Ironstone Concours D’Elegance Hosts 3,500 Car Lovers at 23rd-Annual Event
Paul Petrovich of Sacramento, California, won Best of Show for his 1930 Duesenberg J Murphy Roadster during the 23rd Ironstone Concours D’Elegance September 28 at Ironstone Vineyards and Winery, near Murphys, California.
Approximately 3,500 people attended, and 365 antique, classic and vintage motorcars, trucks, farm equipment, motorcycles and amphicars were shown and judged in 30 classes for vehicles 1973 vintage and earlier.
The 100th anniversary of Bentley was celebrated, and American Motors AMXs, Hudsons and race cars were honored. Chris and Michelle Roth of Thousand Oaks, California, won the Hudson Class with their 1954 Hudson Italia.
The oldest winning car was a 1906 Locomobile Touring, owned by Ed and Karen Archer of Hayward, California, accepting the 4-H Award. Another vintage car was the Ironstone Foundation Award winner, a 1921 Paige Daytona, Tom and Joanne Martindale of Santa Cruz, California. And, a 1916 Packard Twin 6, Lynn and Michael Harling, Dallas, Texas, was the Best Unrestored Car.
American-made cars that won include a 1967 Pontiac GTO Convertible, owned by Brin and Kirsten Owen, Clayton, California, in the American Muscle Cars Class, and a 1969 Mercury Cougar, Bob and Gayle Viola, San Mateo, California, American Autos 1965 through 1973.
The day before the concours, the third Ironstone Vintage Back Roads Tour guided 35 participants through Calaveras County, beginning at Ironstone Vineyards and ending at New Melones Lake for lunch on a boat. That night, the annual Cars & Stars Dinner welcomed 450 guests.
The owners of Ironstone Vineyards, farmers and vintners Gail and John Kautz began the event to help young people stay involved in agriculture for their careers. Proceeds from this year’s event benefited the 4-H, Future Farmers of America (FFA) and the California State Fair.
“Despite the cold and cloudy weather, the rains held off, and we had a wonderful day!” Gail says. “Every year we have more and more beautiful and unique cars on display, and this year was no exception. With over 350 vehicles ranging from vintage race cars to Duesenbergs, it was another successful year of raising much-appreciated funds for local 4-H and FFA chapters.”
For more information on participating in or attending next year’s event, September 26, see IronstoneConcours.org and email questions to info@ironstonefoundation.org.
