Stories from the Luxury & Supercar Showcase Concours

The Park Place Luxury & Supercar Showcase presented a veritable automotive cornucopia of class, style and elegance. 

The third annual Park Place Luxury & Supercar Showcase got off to a picture-perfect start on Saturday, September 28, 2019, as the weather dawned bright and clear over the Four Seasons Resort and Club Dallas at Las Colinas. An estimated 4,500 attendees wandered the club’s manicured fairways, oohing and aahing at 325 rare and exotic automobiles, new as well as best-of-the-best classics.

Stories from the Concours

The top three awardees (winners for Best of Show, Chairman’s Choice, and Salesmanship Club award) were not only memorable, historical, and stunning in their own right, but also came with their own intriguing backstories. 

Best of Show: Mercedes Benz 500 K Special Roadster

First exhibited at the 1934 Berlin Motor Show, the powerful and opulent Mercedes Benz 500 K instantly became the “must-have” car for business titans, movie stars and royalty all over the world. They were among the few who could afford it – $14,000 when the average car went for $650. The 500 K featured a five-liter, inline 8-cylinder engine with forced induction (the “K” stands for “Kompressor,” German for supercharger) good for 160 hp and a top speed of 100 mph.

Approximately 30 of the now-iconic “long-tail” Special Roadsters (the second of three Special Roadster designs) were made from 1936 to 1937, spanning the switch from 500 K to 540 K engines. Fewer than 10 of the 500 K “long-tail” Special Roadsters were produced and of those, only two had the elegant covered spare design of this vehicle. Neither of those original 500 K bodies has survived, and only three of the six 540 K’s with this body style exist.

This show-stopping example was delivered new to the Netherlands but the cabriolet (convertible) body was destroyed and the chassis damaged during World War Two. A half-century later, a Danish baron partially restored the vehicle and displayed it as part of his collection for two decades. During 2012-2018, marque experts added new coachwork and fully restored the original chassis and engine to their authentic, exacting factory specifications, qualifying this ultra-rarity as a real-deal Mercedes-Benz 500 K.

Owner: Craig Hopkins

 

Chairman’s Choice: 1964 Aston Martin DB5

The Aston Martin DB5 is a British luxury grand tourer (GT) designed by Italian coachbuilder Carrozzeria Touring Superlegger and built in England (the “DB” designation is in honor of Sir David Brown, Aston Martin’s owner from 1947 to 1972).

The naturally-aspirated 4.0 liter all-aluminum inline 6-cylinder engine generates 286 hp, a top speed of 145 mph and reaches 0-60 in eight seconds.

A silver DB5 much like this example became world-famous as James Bond’s vehicle in the film “Goldfinger.” To promote the movie, two DB5s were showcased at the 1964 New York World’s Fair and the model was quickly dubbed “the most famous car in the world.”

This concours-winning DB5 (lacking 007’s ejection seat and machine guns) was built with right-hand drive for the British home market. But as it spent 30 years in the U.S., it was converted to left-hand drive in 2014. It’s been displayed at the must-see event of Pebble Beach Car Week, “The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering,” and has won numerous regional “best-in-class” awards as well.  

“One of the rewarding things about having a car like a DB5 is the privilege of showing it,” says owner Ray Larson. “When I show the car, my family is typically with me, so we’re able to share great moments together, and we often see friends and meet new people with a similar passion for beautiful cars.”

Owner: Raymond Larson

Salesman Ship Club Award: 1963 Ferrari 250 GT Lusso

The Ferrari 250 GT Berlinetta Lusso (Italian for “luxury”) was manufactured by Italian automaker Ferrari from 1962 to 1964. Designed by the Turinese coachbuilder Pininfarina and bodied by Carrozzeria Scaglietti, the Lusso debuted at the 1962 Paris Motor Show and is widely considered to be one of the most beautiful and elegant Ferraris ever built.

The naturally aspirated 3.0-liter Ferrari/Colombo-designed V12 engine generated 240 hp, accelerated from 0-60 in seven seconds and reached a top speed of 150 mph, earning plaudits as the fastest passenger car of the time.

Although not intended to compete as a race car, the Lusso made several impressive appearances at motor sport events in 1964 and 1965, including the Targa Florio and Tour de France.

A 1987 Road & Track article stated, “All movement ceased (when a Lusso pulled on a concourse field) and everyone turned to stare. It was as though Sophia Loren in a bright red cocktail dress had just walked provocatively through a garden party of English schoolgirls.”

While in the U.K., owner Greg Brendel attended the Concours of Elegance at historic Stapleford Park with his family. He also toured on his own, noting, “It was interesting to maneuver a vintage left-hand drive car on the opposite side of the road while navigating with my iPhone in the roundabouts.”

The last of Ferrari’s legendary 250 GT road cars, only 350 were built.

Owner: Greg Brendel


Did you learn the story behind some of the entries on our Collector’s Concours? Email them to social@10.2.54.33 OR share a photo on Facebook or Instagram and tag @parkplacetexas and #supercarshowcase.

 

 

$141,000 Raised at Third Annual Park Place Luxury & Supercar Showcase

THIRD ANNUAL PARK PLACE LUXURY & SUPERCAR SHOWCASE RAISES $141,000 FOR BAYLOR SCOTT & WHITE IRVING FOUNDATION


LAS COLINAS, Texas (October 9, 2019) – On September 28 the 3rd annual Park Place Luxury & Supercar Showcase raised $141,000 for Baylor Scott & White Irving Foundation.  More than 4,500 people attended the luxury lifestyle event at the Four Seasons Resort and Club Dallas at Las Colinas to experience rare cars, live music, trendy fashion, and refreshing food and beverages.

“It was a fabulous day with great community support for a wonderful cause,” said Park Place Dealerships chairman Ken Schnitzer. “The proceeds from the raffle of a 2020 Lexus UX will go towards purchasing new imaging equipment for patients undergoing radiation therapy at Baylor Scott & White Charles A. Sammons Cancer Center – Irving.”

Janet Jensen of Irving won the new 2020 Lexus UX in the raffle drawing.

Concours Overview

With more than $100 million worth of cars on display, the Park Place Luxury & Supercar Showcase featured the Park Place New Car Concours with the latest models from Rolls-Royce, Maserati, McLaren, Bentley, Karma, Porsche, Mercedes-Benz, Lexus, Volvo, Jaguar, and Land Rover. The Club Car Expo, displayed on the 18th fairway, represented some of the best car clubs in North Texas.  The Collectors’ Concours, a juried showcase of rare classic, luxury, and supercars from private collectors, was featured on the 1st Fairway of the TPC Golf Course.

Renowned sculptor Brad Oldham, well known for the Traveling Man installation in Deep Ellum, and his partner Christy Coltrin designed and handcrafted the Spirit of Park Place awards for Best of Show, Chairman’s Award and Salesmanship Club Award winners.

Craig and Laura Hopkins of Dallas took “Best of Show” in the Collectors Concours for their 1936 Mercedes-Benz 500 K Special Roadster.

Craig & Laura Hopkins, 1936 Mercedes-Benz 500 K Special Roadster – photo by David Alvey

“The supercharged Mercedes-Benz 500 K was delivered new to The Netherlands,” explained Craig Hopkins. “But the car’s body was completely destroyed during World War II. An American soldier sent the wreckage home, where it sat unrepaired for many years. It made its way back to Europe decades later where a Danish baron performed the first restoration in the late 1980s. The car was the pride of his automobile museum for 20 years. In 2012 his collection was liquidated and the car came to Texas. The baron’s work was replaced with coachwork by master fabricator Cass Nawrocki. It took seven years for marque expert Jim Friswold to fully restore the car. The rarity of the “long-tail” special roadster cannot be overstated. Of perhaps 25 to 30 created, only eight received the elegant covered-spare bodywork appearing on this car.”

Raymond Larson and his 1964 Aston Martin DB5 took home the Chairman’s Award, and the Salesmanship Club Award went to Greg Brendel for his 1963 Ferrari 250 GT Lusso.


Award Winners

Awards from Bachendorf’s were presented to Best in Class winners, as well as second-place winners in each category, including:

– American Classic 1st in Class: Ricardo Cabral, 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air

– American Classic 2nd in Class: Joseph Valenti, 1969 Mercury Cougar XR 7 Convertible

 

– American Vintage 1st in Class: Thomas Wilcox, 1934 Packard 1104 Coupe Roadster

– American Vintage 2nd in Class: Ray Kinney, 1937 Lincoln K Bachelor Coupe

 

– British Classic 1st in Class: Fred Cornwall, 1963 Rolls-Royce, Silver Cloud III

– British Classic 2nd in Class: Mike Harling, 1958 AC ACE

 

– British Modern 1st in Class: Aamer Agha, 2018 McLaren 720s

– British Modern 2nd in Class: Justin Keller, 2016 McLaren 675 LT

 

– Italian Classic 1st in Class: Randy Johnson, 1972 Ferrari Dino 246 GT

– Italian Classic 2nd in Class: Mark Wyant, 1993 Ferrari 512 TR

 

– Italian Modern 1st in Class: David Arbelaez, 2018 Lamborghini Huracan Spyder

– Italian Modern 2nd in Class: Dean Somes, 2015 Alfa Romeo 4C

 

– German Classic 1st in Class: Richard Morrow, 1961 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster

– German Classic 2nd in Class: Whitney Stark, 1956 Mercedes-Benz 190 SL

 

– German Modern 1st in Class: John Kobell, 1980 BMW M1

– German Modern 2nd in Class: Barry Fromberg, 1989 Porsche 930 Turbo

 

– Supercar 1st in Class: Barry Fromberg, 1991 Jaguar XJR-15

– Supercar 2nd in Class: Chris Bogard, 2019 Ford GT Supercar

 

– International 1st in Class: Josh Toby, 2006 Spyder C8

– International 2nd in Class: Jared Snow, 1998 Toyota Supra Turbo


A V-I-P Experience and More

In addition to the fabulous cars on display, guests enjoyed shopping and special experiences at several retail pop up stops in the Celebrity Cruises Captains Lounge inside the Porsche Pavilion, including Bachendorf’s, Jack Black, Cuvee Coffee, Alice + Olivia, St. John, Trina Turk, Theory, Perks & Provisions, Renegade Cigars and the City of Irving.

Highland Park Village presented a runway fashion show produced by Jan Strimple Productions on the Million Air Stage.  Dallas’ Mad Hatter Shane Walker judged a Haute Hat Contest which featured some very creative automobile-inspired hats.

A model walks the runway during the Highland Village Fashion Show on the Million Air Stage in the Porsche Pavilion – photo by Rhi Lee

Some of DFW’s best restaurants were featured in the Allie Beth Allman – URBAN VIP Lounge, including The French Room, LAW, III Forks, Cool River, Dallas Chop House, Dallas Fish Market, Wild Salsa, Oven and Cellar, Wicked Butcher, Outlaw Tap Room, Kai, Toulouse, Whiskey Cake, Texas de Brazil, Princi Italia, CRU Wine and Food Bar, Pacific Table, Cork & Pig Tavern, Make Your Life Sweeter, and Carlton Provisions.

There was something for everyone with the Mercedes-Benz Beer Garden, live music on the Lexus Live Stage, and a Kids Zone featuring drivable battery-powered mini cars, the North Texas Diecast Collectors Club’s 60-foot downhill Hot Wheels track, and a meet and greet with Mansfield Legacy Cheer Captain and teen racecar driver Kinzie Wilson.

Kinzie Wilson – Mansfield Legacy High School Cheer Captain & racecar driver – photo by David Alvey

Plans are already under discussion for a fourth annual Luxury & Supercar Showcase next fall. Details will be posted at luxurysupercarshowcase.com as they are available.


Ken Schnitzer founded Park Place Dealerships in 1987 with a single Mercedes-Benz dealership on Oak Lawn. Today, Park Place Dealerships employs more than 2,100 people and operates 17 full-service dealerships. For more info, visit parkplace.com.

2019 Luxury & Supercar Showcase Collector’s Concours Awards

We have the official awards list for the Collector’s Concours, including 1st & 2nd In Class, Best of Show, Chairman Award, and Salesmanship Award. Photos will be shared later on!


Overall Awards

Best of Show Award: 1936 Mercedes-Benz 500 K Special Roadster

Chairman Award: 1964 Aston Martin DB5

Salesmanship Award: 1963 Ferrari 250 GT Lusso


Class Awards

American Classic 1st in Class: 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air
American Classic 2nd in Class: 1969 Mercury Cougar XR 7 Convertible

American Vintage 1st in Class: 1934 Packard 1104 Coupe Roadster
American Vintage 2nd in Class: 1937 Lincoln K Bachelor Coupe

British Classic 1st in Class:1963 Rolls-Royce, Silver Cloud III
British Classic 2nd in Class: 1958 AC ACE

British Modern 1st in Class: 2018 McLaren 720s
British Modern 2nd in Class: 2016 McLaren 675 LT

Italian Classic 1st in Class: 1972 Ferrari Dino 246 GT
Italian Classic 2nd in Class: 1993 Ferrari 512 TR

Italian Modern 1st in Class: 2018 Lamborghini Huracan Spyder
Italian Modern 2nd in Class: 2015 Alfa Romeo 4C

German Classic 1st in Class: 1961 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster
German Classic 2nd in Class: 1956 Mercedes-Benz 190 SL

German Modern 1st in Class: 1980 BMW M1
German Modern 2nd in Class: 1989 Porsche 930 Turbo

Supercar 1st in Class: 1991 Jaguar XJR-15
Supercar 2nd in Class: 2019 Ford GT Supercar

International 1st in Class: 2006 Spyker C8
International 2nd in Class: 1998 Toyota Supra Turbo

Congratulations to all of our Collector’s on a spectacular showing!

Bentley Dallas and Stetson Reveal Special Edition Bentayga

Two iconic brands combine old-world craftsmanship to introduce a new luxury product which arrived in Texas earlier this week. Introducing the world’s first Bentley Bentayga Special Edition- exclusively commissioned at Bentley Dallas.


Style, tradition, and innovation come together in a spectacular blend of two icons. Bentley Dallas and Stetson are combining their powerful legacies to create a timeless vehicle for discerning clients: the Bentayga Stetson Special Edition.

“This partnership speaks to the timelessness of these two famous brands,” says Ken Schnitzer, Chairman of Park Place Dealerships.  “The Bentayga’s rugged luxury is a tailor-made match for Stetson’s unsurpassed quality. The Bentayga Stetson Special Edition combines the best of old-world craftsmanship with American history to create a distinctive and memorable motoring experience.”

The Bentayga Stetson Special Edition vehicles are exclusively offered by Bentley Dallas with the first car delivered this week to Texas, the heart of modern cowboy culture.

“Stetson is thrilled to be partnering with Bentley Dallas on the Bentayga Stetson Special Edition. For over 150 years, the Stetson name has stood for quality, authenticity, craftsmanship and a refusal to compromise on details,” says Xiao Li Tan, President of Stetson Worldwide. “The collaboration between Stetson and Bentley combines two legendary heritage names to deliver an unparalleled experience for Western enthusiasts.”

Customize with Mulliner

Clients can customize their Bentayga Stetson Special Edition vehicle through Bentley’s personalized Mulliner team with an unlimited array of options.

Each vehicle’s exterior features a distinctive Stetson badge. Clients can choose from three special colors:

  • White Sand, to match the “Silverbelly,” color made famous by U.S. Presidents, artists, and musicians. The Stetson Open Road has also been worn by Churchill, Bob Dylan and hundreds of other culture setters
  • Dark Cashmere to match the Stetson Boss of the Plains hat, the first Stetson ever sold
  • Onyx, embodying the classic Stetson black 100X El Presidente hat

Rich Leather and a Duotone Steering Wheel

Rich interior leather hides are chosen carefully and crafted with precision for each vehicle. The Bentayga Stetson Special Edition will offer interior colors of a camel main hide, saddle secondary hide, and burnt oak accents. The duotone steering wheel will feature a burnt oak center, a saddle-leather outer and chrome elements.

Embroidery

The Stetson logo is embroidered in each headrest in saddle thread to complement the open pore liquid amber veneer, which derives from the American Red Gum trees grown in the United States.

Boot Stitching

Taking cues from cowboy boots and saddles, the Bentayga Stetson Special Edition will feature “boot stitching” throughout the vehicle to create a Bespoke Bentayga that embodies the style of the Stetson brand. Treadplate inserts carved with “MULLINER STETSON” mark each vehicle as a special edition.

 

Mulliner, the Bespoke workshop within Bentley that can make a client’s dream come to life, has beautifully merged the culture of Stetson with the sophisticated design of Bentley to deliver luxury on a new level as never before seen.

Bentley’s 100 Years and Stetson’s Legacy

This year, Bentley Motors celebrates 100 years of automotive performance, reflecting on the inspiration of founder W.O. Bentley: “Build a fast car, a good car, the best in its class.” Bentley won the 24-hours of Le Mans six times. Today, every car is hand-made at their factory in Crewe (in the northwest of England), by a team of highly-skilled artisans.

Stetson, an iconic American brand since 1865, has been the headwear of choice for presidents and patriots, artists and musicians, mavericks and historical figures from all around the world. Worn by culture setters from Buffalo Bill Cody to Ronald Reagan to Waylon Jennings, Stetson is forever woven into the fabric of America.


About Park Place Dealerships

Ken Schnitzer founded Park Place Dealerships in 1987 with a single Mercedes-Benz dealership on Oak Lawn. Today, Park Place Dealerships employs more than 2,100 people and operates 17 full-service dealerships representing luxury brands including Bentley, Rolls-Royce, McLaren, Maserati, Lexus, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Volvo, Jaguar, Land Rover, and Karma. For more info, visit parkplace.com.

About Stetson

As it has since 1865, Stetson is an iconic brand that embodies the resourceful, authentic, adaptable and diverse core of the American spirit. A global leader in authentic American lifestyle products, Stetson is committed to a heritage of craftsmanship and quality that communicates individuality and freedom. John B. Stetson’s story of perseverance continues today, over 150 years later in step with the journey of America – ever-evolving, yet timeless.

 

 

10 Tips/Tricks/Things To Know/Totally Awesome Things About Park Place’s Luxury & Supercar Showcase – 3rd Edition

This is actually more than 10 but…you get the point. These are the ten-ish items that are need-to-knows for this year’s park Place Luxury & Supercar Showcase. 

If you haven’t purchased your tickets already, head to LuxurySupercarShowcase.com.

Look, But Don’t Touch.

This is our ‘tried and true’ and ‘first and foremost’ tip for anyone attending our event.  We will have over 100 Collector’s vehicles on our Collector’s Concours all buffed and beautified for the hopes of winning “Best in Class” and “Best in Show,” so please be considerate when you’re walking the Concours and refrain from touching the vehicles. A few specific “Car Show Etiquette” points include:

    • Asking the owner before taking a photo
    • Watch your belt buckles, jewelry, handbags etc. so that you don’t accidentally scratch any of the competition cars.
    • Be aware of sticky fingers- literally! We have plenty of food and beverage options so please be sure your hands are clean prior to walking our Concours.
    • For more etiquette tips, read this blog featuring Hagerty Car Insurance experts.

Plan Your Parking.

Valet? Self-Park? Ride Share? We’ve designed this event to be accessible for even more people this year, which means we expect more attendees than ever before. Our team has been working diligently to ensure easy access to parking including Valet, Self-Park, and a Designated Uber/Lyft/Ride Alto Drop-Off Point. Here a few more FAQs for parking at Supercar. 

    • Valet Parking is at Champions Way for $30
    • General Parking is available at North Lake College for $15
    • RideCentric will shuttle guests from the Parking lots to the Champions Way entrance (Shuttle Service Ends at 5 PM).
    • Ride Share Pick-up and Drop-Off is recommended at Singley Academy across the street from the Champion’s Way Event Entrance.

Flaunting a Haute Hat? Enter the Haute Hat Contest.

It’s back! After an amazing turnout on the runway for the first-ever Haute Hat Contest at the Park Place Luxury & Supercar Showcase. Handmade, store-bought, and everything in between.  Last year brought a mechanical hat dedicated to the Porsche Anniversary, a classic Stetson, and some striking hair pieces with our ladies. So whatever your hat’s origin story is, make sure you officially enter the contest judged by Dallas’ Mad Hatter, Shane Walker. To Enter:

    • Meet Shane Walker by the Stage inside the Porsche Pavilion tent from 12:30-1:15.
    • After the Highland Park Village Fashion Show at 2, you’ll be next to strut your stuff on stage.
    • Grand Prize and Runner Up awards are available for both the Ladies and Gents categories!

Leave your stilettos at home!

(Or don’t because it’s really up to you) but because this a largely outdoor event, we recommend footwear that will help you adjust to the terrain. While we won’t have any steep hills or multi-mile treks (maybe next year?), Highland Park Village provided us with straight-off-the-runway options perfect for a Concours including opting for a block heel instead of a stiletto, and then our favorite, the fashion sneaker, which is a classic and versatile option for all-day comfort and style.

Dress ‘Concours Casual’.

It’s like Derby style meets polished resort wear. With this unique dresscode, we enlisted Highland Park Village to help us define key elements of an on-trend Concours Casual look.  “Finding a look that’s sensible given the turf and elements, but also striking, is what the day is all about,” comments Liz Thrash, Director of Personal Shopping at Highland Park Village.

Win a Lexus UX!

That’s right. You could actually win a brand-new Lexus UX with the purchase of a raffle ticket. Another highlight is that all proceeds from the raffle benefit the Baylor Scott & White Irving Foundation.

Come Hungry.

We haven’t really boasted too much about the culinary spread the past couple of years, but we have some of the tastiest food and curated sips to keep you fueled all day long. Here are your options by ticket level:

    • VIP: Complimentary bites from 20 different restaurants including LAW, Dallas Chop House, KAI, Wild Salsa, and more, and various crafted beverages.
    • GA: Access to the Mercedes-Benz Beer Garden, the Captain’s Lounge, and food options from our food truck fleet (see below).
    • Showfield Access Only: An assortment of general beverages and access to food trucks from Texas de Brazil, Fast Furious Grill, BellaTrino Pizzeria, SoCal Tavos, Melt Ice Creams, Honey Lu’s Coffee and Pecos Pete’s Natural Tea + Soda.

Get your Groove on.

Whether your go-to dance move is the twist or the floss (or neither), we have two live stages with a variety of musical acts to keep you entertained all day long. The music selections are kid-friendly and dancing, if the music moves your soul, is 100% allowed. If dancing isn’t your thing, don’t worry because we have other acts and options on our two stages and around the concours.

Applaud our ‘Best In Show’ and ‘Best In Class’ winners.

At the end of the day, the real celebration begins as the judges enter their scores and our Concours winners are announced. All of our Collectors have taken great pride in their entries with the hopes of placing at the Supercar Showcase, so it’s important we show our support! The Awards Ceremony will begin at 3:30 and will last approximately only 30 minutes. Also, Brad Oldham Sculpture has handcrafted our Spirit of Park Place awards which are nothing short of extraordinary.

Create Your Perfect Day.

Yes, we know there’s so much going on throughout the day with two full stages, three different Concours’, a live fashion show, hat contest, Kids Zone, and well- it’s just an action-packed  (should we continue?). But our Event App (free download) has our full-day schedule with the ability to actually tap and save the experiences you’re interested in most for a customized schedule. We’ll also be using the app to run our People’s Choice awards for our Club Concours and Haute Hat contests, and as a day of communication tool for any late-breaking updates (so be sure to turn your push notifications on for that day). 

Download Link: https://www.luxurysupercarshowcase.com/app-luxury-supercar-showcase.htm


Now you’re fully prepared for our rain or shine event on Saturday, September 28th at the Four Seasons Dallas at Las Colinas, so we’ll see you at the Concours!

The Collector’s Behind the Cars: Supercar Showcase Concours Preview

On September 28th, you’ll experience three different concourses including Car Club Expo, New Car Concours with the latest from Park Place, and then the showstopping Collector’s Concours featuring some of the absolute best Texas- and beyond- has to offer. 

Here are some of the vehicles, and the stories behind the cars, that you’ll see on this year’s Collector’s Concours:

1967 Corvette Westlake, Collector: Rob Anderson

 It’s an original, unrestored, Corvette with 427/435 HP engine. This amazing car retains all of its original components including the original paint.

1973 Lotus Elan +2S/130, Collector: Gordon Sauer

Purchased in 1989, this ’73 Lotus Elan was subjected to a complete restoration to bring it back to its original showroom condition,” said Sauer. “It was the final year of the +2 Elan in the United States. It has the big valve motor and the silver-metal-flake-in-clear roof that was used to designate that model.”

1972 Olsmobile 442 W30, Collector: Steve Lucchi

“Ol’ Blue is one of only 289 Olds 442 W-30 4-speed coupes built in 1972,” said Lucchi. “Assembled at the Lansing, Michigan plant, the first three owners lived in the Lansing area.  The original owner “lost” the car in divorce proceedings. The third owner purchased the vehicle in 1984 as an incentive for his son to finish high school.  The car was driven until 1990, then parked in the owner’s garage for 27 years. In 2017, the car underwent a $110,000, 1200-man-hour, frame-off, Concours restoration. The decision was made to leave the original back glass, which still has a parking permit from East Lansing High School affixed. In 2017 Ol’ Blue won “Concours Gold” and “Best of Show – Oldsmobile” at the Muscle Car and Corvette Nationals in Chicago. Last year, she won Best of Show at the Olsmobile Club of America Nationals. I’m excited to introduce her to Dallas, Texas.”

1971 Alfa Romeo Montreal Coup, Collector: Val Herrera

“I own a small collection of classic Alfa Romeo cars that I have restored,” said Herrera. “This well cared for, all original and correct, Alfa Montreal was manufactured in Arese, Italy in 1971. It was first registered in 1973, imported to Canada, then came to the United States in the early 1980s. This “matching numbers” low mileage Montreal retains its original Alfa V8 engine, five-speed ZF gearbox and original, numbered body/chassis components. I acquired this “factory-correct” Montreal in 2002 and completed a multi-year cosmetic restoration in 2006. It’s won many awards. Including Best in Class and Best of Show awards at Concours d’Elegance shows around the U.S. and Canada.”

1956 Mercedes-Benz 190SL, Collector: Whiney Stark

“I’ve always loved the 1950 – 70s classic Mercedes convertibles,” explained Stark. “In February 2014, after several months of searching, I found a partially restored 1956 190SL in Colorado. Initially I was considering a sympathetic restoration, meaning paint and minor repairs only. However, after discovering the floor were really fiberglass, I decided to do a complete Concours level restoration. I worked with three restoration shops in Colorado, the Mercedes Classic Center in California, and a specialty parts dealer in Maryland for over four years. The car won First Place in the German Classic class at the 2018 Park Place Supercar Showcase – a great honor. I enjoy meeting other car enthusiasts and talking about classic cars at local shows. My family enjoys the car as well. In fact, my daughter used the car as a backdrop for her senior photos recently.”

1969 Cheverlot Chevelle SS 396, Collector: Guhan Raghu

“My 1969 Chevelle SS 396 is a personal “holy grail” car for me,” said Raghu. “Having owned and restored over 20 classic cars, my opinion of the  Chevelle is that it signifies the best of the late ‘60s offerings of American Muscle. This car had a frame-off restoration to show quality, and is a consistent winner at North Texas car shows. My family and I will enjoy this car for many years (and miles) to come.”


The Collectors’ Concours will be displayed on the first Fairway of the TPC Golf Course and will include a 1916 Stutz Bearcat; 1936 Pierce Arrow; 1966 Shelby GT350H Hertz Rent-a-Racer; 1983 Ferrari 308 GTS and many other rare vehicles.

Dallas-Fort Worth’s premier luxury lifestyle and automotive event will return to the Four Seasons Resort and Club Dallas at Las Colinas from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, September 28, 2019, rain or shine.

Purchase Tickets: LuxurySupercarShowcase.com

Top 3 Tips for Supercar Showcase Concours Etiquette

“A car show is like a museum- the same rules apply.”


We are nearing the next Park Place Luxury & Supercar Showcase, where  Park Place Dealerships, Car Collectors, and local partners will come together at the Four Seasons Resort and Club Dallas at Las Colinas to celebrate the rare, the exotic, and the high-performance at an event that puts the “SUPER” in supercar.

Our 3rd Annual Showcase features our expanded Concours with classes sure to tickle your fancy- including Supercar, International, Race Cars, and American Muscle.  We are elated to welcome you on the Concours for an experience like none-other in Dallas-Fort Worth. So whether you are a car show pro or an infrequent goer to such events, we want to ensure you are prepped and ready to enjoy your Concours Experience to fullest while keeping our Collectors’ Cars in pristine condition throughout the day.  

We consulted with industry experts and Collectors for the top 3 Concours Commandments for guests to follow for an elevated supercar showcase and concours experience:

First, Don’t Touch Without Permission From the Collector.

This is quite possibly the most important commandment for guests and collectors alike. The cars that will be featured on the Concours are not just a car, they are pieces of art and history and should be treated as such.  Sean Walker of Hagerty Classic Cars likens a show field to that of a museum- “the same rules apply.” Leaning on or trying to sit in the cars, while seemingly harmless, should be avoided out of respect for the cars and their collectors.

Additionally, this commandment extends to being mindful of your accessories. Whether it be a metal belt buckle, bangles, a refreshing beverage, or a savory bite from our local chefs- all these items can be the source of unintentional scratches, grease marks, or spills. Simply be mindful, and you’ll be just fine. 

But, Do Treat the Cars Like Works of Art and Ask First

Our collectors may be perfectly fine with you snapping a quick photo or opening the door to get a close-up view of their pride and joy, but it’s key to ask their permission first. Brian Ratcliff of Ratcliff Financial Services INC., and seasoned collector, suggests a distance of 2-3 feet from the vehicle.

Second, Don’t Not Ask the Collector Questions

Remember the rule of a double negative? Well, this don’t is actually a do: Do ask questions. With so much history congregated on our Concours, it’s pertinent to indulge your car curiosity and our collector’s pride in their submissions. Every car has a story and most likely, the Collector will be more than delighted to share it with you. Remember that these cars are typically the result of a requited passion, and each person may have a different reason as to why they became a collector or what sparked their interest.

But, Do Ask Questions and Permission for Photos

With repetition comes emphasis. “It’s not just a car- there’s a story behind every single one of them,” says Walker. With over 100 collectors, there’s something new to learn about your favorite American Muscle car or sleek Italian driving machine. Get the full story by asking the person behind the plaque, and then ask their permission for a photo so the memory can be shared.

Finally, Don’t Skip, but Do Attend the Awards Ceremony.

The Collectors’ Concours is being evaluated by a panel of highly qualified judges to name Best In Show and Best In Class. This year, the awards will be presented on our Lexus Live stage, making it an exciting and energetic apex of the Park Place Luxury & Supercar Showcase. Keep these three Concours Commandments in mind, and you’ll be set for an exceptional showcase experience, so reserve your VIP experience via the link below. 

We’ll see you on the Concours soon!

Details for the 2019 Haute Hat Contest at Supercar Showcase

The 3rd Park Place Luxury & Supercar Showcase is coming in haute!


We are counting down the days to the Park Place Dealership’s largest annual event and we can’t wait to see you there. Though there will be many attractions to visit throughout the day, one that has people really buzzing is the Haute Hat Contest. Here’s how it works…

Guests are encouraged to spice up their outfit with either a handmade or ready-made hat. Think about channeling your inner Kentucky Derby side and get creative! The options are endless.

Here are some key things to remember the day of the event to make sure you don’t miss the competition: 

  • Meet and Greet with the Mad Hatter from 12:30-1:15 PM: There will be a meet and greet with Dallas’ Mad Hatter, Shane Walker, at 12:30 PM next to the Million Air stage inside the Porsche Pavilion tent. This will be the time that you will get to interact with the Mad Hatter and tell him a little about you and your hat. Maybe you bought it while traveling, made it by hand, or found it at a flea market! Every hat has a story behind it and we want to know yours!
  • Grab a Seat for the Highland Park Village Fashion Show at 2PM The Haute Hate Contest will begin immediately after. So get ready to strut your stuff down the aisle and showcase your best accessory!
  • Awards include Grand Prize and Runner Up for both men and women (ladies and gents).

We can’t wait to see you on September 28th

Fashion Rules The Day at The Park Place Luxury & Supercar Showcase

Ladies will be dressed to the nines and gentlemen will be styling as they stroll around the lush grounds of the Four Seasons Resort and Club Dallas at Las Colinas Saturday, September 28 during the 3rd annual Park Place Luxury & Supercar Showcase. Suggested attire for the day is Concours Casual.

“Being fashionable and keeping in mind the setting is key,” explains Highland Park Village Personal Shopper Liz Thrash. “Guests have the unique opportunity to see hundreds of the world’s most impressive vehicles along the Four Seasons fairway, so finding a look that’s sensible given the turf and elements, but also striking, is what the day is all about. For ladies, a flare of bold color and pattern is always a good idea, and think breathable fabrics and tailored casual for the men – from a chic dress with a striking pattern to a sharp blazer and versatile pants.”

Highland Park Village’s personal shopping team can help ladies or gents put together just the right outfit for comfort and style.

“Focusing on statement accessories is always a simple way to have a high impact,” continues Thrash. “Think bold handbags that are easy to carry, earrings that provide the wow factor, and a flowy dress or low block heels that will make the day that much more enjoyable!”

Highland Park Village will present a runway fashion show produced by Jan Strimple Productions on the Million Air Stage inside the climate-controlled Porsche Pavilion at 1:30 p.m. The exciting show will feature Fall looks from prestigious brands Alice + Olivia, MARKET, St. John, Trina Turk, and Theory. Several brands will have retail pop-up shops inside the Porsche Pavilion for guests to browse throughout the day.

“Take the opportunity to elevate key elements,” adds Thrash. “Theory’s collection of stylish sneakers is perfect for the man who appreciates incredible craftsmanship but with a sporty edge. And block heels or a fun fashion sneaker is also perfect for the ladies!”

While fashion may rule the day, there will be plenty of flashy cars to peruse.

The Collectors’ Concours is a juried showcase of rare classic, luxury, and supercars from private collectors on the 1st Fairway of the TPC Golf Course.  More than 100 incredible cars will be on display, including a 1916 Stutz Bearcat; 1936 Pierce Arrow; 1956 Mercedes-Benz 190 SL; 1965 Corvette Stingray; 1966 Shelby GT350H Hertz Rent-a-Racer; 1983 Ferrari 308 GTS and more.

The Club Car Expo, powered by Park Up Front, will be displayed on the 18thth fairway and represents some of the best car clubs in North Texas, including the Mercedes-Benz Club of America; Lamborghini Club of Dallas; Porsche Club of America – Maverick Region; Corvette Legends of TX; McLaren Club; Jaguar Owners Association; Texas Shelby North Texas and the Ferrari Club Dallas.

The Park Place New Car Concours will feature the latest models from each of the luxury brands the dealership group represents, including Rolls-Royce, Maserati, McLaren, Bentley, Karma, Porsche, Mercedes-Benz, Lexus, Volvo, Jaguar and Land Rover.

Kids Zone

There will truly be something for everyone with the Kids Zone, featuring electric mini luxury and performance cars for the kids to drive, the North Texas Diecast Collectors Club’s 60-foot downhill Hot Wheels track, a soda pop truck and more.

Rain Or Shine

The 3rdrd annual Park Place Luxury & Supercar Showcase will be held rain or shine September 28 at the Four Seasons Resort and Club Dallas at Las Colinas.

Tickets

Online tickets range from $25 – $50 for show field and general admission and $100 for VIP All-Access Pass, which includes food and beverage tastings and access to the Celebrity Cruises Captain’s Lounge. VIP tickets have sold out the previous two years. General Admission and Showfield tickets will be available at the gate the day of the show. Kids two and under are free. For more information, visit luxurysupercarshowcase.com.

Restaurants featured in the Allie Beth Allman – URBAN VIP Lounge include The French Room, LAW, III Forks, Cool River, Chop House Burger, Dallas Fish Market, Wild Salsa, Oven and Cellar, Outlaw Tap Room, Kai, Toulouse, Whiskey Cake, Texas de Brazil, Princi Italia, CRU Wine and Food Bar, Pacific Table, Cork & Pig Tavern, Make Your Life Sweeter, and Carlton Provisions.

Benefitting Baylor Scott & White Irving Foundation

The luxury lifestyle event benefits the Baylor Scott & White Irving Foundation.

Park Place Dealerships has donated a 2020 Lexus UX to be raffled off the day of the event. Tickets for the raffle may be purchased online at irvingfoundation.bswhealth.com or by visiting Baylor Scott & White Irving Foundation at 1901 N. MacArthur Blvd. Irving. Tickets are $100 each and participants need not be present to win. Proceeds will benefit Baylor Scott & White Charles A. Sammons Cancer Center – Irving.


Ken Schnitzer founded Park Place Dealerships in 1987 with a single Mercedes-Benz dealership on Oak Lawn. Today, Park Place Dealerships employs more than 2,100 people and operates 17 full-service dealerships representing luxury brands including Lexus, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Volvo, Jaguar, Land Rover, Rolls-Royce, Bentley, McLaren, Karma, and Maserati. For more info, visit parkplace.com.

 

Park Place’s Super September Giveaway: What Is It?

If you said “It’s probably just a sales promotion,” you’d only be half right!

Since you know us, you know that we do things differently, so we aren’t holding back when it comes to all the bells and whistles.

Here’s the pitch — if you purchase a vehicle in September at any of our dealerships and you’re automatically entered to win:

  • Two VIP tickets to the Park Place Luxury & Supercar Showcase on Saturday, September 28, 2019.
  • Complimentary valet parking for Showcase.
  • Complimentary stay and golf package for two at the Four Seasons Resort and Club Dallas at Las Colinas.

There are rules, of course, but pretty reasonable ones.

  • You have to buy a vehicle on or before September 25th to be eligible to win.
  • The giveaway is non-transferable.
  • Complimentary valet is good for one vehicle at the Park Place Luxury and Supercar Showcase.
  • VIP tickets are super-valuable but not for cash – they have to be redeemed for the 2019 showcase.
  • The complimentary hotel stay is valid for one night at the Four Seasons Resort and Club Dallas at Las Colinas and NOT eligible for the weekend of September 27-29.
  • You’ll need to contact the Four Seasons for details on room availability, booking tee times, and the golf package. It’s valid for one year from issue date.

All in all, not a bad gig – especially if you’re thinking about trading in your whip anyway.

Look forward to seeing you soon – and if you’re the lucky winner, we’ll see you at the Showcase, too! 

Learn More: http://bit.ly/ParkPlaceSuperSeptember