Houston readies for inaugural Concours d’Elegance of Texas

Show to feature Custom Bodied Classics and unveil its original 2012 poster art

HOUSTON -- Organizers of the Concours d'Elegance of Texas have announced special features and classes for its inaugural event, scheduled to run over the weekend of May 4-6 at the award-winning La Torretta Lake Resort & Spa in Montgomery, Texas. Visitors can look forward to a spectacular gathering of vintage motorcars, race cars and antique motorcycles and anticipate a Texas-sized welcome at the glorious lakeside setting of La Torretta.

"We are delighted to confirm Custom Bodied Classics as this year's featured class, celebrating outstanding examples of the best custom coachbuilders of the classic era, including the very first Darrin built in the United States," said Lolly Bezy, executive director. " The response by notable collectors to this great car weekend has been overwhelmingly positive. We're looking forward to welcoming enthusiasts to this great venue, and to building the foundation for one of the nations' finest Concours events.”

Alongside custom bodied classics, individual classes will recognize a distinct range of marques and eras, including antique and vintage through 1924, the classic era, post war automobiles, as well as pre and post-war motorcycles and race cars. The complete class list, detailed event information and vehicle nomination forms are available online at www.concoursoftexas.org.

Renowned automotive artist Tom Hale will represent the inaugural event with a unique piece of original artwork, to serve as the 2012 Concours Poster Art (pictured right). Tom Hale has worked full time as a fine artist since 1985, selling more than 3,000 original paintings, with work commissioned for over 50 event posters. The Gold Medal of Honor from the American Watercolor Society punctuates his numerous awards. His gallery can be viewed online at www.tomhalegallery.com.

The weekend kicks off on Friday, May 4, with the Texas Tour d’Elegance, open to all concours participants, a 50-mile scenic tour of historic Montgomery and surrounds, with lunch at the unique and distinctly Texan Thomas Ranch.

Other event highlights include The Houston Classic Auction, presented by Worldwide Auctioneers, now in its 11th year. Enthusiasts will be treated to an exemplary selection of over 100 significant motorcars in a catalogue format auction held in the Versailles Ballroom on Saturday, May 5. Full details are available online at www.worldwide-auctioneers.com or at 1-260-925-6789.

The Concours d'Elegance of Texas runs from May 4-6, with all proceeds benefiting charity. Admission to the Concours is $25, discounted to $20 if purchased in advance, with children under 12 admitted free of charge. Full details are available online at www.concoursoftexas.org.

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