2013-05-05 30th Annual Deutsche Marque Concours d'Elegance

It was a beautiful Spring day to attend the 30th Annual Deutsche Marque Concours d'Elegance at Nottaway Park in Vienna, Virginia, USA. Although just a local car show, the organizers attracted some very beautiful and significant BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Porsche automobiles to the show field. I'd estimate over 200 cars on display.

There were tons of cool Porsches: the blue 1965 911 survivor, the real 356 Speedster, the white/red and black/red 356B coupes, the GT Silver 997 GT2, the yellow 964 RSA, that green 1973 911 RSR replica. The new Type 981 Boxster and Cayman are truly gorgeous cars. And I'd happy take care of a 944S2 or 951 or 968. Come to think of it, I don't think there is a Porsche I don't like!

There were tons of cool BMWs: the Brilliant Red E30 M3 Sport Evolution (replica?) was MINT, the Hartge H7S was totally 80s but impossibly cool, the green Z1, the blue Z3MC, my wife now wants a BMW Z8.

But the Mercedes-Benz display stole the show. I've never seen so many cool, classy old Mercedes-Benz in one place: two 300SLs, many 1950s-1960s era sedans, coupes and cabriolets. There was even an old Mercedes-Benz 450SEL 6.9 in attendance. Not to mention the myriad AMG cars like the SL65 and S65. Sadly, no SLR McLaren or SLS or SL65 Black. I can totally see myself in a W140 S600 one day.


1973 Porsche 911 RSR
Very well done replica built for the street. The seats had matching green plaid upholstery. Very 1970s chic.


Porsche 356
My next door neighbor when I was a kid was a Snap-On dealer and he had a Porsche 356 exactly like this. I used to snap my neck to catch a glimpse every time it would drive by.


Porsche 356 Speedster
Real. Not a fake. Just like Shelby Cobras, when I see a Porsche Speedster I assume it's fake unless proven otherwise. I prefer the 356 coupes but there's no denying how cool the stripped down Speedster model is.


Porsche 911 GT2 (Type 997)
Looking resplendent in GT Silver. My "when I win the lottery" dream car.


Hartge H7S
Super 80s cool. Had original Hartge promo materials displayed on the dashboard.


Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster
One of two at this show. Although not the more iconic Gullwing coupe model, it's still incredible looking and the build quality is faultless. In the background is another iconic Benz, the 450SEL 6.9.


Mercedes-Benz 220S Cabriolet (Type W180)
This car was the star of the show in my opinion. It was stunning. So much presence yet so elegant and refined looking. The front seats were like comfy sofa cushions!