Carmel’s 2016 Concours on the Avenue
- Images by Shawn Glad
The Carmel-By-The-Sea Concours on the Avenue, held on Tuesday, August 16, brought together an impressive collection of over 175 cars from around the globe, showcasing a diverse array of vehicles featuring multi-marques 1940-1973, Porsche through all years, and Ferrari through 1989. The event was emceed by Donald Osborne, a renowned classic car historian, author, consultant, and writer, known for his extensive knowledge and passion for automotive history. His expertise added a rich layer of commentary and insight to the event, engaging attendees with stories and facts about the cars on display.
Among the cars were a 1965 Ferrari 275 GTB, which clinched the Best of Show award. The 1958 BMW 507, a rare and sought-after model, won the Continental Cup. Not to be overlooked, a 1951 Tempo Matador received the Ocean Avenue Motor Club Award, celebrated for embodying the event’s fun factor with its unique and quirky design, a reminder of the diverse appeal of classic vehicles.
This 1958 BMW 507, owned by Thomas Pesikey of Wilmington, Delaware, is an excellent representation of a post-World War II Grand Tourer. Admired by emcee Donald Osborne, this 507 Roadster received the “Robert J. Richards Continental Cup” award for the automobile that best represents post-World War II Continental excellence.
This year’s concours included two distinguished figures in the automotive world. Alain de Cadenet brings a wealth of experience and insight from his participation in 15 editions of the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans which included a podium finish and third place in 1976. Alongside him, Barry Meguiar, the face behind the globally recognized Meguiar’s car care products, lends his extensive knowledge of automotive aesthetics and preservation.
This 1965 Ferrari 275 GTB is owned by Mike and Jo Heffernan and was honored with two prestigious awards. It received the “Dennis A. Levett Best of Show Award,” a unanimous selection by the Chief Class Judges from among the First in Class winners. Additionally, it was awarded the “Tom and Virginia Jennaro Ferrari Cup,” recognizing it as the standout Ferrari chosen by the Chief Class Judges.
This 1962 Jaguar XKE Coupe is owned by Michael Doyle. There were plenty of race cars on the Avenue this year but this XKE captured a significant share of the attention.
Chassis: 885334
This 1967 Porsche 911 was campaigned in Trans-Am and FIA throughout the 1960s and 1970s by Herbert ‘Bert’ Everett. It is distinguished as one of three race cars specifically constructed by Porsche for participation in the Trans-Am series in the United States and still wears unique features influenced by Bert, including the Aga Blue color, red pin striping on the body panels, and the number 14.
Chassis: 308050
This 1965 Lola T70 MK II, owned by Johan Woerheide of Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, was the second Mk2 T70 constructed. It was initially acquired by John Mecom for John Surtees’ 1966 Can-Am season and had made an immediate impact by securing the pole position and winning the very first Can-Am race. Unfortunately, in the subsequent race, an incident involving Parnelli Jones forced Surtees to retire early from the event. Consequently, Surtees opted for a newer model for the remainder of his Can-Am campaign. Presently, this Lola T70 MK II is displayed in its Mont Tremblant winning configuration.
Chassis: SL71/17
This 1935 Miller Ford V-8 Special Indy Car is one of ten cars built for the Indianapolis 500 under the guidance of the legendary Harry Miller. It is powered by a 220 CI Ford flathead V-8 engine and equipped with a 2-speed manual transmission. Notably, it was among the early adopters of a front-wheel drive configuration.
This 1968 Porsche 911 S was raced extensively by Bruce R. Jennings Sr. in the Trans-Am, IMSA, and SCCA circuits during its era. Jennings was its sole owner from its initial purchase until his passing in 1995. Today, this Porsche remains in the same configuration as it was raced by Jennings and is owned by Phil Bagley of North Palm Beach, Florida.
This 1970 Porsche 911 ST is owned by Kevin Buckley. The ST variant was a limited production model. Significant differences from the ‘standard’ 911 included lightweight construction, a highly tuned 2.0L or 2.4L engine configuration, and widened wheel arches to accommodate 7 inch front and 9 inch rear wheels.
Chassis: 9110100578
The 1968 BMW 1600 GT, owned by Elliott Schnakenberg, blends Italian design with German engineering. Originally stemming from the Glas Typ 04 1300 GT, designed by Pietro Frua in Turin, this model underwent significant re-engineering to incorporate BMW’s technological advancements including the integration of a Neue Klasse BMW 1600 motor and rear axle. This enhanced the vehicle’s capabilities but also marked the transition of Glas under BMW’s stewardship.
This 1932 Ford 3-Window Coupe, owned by Bruce Meyer, was built by Larry Roller of Owasso, Oklahoma. It maintains an original Ford body but has been modified with a chopped roof. The chassis is sourced from Rolling Bones Hot Rod Shop and features a drilled front axle and a Winters quick-change rear axle. Powering the car is a Carbone Racing Chevy 327 engine, paired with a Richmond T10 4-speed transmission. This is a Hot Rod!
This 1967 Porsche 911S Coupe was initially raced in the SCCA C-Production/B-Sedan by T. King Hedinger. Throughout the late 1960s and early 1970s, it made its presence known having competed in over 40 races across the SCCA Central Division and the Midwest. After briefly serving as a street car, Ara Dube acquired it in 1976, and returned it to competition, including a notable performance at the 1978 Daytona 24 Hours. The car has continued its racing legacy under subsequent owners, including Bill Ferran, who raced it at vintage events like Rennsport III and IV.
Chassis: 308505
The 1956 Porsche 356 Pre A, owned by Ron Goodman from Sydney, Australia, was awarded this year’s “Barry Rilliet Laguna Seca Award.” This award is given to the entry that most vividly embodies the spirit of Laguna Seca. Modified with a 1.6L motor built by Outlaw Engineering Australia, this Porsche 356 Pre A has garnered multiple recognitions, including being a Dana Point Concourse Winner and Porsche Concourse Australia Winner. Additionally, it holds lap records at SMP and Wakefield in Australia.
This 1964 Plymouth Belvedere Hardtop Lightweight is owned by Rick Smith. It was awarded the “Chamber of Commerce Trans Atlantic Pacific Cup,” an award that highlights a vehicle’s embodiment of speed, whether it be in straight-line acceleration, track performance, or street driving. Notably, this Belvedere is one of only seven equipped with the special-order Aluminum Package, featuring lightweight components such as front fenders and bumper, hood, and paired with a 425hp Stage III Superstock 426ci engine. What a great example of American muscle.
Chassis: 3241170367
This 1951 Tempo Matador is owned by Erik and Jannie Ouwersloot. It was awarded the “Sam Garrett Ocean Avenue Motor Club Award” which recognizes vehicles that embody an intangible “fun factor,” a quality that the Tempo Matador has ‘in spades’ through its distinctive design and heritage.
Originating from the Hamburg-based company founded in 1924 by Oscar Vidal, the Matador was among the first light commercial vehicles (LCV) introduced in 1949, equipped with a Volkswagen air-cooled, 1100cc flat-4 engine and a ZF gearbox. The production of the Matador was short-lived, ceasing after only 1,362 units due to VW’s introduction of the Type 2 Transporter. Despite a diverse range of models and international manufacturing partnerships, Tempo’s legacy concluded in 1977 when it was absorbed by Daimler-Benz AG. This particular Matador, discovered in Belgium and previously serving a community co-op, underwent a three-year restoration to bring it back to its former glory, reflecting both its utilitarian roots and the playful spirit it represents.