Ferraris Star at Chantilly Arts & Elegance

Posted on October 1, 2017.

Text & photos by Henk J. Brouwer;  ‘nJoy Media

The Chantilly Arts & Elegance Richard Mille, or as the French call it: La Rencontre de L’Art & de L’Elegance au Domaine de Chantilly-Richard Mille.  A long name but one that does honour to the event, which for the fourth time was organised by Peter Auto. After two years of preparation and hard work the first Concourse was held in 2014, when Peter Auto made sure the Concourse d’Elégance returned to French soil.

Peter Auto managed it well in all aspects. What a great event, what a great atmosphere, what a great environment and what fabulous cars! And at such a big event there is something for everyone. First of all, for us Italian car lovers at heart, 70 years of Ferrari with cars that raced in the most wonderful race in the world, Le Mans. There were also the most beautiful pre-and post-war car bodies of Alfa Romeo, Ecceterini Barchettas and Berlinettas, a unique series of Bugatti’s 57 S (we consider it Italian because the founder Ettore Bugatti was) and the Woodies. But there was also a section devoted to the large French coachbuilder Pourtout, the racing and sports cars with chain drive, special cars of world-famous musicians and much more.

The moment you approach the chateau grounds you become very impressed with the size of the place.

The domain of Chantilly, which now has a large network of paved roads, is the work of one man: Henri of Orléans, Duke of Aumale (1822-1897) who spent his entire life devoted to the rich culture of the domain and to his illustrious predecessors, the Princes of Condé.

Peter Auto decided to celebrate 70 years of Ferrari in its own way with the 24 Hours of Le Mans as the main theme. 28 cars with the “Prancing Horse”, all of which had taken part in the world’s most famous endurance race, were divided into 5 classes:

Les GT et Dérivées
Les Prototypes ouverts
Les Prototypes fermés
Les Daytona Groupe IV
Les 250 s

One of these exclusive and particularly precious Ferraris got the attention of the jury and won first prize as “Best of Show”: #0728TR – Ferrari Testa Rossa ‘ 58 owned by Sir Michael Kadoorie. Confetti and deafening applause on stage was his reward. In each category there was a first prize and one or two special prices.

For the competition of the Concourse d’Elégance some exclusive and rare vehicles were in attendance. The DS 7 Crossback Présidentiel, Aston Martin Vanguish Zagato Volante, a McLaren 720 S, the Renault Trezor Concept and the Citroën CXperience Concept. All participating cars were accompanied by a female model, each with an exclusive fashion designer. After the deliberation of the jury (Jean Todt, Margot Laffite, Jean Paul Belmondo and Christophe Bonnaud) the prize Best of Show of the Concourse d’Elégance was awarded to two winners: Renault Trezor Concept (Couturier Balmain) and the Citroën CXperience Concept ( Couturier Yang Li).

In addition to the Concours d’État and Concours d’Elégance there were 42 car clubs present, showing a total of 800 cars in the castle grounds and  which contributed to the success of the huge garden party, where visitors were more than welcome. The FFVE (Fédération Française des Véhicules d’Époque) awarded two awards for “Authenticity” (Antony type A1 and the entire Antony collection) and “Conservation” (1947 Chrysler Town Country).

Already looking forward to next year’s Chantilly Arts & Elegance Richard Mille !

There are more of Henk Brouwer’s photos on our Flickr page.