John White of Sacramento accepted Best of Show for his 1957 Ghia Super Dart 400 during the 25th Ironstone Concours D’Elegance September 25 at Ironstone Vineyards and Winery, near Murphys, California.
Approximately 2,500 people attended, and 330 antique, classic and vintage motorcars, trucks, farm equipment, motorcycles and amphicars were shown and judged in 30 classes for vehicles 1973 vintage and earlier.
In 2020, because of COVID-19, the full event was not held, but 100 cars participated in a Tour through Calaveras County and finished at the winery where each car drove across the stage.
This year’s honorees were Tim Suddard of Classic Motorsports, Randy Ema, a world authority on Auburn, Cord and Duesenberg, and Kevin Buckler, the multi-time winner of the 24 Hours of Daytona and the 24 hours of Le Mans.
The owners of Ironstone Vineyards, farmers and vintners Gail and John Kautz, began the event a quarter of a century ago 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 California State Fair. In 25 years, they have awarded more than $1 million toward these and other agriculture programs.
Judged classes included Antiques, Vintage Race Cars, America Cars 1962–1973, European Sports Cars through 1973 and individual marque classes. Special Awards were also given. This year’s FFA Award went to Dave & Susan Buchanan of Menlo Park for their 1952 Siata 208 SC Spider Corsa Bertone. And, the 4-H Award was given to Bob Guimarin of Valley Springs for his 1929 Ford A Mail Truck.
Other special awards included the Creative Spirit, Robert Schultz, Martinez, 1949 Cadillac Schultz Phaeton; Best Competition Car – Martin Swig Award, Dick McClure, Stockton, 1955 MG Special Race Car; Ironstone Sponsor’s Award, Mr. and Mrs. Lorenzo Nannini, Pine Grove; 1932 Chrysler Imperial CL Convertible Sedan; and Ironstone Foundation Award, John Hull, Discovery Bay, 1969 AMC AMX Big Bad Green Coupe.
In addition, the Best Unrestored Car was the 1950 Oldsmobile 98 Town Sedan owned by Larry Camuso of San Jose; the Most Elegant Closed Car, 1937 Packard V12-1507 Coupe, Jeff Mihaly, San Leandro; and Most Exciting Open Car, 1925 Lancia Lambda 4 Roadster, Paul Tullius, Chico.
First Place winners included the oldest car, in the Antique class, a 1903 Oldsmobile R-Runabout, Norman and Adria Schwartz, Lafayette; Class C-2, Duesenberg SJ Convertible Sedan, Rob and Jeannie Hilarides, Visalia; Class J-1: Wood Bodied Automobiles, 1947 Chevrolet Fleetmaster Station Wagon, Conmy/Carol Oamek, Granite Bay; Class O-1, Chevrolet, 1955–1957, 1957 Chevrolet Nomad, Galen Klokkenrold, Auburn; Class V, Motorcycles, 1958 Ariel 650, Jerry and Patti Meadows, Sparks, Nevada; and American Muscle Cars, 1966 Pontiac GTO, Randy Lidholm and D D Mason, Lodi.
“Every year we have more and more beautiful and unique cars on display, and this year was no exception,” says Gail. “Our spectacular grounds have an abundance of flowers and vineyards, and Murphys and Calaveras County are so quaint to visit. From vintage race cars to ’60s muscle cars, 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 24, the fourth Saturday of the month, email your questions to info@ironstonefoundation.com and see www.IronstoneConcours.org.
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