2024 LAS VEGAS CONCOURS

The Las Vegas Concours is a celebration of color, history and automotive refinement, where each of the 30 vehicles featured on this page tells a story of glamour, imaginary madness and sophistication.

The judging of the concours vehicles is done before the opening to the public at 10:00, giving time and space to do so in a suitable manner.

Here are the models participating in the pre-war car judgment classes with original look for some and/or modified for others.

CLASSE A

American VEHICLES 1941 and EARLIER - THE art deco YEARS

In this prestigious class, the Las Vegas Concours is honoured to present the best of the best of American cars from before the involvement of the United States in the Second World War in 1941.

Among these jewels, there was the greatest emblematic brands of the late 1920s such as Packard, which is most represented in this class of the competition, Duesenberg, Cadillac, Desoto and Ford, with its more luxurious small Model A.

It is in this chic automobile herd that the recipient of the "Best of Show" prize before the war is located.

I’ll let you guess which one!

1929 Packard 645 Dual Cowl PhaEton

Restored to its original orange color with brown mudguards when sold new, this Packard 645 is an example of luxurious American design of the time. The car was offered in 3 body styles.

Under its hood, there is an 8-cylinder engine in line of 105 horsepower for a maximum speed of 80 mph (128 km/h). At the base of the large front grille, 2 directional headlights are installed according to the movement of the front wheels.

This car is the only surviving example of 2 built of this model by Weymann coachbuilding. It was Gordon Buehrig, the future designer of Cord who created this car whose rear ends in a boat tip. The Speedster was mounted on a shortened chassis.

Under its orange and black hood, which has become a true colour signature of the manufacturer, sits an 8-cylinder in-line 6.9-litre engine, developing an impressive power of 265 hp. This power announces, with anticipation, the performances of hot rods that will dominate the automotive scene a decade or more later.

Note the rounded fenders ahead of its time, the absence of step and door handles presents future specifications hot rods of the 1940s and 1950s.

This 1931 Cadillac, built by Hubbart & Darrin, was used by the US embassy in Paris. The car has a windscreen in 2 separate sections at the center. 2 low-mounted headlights are synchronized to follow the front wheels when they turn.

Under the side-opening hood, there is an 8-cylinder in-line engine. Its 2-tone brown leather interior is enhanced by exotic boisierie also in 2 tones. Inlay appliqués are used to make the different corner patterns.

Since the 1980s, the Cadillac has won prestigious awards at various competitions including a first class prize in Pebble Beach.

The Model A Deluxe Phaeton presented to the concours is one of the 2229 units of this version assembled in 1931. The Deluxe Phaeton was produced for a period of 2 years, 1930 and 1931 being the most expensive version available.

Being a mass car, the Model A carried a 3.3-litre 4-cylinder engine with an output of 40 horsepower. Launched in 2010, the car has been upgraded from a red body to a “Washington Blue” with accents of “Riviera Blue”. Its black mudguards visually enhance the car.

An interesting fact to know, Ford will build its Model A’s in 17 assembly plants in the US, which has helped sell more than 4 million units in 21 body types over a period of 4 years.

The main feature of this Duesenberg also designed by Gordon Buehrig is the aluminum body that was commissioned by Daniel Peterkin, first owner and president of Morton Salt of Chicago.

The Duesenberg Model J by Weymann features a 2-tone black and silver pattern. Chrome-plated wheel covers replace the standard pin wheels.

The power of its 6.9-litre engine is 265 horsepower, which allows this lightweight car to be moved well at a maximum speed of 116 mph (187 km/h ). Its restoration was undertaken in 2005.

The Nethercutt Collection bought in 1966 the Packard 1109, which had been abandoned in Utha for several decades. It is said that this car was first owned by Clark Gable but this has never been proven.

Painted in “Hussy Red”, a vintage colour at Packard, this car is one of 5 products and one of 4 known in existence today. Under its metallic red hood is a 445 cubic inch V12 engine with 160 hp.

The superb Packard 1109 Twelve Le Baron Phaeton has been the recipient of several awards in some Concours d'Élégance events since its restoration.

Restored in 2010, this car will make its first wheel turns to the service of the president of Uruguay in 1934. Red with a silver band, the Packard offers a great look.

The spare wheels, integrated into the front fenders and covered with an elegant metallic fairing to match the body, add a presidential touch to its distinguished look.

It will be purchased by Denis Sobieski, a renowned restaurant owner in the Chicago area and will be restored to its original specifications from 2010.

It is a one-off car that was presented in the form of this Packard 120B by Victoria Lebaron, and was ordered new by the president of the American Tobacco Company.

Under its hood hides an 8-cylinder in-line 282 cubic inch engine with a power of 120 horsepower coupled to a 3-gear manual transmission. The caramel-coloured interior of the car is made of brown and beige leather, which blends well with the exterior colour.

The body, made of aluminum to lighten the car according to the buyer’s wishes, demonstrates a concern for performance and innovation. This car has been carefully restored by the renowned RM Auto Restauration workshop.

In 1934, Chrysler unveiled the Airflow at the New York Auto Show, whose reactions to the proposed innovations were enthusiastic. An Airflow reduced in size and motorisation will be entrusted to Desoto, a lower brand in the range. 1936 was the last year of this Desoto Airflow III which was restored in 2019 by John Boyd.

In the interior, passengers have more space in the front due to the increased width of the cockpit. In the rear, there is more legroom thanks to a back seat position than was previously possible. Its colour paint “Autumn Gold Polychrome” demonstrates the advances of metallic paints, although this colour was applied during its restoration.

The longer Airflow from Chrysler will have a better perception of a luxury car than the Airflow from Desoto considered too greasy. Problems with assembly and delivery delays will put an end to the career of Airflow.

Purchased new by the California National Guard officer, this superb unit of the Twelve has been meticulously maintained by its second and current owner.

Under the hood is a V12 engine nicknamed "Twin Six". Its displacement was increased to 7.8 liters in 1935 and its power rises to 175 horsepower. In 1939 the front fenders are more enveloping as shown by the photo of the spare tires, where only the upper half is visible.

Its dark blue body is between cut from sky blue side area, and a black vinyl roof area. This is a brown leather interior found on this Packard. It has also been a favourite of the competitions winning numerous prizes since its restoration.

Restored in 2014 by The Academie of Art Automobile Collection, this rare 1941 Cadillac Serie 62 (1 of 60 in existence) is painted in a colour called “Dusty Grey”.

This 1941 generation of Cadillac was redesigned by Harley Earl with the particularity of having a more uniform rectangular front grille. The front fenders were beginning to merge with the main body at this time.

Under the hood of this 62 series is a V8 346-inch engine with a power of 150 horsepower coupled to a manual transmission with 3 gears. Its red leather interior contrasts well with its body color.

CLASSE C

1939 BRITISH CARS and earlier years

This is 2 of 4 of the present registered British luxury cars from 1920 to 1941 that will have taken the stage of the C-class with timeless grace. Cars over 1940 of this class can be seen on the post war page.

On the luxurious golf course, these wonders of engineering and design shine in the eyes of admirers. Under the sun of Las Vegas, these car icons shine, symbolizing a golden age gone but never forgotten.

1933 Rolls-Royce Phantom II TRANSFORMABLE TOURER

This car is a class winner of the legendary Pebble Beach Concours d'Élégance shown here. This Rolls Royce has the particularity of having undergone a body change in 1937 by J.S. Inskip, the brand’s distributor in New York.

The Hibbard and Darrin body shop will be a turning point for the firm, offering some solutions developed for other customers. The car was restored by Jeff McDonald in 2012 and will be spread over a period of 8 years.

Under its body hides a 6-cylinder engine in line with a power of 120 horses driving the car at a maximum speed of 92 mph (148 km/h).

It is a rare car whose restoration by Henry and Gale Petronis took 14 years and is considered the only Bugatti Type 46S to have the supercharging system that is said to be also ultra rare on other models. The Type 46 was developed by Bugatti to be the link between the smaller Type 40 and the Royal, whose rims and radiator figurine it incorporates.

The 46S is one of Bugatti 46 cars produced of this model. It is said that this unit of the Type 46 nicknamed the "Petite Royale" is the only survivor of its production. The original cream-painted car with dark blue mudguards will see its body go red and has a green and black color since its most recent restoration in 2015.

A beige leather interior adds contrast to the car. Elegant wood trim will grace the top of the doors, instrument panel and windshield interior upper frame, adding a touch of refinement and sophistication to the cabin. Note that 2 spare tires are installed at the back of the car, allowing access to the engine.

This Talbot-Lago is a very nice car, an emblem of French "savoir-faire" in automotive bodywork design. This T120 has been designed by Joseph Figoni. The car received good press reviews during its world premiere at the Paris Auto Show, which took place under the glass ceiling of the fabulous Grand Palais.

The car, restored by the prestigious Brandone body shop, features an elegant black body, enhanced by a luxurious red leather interior. Under the hood is a 3-litre 6-cylinder engine in line producing a power of 90 horsepower for a maximum speed of 90 mph (144 km/h).

Its red leather 2-seater interior was very distinctive with 7-strip embossed parrallel seat bands. Exotic woodwork additions embellish the interior on the top of the doors and on the dashboard.

The car is driving on spindle rims with small wheel caps wrapped in white-flanked tires. The car was at its first trial in the Las Vegas Concours.

Another concours car star, this Delahaye was presented at the Geneva Motor Show in 1947. The show has already had a reputation for being the one of automobile bodyworks designers, and this 135M, 1 of 3 designed by Alphonse Guilloré, is a good example.

The car was sold new to a French businessman living in Rouen, France. A restoration of this car by Concept et Restauration will have taken 2 years to be realized. Notice the aluminum wheel covers are installed instead of the traditional painted spindle wheels on this car.

Its mauve body color is enhanced by a narrow grey side thin band which is itself embellished with a thin chrome strip installed in the center. Its medium tone brown chic leather interior is decorated with fine wood trim on the top of the doors, and on the dashboard. A set of suitcases in the same interior colours is stored at the back of the seats.

Ready to go on a trip on the coastal road of California.

Crowned “Best of Show” at the Amelia Island Concours d'Élégance in 2024 after a sublime restoration, this version Narval Cabriolet of the Delahaye 135 MS is one of 7 build.

This will be one of the most spectacular post-war achievements by the duo Figoni and Falaschi, whose forward and rear vertical wing inspiration would come from the beluga. Some chromed double-tubing bumpers are also part of the car specific design elements. The 3-spoke steering wheel in transparent hard plastic is a trademark of the Delahaye of this time.

A 3.6-litre in-line six-cylinder engine produced 125 horsepower. A 4-speed manual transmission was operated by a gear lever mounted on the steering column. The maximum speed that the car could reach was 100 mph (160 km/h).

A silver-coloured 135MS Narval Cabriolet saw its world premiere on the parquet floor of the Paris auto show in 1947. Imagine the glass ceiling of the Grand Palais de Paris reflecting on such a bodywork. Its body color is the same as originally, which proves that the use of metallic paint in the 1940s was pendent on luxury cars.

CLASSE I

RESTOMODS AND HOT RODS

In this category of the Las Vegas Concours d'Elegance, I had the pleasure to discover 5 of the most beautiful hot rods and a typical American restomods, made with exceptional mastery. The model years start from 1935 until 1959.

Some of these cars have been awarded prestigious high class awards at events organized by Goodguys, the Grand National Roadsters Show, to demonstrate their excellence and admiration.

Place to the custom extraordinary!

1935 Ford 3-Window CUSTOM Coupe

This is a black, rounded Ford vehicle that was presented by the Coit Collection of Dallas, Texas. Her traditional look has made the imagination of visitors to the Las Vegas concours travel years through her eyes.

Its vintage look pin wheels brings back to the roots of the hot rods traditions of the 1940’s and 1950’s in vogue in California. The medium brown interior adds a nice touch of contrasting colour to the vehicle while retaining its vintage look.

The seat belts are elegantly placed on the seats and look like they were taken straight from a fighter cockpit of World War II. Under the hood hides a vintage flathead engine as Ford produced at the time.

A Ford engine in a Ford car, there is nothing better for this grandfather of the class I.

With a production of only 15 units of this model, it took luck for the owner to get his hands on one. Hupomobile, the car manufacturer will close shortly after the production of these 15 2-seater coupes.

The beautiful light metallic grey green body was designed by Raymond Loewy, the future designer of Studbacker. The beige leather interior contrasts well with the exterior. It is a modern engine in the style of a GM LS that sits under its hood.

The 5-stick, all chrome embossed vintage style rims add to the allure of this 2-seater coupe. Vintage style and modern performance, it is a hot rods/restomod trend that is appreciated by the viewers of this class of judgment in the concours.

A realization of Troy Ladd from Hollywood Hot Rods and Eric Black from Black Design that this color Packard "Mulholland Merlot" from PPG. It took 7 years of work to complete using old-style body-making techniques whose original car was in very poor condition.

The inspiration for this car comes from the luxury models of the British, French and American 30’s. A DuVall 2-section windshield has been installed on the car. A hard aluminium roof retracts mechanically at the press of a button in the rear trunk, just like the Ford Fairlane from 1957 to 1959.

The car rides on 16-inch Wheelsmith steel wheels finished in satin "Candy Gold" crossed by 2 circular chrome strips, all dressed with white Firestone sidewall tires from Coker Tires.

It’s a 1941 Lincoln Zephyr V12 Flathead engine that powers the car, making it a perfect match.

The car is the only one to have received the following 2 awards during 2 presentations:
• "America’s most beautiful roadster award" from the Grand National Roadsters Show in 2017
• "World’s most beautiful custom award" from the Motorama of Sacramanto in 2017

At the first "Grand National Truck Show" in 2023, the truck built by South City Rod & Custom received the "World’s Most Beautiful Truck Award", which is a great honor for this vehicle with a traditional look. The award is accompanied by a grant of US$12,500.

Under the hood of this Ford is... a small block V8 383 engine with vintage look embellished by Semding producing power of 450 horsepower. The truck is mounted on a modified chassis created by Scott’s Hotrods n' Custom. The floor of the rear box is covered with varnished walnut. The truck is on 15-inch wheels, fitted with white Coker tires and Cadillac sombrero type wheel caps.

Its exclusive body color called "Ornament Green" is a creation of Compani Color. The story says it’s on a newly purchased Christmas decoration the color was found. Dark brown leather interior with a luxurious fabric matches the dashboard of a 1940 Ford Deluxe. And what about the cream white steering wheel inherited from a Ford Crestliner? A real beauty.

The truck’s pace was influenced by different periods of time in vehicle sections from the 1940s to the 1960s. The 1940 Ford was also awarded the "Goodguys 2023 Scotts Hotrods Truck of the Year" award, a great harvest in one year!

Purchased in 2013 by the current owner, the Impala Steve Cook Creations has been treated like a road princess of the past. The design of the elongated body, the back patterns in bird wings spread out make it an ideal candidate to create a restomod with a look as hell.

The height of the front wheel opening has been raised to the side chrome strip. The bumpers have been simplified and brought closer to the body which is covered with a Porsche color called "Adventure Green" provided by BASF.

In this first year of exhibition, the car received its share of awards, some of which are identified by stickers on the windscreen including the "Slonaker Award" from the Grand National Roadsters Show and the Goodguys "Vintage Air Custom Rod of the Year" in 2024.

Under the hood hides a 416 cubic inch LS3 engine whose valve covers resemble those of the 409 engine. Topped with a Magnuson boost system, the engine is capable of an output of 800 horsepower. Custom Curtis Speed wheels are fitted with BF Goodrich tires.

CLASSE N

EXCLUSIVE AND UNIQUE VINTAGE VEHICLES ON DISPLAY

In this Las Vegas Concours class of judgement, you will discover 8 cars from before 1955, presented in their original appearance or customised with meticulous care.

These unique vehicles come from a variety of origins and offer a variety of models, inspired by the glorious world of motor racing of the past.

Some have been used to set records, others have shown at motor shows as true stars or prototypes, and finally, some are new creations born from the ingenious and creative spirit of their designer.

1929 Bentley Birkin Blower

Built in 2021 as a small continuation series production (#2/12 built), this Bentley reproduces the exact specifications of the car driven by Tim Birkin during the 24 hours of Le Mans in 1929.

The original car that was used to create the continuation models has been dismantled and digitized in 3D in order to reproduce in exact detail the parts of the master car.

Its 4.5-litre supercharged engine has a power of 240 horsepower that can reach 125 mph (200 km/h). The 12-unit quantity refers to the 12 races that all 4 of the Bentley 4 1/2 Blower were entered into in 1929.

1 out of 13 built, this Talbot-Lago by Figoni & Falaschi is a masterpiece of automotive bodywork design of the 1930s with its glass roof and windshield in 2 sections of rare elegance.

The T150S Tear Drop mounted on a lowered race car chassis was presented in world premiere at the auto show of Paris under the glass roof of the Grand Palais. Followed by its North American premiere at the New York Auto Show in 1937. A 150S Tear Drop will finish 3rd at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1938, proving its agility and performance on circuit.

Under the hood is a 140 horsepower 4-cylinder engine coupled with a 4-speed manual gearbox, which can propel the car to a maximum speed of 115.0 mph (185 km/h).

Bought by Peter Mullin in 1985, the car will be restored suddenly. She has won more than one award of excellence in various competitions since, including the "Best of Show" award at Pebble Beach Concours of Élégance in 1998.

Built for racing driver André Dubonnet in 1938, this car is a unique model demonstrating the manufacturer’s expertise. The name Xenia refers to the wife of Mr. Dubonnet who died in 1936.

The bodywork of the H6B was installed on the longest available chassis, is a creation of the French coachbuilder Saoutchik. The car is powered by an 8-litre 6-cylinder in-line engine with 160 horsepower and a maximum speed of 110 mph (177 km/h).

The design of the car created by Jean-Edward Audreau is inspired by aviation for the glass and by art deco for the rest of the bodywork. The doors open with a slightly sliding movement towards the back. The rear has a water-drop finish and the rear wheels are covered to improve the car’s aerodynamics as tested on speed record cars 10 years earlier.

The car was awarded in 2000 with the first prize award of its class at Pebble Beach Concours and with the "Best of Show" award at Amelia Island. I had the opportunity to see this car for the first time at the Meadow Brook Concours d'Élégance in 2001.

Freshly restored in 2024 by Custom Auto Service, this Packard 180 Super Eight in “Ural Green” colour fully complies with its original specifications.

The 180 was the top of the range car at Packard available in 5 body styles. Air conditioning and power windows were offered for the first time on a production car, and it's the Packard 180.

In 1940, the Packard 180 Super Eight was celebrated as the most powerful car, boasting an inline 8-cylinder engine with 356 cubic inches of displacement and delivering an impressive 180 hp.