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Americana Manhasset Concours D’Elegance

October 7, 2007 on 11:50 pm | In Uncategorized | No Comments

The Americana Manhasset Concours D’Elegance has been toted as the East coasts premier Concours event representing the most luxurious and prestigious automotive manufacturers in the world.   A few weeks back while I was getting BlueGirl detailed at Detailing Dynamics, one of the sponsors of the Concours event Maximus saw the CSi and suggested that we enter her into the show because he felt she was exotic and unique.  There were only 1510 850CSi built world wide and only 225 in the U.S and a design that was years ahead of its time. 

I initially called Ferrari of LI and they seemed more then happy to take my information until they realized I wanted to enter a BMW and then after the silence on the phone I was referred to the folks at Americana Manhasset who would need to take my application for entry.   Upon calling them they initially told me that BMWs could not enter and that others have tried in years past and were denied.   I don’t know what they were trying to enter but I was confident that the 850CSi outside of the M1 and a few others is one of most exotic BMWs made.  Heather at Americana was quite pleasant and after several calls I was asked to document the uniqueness of the 850CSi and following the main judge reviewing her application I received confirmation that she was accepted and became the first BMW entered into the show. 

She didn’t win and not sure that she was even judged as the judges walked by without even a glance but that didn’t bother me.  I was just glad that she was there amongst some of the most exotic cars in the world.   There was no BMW class and figured if she was judged she would have been in the 1990-2008 Category which was won by one of my favorites cars the Maserati MC12 the rightful winner in the category.

Upon arrival we went through registration and I felt some anxiety as after providing my information I was expecting the ‘I’m sorry there has been a mistake and your car can’t be presented’ but the girl came back with my registration packet and I was off to the front to find a spot to park.  All the key marquees had banners but being the only BMW there was none and I was directed to park adjacent to the Owners Lounge which I was quite happy about as that guaranteed one side of the car was protected by ropes.

BlueGirl looked incredible.  Matt and Eddie of Detailing Dynamics did an incredible job preparing her for the show.

After I got setup a Smart car and Ariel pulled up and parked next to me. Initially it wasn’t bad but during the day loads of people gathered between my car and the Smart car swinging bags and watches completely oblivious to how close they were getting to blue girl.  Dan who owns this fabulous Porsche was about to write me a prescription.

I was parked across from the Spkyers.

 

One of my favorites cars the Maserati MC12 was present as was the Birdcage prototype.

there was no shortage of supercars… The Bugatti Veryon

The Mclaren F1 which is powered a BMW 6.1-litre BMW S70 V12 engine which is a derivative of the same S70 5.6 litre engine powering my M850CSi and used to power several supercars of the 90’s.

Another favorite present was the ultra rare Lambo Jalpa which was designed and built by Bertone.

A Fiat 500, which I think is even smaller then my Classic.

Another highlight of the day were the pets. Angus (Matt’s British Bulldog) was present to offer security for the big girl and there were probably as many pictures of Angus taken as there were of the cars.

Near the end of the day Rohan a 15 yr old future BMW owner came by and I was amazed by his level of excitement in seeing his first 850CSi in person.  For his young age he was quite knowledgeable about the 8 and BMWs in general.   His excitement was such that I let him sit in the drivers seat which I think made his day.  Since my ownership, he is perhaps one of a handful of people who have sat in that seat besides myself.  (not even my mechanics sit in the car).  And Yes, BlueBear was there as well.

There were a lot of other great cars present and for all the pictures click here to head to the gallery

Summary,  it was a great event with great cars and provided an opportunity to run into some old acquaintances and meet new ones.  Next year I’ll try to get in as well and will try to get the Classic in as well.