With entries judged both on the presentation of their owners as well as the vehicles themselves, plus free admission to the public and an electric Zagato Zele in the line-up, Dinard Élégance from 16-18 June was truly a concours competition like no other.
Fritz Burkardʼs 1938 Delage D8120S de Villars made a traditional Best of Show winner, however, having already landed the top gong at the Concours of Elegance at Hampton Court last year, and with a past Pebble Beach Best in Show under its belt. Less typically, the Delage was judged not just on its condition and style, but, under Dinardʼs à la Française concours rules, a third of the points on offer were given for how the car was shown to the judges on stage.
Each car was presented by at least two occupants – and, on one occasion, a canine – who dressed to reflect the era and character of their vehicles. “Itʼs my first time at Dinard and itʼs different, for sure,” said winner Fritz. “Itʼs an easy-going event, very cosy. What Iʼve liked the most has been the diversity of cars. When you have this variety, each car stands out.”
By far the most unusual entry in the concours was David and Barbara Whale in their 1974 Zagato Zele. David, chairman of the Federation of British Historic Vehicle Clubs, and Barbara wore psychedelic outfits evocative of the late ʼ60s as they presented the Italian electric car, which is an original, British-delivered Zele with just 176km on the clock. Based on Fiat 500 running gear, the Whalesʼ Zele still sports the factory black tape that was used to cover the carʼs central bodywork join. The duo was rightly awarded the FIVA prize for their efforts in preserving such an unusual car and bringing it to the event.
Dinard is thought to be the first place to have held a concours dʼélégance, in 1921 (C&SC, February 2021), with coachbuilders coming back each year to exhibit their latest bodies, presented by women – and later couples – modelling the latest fashions. One of the more modest cars in the concours this year was the 1924 Citroën Type C 5hp Trèfle, a model that was first introduced to the public at Dinard in period. The revival event has been held since 2018, with support from the Breton town, which awarded its own prize to the 1931/ʼ38 Alfa
