2004 Concours in Ault Park Wrap-up Report

By Irvin Jaffe, Editor-Collector and Exotic Vehicles

WOW. Not wow, but WOW.

The Cincinnati Athritis Foundation's 27th Annual Concours d'Elegence had it all. Supercars of the past like Daytona, Ghibili SS, Alfa Zagato, and Espada; muscle cars of all types; racing cars like Mirage, Porsche 906s, Ferrari 206SP, and a Ferrari GTO were all there. Contemporary cars like Enzo, Carrera GT and Phantom, and just some plain undefineable cars like the D Production Chevy Corvair Yenko Stinger racer. All on a gorgeous hot summer day. Life is good - real, real good!

Great cars everywhere. And some, truly out of this world fabulous. Corrals of Maseratis, Ferraris, Lamborghinis, Porsches, and others. Cadillac, the featured marque, was there with their new XLR and CTS-V, while the Maserati dealer had a new Quatroporte.

Yet, this was a family event. I saw a lot more strollers than automotive experts. In spite of scheduled thunderstorms, everyone was having fun, enjoying a beautiful summer day, and supporting the Cincinnati Arthritis Foundation. While the crowd seemed a little down from previous years, the line for refreshments was 25 minutes long. I opted for a frozen cheesecake on a stick as there was no wait.

Okay, let's name some names. 1957 Cadillac Eldorado Brougham four door hardtop - fire engine red with brushed stainless steel top and white leather interior. Rear suicide doors. $13,000+ 1957 dollars when new. Or, how about a 1954 Cadillac Pinin Farina two-seater convertible with the deepest blue paint I have ever seen. Both Cadillacs were breathtaking and cleaner than when new from the factory. You may not be a Cadillac fan but boy were these cars... well, breathtaking, screaming "cold war" or what the future was to hold for some Americans.

Talbot 1938 T23 Fagoni and Falachi Teardrop Coupe. The car was beyond beautiful and the attention to detail was fabulous - just witness either the perfectly aligned slots on the exposed chrome screw heads located on the interior door or the bevelled window glass in the doors. Or, how about a 1936 Bugatti Type 57SC Atlantic. While not in concours or even great condition, the 2 to three inch exterior riveted seams along the entire central section of the car and center of the front and rear fenders ran opposite to it's beautiful and elegant body. Fitted Louis Vitton luggage behind the two seats. And, what's with the six tiny exhaust pipes the thickness of your finger?

Finally, a 1962 Lemans run, perfect Ferrari 250 GTO Prototipo as new and unmarked. Real and valued at $6,000,000. This car was getting little to no attention by the crowd. Perhaps many, like me, thought it a fake. Not so said Dave Sheehey, the Car Selection Chairman.

Great cars every one. Owned and meticulously cared for by individuals with unlimited time and perhaps money. Kind of makes me want to at least wash my GTI.

More Coverage 2004 Ault Park Concours

Coverage Team
Irvin Jaffe, Collector and Exotic Vehicle Editor
Bill Rubenstein Sr.Reporter
Loren Miller Reporter
Brian Miller Reporter
Rick Jenkins Reporter