the late 1960s, participating in events like the 24 Hours of Daytona and the 12 Hours of Sebring. His deep knowledge of Ferrari and his contributions to the brand's legacy are well-recognized.

The Chinetti family's connection to the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix (PVGP) and the Cortile is also significant. In 2023, Luigi Chinetti Jr. was honored as the Grand Marshal of the PVGP, highlighting the family's enduring influence in the automotive world. Their legacy continues to inspire enthusiasts and participants at events like the PVGP Cortile, celebrating Italian automotive excellence.

This interaction between Bill and Luigi really underscores the deep connections and rich history within the motorsports and automotive community that is a thread throughout our entire conversation.  In fact, this interchange led to a complete change in my "interview" later at the Cortile Lunchean when I just let these two share the floor. It's Hope and Crosby on stage! LOL.

A Memorable Conclusion
One of Bill's favorite memories that he shares in the video involves John Surtees, the legendary racer who remains the "only person to win World Championships on both two and four wheels." Albiet, I think Nuvolari should be mentioned, with an asterisk, every time this quote is used, hence why I'm using it as a quote.

Anyway, Surtees brought his iconic 1956 MV Agusta 500 to the 2001 Amelia Island Concours, where he was being honored, and the bike won an award. Bill recalls how, as he was calling out Surtees as the award winner,  Surtees didnt appear and Bill initially was told he had left the event before being really surprised by his grand entrance to accept the award. You'll need to watch the video to appreciate Bill telling it.  This serendipitous moment about awards couldn’t have been scripted and literally led seamlessly into our PVGP presentation of a special award to Bill from the my friend Paul Pigman from Amalgam. Watching Bill’s reaction as he received the award was truly touching; his genuine grateful emotion and surprise brought a truly poignant and heartfelt close to the interview.

Watch the Full Interview
Don’t miss this exclusive opportunity to hear Bill Warner’s stories and insights. From his favorite cars to his reflections on the people who make events like the PVGP and Amelia Island Concours so special, this video is a really a must-watch for automotive enthusiasts.

by Bernard Martin

As a follow up on our article a few months ago, the History of Concours d'Elegance, we've been getting questions about what are the top concours in the world right now.  That can be a tough question to answer, especially if you hope to continue to get press credentials, but I'm giving it a go here.

The world of Concours d’Elegance represents the pinnacle of automotive artistry, luxury, and historical significance. From the shores of Lake Como to the scenic fairways of Pebble Beach, these events showcase the most exquisite and rare automobiles, blending elegance, innovation, and cultural heritage. Each Concours offers a unique experience, whether through its iconic setting, exclusive entries, or integration of art and fashion.

In this article we rank the top Concours d’Elegance globally, exploring their stories and what makes them stand out in the automotive world.  You may agree or disagree with the list and we do welcome your comments!

by Bernard Martin

Concours d'Elegance, which translates to "Competition of Elegance," originated in 17th-century France as a parade of horse-drawn carriages among the aristocracy. These events were held in parks and gardens, where wealthy participants showcased their luxurious and ornate carriages. As the automotive era began in the early 20th century, these competitions evolved into exhibitions of high-end automobiles, celebrating their craftsmanship, design, and innovation.

Concours d’Élégance de Dinard
The modern Concours d’Elegance began in the 1920s, blending automotive design with high fashion in sophisticated settings. The Fédération Française des Véhicules d'Époque (FFVE) recognizes the Concours d’Élégance de Dinard, held on September 4, 1921, in the chic resort town of Dinard on France’s west coast, as the first official Concours d’Elegance.

This landmark event attracted over 100 vehicles for the rally, with 30 cars competing in the Concours itself. It was not merely a showcase of luxury automobiles but also a celebration of the latest fashion trends, as prominent personalities from the arts, industry, and fashion sectors, including André Citroën, founder of the Citroën automobile company, gathered to enjoy the spectacle. The glamorous seaside resort provided a fitting backdrop for this marriage of style and innovation, setting the tone for the elegant and exclusive Concours events that followed.

Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este
One of the earliest examples of a Concours d’Elegance is the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este, originally known as the Coppa d'Oro Villa d'Este. This prestigious international competition for motor cars was first held on September 1, 1929, just two months before the Wall Street Crash. It was a collaborative effort by the Automobile Club of Como, the Grand Hotel Villa d'Este, and the Comitato di Cura di Como, taking place at the opulent Villa d’Este hotel on Lake Como, Italy.

From its inception, the event became a celebrated showcase of elegance and cutting-edge automotive technology, attracting affluent collectors, designers, and manufacturers. After a hiatus of several decades, the Concorso was revived in 2009, with the BMW Group partnering with the Villa d’Este hotel to organize the event. Since then, it has continued to draw international attention and acclaim, solidifying its place as one of the most distinguished automotive exhibitions in the world.

The Three Pillars of a Concours d’Elegance
Not only did automakers and coachbuilders use the Concours d’Elegance as a prestigious platform to debut and promote their latest models, but fashion houses seized the opportunity to showcase their designs, often creating ensembles that complemented the cars on display. These events became a theatrical blend of artistry and innovation, where automobiles and haute couture were inextricably linked. To elevate the glamour, renowned stars and socialites were invited to present the cars, embodying the sophistication of both the vehicles and the fashion.

A Concours d’Elegance brought together the “three Cs”

• Constructor - the carmaker
• Carrossier - the coachbuilder
• Couturier - the fashion designer

Each contributed to the spectacle, with the car’s design reflecting modern engineering and style, the coachwork highlighting craftsmanship and creativity, and the attire emphasizing elegance and trend-setting fashion. These synergies elevated the Concours beyond a mere car show, transforming it into an immersive celebration of luxury, design, and cultural refinement. It was a place where cutting-edge automotive innovation met the artistry of bespoke tailoring, creating an aspirational lifestyle that continues to define the spirit of Concours events today.

Post-World War II, the focus shifted to showcasing restored vintage and classic cars, emphasizing preservation and historical significance. Today, these events are prestigious gatherings of automotive connoisseurs, blending art, luxury, and heritage.

The partnership between luxury resorts and Concours d’Elegance events has been a defining factor in elevating these exhibitions to global prominence. Two of the most renowned examples--Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance and Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance—demonstrate how these collaborations blend breathtaking settings with unmatched elegance and refinement.

Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance
The Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance began in 1950 as a complement to the Pebble Beach Road Races, an event aimed at showcasing post-war automobiles. Organized by the Del Monte Properties Company, which owned the Pebble Beach Resort, the Concours quickly became synonymous with sophistication, held on the iconic 18th fairway of the Pebble Beach Golf Links.

Over time, the event expanded to feature immaculately restored vintage and classic cars, drawing elite collectors and enthusiasts from around the world. The seamless connection between the event and the Pebble Beach Resort remains central to its prestige, offering participants and spectators an experience that merges automotive artistry with the natural beauty of the California coastline.

Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance
Similarly, the Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance, founded in 1996, owes its success to a strategic partnership with The Ritz-Carlton Amelia Island. When the resort approached Bill Warner, a seasoned automotive photographer and enthusiast, the vision was clear: create a premier event that would position Amelia Island as a luxury destination. Warner delivered by blending motorsports history with the charm of rare and exotic automobiles. The Ritz-Carlton’s lush oceanfront lawns provided an exquisite backdrop, and its dedication to providing a world-class experience became integral to the Concours’ rise to global acclaim. This collaboration highlights how a resort’s elegance and hospitality enhance the overall prestige of a Concours.

The bottom line: Top-tier Concours d’Elegance thrive on their ability to integrate luxury, art, and history within a resort setting. The venues provide more than just scenic beauty; they create a framework of exclusivity that attracts the world’s most discerning collectors and connoisseurs. By incorporating elements of high fashion, fine dining, and cultural sophistication, these events elevate themselves beyond automotive exhibitions, offering a glimpse into an aspirational lifestyle.

This synergy of resort partnerships, artistry, and heritage is what sets the most prestigious Concours apart, making them not only celebrations of automotive excellence but also sophisticated cultural events.

Concours d’Elegance events have evolved into more than just exhibitions of rare and exquisite automobiles; they are immersive experiences that celebrate the intersection of art, design, and luxury.

From the historical significance of Villa d’Este and Pebble Beach to the innovation of modern events like Chantilly and Audrain Newport, each Concours brings a unique blend of heritage and contemporary sophistication.

As these prestigious gatherings continue to inspire automotive enthusiasts worldwide, they remain a testament to the enduring allure of elegance, craftsmanship, and cultural refinement in the world of classic and modern automobiles.

by Bernard Martin

​Hispano-Suiza, Spanish for 'Spanish-Swiss', was founded in 1904 as an automobile manufacturer and eventually had several factories in Spain and France that produced luxury cars, aircraft engines, trucks and weapons. Spaniard Don Damián Mateu, the financier who originally founded Hispano-Suiza with Swiss engineer Marc Birkigt gives the company its name.

In 1923, its French luxury car arm became a semi-autonomous partnership with the Spanish parent company. In 1946, the Spanish parent company sold all of its Spanish automotive assets to Enasa, a Spanish state-owned vehicle manufacturer, and the French arm continued as an independent aviation engine and components manufacturer under the Hispano-Suiza name.

In 1968, Hispano-Suiza was taken over by the aerospace company Snecma, which is now part of the French Safran Group. Hispano Suiza Cars associated with the Peralada Group, owned by the Suqué Mateu family, descendants of one of Hispano-Suiza's original founders, Damián Mateu, relaunched the brand in 2019.

The first owner of the very unique Hispano Suiza Carmen Boulogne, unveiled at The Amelia, in the United States is Michael Fux. The vehicle is fully electric and develops 1,114 hp thanks to the four electric engines it houses on its rear wheels. The car was built in collaboration with QEV Technologies, which is Mahindra Formula E-Racing’s technology development arm. So it's literally got Formula E race car underpinnings.

This unique Hispano Suiza has been painted in “Ocean Song Rose”: a purple tone inspired by the owner's favorite flower, the Ocean Song rose, which he himself sent from Miami to the brand's Design department, so that they could reproduce the same hue on the bodywork of his car. This colour has been created exclusively for their client. All the panels that shape its bodywork are in carbon fiber with a layer of Alutex. This finish is combined with “Birkigt White” color design details that complete its livery.

The distinctive grille with the Hispano Suiza logo is finished in a contrasting high-gloss black. The polished aluminum alloy wheels stand out even more thanks to the accents and the monoblock nuts painted in the same color as the bodywork.

The interior, covered entirely in high-quality Birkigt White leather, contrasts perfectly with the purple tones of the bodywork. The name of the model, Boulogne, is embroidered on the headrests.

Miguel Mateu, Hispano Suiza´s Chairman, stated: “We are very proud to deliver this unique version of the Hispano Suiza Carmen Boulogne to our first client in the United States, and doing so on the occasion of The Amelia allows us to show the world, and especially the American market, what Hispano Suiza can achieve."

​Sergio Campos, CEO of Hispano Suiza, who personally delivered the car to Mr Fux, added: “I would like to thank the whole Hispano Suiza Team and especially our Design team who have done done an excellent job to enable Mr. Fux to drive the car of his dreams”.

Very sorry for the sound quality of our interview with Sergio Campos, CEO of Hispano Suiza. It seems that our microphones where not working correctly and we did our best to clean it up.

by Bernard Martin

I had the distinct pleasure of sitting down with the team of Ralph and Doris Gilles during the 2021 Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance.  

Ralph Gilles is a Canadian-American automobile designer and executive. Gilles was the President and CEO of Chrysler's SRT brand and Senior Vice President of Design at Chrysler before being promoted to Head of Design for Fiat Chrysler Automobiles in April 2015. Following FCA's merger into the Stellantis group in 2021, he became chief design officer for the newly merged company.  

​Doris Gilles manages Ralph as he attests to in the video interview below.
​

​Growing up in the ugly 70's in Montreal Ralph Gilles was caught up in the car bug first by attending Formula One races, which led to building plastic models and then discovering that he had some talent for drawing cars.

Ralph was auto-crossing Volkswagen Corrado's when he started his design career at Chrysler which is where he met his met his wife Doris as the result of an Eagle Talon.  

Doris and Ralph both started at Chrysler right out of college. Doris started going to auto events with Ralph, instead of being home alone on weekends, and found herself doing timing and scoring and then organizing and doing much of the planning for events.  As was said above, Doris manages Ralph and they are very much a team. 

Doris and Ralph talk how they both have spent the last few decades around cars,  racing and concours events, which should give you so nice insight and perspective into what has influenced the current head of design at Stellantis.

Ralph talks about the "Passion points" of the new electric design including the opportunities of having so much room to design without the hinderance of an fuel powered engine taking up so much space. He goes into some detail about how sound is going to be so important at the advent of this new electric era.

According to Ralph, "Every other time you to talk to a car guy they talk about the sound of the engine, the feeling, the guttural thing a car has.  How do we bring some of that? We're employing sound designers and talking to agencies that work for the movie industry... So there are things we can do as designers to influence the experience. Driving an electric car without any of those things would be antiseptic.  Then the whole relationship with you and car is over with, it's just a device. So how do we make an electric car touch your soul, tickle your heartstrings, make you smile when you drive it rear you with "wow I put effort into it" and the car speaks back to me"

Ralph explains some of his design team influences and how he sends them out to Concours and Auto events to learn from the iconic designs of the past so they can integrate them into current design. 

"Lets look at cars 3 to 4 times our cost point. Let's look at the best vintage cars that tug our souls. That's what we did." ~ Ralph Gilles, Chief design Officer, Stellantis

​Check out the video below!

Mark Hyman sits down with Wayne Long to discuss his family's automotive history, how he became a collector. You also get to learn about how growing up in the automotive collector world influenced Mark's daughters professionally.

Mark is the founder of Hyman Ltd. Hyman Ltd searches the world to seek out and acquire rare and unusual cars of exceptional quality. Their clientele consists of collectors, museums, and enthusiasts throughout the world who come to them for assistance in buying, selling, and in refining their automotive collections. Their extensive inventory – typically exceeding 200 vehicles — caters to many segments of the collector car industry.

Whether your interest is in a Pebble Beach Concours winner, an automotive investment or a weekend driver, Hyman Ltd has become one of the premier automotive collectors and brokers in the world.
​

Erica Hyman, Mark's oldest daughter, founded Hyer Media, a digital marketing agency based in St. Louis, Missouri, in 2020. Hyer Media specializes in SEO, content marketing, and social media marketing. ​Erica has always had a flair for design starting from early childhood with her appreciation of automotive art deco.

According to Erica "I've been extremely passionate about marketing, advertising, and social media for my whole life. I've been documenting my life since I was a kid. I knew I needed to turn my passion for marketing into a living. Now I not only advertise my life, but I also help the community and others. Days don't feel like work helping others bring their visions to life."

Brooke Hyman. Mark's youngest daughter, founded Brooke Hyman Fine Jewelry, a luxury jewelry brand in 2018.

​Infatuated by colorful gemstones, diamonds and playing “dress up”, Brooke pulls inspiration from her nostalgic memories, to curate and design custom one-of-a-kind everlasting treasures.

​From earrings to necklaces and pendants to rings, Brooke Hyman Fine Jewelry reflects a vibrant modern aesthetic and pristine craftsmanship paired with passion and playful sophistication.

​Tom Bungay talks about some local Jacksonville History and one of the original cars built at the Ford plant on display at The Brumos Collection Museum.

Opened in 1924, Ford Motor Company Assembly Plant in Jacksonville Florida was designed by internationally recognized industrial architect Albert Kahn. The 165,000-sqaure foot assembly plant remained in operation until the late 1960's. It's was known for having a pair of 800' skylight panels that provide natural light into the industrial plant below. At one point, Ford employed over 800 workers who spent their time manufacturing 200 Model-T and Model A cars and trucks a day. 

The Brumos Collection Museum is building was designed to emulate the historic Model T plant. This very unique unrestored Model T was built in the Jacksonville plant and remained in the Jacksonville area it's entire life with the original owner family! Tom tells a great story about acquiring the car and it's very fast journey to grace the entrance of the Brumos Collection.  

​It's truly a wonderful way to to be welcomed to the Brumos Collection.

by Bernard Martin

A testament to the adaptability of the Fiat 500 platform, this apparently homebuilt homage to coachbuilder Giannini’s Camioncino (translation: pickup truck) is itself based on the Fiat 500K Giardiniera (wagon). As in the Giardiniera, the rear mounted, air-cooled engine is laid down under the bed to allow for aflat load floor.

​Many of Giannini’s trucks were put into service as city service vehicles throughout Italy. Original Camioncinos had slatted sides surrounding the bed to maximize cargo capacity. Our replica has a snap-on cover to conceal the up to 400kg (880 pound) payload.

Little is known about French inventor Hippolyte Delimal. But in 1936 he attempted to create the world's smallest car, which reached a speed of 24 mph and touted fuel economy of 118 mpg. He affectionately named it Le Carabe, or the “Ground Beetle”.

His vision and enthusiasm could be seen in a completely intact, hand-written, hand-drawn, 63 page manuscript he left behind. The found booklet details his trials and tribulations of building the car. Most remarkably, it contains detailed instructions, complete with dimensional schematics that rival anything out of Popular Mechanics from years past. This is fitting because, according to this arduous account, Delimal stated what he wanted most was for the everyday person to build and drive his Le Carabe. In neat penmanship, he wrote the vehicle was, “…designed specifically for amateur construction. No special tools or machines.”

In materials alone, Le Crarabe could be built for around 450 Francs (about 4% the cost of a new car at the time). He repurposed a Motobécane 175cc single cylinder two-stroke engine of the time and coupled it with a light wooden body. “Plywood is the sheetmetal of the carpenter.

​The body should be light and very strong.” For steering, he fitted old bicycle handlebars and a telescopic fork. He also reused bicycle sprockets and rear hubs, motorcycle drum brakes, and he even suggests filling the empty space of the body sides with cotton to keep the feet warm during the cold winter.