The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Vanessa Williams to present award at Atlanta Concours d’Elegance
Actress, Maserati enthusiast to give award of diversity.
Actress and singer Vanessa Williams will be a special presenter during this weekend’s Atlanta Concours d’Elegance at Tyler Perry Studios.
The Concours, which will have on display hundreds of the world’s most unique vintage automobiles on Saturday and Sunday, is making the move to Atlanta this year following three years at Chateau Elan in Braselton.
The show will be held on the Fort McPherson parade field, which is part of the 330-acre complex Perry pur- chased in 2015.
In addition to a typi- cal Concours awards ceremony that includes “Best of Show” and individual “Class” awards, a special recognition for the “Cars of Iconic Black Americans” will be given by Williams at noon on Sunday.
The “Cars of Iconic Black Americans,” has been curated by Atlanta Concours board member Aaron Spauld- ing. The exhibit is a unique gathering of vehicles owned by B.B. King, Muhammad Ali, Sammy Davis Jr., Sam Cooke, Bill “Bojangles” Robinson and James Brown.
Williams, known for her work in films like “Soul Food,” numerous televi- sion shows and the Broadway stage, is also a big fan of cars — especially Maseratis. She is the owner of two blue models and is a former certi- fied driver of Italy’s Maserati Master GT driving school.
“A longtime lover of beau- tiful classic Italian sports cars, I started driving a Fiat 128, then graduated to a Lancia Beta Coupe, and I was thrilled when Maserati came back on the scene over 15 years ago with my Cambio- corsa,” Williams said. “I’m now driving a Gran Turismo. Just give me the chance to drive and I’m there.”
Bill Wallet, co-chairman for the Atlanta Concours, said this year’s show will mir- ror Atlanta’s diversity, from the vehicles to the audience.
”The metropolitan Atlanta region is a mecca for diversity, and we’re proud to be one of the first qualified car events nationwide that can combine the passion and excitement that touches this type of emotion for all,” said Wallet. “We’re bringing commonality to every race, gender, culture and ethnicity within the Atlanta community and we’re excited to share our love of the auto- mobile with so many varied enthusiasts.”
The AJC will also pres- ent its “Incredible. Compelling. Complete.” award to a deserving car.
Tickets are $75 in advance or $25 just for Saturday admission, when driver-level cars will be on display; the high-end car competition will take place Sunday. The event will be from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday.
For more information, go to atlantaconcours.org.