Beverly Hills, California Sunday June 16th, 2002
| More than 100 of the world’s finest convertibles decorated world-famous Rodeo Drive for the fifth annual Concours on Rodeo. Rodeo Drive between Wilshire and Santa Monica Boulevard was closed to traffic to showcase these one-of-a-kind vehicles, many of which have never been seen in southern California. This spectacular 100 year retrospective of convertible automobiles was judged for overall workmanship and design by a panel of celebrities, automotive journalists, well-known car collectors, and experts. In just five years, this event has become one of the most respected and popular judged car shows in the United States! |
| California Dreaming: 100 Years of Convertibles truly captured the spirit of California motoring. The day-long exhibition featured Duesenbergs, Ferraris and Delahayes as well as vintage sports cars, hot rods and custom-bodied cars. Some well-known celebrities also had cars on display, including Nicolas Cage, Elton John and Arnold Schwarzenegger. In addition to the fabulous automobiles on display, the Concours on Rodeo also featured the Lexus Automotive Art Show presenting world-class automotive artists. According to organizers, over 70,000 people attended this event. |  |
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A few little security
ropes couldn't keep me away from one of the most popular cars on display...a
colorful 2002 Jaguar XK8 that was used
in the filming of the summer hit Austin Powers
in Goldmember starring Mike Myers
. Sure, the movie is a comedy, but the XK8 is a serious automobile. You
can feel the quality as you slip behind the wheel! The stylish design
and luxurious interior clearly make this car worth considering if you're
currently in the market for a convertible that is both sporty and powerful.
And the best part is, you don't have to be Austin Powers
to own one. Yeah baby! |
| Hey, is this car coming or going? Believe it or not, you are looking at the front end of a 1941 Chrysler Thunderbolt. Thought to be "The Car of the Future", the Thunderbolt was a concept car that featured a retractable, electrically controlled hardtop. This car was certainly ahead of it's time, as the retractable hardtop concept was not seen in production until the 1957 Ford Skyliner. Only six of these futuristic cars were produced. The car was designed by Alex Tremulis, who would later go on to design another unique car, the Tucker. You don't get to see a car like this every day so click here for a larger photo. |
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1947 Ford Sportsman Wood Convertible They don't make 'em like that anymore! |
Marilyn Monroe's Pink 1955 Lincoln It was customized by George Barris! |
Hand-painted 1996 BMW Z3 This is a real eye-catcher! |
1949 Delahaye Type 175 Cabriolet It was formerly owned by Elton John! |
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Concours on Rodeo
is an excellent event and if you were not able to attend this year, plan
to attend in 2003!
Not only will you see some amazing automobiles, but you will have the opportunity to browse through the fashionable shops on Rodeo Drive and, who knows, you may even run into a celebrity or two! For more photos and additional information about this event, please visit www.classics.com. |
Photography and Production Assistance - Ronald Esquivel