A final look at this year’s Concours d’Elegance at Carillon Park

The R.H. Grant Best of Show Award sets the stage for the Dayton Concours d’Elegance at Carillon Park. The wood steering wheel trophy is handmade by local artist/craftsman Paul Rich; each year’s model is unique. Photo by Doug Lewis/Lewis Digital Imaging

The R.H. Grant Best of Show Award sets the stage for the Dayton Concours d’Elegance at Carillon Park. The wood steering wheel trophy is handmade by local artist/craftsman Paul Rich; each year’s model is unique. Photo by Doug Lewis/Lewis Digital Imaging

About 200 cars and motorcycles, perfect blue skies and a temperature nearing 80 degrees were the key elements to attracting thousands of visitors to Carillon Historical Park in Dayton for the 13th edition of the Dayton Concours d’Elegance Sept. 15.

Featured this year were grand classic cars like Bugatti, Rolls Royce, Packard, Cadillac, Bentley and more, plus the 50th anniversary of the Pontiac Firebird Trans Am was celebrated.

Another aspect of the event was the Fisher Body Craftsman’s Guild reunion during which hand-built model cars were shown in the Dicke Transportation Center. Guildsmen from across the country displayed concept car models they built as teenagers in the ’50s and ’60s as entries in a General Motors-sponsored contest of that era.

Here is a final look at photos of this year’s show, which serves as the largest annual fundraising event held at the park, and benefits Dayton History, Montgomery County’s official historical organization. All proceeds from the weekend help preserve and interpret more than 40 buildings and millions of artifacts connected to the region’s history and provide year-round educational programming.

The Concours is made possible through the hard work and dedication of the Concours Committee and volunteers, Dayton History staff and the support of such corporate partners as AAA Miami Valley, with major support from WinSupply and TJH Collections.

“I want to thank all of the car and motorcycle owners for sharing their magnificent machines with our guests,” said Skip Peterson, show chairman. “I’m not sure the exact numbers, but I think we had our largest attendance ever. The whole day would not have been possible without the support of our committee, our volunteers, judges, class hosts and the staff and volunteers from Dayton History.”

Dayton History officials also expressed their thanks to the attendees and event organizers.

“We are incredibly grateful for the thousands of guests that come out to see the show each year,” said Lauryn Bayliff, director of community development. “This event would not be possible without the support of AAA or the dedication of the Concours Committee. The Committee works so hard all year long to create an enjoyable experience and knowing that so many people appreciate it makes it worthwhile! It is a great fundraiser for Dayton History and a wonderful opportunity to share the history of Dayton with so many people.”

The dozens of people who work year-round on the event are already gearing up for next year.

“As we put the 2019 Dayton Concours to rest, we begin preparations for 2020,” said Mike Edgerton, Concours automobile selection director. “While the class list has not been finalized, we are considering the 50th anniversary class of 1970, a class of ‘Roaring ’20s’ vehicles and a WW II Veteran Vehicles class.”

Comments, questions and suggestions are welcome at autoedge@sbcglobal.net, he said.

The date for the 14th annual Dayton Concours d’Elegance tentatively is set for Sept. 20, 2020.

About the Author