Hampton Concours
Written by Keith Fudge

On this week’s edition of My Classic Car, Dennis Gage and the crew recently had the privilege of attending a truly special event that was held for a worthy cause: the Hamptons Concours d’Elegance. Held last May in scenic Bridgehampton, New York, and created by the Kensington Motor Group, this invitation-only event served to benefit the Carol M. Baldwin Breast Cancer Research Fund, Inc. Visited by both avid collectors and the general public, The Concours d’Elegance concluded three days of activities including The Hamptons Auto Classic car auction.

There are several awards classes at the Concours d’Elegance ranging from Veteran/Edwardian/Brass/Vintage to ‘Wood, Fins, & Chrome.” There were also new categories this year including Pre- and Post-WWII motorcycles, and “conservation” classes including Alternative Fuel Cars and Cars under 950cc. When Dennis caught up with Pete Mole, founder of the event, he stated that the only criterion for invitation was that each car “should be interesting in some way.” That was Dennis’s cue to go and scout out some of these interesting vehicles, so with that in mind, Dennis and Pete made fast to the show area.

First, Dennis found Paul Kolenik and Paul’s excellent 1954 Packard Caribbean. Paul told us that of the approximately 400 that were produced in 1954 that there are only 50 or so that are left. This car was a stunning example of 1950’s styling. Powered with a 359 cubic inch Staight-8 that makes 212 horsepower and sporting two-tone paint in Polaris Blue and Sahara Sand, this classic is still a head-turner today! Paul has owned the car since 1993 and drives it nearly every weekend weather permitting. Paul, thanks for sharing your vehicle with us. Next, Dennis ran onto Edward Regan and a car that would surely compete in one of the new award categories in this year’s event: a 1957 BMW Isetta 300! This little beauty is powered by a four-stroke, 298 cc, BMW motorcycle engine. Power is then transferred through a four-speed transmission to reach a top speed of 52 miles per hour! Edward is the second owner of the car and has had it for approximately 45 years. Still sporting the original green color, this Isetta truly has some unique features! First of all, the car has a front door rather than conventional side doors. The steering wheel even tilts out when the door is opened to allow access to the seat! Creature comforts are at a minimum as well for there isn’t even a gas gauge to let you know when gas is almost gone; however, just like a motorcycle, there is a reserve capacity that can be activated with the flip of a switch. Interestingly enough, there is no fuel pump as well as gas is transferred by gravity. This little BMW Isetta is one great little ride and proves that great things can come in small packages! Thanks Edward!

We had a great time in Bridgehampton, Long Island and if you would like more information on the 2002 event, or if you would like to find out about the 2003 show, give them a look on the web at www.thehamptonsautoclassic.com. So, until our next road trip, remember, “Honor the timeless classics. Happy Motoring!”