Kirkland Concours d'Elegance facts for kids

The Kirkland Concours d'Elegance was a special car show that helped raise money for children's medical care. Over nine years, this event collected about 1.5 million US dollars! This money went to hospitals like Seattle Children's Hospital to help kids who needed medical attention.

The event started in 2003 in Kirkland, Washington, at a place called Carillon Point. Later, in September 2012, the show moved to the LeMay America's Car Museum (ACM) in Tacoma. The show was held there until 2013, when the museum decided to end the event.

What is a Concours d'Elegance?

A Concours d'Elegance is a fancy French term that means "a competition of elegance." It's a special event where amazing collector cars are shown off. These cars can be very old, from before World War II, or newer models from after the war.

Judging the Cars

At a Concours, cars aren't just parked for display. They are carefully judged! Judges look at how original the car is, how well it works, its history, and its overall style. Cars are usually grouped into different categories. These groups might be based on the car's type, its maker (like Bugatti or Alfa Romeo), who built its body, where it came from, or its age.

After judging, the best cars in each group get first, second, and third place ribbons. The most exciting award is "Best of Show." This top prize goes to one amazing car chosen from all the first-place winners.

Special Awards and Junior Judges

Besides the main awards, there are other special prizes. Important people who have done a lot for cars or racing often give out "honorary" awards. These awards celebrate standout cars, even if they didn't win a class ribbon. There are also awards named after important people in car history.

What's really cool is that there are also junior judges! These are students, usually from sixth to ninth grade, from local schools. They get to be part of the judging process too!

Past Winners: Best of Show Cars

Here are some of the incredible cars that won the "Best of Show" award at the Kirkland Concours d'Elegance:

• 2003:
• 2004:
• 2005:
• 2006: 1937 Bugatti T-57 (shown by Peterson Museum)
• 2007: 1937 Talbot-Lago T150C SS Figoni et Falaschi coupe (shown by Jack Nethercutt)
• 2008: 1938 Alfa Romeo 8C 2900B Coupe Touring Berlinetta (shown by Jon Shirley)
• 2009: 1939 Mercedes-Benz 540K Autobahn Kourier Coupe (shown by Arturo Keller)
• 2010: 1937 Delahaye 136M Figoni et Falaschi convertible (shown by Peter and Merle Mullin)
• 2011: 1911 Simplex
• 2012: 1933 Marmon V16 Convertible Coupe (shown by Aaron Weiss)
• 2013: 1933 Alfa Romeo 6C 1750 GS Figoni et Falaschi Coupe (shown by David and Adele Cohen)