A “Sneak Peek” Of The Upcoming 2023 Concours d’Elegance Event

Under soothing blue summer skies, the Georgia Concours d’Elegance team treated car aficionados in Atlanta to a rare “sneak peek.” If the goal of this teaser event was to prime the pump for the upcoming Spring 2023 main event, they certainly succeeded.

This event showcased 25 carefully curated examples of automotive design and passion. The hand-selected field ran the gamut of eras, country of origin, and purpose.

The tree-lined Peachtree Corners Festival provided a natural backdrop for all of this engineered beauty on display. Energy pulsed through the show with non-stop live music and the clamor of crowds milling about the vendor-lined street.

Taking a moment to take it all in, you couldn’t be faulted in wondering if the troika of visionaries Jules Huemann, Reverend Paul Woundenberg, and Loren Tron started the 1950 Pebble Beach Concours this way.

All ambitious projects of this significance start with imagination and vision and ultimately come to fruition through dogged labor and sweat of the brow. If that’s true, we may look back to this July 3rd teaser event as the jumping-off point.

Competition Of Elegance

While the Concours brought out devoted automobile connoisseurs, many in attendance were merely intrigued by the various designs.

And while you don’t have to understand the phrase “Concours d’Elegance” to appreciate the vehicles, you need a working knowledge of its meaning to understand the event’s significance.

As you would surmise, the phrase Concours d’Elegance is French in origin. Translated, it means a “competition of elegance” and dates back to 17th-century France.

At the time, aristocrats paraded horse-drawn carriages in the parks of Paris during the summer weekends and holidays. However, as the years passed, the carriages became horseless, and the gatherings eventually became a competition among owners based on the vehicle’s appearance.

Some research reveals the oldest still in existence is the Concours Concorso d.Eleganza Villa d’Este which started in Spetember 1929. The annual event is held in Cernobbio on Lake Como in Italy.

On this side of the pond, our North American history starts on November 5th, 1950, at the Pebble Beach Golf Links in Monterey, California. Initially, this “contest of beauty” celebrated not only automobiles but women’s fashions and food.

The judging at the time was entirely subjective, hence the term “French judging,” which is still considered by many to be true Concours judging.

Before the pandemic, the Monterey Car Week in Monterey, California, attracted over 15,000 enthusiasts a year and donated millions to local charities.

Ben Hill Pharmacy Gives Back

Concours events often work closely with local community charities to improve the lives of those in need. In addition, businesses and prominent civic leaders often step up to lend their support in a myriad of ways.

One very gracious and prominent benefactor for today’s event was Thomas and Caroline Sao Jusu. This generous couple provided a delicious hot lunch for attendees through the sponsorship of a food truck.

In addition, they also provided memorable trophies for the closing ceremonies. But, beyond the financial contributions, they epitomized graciousness and genuine caring, a hallmark trait of Concours participants.

Thomas’s devotion to the community also extends to the physical health of those in need. As a licensed pharmacist, Thomas and his Ben Hill Pharmacy dispense prescription medications to patients and conduct health and wellness screenings.

They also provide immunizations, oversee the medications given to patients, and advise on healthy lifestyles. From their location on 3740 Campbelton Road SW, Atlanta, they work daily to improve the lives of those in need.

Talented Team

Delivering a successful Concours d’Elegance takes a talented team all pulling in unison toward the same goal. Aaron Spaulding, Chairman of the event, has that team in place.

Whether it was passing out chilled water, directions, or event knowledge, they were there to ensure everyone enjoyed the festivities. In addition to Ben Hill Pharmacy, other sponsors were on board.

One of which turned heads when he drove up in the company’s stunning new Papaya Orange McClaren.

Of course, when you’re Ray Pastoric, President of Top-End Motors, it’s just one of the many perks. Located at 5489 Technology Parkway in Braselton, Ga, they focus on you getting the maximum enjoyment out of driving.

Top-End Motors helps source vehicles you’ve been looking for and provides storage. In addition, they also allow you to experience a variety of high-end automobiles.

And before you ask, no, we didn’t get a chance to drive the McLaren. Fingers crossed for next time, though.

Looking back over the busy day of this “sneak peek” event, you could see that tangible signs of future success. If this fun day were any indication, the Spring event of 2023 would be something car aficionados will be talking about for a long while.