Concours d'Elegance

My dad loved cars. He had a thing for classics and sports cars. He knew about engines, body styles, all makes and models. He loved to go to car shows and talk to the owners. Sometimes I'd tag along, and later it was more often Chris who would join him on those jaunts - everywhere from Coalville to California. They shared a common thread in their enthusiasm for cars, and one in particular.

One summer day in 1988 my dad had come home with a brand new red Pontiac Fiero. Imagine the excitement it caused in our home - this flashy little sports car. Imagine our disappointment when we discovered his plan was to keep it safely tucked away in the garage - for at least 20 years.

He had done his research. The 88 Fiero was a different breed than it's predecessors. This was the last year the car was produced, redesigned and improved. Ironically, it was the one that could give you a thrill to drive. But he stuck to his plan and for more than 20 years the Fiero was preserved, but not neglected. Every now and then Chris and my dad would carefully uncover it, back it out of the garage, drive it a few blocks, wipe it with a soft cloth and then put it back in its safe spot. Every year it was more and more of a marvel to unveil this brand new car.

Of all the car shows, the Conours d'Elegance is the premier one. It's the one where you'll see vehicles like nothing you've seen before - the real creme de la creme. A collection of beautifully styled, highly engineered machines.

This year the Fiero made its debut at the Concours. It was not an easy task considering a car of its age with only 460 miles on it can't just be driven, even 15 miles, but Chris made it possible.



We parked it on the lawn at Thanksgiving Point, in the midst of all those exclusive and rare automobiles. Surrounded by names like Ferrari, Porsche, Rolls Royce, Jaguar, we couldn't help but wonder if a Pontiac from 1988 would get some appreciation. But it did.

It got a blue ribbon.

Best in Class.



We drove it across the red carpet and were presented with a trophy, which the announcer dedicated to my dad. The only thing that would have made the entire experience better, was if he had been there with us.