A Dream Festival to Conclude the Concours Season

In Europe, the Concours d'Elegance serves as a social gathering for ladies and gentlemen who appreciate historic cars, starting with the "Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este" held in Italy in May each year, followed by events throughout the summer.

In Europe, the Concours d'Eleganza serves as a social gathering for ladies and gentlemen who appreciate historic cars, starting with the "Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este" held in Italy in May each year, followed by events throughout the summer.

Ferrari 250GT “Breadvan” 1963

Ferrari 512M 1970-71

The event that has recently garnered attention as the epilogue to this season is "Art & Elegance." This year marked its fourth iteration, held on September 9th and 10th, 2017.

The story began when Patrick Peter, organizer of France's premier historic car event, "Le Mans Classic," found common ground with Rahim Aga Khan, son of the globally renowned industrialist Prince Aga Khan.

They concluded that Château de Chantilly, located just north of Paris and owned by the Aga Khan Foundation, was the ideal venue for a historic car concours.

It is a dream festival that combines automobiles, gastronomy, and art.

Chantilly Art & Elegance Richard Mille

Incidentally, the castle, known for attracting gourmet aristocrats, is the origin of the term "crème Chantilly," a synonym for whipped cream.

Ferrari 312 P 1969

Alfa Romeo 3000CM Pininfarina Superflow Ⅳ 1960

Sponsors include Richard Mille, a rising force in the luxury watch world, and the Ministry of Culture and Communication of France as a patron.The list of names reads like a full-course dinner menu, offering a sense of satisfaction. An exhibition of paintings by Pablo Picasso and Francis Bacon was also featured.

The list of 48 judges was equally illustrious, including Jean Todt, who once led the Ferrari F1 team to glory; Paul Belmondo, racing driver and son of actor Jean-Paul Belmondo; and Nick Mason, drummer for Pink Floyd, among other VIPs from the European automotive world.

A Majestic Spectacle Unique to Paris

A total of 82 vehicles were entered in the competition.

The oldest was the 1899 "La Jamais Contente" participating in the "A Century of Electric Cars" category. The youngest was the 1997 Ferrari "333P" from the "24 Hours of Le Mans Race Open-Top Ferraris" category.

There were 16 categories, double the 8 categories at Villa d'Este.

La Jamais contente 1899

Gladiator Grand Prix 1905

Additionally, the collection included vehicles from the corporate archives of Peugeot and Renault, which have often been exhibited at the "Rétromobile" show in Paris.

From a purist enthusiast's perspective, some might argue that the event leans too heavily towards populism.

However, the sight of four Bugatti Type 57S, considered treasures among Bugattis, and 26 Ferraris on display truly warrants the term "majestic." Such a spectacle could only be realized in Paris, the heart of European wealth.

Engaging Shows Add to the Appeal

Elegant attractions, such as a parade of concept cars and haute couture models, and an equestrian show symbolizing France's prowess in horse breeding, were met with applause from visitors, just like the classic cars.

The parade of official cars used by French presidents was particularly impressive. According to DS Heritage, the historical division of DS responsible for their upkeep, these vehicles have been maintained in operational condition since the de Gaulle era.

Equestrian Show

Among them was the 1968 Citroën DS21 Présidentielle, crafted by the renowned coachbuilder Henri Chapron, which was favored by both Presidents de Gaulle and Pompidou.

Its length was 6.53 meters, longer than the US presidential limousine, the Lincoln, of the time. These specifications were sure to stir French pride.

Citroen DS 21 Presidentielle 1968

Citroen DS 21 Presidentielle 1968

Visitors to "Art & Elegance" were also subject to a dress code. The guidelines were phrased rather indirectly: "Elegance generally implies a degree of restraint, but a touch of flair is permissible as long as it maintains balance."

Furthermore, the weather on the day was cool with occasional light rain, necessitating the frequent use of coats and jackets.

Chantilly Art & Elegance Richard Mille

Club booth

Despite the weather, many attendees enjoyed the weekend event at the historic château with a slightly more dressed-up ambiance than usual.

For those wishing to enhance their attire, a hat shop and a makeup studio were set up in tents on the grounds.

It was a stylish early autumn entertainment where visitors became part of the scenery. According to the organizers, 16,300 people attended this year. A new form of Concours d'Elegance is quietly taking root.