11th Dayton Concours d’Elegance sets record, showcases Dayton’s heritage
More than 200 cars and motorcycles, perfect blue skies and a temperature about 80 degrees were the key elements to attracting a record number of visitors to Carillon Historical Park for the 11th edition of the Dayton Concours d’Elegance.
“Dayton History could not be happier with the number of guests, new and old, this event brings to Carillon Park,” said Lauryn Bayliff, Dayton History’s director of community development. “We are able create an environment to showcase these unique vehicles while sharing the rich heritage of the Dayton region.
“As the largest annual fundraising event held at the park, we are delighted to see such a great response from the community,” she said.
“This event would not be possible without the hard work and dedication of the concours committee and the support of our corporate partners, especially AAA,” Bayliff added. “A longtime friend of the concours, the late Ray Keyton – former president and CEO of AAA Miami Valley – was greatly missed this year. Ray helped the concours get its start at Carillon Park 10 years ago, and the absence of the event’s greatest champion was very evident. It was such a pleasure to have Ray’s friends, family and co-workers join us this year to honor his love for cars, people and Carillon Park.”
The event featured the 50th anniversary of the Camaro and Firebird, and the evolution of the MG sports car, but the “Cars of Orville Wright” class stole the show.
Greg Ornazian of Troy, Michigan, brought his 1937 Hudson Terraplane to the concours. It is similar to a model owned by Wright in the 1930s and it not only won the class but also was awarded the R.H. Grant Best of Show Award.
“It’s my first show with this car. I bought it at the Ault Park concours earlier this year and after some more work, brought it here. What a nice result,” Ornazian said. “I won Best of Show at Ault Park with my Delahaye, but winning here, the Best of Show trophy is the most beautiful award I’ve ever seen.”
Ornazian was referring to the handmade wooden steering wheel created by local artist Paul Rich. Rich has crafted these for the concours for many years, and no two are alike.
“I talked with Paul after the awards ceremony, and he explained the types of wood he used,” Ornazian said, adding that the Wright Flyer and the base is a tribute to Rich’s brother who is terminally ill. “This man is an amazing artist, and among all of the awards I’ve won over the years, none of them will mean as much to me as this one. I’m honored to have it.”
Glenn Hamilton of Dayton arose early and fired up his 1911 Marmon Speedster for a drive to the concours just about sunrise.
“What a wonderful morning for a drive in a car over 100 years old,” he said. Hamilton was awarded the Chairman’s Award for his Marmon, and the Jeffrey Siler Spirit Award, recognizing his passion for all things automotive. “Thinking back, since the inception of this event, I’ve brought a dozen or so different cars, from a 1904 Cadillac to 1956 Jaguar, and a number of Packards in between,” he said. “I’ll keep showing up with something over 100 years old that is always driven to and from the meet.”
There were nearly 200 automobiles on site, nearly 40 motorcycles and scooters and a collection of Miami Valley racecars that were for display only.
Along with that display, Indianapolis Motor Speedway historian Donald Davidson held a public Q&A, joined by veteran Indy 500 drivers Jack Hewitt, Tom Bigelow and Greg Leffler.
The Fishers Body Craftsmen’s Guild held its reunion with almost 20 members attending from across the United States; a display of hand-built models competed for the Larry Miller Best of Show Award.
One spectator, Mel Francis of Wisconsin, shared his impressions of the day. “The only other concours I have ever attended is Pebble Beach. This show was just as impressive, with a more compact, intimate feel to it,” he said.