RAND LUXURY
Produced the Annual “Hamptons Concours” Celebrating Ferrari & Porsche
COGNAC WELLERLANE INTERVIEWS BRADFORD RAND
COGNAC WELLERLANE Interviewing Executive director Anthony Sabia for Southampton Animal Shelter
Bradford Rand (Photo credit: PMC / Michael Ostuni)
Kenneth Fishel, Maria Fishel, Alexandra Fishel, Bradley Fishel (Photo credit: PMC / Michael Ostuni)
COGNAC WELLERLANE INTERVIEWS DINA LOHAN
COGNAC WELLERLANE POSES FOR A PHOTO-OP
RAND LUXURY
Produced the Annual “Hamptons Concours” Celebrating Ferrari & Porsche
Over 350 of the finest sportscars including Ferrari and Porsche brands were on display Benefitting the Southampton Animal Shelter Foundation
Bradford Rand and his team including Andrew Levitt at the world-renowned events company RAND Luxury produced a private charity brunch & concours in collaboration with Ferrari of Long Island, Manhattan Motorcars, Morgan Stanley, Rémy Martin / Louis XIII and more. The exclusive, Invitation-Only concours was Sold Out well in advance and was hosted at the Bridgehampton estate of Kenneth & Maria Fishel. The Event benefitted The Southampton Animal Shelter Foundation (SASF).
The annual event showcased one of the largest gatherings of collectible spectacular vintage and new Ferrari, Porsche, Aston Martin, McLarens, Rolls-Royce Motorcars the Hamptons has ever seen whose combined value was estimated at over $100 Million. A series of automotive connoisseurs and celebrity judges reviewed nearly 200 Ferrari & Porsche motorcars in the judged concours led by Chief Judge Glenn Simon. In addition, The Hamptons Concours also featured new vehicles from luxury brands Including Aston Martin, McLaren, Porsche, Lamborghini and Bentley.
Guests were greeted with fine wine by Palm Bay, vodka by One Roq, the finest assortment of scotches from Braeburn Whisky, cognac from Remy Martin, Staple Gin a new creation from Rachael Ray and fine cuisine from Lessings and hand-rolled cigars from Cohiba.
Notable Attendees included: Bradford Rand, Ken Fishel, Maria Fishel, Jordan Lippner, Dina Lohan, Julia Haart, Bradley Fishel, Alexandra Fishel, John Catsamatidis, Margo Catsamatidis, Jean shafiroff, Alan Lieberman, Diane Lieberman, and Jake Phipps.
Details of the winners of the 2024 Hamptons Concours will be available from August 20th on www.randluxury.com
The event sponsors included: Morgan Stanley, Remy Martin/Louis XIII, Roger Dubuis Timepieces, Cohiba Cigars, Douglas Elliman, Ferrari of Long Island, Ferrari Club of North America (Empire State Region), Aston Martin of Long Island, McLaren of Long Island, Sports Car Market, Manhattan Motorcars, Putnam Leasing, Porsche Club of America (Metro NY Region), Gintani NY, Ryan Friedman Motorcars, ApolloJets, Blade Logistics Capital, Hagerty, Ineos, Lyrical Asset Mgt, Kitty Kat Coin, CyberRisk Alliance, Palm Bay Intl, Lucid, Glenrothes, and Optyx.
About RAND Luxury:
RAND Luxury has produced over 2,500 Press, Media & Affluent Consumer Charity events that showcase fine cars, jewelry, electronics, private jet co’s, watches, wine, travel, artwork & more in New York City, during The Sundance Film Festival, The Tribeca Film Festival and in the Hamptons. The company’s team has been producing events since 1993 including TECHEXPO, The Cyber Security Summit, The Luxury Technology Show, Go Green Expo, Fashion Career Expo and numerous automotive launch unveilings for Lamborghini, Bugatti, Rolls-Royce, Aston Martin, Bentley & Maserati. RAND Luxury has also produced events to benefit such charities as the Southampton Animal Shelter, Breast Cancer Research Foundation, The American Red Cross, City Harvest & the Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation.
For more information, visit: www.RANDLuxury.com
I: @RANDLuxury | F: Randluxury | X / T: @randluxury
PRESS CONTACT:
Norah Lawlor | Lawlor Media Group | www.lawlormediagroup.com
Norah@lawlormediagroup.com | Tel: (212) 967-6900
I: @lawlormedia | F: LawlorMediaGroup | X / T: @LawlorMedia
KEEP READING COGNAC'S CORNER FOR THE VERY BEST IN RED CARPET EVENTS IN MANHATTAN, LONG ISLAND AND THE HAMPTONS
PINK CHAMPAGNE KISSES
COGNAC WELLERLANE
BRIDGEHAMPTON RACEWAY HERITAGE
Vintage cars were seen on the grounds of the Bridgehampton Museum’s Nathaniel Rogers House from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday in a show called “Fast Company.” Aside from the full-size cars, car enthusiast checked out slot car races on a custom track designed to match the old raceway at the Bridge.
There were continual screenings of “Glory Days at Bridgehampton,” and at 4 p.m. a question-and-answer period with Peter Klebnikov of the Bridgehampton Racing Heritage Group and two racers from the 1960s, Bobby Brown and Herb Wetanson completed the day.
Nathaniel Rogers House is a historic home located at Bridgehampton in Suffolk County, New York. It is a Greek Revival–style residence that significantly expanded and altered in about 1840. It is a 2+1⁄2-story temple front and flanking 1-story wings. the full facade portico has four Ionic order columns supporting a full entablature with no pediment. It once had a cupola and balustrade, but they were removed after the New England Hurricane of 1938. For many years it was operated as a hotel and restaurant named "Hampton House.
It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2005.
The house was purchased by the Bridgehampton Historical Society (now The Bridgehampton Museum) and donated to the town of Southampton, New York. The Society plans to renovate the house and use it as its headquarters and for exhibits.
The Bridgehampton Racing Heritage Group
In 1982, an ad-hoc collection of brain-addled racers and car collectors who met regularly at the Bridgehampton Candy Kitchen suddenly got a reason to organize. The Bridgehampton Race Circuit -- as revered a piece of asphalt as any in the States -- was to become a giant condominium complex. Springing into action, the group repaired to Bobby Van’s, a darkened watering hole to plan a counterstrike.
That’s how the Friends of Bridgehampton, later the Bridgehampton Racing Heritage Group (BRHG) was born. Led by Guy Frost, a Roslyn, NY architect and SCCA racer, the group included Bob Devol, local farmer Richard Hendrickson, journalist Peter Klebnikov and a dozen other hardcore members. Running a David against Goliath campaign, we forged links with environmentalists, business owners and the car racing community throughout the Northeast. We conducted polls, financed water analyses and car shows, wrote op-eds, and in less than a year, sent developer Carol Konner home packing. A short while later, we recruited Wall Street trader Bob Rubin to buy the track and preserve it for racing, fending off yet another ploy by developers. This allowed racing to continue unabated for another 16 years.
We had big plans for The Bridge: With Bob Rubin, we sought to return the track to its former glory, staging vintage events and pro races that would be a magnet for car lovers the world over. Ultimately, however, the realities of trying to run a race course in a wannabe suburb where people warm to the roar of leaf blowers caught up to us. We were unable to prevent Bridgehampton’s demise and its subsequent conversion into a golf course.
Today, BRHG works with the Bridgehampton Museum and golf course owner Bob Rubin to perpetuate the lore of Bridgehampton and its half century of racing. Under the guidance of its new director, Susan Savochka, BRHG members help organize the Bridgehampton Museum’s annual Road Rallye, held generally on the first Saturday in October and organize an exhibition of race cars and memorabilia at that event central to Bridgehampton’s history. For more information: http://www.bridgehamptonhistoricalsociety.org/events.html.
Some of us remain successful racers; others are more famous for igniting borrowed Ferraris; all of us have survived sandstorms and hurricanes and many glorious sunny days at Bridgehampton.
We invite you to join the Bridgehampton Racing Heritage Group free of charge and help us preserve the memory of a very special chapter in American road racing.
For more information please visit https://bridgehamptonraceway.net
For more information about events at the Bridgehampton Museum please visit https://www.bridgehamptonmuseum.org/
KEEP REAING COGNAC'S CORNER MAGAZINE FOR THE VERY BEST IN RED CARPET EVENTS IN MANHATTAN, LONG ISLAND AND THE HAMPTONS.
PINK CHAMPAGNE KISSES
COGNAC WELLERLANE
GREENWICH 2024 CONCOURS D'ELEGANCE
GREENWICH 2024 CONCOURS D'ELEGANCE
This year I was once again able to attend the Greenwich 2024 Concours de elegance and interview TV Host and Racecar Driver Justin Bell as well as other Car Enthusiasts and Vintage car owners.
Saturday’s Concours de Sport featured exciting cars from the world of motorsports spread over 18 classes, including “Cars of Alejandro de Tomaso” (the
designer of the Vallelunga, Mangusta, and
Pantera); a special Corvette Sting Ray
class; and Jaguar E-Types.
On Sunday, the traditional concours
d’elegance takes center stage and featured a
meticulously curated selection of worldclass vehicles. Classes include postwar
American luxury cars of the ’50s and ’60s,
prewar European and Rolls-Royce classics, Porsche Carreras, two motorcycle
classes, and many more.
On Saturday Car Enthusiasts enjoyed an incredible Waterfront Party. Everyone was able tp mingle with Grand Marshal, entrants,
judges, and fellow car lovers. At the same
time, all were able to enjoy a special
roving dinner and signature cocktails.
This year, Steven Harris was welcomed
as the Grand Marshal. A celebrated architect, professor, and car enthusiast, Harris
teaches at the Yale School of Architecture.
As founding partner of Steven Harris
Architects, he has led an extensive range
of residential, industrial, and commercial
projects in the U.S. and abroad, including
luxury design for Barneys and Dolce &
Gabbana. Harris is known for his obsession with Porsches, particularly four-cam
356 Carreras and 911 RS models.
Chairman McKeel Hagerty expressed, "I’d like to thank everyone who helped
put on this year’s show. We deeply appreciate your energy, generosity, and support.
We hope you enjoy this year’s Greenwich
Concours d’Elegance. I’ll see you on the
show field!"
KEEP READING COGNAC'S CORNER MAGAZINE FOR THE VERY BEST IN RED CARPET EVENTS.
PINK CHAMPAGNE KISSES
COGNAC WELLERLANE
Westhampton Beach Concours:
A Fundraiser to Benefit WHBPAC
Vintage car enthusiast attended car show fundraiser. The event was organized to benefit the Westhampton Beach Performing Arts Center! This spectacular fundraiser featured the finest new and vintage automobiles from near and far
In 1996, a group of concerned village residents and business owners, led by investor Len Conway and retailer Lon Sabella, stepped forward with the intention of buying the movie theater from United Artists.
The movement to create a performing arts space out of a shuttered movie theater has been a labor of love. Nearly 70 people came forward with tens of thousands of dollars to support the theater purchase. The new group, Westhampton Beach Performing Arts Center Inc, bought the rundown theater for $300,000 in May 1997. In the course of only a year, volunteers raised 60 percent of the $2.8 million needed to transform the building into a state-of-the-art facility.
Among the major donations, the Mollie Parnis Livingston Foundation made a $250,000 gift. The Center’s auditorium is named in honor of the internationally acclaimed fashion designer.
The early fundraising success facilitated the retention of nationally recognized theater consultant Robert Lorelli, whose projects include New York’s Carnegie Hall. He developed the design and engineering requirements for the theater’s sound, lighting and rigging systems and related equipment. Skilled architects and area residents Jay Sears and Robert Gruber donated their services and designed key aspects of the building and its finish.
Within hours of the closing, construction crews were already gutting the facility. The general contractor, Remsenburg resident Roger Stevens, part-owner of Island Companies, provided his services at cost. In just seven months, his company completed renovating the theater. This included the installation of a new stage, orchestra pit and seating areas, as well as re-wiring the entire building. Numerous in-kind contributions of labor, services and materials saved the Center several hundred thousand dollars in costs.
The building plans delicately balanced the old with the new, maintaining the theater’s old world charm and installing new technically advanced systems, handicapped access and fire safety upgrades. When the renovation began in November 1997, architectural details were removed for safekeeping, and molds were cast for reproduction. Sconces and chandeliers from the auditorium and the lobby’s wood details were saved and restored and the period marquee was completely refurbished.
Throughout the process, the community was the backbone of the fund-raising effort. More than half the cost of the entire renovation project came from residents and business owners. And on July 4, 1998, the new Westhampton Beach Performing Arts Center reopened its doors to the public.
The Center also had help from many elected officials, both past and present. State Senator Kenneth P. LaValle, former U.S. Congressman Michael Forbes, New York Assemblyman Fred Thiele, Jr., former Suffolk County Legislator George Guldi, and present Suffolk County Legislator Jay Schneiderman. They help us keep the lights on and the curtains up.
Despite an aggressive and successful fund-raising campaign, the board was still forced to borrow nearly $1.6 million from North Fork Bank when the theater reopened in 1998, raising the total amount of the two loans to about $1.8 million. The board started paying down the interest and principal after reopening in July 1997, and made its last payment in June 2005. But in order to stay in business, the Center must raise more than half its budget each year since ticket sales only cover half of the costs of running the theater.
From Community Resource to Regional Performing Arts Center
With each passing season, we’ve grown. Our year-round program includes shows from world-class performers, our World Cinema series, and the region’s finest year-round Arts Education Program.
As we’ve expanded our program, our reach has extended both eastward and westward. From Montauk to Manhattan, our patrons agree that we have a jewel of a theater. Come and experience it for yourself!
KEEP READING COGNAC'S CORNER MAGAZINE FOR THE VERY BEST IN RED CARPET EVENTS IN MANHATTAN, LONG ISLAND AND THE HAMPTONS.
PINK CHAMPAGNE KISSES
COGNAC WELLERLANE
RAND LUXURY
Produced the Annual “Hamptons Concours” Celebrating Ferrari along with the
75th Anniversary of Porsche
Over $100 Million of the finest motorcars on display Benefitting
The Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF) and
The Southampton Animal Shelter Foundation (SASF)
Melissa Rand, Bradford Rand
Georgina Bloomberg
Consuelo Vanderbilt Costin
Jerry Turco, Tracy Turco
CEO BRADFORD RAND AND COGNAC
Cognac Wellerlane
Jordan Lippner from Southampton Animal Shelter and Cognac
Jennifer Blair from Glenrothes Whisky and Cognac
TV HOST COGNAC WELLERLANE POSES FOR A PHOTO-OP IN FRONT OF WHITE FERRARI
TOP PHOTOS Photo credits: Society Allure / Rob Rich
Bradford Rand and his team including Andrew Levitt at the world-renowned events company RAND Luxury produced a private charity brunch & concours in collaboration with Ferrari of Long Island, Manhattan Motorcars, Morgan Stanley, Rémy Martin / Louis XIII and more. The exclusive, Invitation-Only concours was Sold Out well in advance and was hosted at the Bridgehampton estate of Kenneth & Maria Fishel.
The Event benefitted The Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF), which is dedicated to finding cures for cancer, and the Southampton Animal Shelter Foundation (SASF).
The annual event showcased one of the largest gatherings of collectible spectacular vintage and new Ferrari Motorcars the Hamptons has ever seen and the collection of vehicles present was estimated in value over $100 Million. A series of automotive connoisseurs and celebrity judges reviewed nearly 80 handmade Italian masterpieces in the concours led by Chief Judge Glenn Simon. In addition, The Hamptons Concours also featured new vehicles from luxury brands Including Aston Martin, McLaren, Porsche, Lamborghini and Bentley.
The invited guests were greeted with “Telemont” champagne courtesy of Rémy Martin and hand-rolled cigars from Cohiba. French Baharani luxury brand Qannati, known for their wearable jewelry objet d’art had on display pieces valued from $85,000 - $195,000.
Notable Attendees included: Bradford Rand, Ken Fishel, Maria Fishel, Georgina Bloomberg, Victor Green, Bradley Fishel, Alexandra Fishel, Brian Miller, Stu Fields, Tom Yang, Steven Morea, John Aalto, Ryan Friedman, Tracy Turco, Peter Cook, Diana Cochran, Jennifer Allsopp, Soren White, Fabio Granato, Consuelo Vanderbilt-Costin, Cagri Kanver.
Details of the winners of the 2023 Hamptons Concours can be found on www.randluxury.com
The event sponsors included: Ferrari of Long Island, Remy Martin Louis XIII, Morgan Stanley, Apollo Jets, Aston Martin Long Island, Ferrari Club of America Empire State Region, Manhattan Motorcars, BeauGeste Luxury Brands, Briston, Classic Automotive Relocation Services, Rally Point east, Cohiba, The Baker House 1650, OPTYX, The Glenrothes, DeLonghi, Garia, Hiatus Tequila, Sports Car Market, Long Island Sports Cars, Lux Contemporary, Lyrical Asset Management, McLaren Long Island, Nero, One Roq Vodka, Pantera Owners Club of America, PCar Market, Qannati, Quintessentially, XO, Ryan Friedman Motor Cars, Swoon, Champagne Telmont, Palm Bay International, Taub Family Selections, The Botanist Islay Dry Gin, Total Marine, 1738 Accord Royal, Vantage Auto The Reserve, Cyberisk Alliance, Putnam Leasing, Grandstand Sports Memorabilia, Boxed Water.
About RAND Luxury
RAND Luxury produces a series of Press, Media & Affluent Consumer Charity events that showcase fine cars, jewelry, electronics, private jet co’s, watches, wine, travel, artwork & more in New York City, during The Sundance Film Festival, The Tribeca Film Festival and in the Hamptons. The company’s team has produced over 2,500 events since 1993 including Job Expo, TECHEXPO, The Cyber Security Summit, The Luxury Technology Show, Go Green Expo, Investment Expo, The “Luxury Escape” Lounge during Sundance Film Festival, The Tribeca Film Festival and the Hamptons Luxury Brunch Series. RAND Luxury has also produced numerous automotive launch unveilings for Lamborghini, Bugatti, Rolls-Royce, Aston Martin, Bentley, Maserati & McLaren!
For more information, visit: www.RANDLuxury.com
I: @RANDLuxury | F: Randluxury | X / T: @randluxury
PRESS CONTACT:
Norah Lawlor | Lawlor Media Group | www.lawlormediagroup.com
Norah@lawlormediagroup.com | Tel: (212) 967-6900
I: @lawlormedia | F: LawlorMediaGroup | X / T: @LawlorMedia
KEEP READING COGNACS CORNER MAGAZINE FOR THE VERY BEST IN RED CARPET EVENTS IN MANHATTAN, LONG ISLAND AND THE HAMPTONS.
PINK CHAMPAGNE KISSES
COGNAC WELLERLANE
Greenwich Concourse de Elegance 2023
Truly enjoyed covering The Greenwich Concours de Elegance 2023
Cognac Wellerlane posing for a photo-op at the Greenwich Concours de Elegance 2023
Cognac Wellerlane posing for a photo-op at the Greenwich Concours de Elegance 2023
MARKETING DIRECTOR JAMIE KISTNER poses for a photo-op with Cognac Wellerlane
Greenwich2023_XanderCesari_Sunday_BestInShow_0487
Greenwich2023_XanderCesari_Sunday_BestInShow_0486
Greenwich2023_XanderCesari_Sunday_BestInShow_0475
Greenwich_2023_Joshua_Sweeney_Vehicle_Sunday_Best_in_Show--5
Xander Cesari
Greenwich2023_XanderCesari_Saturday_BestInShow_0235
The Greenwich Concours awarded trophies to the Best of Show Concours de Sport on Saturday and the Best of Show Concours d'Elegance today. The winners of the 2 top prizes are:
Concours de Sport
The 1965 Ford GT40 Mk I owned by Benjamin Levy.
Concours d'Elegance
The 1937 Alfa Romeo 8C 2900 B owned by Lawrence Auriana.
The 27th Greenwich Concours d’Elegance is in the books, and this year the awards were for two classes: the Concours d’Elegance and the Concours de Sport. The Concours d’Elegance award is intended to recognize traditionally classic automobiles, while the Concours de Sport award celebrates cars from and associated with motorsports.
For 2023, the Concours d’Elegance award goes to the 1937 Alfa Romeo 8C 2900 B, owned by Lawrence Auriana. The 8C 2900 B was the last and the most spectacular of the prewar Alfas. Its glittering debut came at the 1938 Paris Salon; just 32 were made from 1937 through 1939. This particular 2900 B was originally bodied as an open-wheel race car and later rebodied by Pinin Farina. It took third place at the 1938 Mille Miglia and placed first at the 1938 Stelvio Hill Climb.
Among the United States’ most lauded concours, the 2900 B is a favorite. On the lawn at Pebble Beach, 8C 2900 Bs have taken the prestigious concours’ Best of Show laurels four times since 1988. In 2000, a 1938 8C 2900 B won Best of Show at the Amelia Concours. In 2017, Amelia’s Best of Show Concours de Sport went to an 8C 2900 B Touring Spider. Alfa’s 2900 B is all but unbeatable on the concours lawn, as Greenwich’s 2023 Concours d’Elegance award underscores once more. The 2900 B is practically a guaranteed winner . . . unless there’s another prewar Alfa on the field!
This year’s Concours de Sport award went to the 1965 Ford GT40 Mk I, chassis P/1030, displayed by Benjamin Levy. The Ford GT originated in the early 1960s when the Ford Motor Company sought to update its old-fashioned image with the baby boomers who were beginning to exert influence in the car market. Led by Lee Iacocca, Ford decided to use the growing sport of auto racing to establish a more exciting performance image. After Enzo Ferrari quashed Ford’s efforts to purchase his company at the eleventh hour, Henry Ford II gave the order for Ford to build a car that would win the torturous Le Mans 24-hour endurance race. That car was the GT40.
Chassis P/1030 left the factory equipped with Borrani wire wheels, a 289-cubic-inch V-8, and a standard ZF five-speed manual transmission. It was initially sent to the Shell Oil Company for its advertising campaign. After that, it was sold to Ken Luscombe-Whyte and repainted red. In February 1968, it was sold to Rodney Lyons of the Epping Oil Company. In July 1968, it was featured on the cover of Car magazine. The car was loaned to Ford and photographed for a double-page ad featured in numerous magazines in the period. Later the car was used for development of the 2005/2006 Ford GT.
For more information please visit https://www.hagerty.com/media/news/2023-greenwich-concours-best-of-show-winners
Keep reading Cognac's Corner Magazine for the very best in CAR EVENTS.
PINK CHAMPAGNE KISSES
COGNAC WELLERLANE
Greenwich Concourse de Elegance 2022
Sunday’s Concours d’Elegance celebrated 140 world-class vehicles. 57 judges from across the globe selected a Vignale-bodied 1948 Packard Convertible Victoria as Best of Show.
TV HOST COGNAC WELLERLANE POSES FOR A PHOTO-UP WITH CAR COLLECTOR JIM TAYLOR AT THE GREENWICH CONCOURSE DE ELEGANCE 2022
So happy to cover the Greenwich Concourse de Elegance!
Fabulous collection of Vintage and Exotic cars!
Fabulous interviews with famous car collectors like Jim Taylor Owner of No. 9 Jaguar! Mr. Taylor owns 150 vintage and exotic cars that will be auctioned off in October!
Saturday’s Cars & Community showcased 125 vehicles, including some of the gnarliest from the 80s and 90s at RADwood and the car world’s quirkiest at Concours d’Lemons.
Sunday’s Concours d’Elegance celebrated 140 world-class vehicles. 57 judges from across the globe selected a Vignale-bodied 1948 Packard Convertible Victoria as Best of Show.
The Broad Arrow Group announced the "Passion for the Drive: The Cars of Jim Taylor" auction, taking place October 14-15 in Gloversville, located a short distance from Albany, New York. The offering represents one of the finest assemblages of European, British and American sports and vintage cars including an impressive selection of Allard, Alvis, Aston Martin, Bentley, Bugatti, Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Cunningham, Dodge, Ferrari, Ford, Jaguar, Land Rover, Maserati, Mercedes-Benz, and Shelby motor cars. Perhaps even more impressively is just how many of Mr. Taylor’s cars have been rallied and shown at events around the world.
Speaking about his lifelong passion for vintage cars Jim Taylor says, “I have had the distinct pleasure of enjoying vintage cars for the better part of my entire adult life. Vintage cars and the lifestyle surrounding the classic car hobby have been a tremendous source of joy and pleasure for me, whether vintage racing on the historic Mille Miglia or competing on the show fields of the Amelia Island or Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. Each experience, usually marked with a different car and like-minded participants, has been nothing short of exceptional.” Taylor continues, “Over the years, I have tried to support the hobby as generously as possible whether by hosting charitable events at the garage or through my philanthropic support of numerous automotive museums, including the Saratoga Automobile Museum. Sharing this hobby with others is what keeps the passion alive for future generations and I hope that in the sale of my cars and memorabilia we will continue to help foster that love and passion in and among generations of enthusiasts to come.”
FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE GREENWICH CONCOURSE DE ELEGANCE PLEASE VISIT https://www.greenwichconcours.com/
KEEP READING COGNACSCORNERMAGAZINE.COM
PINK CHAMPAGNE KISSES
COGNAC WELLERLANE
GREENWICH CONCOURSE AUTUMN 2021
I ATTENDED THE CONCOURSE DE ELEGANCE AUTUMN 2021 AND HAD THE PLEASURE ON INTERVIEWING AUTHOR JOHN NIKAS WHO HOSTED THE SEMINAR SHIFTING GEARS THAT WAS PRESENTED AT THE SHOW TO ALL CAR ENTHUSIAST WHO ARE EMBRACING THE CHALLENGES OF EXOTIC CAR OWNERSHIP IN THE 21ST CENTURY.
John Nikas is an automotive writer who specializes in weaving social, cultural and economic themes into compelling narratives about motoring history. A recipient of the Denise McCluggage Award, he was runner-up for the Mercedes-Benz Award and Montagu of Beaulieu Trophy for Rule Britannia: When British Sports Cars Saved a Nation. Among his books are several marque histories including the best-selling and critically acclaimed Healey: The Men and Machines.
John is frequently asked to speak or make special appearances at automotive events such as the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, Monterey Motorsports Reunion at Laguna Seca Raceway and the Goodwood Revival, discussing a wide range of motoring topics. He has also been featured in television spots on ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox News, L’Equipe and the BBC.
A celebrated vintage racer, John has campaigned an array of vehicles in a number of different series. He has collected multiple championships and received special recognition for his accomplishments on and off the track. Among his successes are an overall victory in the Mille Miglia North America Tribute, recognition as the Vintage Auto Racing Association’s British Driver of the Year and an Order of Conspicuous Bravery for a memorable drive in a Jaguar E-type at California Speedway.
KEEP READING COGNAC'S CORNER MAGAZINE FOR THE VERY BEST IN RED CARPET EVENTS.
PINK CHAMPAGNE KISSES
COGNAC WELLERLANE
Greenwich Concours d’Elegance
TV Host Cognac Wellerlane attends Greenwich Concours d'Elegance. TV Personality Wayne Carini poses for a photo-op with Car Enthusiasts
Fine dining at the elegant d’escale Restaurant in the Delmar Hotel overlooking the harbor of magnificent yachts after the Greenwich Concours d’Elegance in Greenwich Connecticut. Posing for a photo-op with Greenwich Concours d’Elegance VIP Guest Peter Edwards
Longtime Greenwich residents Bruce and Genia Wennerstrom founded the Greenwich Concours, which was first held in 1996. For Bruce and Genia, creation of the Concours was a natural extension of their many friendships and long standing interests. They knew the top executives of many of the car companies, and they were both close to hundreds of car collectors and racing figures. Each month they presided over the luncheon meeting of the Madison Avenue Sports Car Driving and Chowder Society, a media based group of enthusiasts that’s been meeting at Sardi’s since 1957.
But from the start it has been a family affair, mounted each year with considerable and invaluable assistance from their sons, daughter and daughters-in-law, along with the support of a wide circle of friends in the automotive field who have over the years become an extended family.
Bruce’s passion for automobiles began early. As he put it: “In their teens, guy’s hormones and gasoline all get mixed up together. Most outgrow it – I never did.” Genia, an artist and author, would say that she “married into it,” but fully shared his broad interest in cars and motorsports, and together they attended races from Formula 1 events in Europe, to the 24 Hours of Le Mans in France, to vintage races at Lime Rock and other regional tracks. For many years, the annual family outing took place the first weekend of October, when the entire Wennerstrom clan drove (in a 1957 Dual Ghia) to Watkins Glen, New York, for the US Grand Prix.
In explaining the appeal of car collecting, Bruce noted, “the true collector gets the same aesthetic thrill from owning and looking at a classic car as other people get from owning and looking at a beautiful painting or piece of sculpture.”
Bruce and Genia thought their hometown of Greenwich was the ideal location for a true world-class Concours and created the Greenwich Concours. From the start, the town has been incredibly supportive, from Town Hall and the Parks Department, to the many collectors who reside in Greenwich. The Concours is now recognized as one of the top events of its kind in the country. AmeriCares is the charitable beneficiary.
Genia passed away in May 2011, and Bruce in September 2015 – they were married for 55 years. It was their wish that the Concours continue as a family endeavor – and it does. Beginning with the 2016 Greenwich Concours, the younger generation of Wennerstroms assumed ownership and management of the event.
The format, however, remains unchanged – the weekend consists of two separate events. Saturday’s Greenwich Concours d’Elegance features pre-WWII and post-WWII domestic cars. Sunday’s Greenwich Concours International focuses solely on pre-WWII and post-WWII European sports, touring, and competition cars. Both events also include vintage motorcycles and luxury yachts. Both events are invitational.
I was happy to talk to Junior Specialist of Motorcars John Neville from Bonhams Auction House, a major sponsor of the event.
Bonhams is a privately owned international auction house. Founded in 1793, it is one of the world's largest and most renowned auctioneers of fine art and antiques, motor cars and jewelry.
For more information please visit https://www.bonhams.com
The event is also involved with Americares.
Americares has been the charitable beneficiary of the Greenwich Concours since the beginning, and we are proud to support their incredible work.
Americares is a health-focused relief and development organization that responds to people affected by poverty or disaster with life-changing health programs, medicine and medical supplies. Americares invests in local health centers, the health workers who staff them and the communities they serve every day and when disaster strikes.
Americares saves lives and improves health for people affected by poverty or disaster so they can reach their full potential. The Stamford-based organization is the world’s leading nonprofit provider of donated medicine and medical supplies. Since it was established nearly 40 years ago, Americares has provided more than $13 billion in aid to 164 countries, including the United States.
The Greenwich Concours d’Elegance supports the work of Americares, not only by raising awareness, but by raising funds through our event. Please consider making a charitable contribution to Americares, or perhaps making the donation in memory of a loved one. Anyone doing so using the link below will be recognized in the 2018 Greenwich Concours Program. 100% of your donation goes directly to Americares.
To make a donation to Americares please visit: Americares Donation Page
For more information please visit: americares.org
For more information about the GreenWich Concours d'Elegance please visit https://www.greenwichconcours.com
Americares has been the charitable beneficiary of the Greenwich Concours since the beginning, and we are proud to support their incredible work.
Americares is a health-focused relief and development organization that responds to people affected by poverty or disaster with life-changing health programs, medicine and medical supplies. Americares invests in local health centers, the health workers who staff them and the communities they serve every day and when disaster strikes.
Americares saves lives and improves health for people affected by poverty or disaster so they can reach their full potential. The Stamford-based organization is the world’s leading nonprofit provider of donated medicine and medical supplies. Since it was established nearly 40 years ago, Americares has provided more than $13 billion in aid to 164 countries, including the United States.
The Greenwich Concours d’Elegance supports the work of Americares, not only by raising awareness, but by raising funds through our event. Please consider making a charitable contribution to Americares, or perhaps making the donation in memory of a loved one. Anyone doing so using the link below will be recognized in the 2018 Greenwich Concours Program. 100% of your donation goes directly to Americares.
To make a donation to Americares please visit: Americares Donation Page
For more information please visit: americares.org
Keep reading Cognac's Corner Magazine for the very best in red carpet events and Premier Car Shows!
Pink Champagne Kisses
Cognac Wellerlane