Cincinnati Concours d'Elegance
Written by Keith Fudge

In June 2004, we had the opportunity to travel to Cincinnati , Ohio for the 27 th Annual Ault Park Concours D'Elegance. This concours event offers an incredible selection of world-class vehicles in a magnificent location. This trip was the second visit for My Classic Car to this event, but unlike our first visit, the weather for this trip was beautiful!

After arriving, we spoke with Dave Snyder, the co-chair for the event. They talked about the show and what it means to the city and the folks involved. First of all, Dave mentioned that it really helped to be able to get along with the other co-chair of the show. It just so happened he was speaking of Marion Snyder, his wife of 27 years! Is that cool or what? He then went on to say that this event is the second oldest concours show in the country, and support has grown tremendously throughout the years. Dave said that 600 volunteers are working the event this year and that proceeds go to the Arthritis Foundation. He proudly noted that the show has raised more than $1,000,000 since its inception, and $100,000 was given to that charity last year alone.

Soon the talk turned to cars and just what was on hand. Dave mentioned some of the fantastic features of this year's event. First, there was an art show where there were some stunning examples of automotive art. He also mentioned that the year's featured marque was Cadillac. At that point, Dave said there were more than 200 cars on the grounds including everything from Stanley Steamers, to American muscle cars, to European classics. With that range of classic cars, we could no longer be contained and quickly headed to the show area to meet with some of the owners of these stunning automobiles.

First, we ran into B. Scott Isquick and his incredible 1911 Mercedes. This car was produced well before the company became Mercedes-Benz in 1925. Featuring a wooden body made from mahogany, complimented with hickory trim and held together with some 2,700 rivets, this car was truly a marvel in its own time. It is still a wonder to see. Powered by a 600 cubic-inch, four-cylinder engine featuring three valves per cylinder, the car makes somewhere between 95 and 100 horsepower. Scott said that it had hit a top speed of 115 miles per hour on a dyno. He had had it to 95 miles per hour on the open road! Thanks, Scott! Next, we spoke with William Fryrear, the proud owner of a 1956 Austin Healey 100M. William said that the “100M” signified 100 miles per hour, and his car is of the same specs of the version that Donald Healey drove in the 1953 LeMans 24-hour road race. William said that some cosmetic touches designated the 100M from the rest of the Austins of the era, such as a louvered hood and a leather strap running crossways on the hood itself. He said this car was a five-year restoration project, and we could certainly tell that his efforts paid off. There was a Blue Ribbon proudly displayed on the windshield! Congrats William! Later, we chatted with Larry Kennedy, the owner of a really cool drop-top, a 1951 Hudson Hornet. According to Larry, he purchased the car “in a million pieces,” many of which were NOS parts. This yellow Hornet was a sight to behold on the exterior, the interior, and under the hood. Powered by a 308 cubic-inch, inline 6 that was equipped with twin carbs, this car makes 145 horsepower. With a diamond pattern leather interior and amenities such as hydraulic power windows and a power top, this cool ride was a “lead sled” that made all the Mercs of the era stand up and take notice! What a great car! Our next visit was a bit more on the exotic side as we spoke with Pete Zink, the owner of a 1969 DeTomaso Mangusta. Made in Italy and designed to compete with the Ford Cobra (Mangusta is Italian for Mongoose), this car features a 302 cubic-inch engine and a handmade all steel body. Pete said there were 401 of these cars produced in 1969. Finally, we found a true “showstopper” in John Carefoot's one-of-a-kind 1954 Cadillac. John said the car was commissioned by a man in Hollywood and was sent to the Pininfarina Factory in Italy for custom work. After the car was completed, it wound up being a Paris Auto Show Car in 1954. Painted in cobalt blue with black accents, this stunning automobile is certainly an example of the best of American and European engineering. Thanks, John! That is one special Caddy!

Our trip to Ohio was simply great! We met friendly folks, saw world-class cars, and enjoyed a beautiful setting. Who could ask for more? If you would like more information on the Ault Park Concours D'Elegance you can find it on the web at www.ohioconcours.com . That's it from the Queen City of Cincinnati, Ohio. So until our next visit, remember, “Honor the timeless classics. Happy Motoring!”