A 1931 Cadillac 452A was chosen as this year’s Best of Show at the 28th annual Greenwich Concours d’Elegance and the George Barris-built 1957 Chevrolet 210 “El Capitola” was chosen as Best of Show at the Concours de Sport. The event took place May 31-June 2.
“The custom, Barris-designed 1957 Chevrolet 210 and elegant 1931 Cadillac 452A celebrate not only the quality of cars in the region, but the diversity of cars as well. We are tremendously grateful for the support of our partners, sponsors, volunteers, judges and attendees,” said McKeel Hagerty, CEO of Hagerty.
The Best of Show Concours d’Elegance was awarded to the 1931 Cadillac 452A owned by Leigh Brent. This car was formerly part of the renowned Charles Gillet Collection and is among the final cars built by Fleetwood in Pennsylvania. It is 1-of-4 All-Weather Phaetons known to survive. Designers dubbed this an All-Weather Phaeton as it featured roll-up side glass in lieu of the side curtains found in a standard four-door example. It is equipped with rear division enabling it to be chauffeur-driven.
The Best of Show Concours de Sport was awarded to the 1957 Chevrolet 210 owned by Tim McMann. El Capitola was commissioned by Don Fletcher in 1957 with design and execution by Sam Barris in 1957-58 and the interior, paint and glass by Barris Kustom City in 1958. The body was chopped three inches in front; 5 inches in the rear; the door posts removed, the side glass butt-fitted, the body nosed, decked and shaved, and the front fenders were reshaped and peaked.
In total, 630 pounds of lead were added to style the car. The interior installed by Eddie Martinez in 1958 remains original and includes four swiveling bucket seats and a free-standing television. It is powered by the original, though extensively chromed, 265cid V-8 with three-speed column shift.
On June 1 the Concours de Sport and Concours d’Elegance the following day each featured over 120 cars in 18 judged classes.
Esteemed contemporary architect Steven Harris served in the honorary role of Grand Marshal while a slate of expert judges, including a group of 24 youth judges, focused on design, style and elegance while selecting this year’s winners.
