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Calling owners of prestigious cars and bikes: Concours d'elegance today

Friday 26 August 2016
Classic TT
Visitors admire an entry in the 2015 Concours d'elegance

Classic TT organisers are inviting prestigious car and bike owners to display their machines in the 2016 Classic TT Concours d’Elegance, which is taking place today as part of this year’s Classic TT Paddock Carnival behind the TT Grandstand.

The Department of Economic Development has produced individual trophies for five categories which will be awarded for ‘the Best Racing Motorcycle in Show’ and ‘Best Classic & Vintage Road Motorcycle in Show’, the ‘Best Car in Show pre 1946’, the ‘Best Car in Show 1946-68’ and the ‘Best Car in Show 1969-86’.  As well as the Trophy, each winner will also receive a pair of tickets to VIP hospitality on a Classic TT Race Day.

Concours d'Elegance trophies

Mortons Media publisher Malcolm Wheeler, who is an ex TT competitor and former MGP competitor David Cretney, MLC, will judge the bike competition while Peter Duke and Daren Cunningham, a director of the Jurby Motor Museum, will judge the car categories.

Criteria will include machines that are either as close as possible to ‘mint’ condition or those that have been restored accurately to reflect their original design when they left the production line.

The Concours D’Elegance will take place between 12pm and 3pm in Nobles Park and individual owners and car and bike clubs are invited to assemble from noon to display their vehicles.  Judging will take place at 3pm and the winners will be announced on the Classic TT Stage shortly after. 

The Concours d’Elegance is part of a busy programme of events at the free to attend Classic TT Paddock Carnival on Friday 26th, which includes jazz and contemporary music from local artists as well as chat shows with leading riders past and present.

David Cretney, the Isle of Man Government’s representative for Tourism and Motorsport said:

“We have looked to build strong content with the Classic TT Races which includes entertainment and interesting displays for residents and visitors as we look to grow the event.  The Concours D’Elegance is a great chance for people to get the opportunity to see some unique cars and bikes and for owners to show their collections to a wide audience.”

The Concours d’Elegance concept can be traced back to 17th century French aristocracy who paraded horse drawn carriages in the parks of Paris during Summer weekends and holidays. Over time, carriages became horseless and the gatherings became a competition among automobile owners to be judged on the appearance of their automobiles.

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