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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.

 

 

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Volvo Introduces All-Electric XC40- Available for Pre-Order

Future Volvo customers will need to answer one fundamental question: do you want a new Volvo with a cord or without one?

(Information is from Volvo Car’s Press Release) Volvo Cars introduces the XC40 Recharge, the company’s first-ever fully electric car and the first model to appear in its brand new Recharge car line concept.

The XC40 Recharge, based on the multi-award-winning and best-selling XC40 small SUV, is the first of a family of fully electric Volvos. It represents a true milestone for Volvo Cars: the company’s first electric car and the first Volvo with a brand new infotainment system powered by Google’s Android operating system.

Over the next five years, Volvo Cars will launch a fully electric car every year, as it seeks to make all-electric cars 50 percent of global sales by 2025, with the rest hybrids. Recharge will be the overarching name for all chargeable Volvos with a fully electric and plug-in hybrid powertrain.

The XC40 Recharge is everything customers expect from a Volvo, with the addition of a state-of-the-art, fully electric all-wheel drive powertrain that offers a range of over 400 km (WLTP) [200 miles in U.S.**] on a single charge and output of 408hp [402 hp in U.S.]. The battery charges to 80 % of its capacity in 40 mins on a fast-charger system.***

Contact Park Place Volvo Cars in Dallas for serious inquiries on any recharged pre-orders.

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Self-Driving Prototype Jaguar I-PACE Hits the Road For Testing

Jaguar Land Rover engineers tested a self-driving prototype Jaguar I-PACE on the streets of Dubai demonstrating the company’s latest autonomous driving research technologies and giving a glimpse into the future of mobility. 

The all-electric, zero emissions Jaguar I-PACE – current 2019 World Car of the Year and World Green Car of the Year – was chosen due to its strong sustainability credentials. The prototype Jaguar I-PACE was modified to include enhanced vehicle detection and avoidance capabilities through a combination of radar and cameras, alongside a traffic light detection system. The vehicle’s speed and steering, from stationary up to highway speed, was also controlled autonomously during test drives, with the system following routes from a detailed HD map showing route location and a detailed bird’s-eye view of junctions.

Jaguar Land Rover continues its drive for conscious innovation focusing on achieving its vision with Destination Zero – a future of zero emissions, zero accidents and zero congestion – across its facilities, and through its products and services. Autonomous vehicle technology plays a major role in realising the strategy. To date, Jaguar Land Rover has successfully completed real-world testing of the technology on complicated inner-city roads in the UK and continues to collaborate with academia and industry to accelerate innovation.

“Jaguar Land Rover shares similar goals to Dubai’s government with regards to mobility and sustainability. We both wish to make driving safer, to free up time we spend travelling, and to reduce the negative impact travel has on our planet,” commented Bruce Robertson, Managing Director of Jaguar Land Rover MENA.

“The Dubai World Congress for Self-Driving Transport tackles these same important challenges head-on, and our autonomous Jaguar I-PACE prototype is proof positive of the impressive progress our company and industry are making.”

Learn more on the current range of all-electric at Park Place Jaguar DFW, and coming soon Jaguar Land Rover North Austin, a Park Place Dealership. 

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Lexus Goes Electric with all New LF-30 Concept

 In its continued efforts to deliver innovative and amazing experiences, Lexus unveiled its “Lexus Electrified” vision for an upcoming generation of electrified vehicles.

Lexus has officially joined the ranks of luxury manufacturers who are looking towards a fully-electric future.  LF-30 Electrified embodies this vision for Lexus, delivering an innovative interior with autonomous driving technology a newly designed driving cockpit, and other key advancements.

Lexus is no stranger to electric or hybrid technologies. In 2005, the Lexus RX 400h was introduced, sporting the very technologies that Lexus has pioneered across the industry.  Now, the “Lexus Electrified” vision targets a fundamental leap in vehicle performance, handling, control, and driver enjoyment — even as mobility within our society continues to change with autonomous driving and vehicle electrification.

Passenger Focused Technologies

Driving is fun, right? Lexus doesn’t want to forget that very important tenant as they present electrified concepts like the LF-30. The new advanced posture control (and other tech) focuses on driving pleasure.  Their efforts in hybrid technology will play integral role in such goals. Notes and learnings from Lexus’ popular range of gasoline-electric hybrids including battery management, power control modules, and electric motors will only serve to improve their vision for electrification. 

Lexus LF-30 Electrified Highlights

The LF-30 concept is the first design revealed to embody the Lexus Electrified vision.  The LF-30 Electrified employs a new concept cockpit based on human-centric design philosophy and a steer-by-wire system. The exterior visually expresses the energy created by the wheels set at the corners of the vehicle body streaming toward the vehicle cabin and past the driver to then directly flow onto the road surface.

The shape of the body is fashioned with an elegantly flowing front which transitions into a linear and sharp rear. The window glass, which continually stretches from the front to rear, the muscular fenders, and the wing-shaped headlights form the contours of the Lexus iconic spindle.  In addition to the wing-shaped headlights, the sharpness of the rear lights and side air intakes combine to achieve both excellent aerodynamics and cooling performance, resulting in styling fused with function. 

Another innovative design feature, meant to personalize and enhance the passenger experience, is that the opacity of the side windows can be freely adjusted for both expansive views and then privacy when wanted.

Color Choice

 The color of the front face of the vehicle and luminescence patterns help identify from the outside whether the vehicle is being operated in its normal mode or in its autonomous driving mode, reflecting Lexus’ pursuit of both a high level of styling and functionality. The exterior color ‘voltaic sky’ employs a leading-edge metal-infused coating to achieve a unique quality tinted by a touch of blue-green.

Tazuna

We’ve briefly mentioned a new cockpit design, which is officially termed “Tazuna,” inspired by how a single rein can be used to achieve mutual understanding between the horse and rider. The steering controller-mounted switches and heads-up display have been coordinated to a high degree, creating a space that enables the driver to focus on driving while controlling various functions, such as the navigation and audio system and driving-mode selection, without having to shift one’s vision or operate manual switches. The resulting interior is one that provides comfort and convenience for both driver and passengers.

Augmented-Reality 

Various AR technologies have been employed inside for futuristic and completely responsive experience for the driver and their passengers. The new cockpit design includes gesture control and enhanced presentation of vehicle information through AR.

AR tech can also be found in the glass roof. A glass roof above the rear seats features voice control and a gesture-controlled “SkyGate” display window that uses AR to display various types of information, such as a realistic star-filled sky, user-favorite videos, and even navigation.

Learn More

To stay up to date on Lexus’ recently announced concept and electrification bookmark News.ParkPlace.com  and follow Lexus (Lexus USA, Lexus Grapevine, and Lexus Plano) on Facebook and Instagram.

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Getting Better All the Time: the 2020 911 Carrera and Cabriolet

“This new 911 series is the most revolutionary in the last 25 years.”

So declares Jordan Mizrach, General Manager of Park Place Porsche Grapevine. And while that’s something one might expect him to say, it’s still a bold claim.

Consider Porsche’s conversion from air- to water-cooled engines in 1998. Then the 2016 switch from naturally aspirated engines to flat-six twin-turbos. Pretty drastic stuff.

So what makes this eighth-generation 911 (internally coded as the 992 series), so radical?

“Just drive it,” Jordan suggests.

Let’s start with an up-close-and-personal look at the first 992 release: the Carrera S, with 443-hp and 390 lb-ft of torque.

“There are subtle changes throughout,” says Paul Kim, the dealership’s SEM (Sales Experience Manager) and all-around Porsche-nista. Unlike in years past, all 992 models will now wear the same bodywork – rounder hips, flared fenders and a wider front and rear track (45 mm and 54 mm). And that beefier body is actually seven percent lighter than the outgoing model, thanks to more aluminum and composite materials.

He also points out that the hood resembles the famed “slantnose” from the 1975-89  Turbo series, aka the 930.

But Paul really gets a kick out of the rear gills under the back window. “Nine gills line up on either side of two larger middle slots. Get it? It’s a 9-9-2! Who says German engineers don’t have a sense of humor?”

He’s also a big fan of the lush interior, full of fine leather and thoughtfully arranged controls. Five toggles on the center stack evoke a vintage 911 layout. Seating is super-comfortable and well-suited for long trips – almost unthinkable a mere decade ago. Trim options include wood or carbon fiber inserts.

The classic five-dial instrument cluster dates back to the very first 911. But technology has supplanted the dials surrounding the large tach with maps, safety and driver-assist systems and other information. The new Porsche Communication Management (PCM) system features an expansive 10.9-inch infotainment touchscreen for nav, entertainment and other apps, including Apple CarPlay integration.

“Here’s a Porsche world-first,” says Paul. “Wet Mode is a standard function that automatically detects water via acoustic sensors in the front wheel housing, then activates PSM, PTM and PTV for better stability.” (The acronyms refer to Porsche Stability Management, Porsche Traction Management and optional Porsche Torque Vectoring.)

We’re all about stability, so we heed Jordan’s admonition to “just drive it.”

“Just Drive It:

Tooling around town, the Carrera S is as docile as you’d expect from a finely-engineered German luxury car. The remarkable eight-speed double-clutch automatic transmission, dubbed PDK – mercifully short for Doppelkupplungsgetriebe – shifts invisibly while in Normal mode. The only way to sense any change is to watch the tach.

But when a patch of open road beckons, it’s time to switch to Sport mode (or even Sport-Plus for the hardy soul). The Carrera S drops nearly a half-inch, the gears stretch the revs higher, the suspension tightens noticeably and the docile house pet transforms into a snarling beast, rampaging to 62 mph in just 4.2 seconds (it feels faster) and hits 100 mph a few seconds later. Like, three.

And there’s more where that came from. The aptly-named “launch control” feature provides NASA-esque thrills. From a dead stop, the driver puts their foot on the brake, then floors the accelerator. The engine rises to a bellow, telling the computer, “Oh, it’s fun time now!” The computer tells the driver to release the brake. Instantly, the astonishing power band unspools with abandon as you rocket down the road.

“Launch” is such an inadequate word.

And all the while, the Carrera rides as securely, as controllably, as responsibly, as nimbly and as manageably as if it were on rails. Very fun, tight, swoopy rails.

There’s never any sense that the front will go one way or the back will go another or that the whole thing is about to unravel. The sense, instead, is that the engineering behind this drama is palpable, innovative, brilliant and amazing. 

“See what I mean?” Jordan asks with a grin. Paul laughs out loud.

No doubt about it – This new 911 series is the most revolutionary in the last 25 years.

The Carrera S and all-wheel-drive 4S models are available now in both coupe and cabriolet (convertible) versions. The base model Carrera and Cabriolet (with 379 hp and 331 lb-ft of torque) are available for order now, with delivery in the first quarter of 2020.

Available at:

Park Place Porsche Grapevine

1280 Texan Trail

Grapevine, TX 76051

(855) 341-2068

 

Park Place Porsche Dallas

6107 Lemmon Avenue

Dallas, TX 75209

(214) 736-5680

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COUPLE VALUES CULTURE IN WORKPLACE, AT HOME AND IN DOING BUSINESS WITH OTHER COMPANIES

Nikole and Mike Rose know firsthand how culture in the workplace and in the home is important for success.

“We are married and we work together,” says Nikole Rose. “We have been married nine years and we take life one day at a time.”

In addition to creating a happy marriage, the Rose’s have been building a successful business, Mojo Media Labs.  

“Not every business puts people first,” stated Mike. “I grew up in a business where my dad took care of people running a small, Italian deli. That always stuck in my head.”

Relationships are important to the Rose’s and in every aspect of their lives, they choose to treat everyone with respect, and they expect the same from others.

“We made a decision to focus on culture and we put that in front of everything else,” says Nikole about Mojo Media Labs. “We think it’s a pretty simple equation, that happy people equals happy clients.”

When choosing an automotive partner to provide their family with everything they need, the Rose family picked Park Place Dealerships.

“We want to support businesses that think the same way,” commented Mike. “We know that Park Place will take care of us and the people we work with which is important as well.”

Over the past 10 years, the Rose’s have purchased nine vehicles from Park Place. Nikole articulates that she can feel Park Place members have a passion for serving clients in a real, genuine way and that they are happy in their careers.

“I have been to three different dealerships and am always treated with incredible respect. I love the relationship with Park Place,” proclaims Nikole.

Mike conveys he has always admired the friendly relationship with Park Place and says, “Park Place is My Place because of the people.” Nikole adamantly agrees.

The Roses aRe sharing their story in a new “My Place” campaign about Park Place Dealerships.

“Nikole and Mike Rose exemplify ‘My Place,” explains Dave Evans, Park Place Dealerships Chief Marketing Officer. “They have a unique perspective about the culture they are creating and likewise, they have the same expectations of companies with which they do business. We are sharing the Rose’s unique story through the “My Place” campaign.”

To see the Rose’s story and how Park Place makes every experience exceptional, visit ParkPlace.com.

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, Karma, McLaren, and Maserati. For more info, visit parkplace.com.

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Park Place Drives Autumn at the Dallas Arboretum Through October 31st

Park Place Dealerships is the official automotive sponsor of the 14th annual Autumn at the Arboretum. The festival opened September 21 and runs through October 31.

With the theme, “It’s The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown,” the Dallas Arboretum’s fall festival features ‘Great Pumpkin’ topiary characters such as Linus, Sally and Franklin looking through the pumpkin patch, as well as Snoopy and Woodstock on top of his dog house. Of course, mixed amongst these Fall character staples are some luxury cars from Park Place Dealerships on display around the pathways of the Arboretum.

Park Place Volvo Featured at Autumn in the Arboretum
Park Place Motorcars Dallas Featured at Autumn in the Arboretum

“Park Place Dealerships is honored to continue our 10-year partnership with the Dallas Arboretum,” said Park Place Dealerships CEO Neil Grossman. “You know it’s fall in Dallas when the Dallas Arboretum’s annual fall festival opens.”

Guests can snap selfies with Charlie Brown, Peppermint Patty, and Marcie behind the iconic brick wall. Or get lost with Pig Pen in the hay bale maze. Catch the Peanuts Gang at their gourd decorated schoolhouse for the annual autumn carnival. Named one of “The Best Pumpkin Festivals to Visit This Fall,” by Martha Stewart Living Magazine, Autumn at the Arboretum features breathtaking fall colors.

“Known for amazing and creative displays, our 50-member horticulture team creates an awesome Pumpkin Village display where more than 250,000 people visit during Autumn at the Arboretum,” said Alan Walne, Dallas Arboretum’s board chairman. “They experience the garden in its fall glory, walk in the pumpkin houses, and enjoy the programming throughout the garden.”

This year’s festival features 150,000 fall-blooming flowers and plants; 90,000 pumpkins, gourds, and squash; 3,000 ears of corn; and 1,500 corn stalks in the Pumpkin Village. Also 900 bales of hay mixed with 24 types of pumpkin; 17 squash types and seven gourd types.

Ken Schnitzer founded Park Place Dealerships in 1987 with a single Mercedes-Benz dealership on Oak Lawn. Today, Park Place Dealerships employs more than 2,000 people and operates 16 full-service dealerships representing luxury brands including Lexus, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Volvo, Jaguar, Land Rover, Rolls-Royce, Bentley, Karma, McLaren, and Maserati. For more info, visit parkplace.com.

Park Place Maserati Dallas featured at Autumn in the Arboretum
Park Place Porsche Dallas featured at Autumn in the Arboretum
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Stetson and Bentley Combine Legacies for a Big-as-Texas Special Edition

Say Howdy to the Bentley Bentayga Stetson Special Edition, featured at the 2019 Park Place Luxury & Supercar Showcase New Car Concours and available for commissioning exclusively at Bentley Dallas.

Some things just go better together: popcorn and movies, pencils and erasers, coffee and cream. But somebody had to think of them first, right?

That’s certainly the case with the Bentley Stetson, a special edition British ultra-luxury SUV outfitted in Stetson-branded style.

“It’s an idea that’s been in the works for two-and-a-half years,” says Simon Crossley Sales Experience Manager with Bentley Dallas, the only retailer in the world to offer the marvelous mash-up (part of the Premier Collection under the Park Place dealership umbrella.) “Bringing together these two legendary brands, both known for the ultimate in craftsmanship and style, just seemed like the right thing to do.”

Shared Heritage of Excellence

Bentley Dallas and Stetson revealed the car at a special media event on Tuesday, September 17, 2019, at Stetson’s home at Hatco Inc, in Garland, Texas.

Before revealing the Bentayga, both Crossley and Andrea Bozeman, Stetson’s senior vice president of marketing, paid homage to the proud heritage of both companies.

“In July, Bentley Motors celebrated 100 years of thrilling automotive performance and reflected on the words of founder W.O. Bentley: Build a fast car, a good car, the best in its class,” said Crossley. He also noted that Bentley won the 24-hours of Le Mans six times.

“Stetson has been an iconic brand since 1865,” added Bozeman, “Lyndon Johnson, Hank Williams, Buffalo Bill Cody, Calamity Jane and Will Rogers, as well as senators, movie stars and urban cowboys all over the world, love the brand.” 

With that, the car was revealed: clad in a “White Sand” exterior matching Stetson’s famed “Silverbelly” color, the paint is almost opalescent in the bright sunlight (two other colors, onyx and a dark leather brown, are in the works).  

A Peek Inside

But that’s just the start. The interior shows off the Bentayga Stetson Special Edition to best advantage. Taking cues from timeless cowboy boot and saddle designs, the sumptuously rich camel and dark brown leather interior features boot-stitching throughout, including embroidered Stetson logos in saddle thread on each headrest. Tread-plate inserts carved with “Mulliner Stetson” designate each vehicle as a “Special Edition.”

  

One would naturally expect fine wood in such a special vehicle, and one wouldn’t be disappointed – the open-pore liquid amber veneers derive from American Red Gum (aka Sweetgum) trees.

The whole effect is powerful and impressive, yet in true Bentley fashion, subtle and understated, too. “We didn’t want to overcook it,” said Crossley.

Nevertheless, it’s fun to imagine that Minnie Pearl would be all “How-DEE,” luxuriating in the enormous back seat, as Patsy Cline’s “Crazy” blasts over the most powerful audio system available in an SUV anywhere – 1,920-watts, 21-channels by Naim.

And wherever she’d be going, she’d get there quickly – the Bentayga’s 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 generates 542 hp and 568 lb-ft of torque, with a Porsche-like 0-60 mph time of 4.4 seconds. (For those with horses, the Bentayga will tow 7,700 pounds with ease.)

Hi-yo Silver, indeed.

Quality Throughout

All the customization was undertaken at Bentley’s factory in Crewe, England, by Mulliner, the manufacturer’s customization and personalization subsidiary, which traces its coachbuilding prowess to the 17th century.

Bentley is, of course, renowned for the quality of their leather – 14 of the world’s most flawless hides go into each Bentayga. Every leather panel is initialed on the reverse by the upholsterer – a personal hallmark of quality.

Stetson has long been recognized for using only the highest quality materials, as well as painstakingly crafting each design on specialized vintage equipment, then finishing each and every hat by hand.

“It takes 200 people to build a Bentayga and 200 hands to make a Stetson. That’s kind of cool,” Crossley says with a touch of wonder.

“It’s really a great combination,” he continues. “The Stetson Limited Edition combines the best of Old-World craftsmanship and Old West iconography to create a completely modern, instantly distinctive and memorable motoring experience.”

This special edition vehicle is offered at $246,578. Two more will be delivered to Bentley Dallas, one in October and the next in November (in the aforesaid onyx and brown exterior colors).

“Or you can order your own personalized version,” smiles Crossley.

 

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$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.

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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!