Santa Barbara Concours d'Elegance

By: John Thayer

The 10th Anniversary Santa Barbara Concours d?Elegance was held on Saturday, September 21st. A spectacular array of over 200 fine automobiles, including over 30 Ferraris, were displayed on the campus of Santa Barbara City College overlooking the beachfront and harbor. A special club parking area was provided for Ferrari owners.

The weekend began with a Friday night cocktail reception at the magnificent Klinger Estate in Hope Ranch. Early Saturday morning several club members met in front of the El Encanto Hotel for a scenic drive to the concours.

The Santa Barbara Concours draws some exceptional and unique automobiles. Best of show went to member Steve Tillack?s 1962 fly yellow 250 SWB Berlinetta! The setting for the event is spectacular. The cars were displayed on a grassy bluff with mountain and ocean views. The college and concours volunteer staff did an outstanding job of organizing and attending to details. A special thank you to Executive Director Colette Hadly for her hard work. Saturday night we enjoyed an outstanding dinner at the El Encanto Hotel, presented by award winning Chef Vincent Vanhecke. The service, hospitality and ambiance of the hotel and staff were first rate.

On Sunday morning we enjoyed a spirited drive over the Santa Barbara Riviera and through some twisty, scenic backroads in Montecito to the majestic Four Seasons Biltmore Hotel. The Biltmore Brunch is world famous and certainly lived up to its reputation. After enjoying a leisurely feast of cuisine representing styles from all over the world, it was time to say goodbye and head home. If you weren?t able to make it to Santa Barbara this time, be sure to mark it on your calendar for next year. You can plan on enjoying beautiful cars, scenic drives, outstanding food, and great company.

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