Ironstone concours continues tradition of cars, giving in Northern California

Sixteen years ago, a California farming couple with an interest in classic cars decided to host a concours to benefit local children's groups.

It's a grassroots tradition they've continued, as Gail and John Kautz are again staging the Ironstone Concours d'Elegance car show, on Sept. 26 at the Ironstone Winery. It's set in the historic gold-rush town of Murphys in Northern California. The deadline for entering the car competition is Sept. 1.

This year, the show will feature classes for Hudson, including Essex and Terraplane, Rolls-Royce and Bentley autos, plus a special class for cars from the Harrah's Automobile Collection--from the late gaming pioneer and avid collector Bill Harrah.

All of that is in addition to vintage trailers, motorcycles and wooden boats. The featured car is a 1937 Airomobile, the three-wheeled car with distinctive fins on the rear.

Judges will be asked to designate a percentage of the cars in each class to receive a ribbon indicating an “Award of Merit.” From that group, judges will choose one vehicle to be designated “Best of Class.”

Only stock, nonmodified cars are accepted at Ironstone, including original, nonrestored and well-maintained vehicles. Entrants are encouraged to drive their cars to the concours. Undercarriages, engine compartments, trunks and personal areas will not be judged. Judges will take no notice of normal vehicle usage.

Since 1993, the event has benefited 4-H Clubs, Future Farmers of America and the California State Fair Scholarship Fund.

Tickets are $20 per adult or $35 per family. Children 14 and younger are admitted free. A printable discount coupon is available on the concours Web site, www.ironstonefoundation.org, along with the competition entry-fee details and more information about the event.

By Angie Favot