The Cars Will be the Stars at StarFest® 2012

By Chuck Stanford, Jr.

StarFest® 2012 Concours d’Elegance Committtee Chair | Director & Member, Desert Stars Section

 

For almost as long as people have owned and driven automobiles, the more enthusiastic among us have gathered to show off our cars so that other aficionados could admire their classic beauty, artful engineering, superb condition and historic preservation.  Showing a collection of cars in an architecturally exciting environment adds to the event’s ambiance by providing beautiful surroundings to compliment the luxurious and sporting cars, and provide memorable backgrounds for photos.  Today’s best known Concours d’Elegance (literally, a “competition of elegance”) have featured the stunning natural scenery of Pebble Beach and Amelia Island or classic architectural backdrops like Lake Como’s Villa d’Este or Michigan’s stately Meadowbrook Hall.

Surely one of the beautiful and memorable events of StarFest® 2012 will be the Concours d’Elegance, planned for Saturday and Sunday, September 29-30.  Scheduled on the meticulously manicured grounds at the 1920’s Frank Lloyd Wright designed and art deco-inspired Arizona Biltmore Resort, this is certain to be one of the most scenic venues in StarFest® Concours history.  Prime specimens of nearly every vintage and model of Mercedes-Benz are expected to grace the gardens and fountains at what will be a spectacular show. But there will also be categories for pampered and cherished weekend cruisers and daily drivers.

So how exactly do cars “compete” at a concours?  Most concours provide an opportunity for owners to meet and have knowledgeable independent “judges” evaluate the condition, cleanliness and authenticity of their cars. Cars are assigned to “classes” with similar models, that is, sedans compete against sedans, SUVs against SUVs, and SLs against SLs of similar vintage.  All entries will compete in “show” or “street” categories, and numerous classes will assure judging against similar cars. Naturally, vehicles that have been well maintained and/or restored true to their original design and condition will score well.  But there are also “preservation” classes where original, time-warp examples are favored for their survivor status and original, unmolested condition.  And there will be a “modified” class where more creative members can show off how they’ve chosen to express their Mercedes-Benz’s individuality.

MBCA concours judges will use a new 100-point scale to score participants’ vehicles.  After judging, the winners – usually several in each class – will be rewarded with trophies at the very special Concours Awards Banquet.

All of us are proud of our cars and many of us spend inordinate amounts of time cleaning and polishing them. But, a well-maintained and well cared for daily driver can score well in this event, too. So whether you have a pristine 300SL “gullwing” or a modern-day E350 or SL 63 AMG, there will be other MBCA members excited to show and have their cars judged alongside yours.  The number of cars ultimately entered will determine the number and makeup of classes.

Something new for this year’s StarFest® Concours will be a second display/media day that will be advertised and opened to the public. Open display and judging will occur on Saturday, and the cars will remain on the secure Concours field through Sunday. This will allow even more enthusiasts to see our cars on the Biltmore lawn and will help increase awareness of MBCA and our National Events. So bring a picnic or plan to watch from the Biltmore’s Café patio. Of course, if you’re heading to the StarFest® driving events on Sunday, you may miss the media day, but there’ll be plenty of cars around for Sunday’s display. Either way, you won’t want to miss the fun at the gala Awards Banquet on Sunday evening.

Start planning now to enjoy the drive to the Arizona Biltmore. Experience the thrill of driving onto the lush Concours field and placing your favorite Star among the 125 years of Mercedes-Benz heritage being assembled for the StarFest® 2012 Concours d’Elegance. Start primping and polishing now!  Bring out the dust rags, Q-Tips and leather cleaner! You’ll feel as good about your Mercedes-Benz as the very first day you drove it home. Please see our ad on the adjacent page and visit www.StarFest2012.com for registration information. See you in Phoenix!