A drive through some exotic locale is often romanticized by car enthusiasts the world over. A pace through the Swiss alps in a Lancia Scorpion; a jaunt through the south of France in a Giulietta Super; or a brisk run through the English countryside in a topless MG Midget. But is anyone ever enthralled at the prospect of a spirited drive up the Merritt Parkway? I am, and can be frequently spotted blurring through its lush New England landscape. However, my most recent trip wasn't merely an aimless meandering about Connecticut's scenic, two-lane twisties. This time, the destination was just as important as the journey.
It was my first time attending, but the 2008 Greenwich Concours d'Elegance marks 13 years of this momentous occasion. Not limited to just cars, the Greenwich Concours is also host to vintage motorcycles, vintage planes, and an impressive array of ocean-going vessels. Now I can appreciate private planes and yachts with the best of them, but cars are in my blood. Living up to its catch phrase, this year's Festival of Speed and Style showcased some of the world's most breathtaking sports cars from the past and present, and some that are paving the way for future cars to come. Just like the 2008 Koenigsegg CCX brought by Universal, there were many other cars that looked unlike anything else. The Fitch Phoenix, for example, fits in that category.
Built in 1966 by John Fitch, the Fitch Phoenix is built off of a Chevy Corvair. The one on display - the only one in existence - still belongs to Mr. Fitch today. The Phoenix never made it to production because just as Fitch was prepared to start making them, GM announced the cessation of the Corvair. So the prototype, serial number 001, starts and finishes the production run. It's a prime example of the rare, unusual and exotic automobiles you can find on the plush lawn in Greenwich.
Just off of Interstate 95, the Concours is a bit out of the way from the Merritt Parkway. But when you're driving something like a Lamborghini 350 GT Coupe or a Dino 246 GTS, you don't mind the extra time spent on the road. The eclectic display of cars both vintage and contemporary made for an exquisite gallery of automotive masterpieces. Universal Autosports' 2008 Koenigsegg CCX was on display, contrasting early automotive contributions like the Rolls-Royce SIlver Ghost and the 1907 Peugeot 92D. Rolling art, from many periods and manufacturers, was prominently displayed on the grass, basking in the afternoon sun. For those who wanted it, cars - and visitors - found shade under vendors' tents and towering oak trees.
Wrapped in conservative blazers, the judges were seemingly oblivious to the heat. Equipped with clipboards and an unrelenting knowledge of the cars on the field, they flocked to each specimen, pointing, gazing, inspecting and ultimately scoring the car for a possible award. And while only some went home with trophies, they were all winners. Prime examples, meticulously maintained, yielding a rare and distinct taste of bygone eras. My mind drifted off into a fantasy world where I could pick any car on display, and take it with me; a tough choice indeed. Maybe someday. And if so, I'm taking the long way home - starting with the Merritt Parkway.
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