Rochester Michigan Event is a Must Go for Classic Car Enthusiasts
For the silver anniversary of the Meadow Brook Concours d'Elegance, the Detroit area's premier car show on Sunday, Aug. 3, is honoring two centenarians -- Ford Motor Co. and Buick -- and one brand that died too young, Duesenberg.
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| This red 1910 Model T Touring car owned by Ralph Boyer of Dearborn Heights, Mich., is a rare breed in the United States with its bright brass work and a number of Canadian touches. (Photo: Joe Cabadas, Canadian Auto Press) |
Both Ford and Buick, the brand that served as the foundation for General Motors Corp., celebrated their 100th anniversaries this year. Buick was actually founded on May 19, 1903 (28 days before Ford on June 16), but celebrated its anniversary July 23-27 with car shows and other events in Flint, Mich. Ford held its anniversary celebration in June at its Dearborn, Mich., headquarters complex.
"Both GM and Ford are the lead sponsors for this year's concours and we've received a written commitment from DaimlerChrysler that they will sponsor us next year," said William "Bill" Chapin, interim president of the car show's organizing committee.
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| This is part of the parade of 25 Duesenbergs that offered a visual delight to the spectators of the 2003 Meadow Brook Concours d'Elegance. This was one of the largest gatherings of Dueseys in recent years. (Photo: Joe Cabadas, Canadian Auto Press) |
The concours also showcased 25 Duesenbergs at Meadow Brook Hall, which is "the most significant gathering of these cars in a long time." The collection included two SSJ Speedsters that were owned by Hollywood actors Clark Gable and Gary Cooper, said Don Sommer, one of the organizers of the concours. "These two cars have only been together three times before." And, another significant Duesenberg is the 1935 "Mormon Meteor" racecar that set several land speed records at the Bonneville Salt Flats.
Duesenberg was one of marques purchased by the rich -- America's Rolls Royce, if you will -- until the brand finally succumbed to the economic ravages of the Great Depression in 1937. A special commemorative award, the Duesenberg Cup, was created by the 2003 concours organizing committee to honor the owners of these cars.