1999 Concours d'elegance

November 13, Mizner Park, Boca Raton

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 the last concours of the Millenium...
 
...was the catchy name used to describe the South Florida Jaguar Club's 1999 Concours d'elegance.  Yes, the millenium name has been used and abused, a lot, to the point where no one, beside the Champagne producers, really knows if it is this year or next year; but this was indeed the last JCNA sanctioned concours of the millenium.
 
With such a name, the club, and especially Concours Chairman Mike Rosenberg, had to live up to the expectations, and indeed the 1999 Concours was the best ever. Forty one concours cars on display at Mizner Park, a very enjoyable welcome party on Friday night and a terrific dinner were the highlights of the weekend for club members as well as for members of other clubs from Orlando, Tampa, Georgia and South Carolina.

This years concours was sponsored by Jaguar Cars and Alpine Jaguar, our sponsoring dealership, along with additional support from Sears, and Welsh Enterprises. Since we all know that hard work from volunteers alone can't move mountains, these sponsors provided the club with the mean$ to put together a very nice event.

It started Friday night with a welcome party at the Holiday Inn, the host hotel, about 60 guests gathered by the pool, for drinks and food, to the sound of a string trio and to the sight of six beautiful Jaguars. Saturday morning, cars started to arrive at Mizner Park soon after 8:30am and were being directed to their proper location. This last concours of the Millenium will also be the last one at Mizner Park which, unfortunately, is expected to be developed into some commercial real estate. It was already announced that the February all British Day will be held at Bryant Park in Lake Worth and our own 2000 concours will be take place at an even more exciting location. In addition to the 41 concours cars, Alpine Jaguar brought 7 new cars, including a stunning black XKR coupe. They also mailed out a large number of invitations which in part explains the large number of visitors that came to the park. Sales manager Howard Schwartz was there throughout the day with one of the salesman to answer questions from the people who came to view the newly released XKR.  The XKR drew a lot of attention and rumor has it that a Platinum Silver XKR Coupe has been ordered by one of our club members..

At 11am, rags were ordered down and judging began.  The team, led by head judge Rick Hartwell, went thru the field for the next 3 hours in a very professional manner, no complaints or protests were heard. Meanwhile, volunteers were busy selling Jaguar shirts and raffle tickets. Prizes included a beautiful gift basket, and Sears tires and battery gift certificates along with a 50/50 cash prize. Winners were drawn at 2:30PM
 

The selection of cars displayed was up to the expectation and the visitors who strolled to the park were treated to over half a century of Jaguar history, from a 1935 SS II Tourer to modern saloons and XK8s.   Saturday evening, the award dinner took place at the Auberge Le Grillon, Boca Raton's premier French restaurant which combines exquisite food and a very warm welcoming ambiance. 55 people were present, many of which left with the door prizes that were given thruout the dinner. SFJC President Russell Glace and co-Vice President George Harrison made the opening speeches, then the award presentation began. Regional JCNA director Tom Palisi also said a few words; he will not run again in 2000 and will be replaced by our own Russell Glace who is running unopposed.

After the Concours awards ( see result list ), a very special presentation was made for the Tony Andrade Memorial Trophy. This trophy, in honor of Tony Andrade, recognizes the effort of the club member who has done the most for the club during the past year. The decision comes from a secret ballot vote by the board. The results were kept secret until the presentation, even from the board members and obviously from recipient Mike Rosenberg. As Concours Chairman, membership chairman and Treasurer, Mike has been a key element in the club's success throughout the year and worked especially hard on the Concours.

The festivities were then closed at the Club hospitality suite where more food and drinks were served.
 
The last concours of the Millenium was a success and a lot of fun for all the participants and visitors, who now all look forward to the next concours, at the end of 2000.... which according to some will be the real last concours of the millenium if the modern calendar indeed started at year One not Zero !
 
Pascal Gademer

Winners List