The Concours d’Elégance Suisse is honored to have been selected by the Julius Baer private bank, renowned
for focusing its sponsorship activities on exclusive and proactive initiatives that seek to preserve tradition in all
its forms. The Swiss banking group also advocates an ethical stance based on integrity, honesty and
transparency, all of which echo the choices made by CES founder, Mathias Doutreleau.
Gabriele Odone, Head Private Banking Geneva at Julius Baer, explains the essentials that link the two
entities: “The Concours d’Elégance Suisse celebrates the expertise, passion and constant quest for
innovation that has existed since the time of the automobile trailblazers. Julius Baer is delighted to support
this event with which we share a certain vision of excellence and attachment to this heritage, the foundation of
all future progress.”
A passion for performance, a love of fine mechanics, pioneering various means of transport and highlighting
their traditions are all values that naturally unite Breitling – famed for its technical timepieces and particularly
its chronographs – and the Concours d’Elégance Suisse.
Georges Kern, CEO Breitling, shares his vision of the partnership: “We are proud to be the official partner of
the Concours d’Elegance Suisse, which celebrates – with unrivalled passion – the legacy of the golden age of
automobiles. It’s an ideal partnership: like Breitling’s timepieces, every car displayed at the Concours tells a
truly unique story.”
The Swiss Manufacture can look back on a longstanding tradition of mechanical innovation in its chosen field
of horology, an approach closely akin to that of the Concours d’Elégance Suisse, which pays tribute to the
historical and cultural heritage of the automobile, as well as to the tradition of the Geneva Concours
d’Elégance held from 1927 to 1955.
Building on the same historic DNA, the three partners are planning a stunning edition for the CES 2018, in
terms of technical excellence as well as the tough screening and selection process. Organized in
accordance with the official rules of the major international competitions, the Concours d’Elégance
Suisse will welcome vintage cars from Switzerland and Europe as well as overseas to the bucolic setting
provided by the Château de Coppet.
Acclaimed by the greatest!
Adolfo Orsi and Ed Gilbertson, whose track record includes judging the legendary Pebble Beach and Villa
d’Este competitions, will once again chair the Jury of the Concours d’Elégance Suisse 2018, ensuring the
smooth running of the competition alongside international experts, drivers and automobile historians, not to
mention enthusiastic collectors!
As members of the highly prestigious International Chief Judge Advisory Group Adolfo Orsi and Ed
Gilbertson champion an extremely strict charter that hinges on strict criteria of originality and authenticity, an
area in which their extensive experience goes unchallenged. Against this background, the car that wins the
Best of Show award will be the result of a decision-making process based on uncompromising rules of
assessment.
Mathias Doutreleau, founder of the Concours d’Elégance Suisse, explains his vision: “We have decided to
subject the cars in the Competition to the stringent rules established by the ICJAG, as we adhere to its
objectives supporting the preservation of the heritage and original expertise found in the motoring world. To
celebrate this exceptional heritage appropriately, it is essential that we present cars that reflect the spirit and
imagination of their creators, while avoiding those which have been distorted by the influence of their owners
at some time or another. Our Jury therefore calls on the skills of passionate individuals who share this vision
of preservation and who, thanks to their knowledge and experience, are able to assess the originality or
authenticity of a car with integrity.”
GIMS – The Concours d’Elégance Suisse at the Geneva Motor Show for the first time
For the first time, the Concours d’Elégance Suisse will be featured at the Geneva International Motor Show
(GIMS), an unmissable event featuring in the world’s top five auto shows and which attracts some 700,000
visitors annually. On this occasion, from March 8th to 18th 2018, the competition will present the magnificent
1935 Avions-Voisin C25 Aérodyne, Best of Show winner at the 2017 Concours d’Elégance Suisse.
Fans of vintage cars will be able to visit the CES booth to meet the founder, discover the 2018 program, and
discuss the values and passion that drive them.
And hot off the press from the Concours d’Elégance…
The Concours will present more than 80 cars spread over 16 exceptional classes, including cars from 1920 to
1939, highlighting the era of the shift from modernity to design and illustrating the richness of automobile
development.
The 60th anniversary of the legendary Aston Martin DB4 will be celebrated by a dedicated class, while
another will pay tribute to Carrosseries Suisses (Swiss Bodywork), and Futures Classiques (Future Classics)
to sports sedans between 1970 and 1985.
Several flagship cars are already shining from the ranks of the entries, notably two magnificent Hispano
Suiza H6B, two imposing Mercedes 500K, and the extremely rare Ferrari 250GT Berlinetta special with
bodywork by Bertone. The E-Type Jaguar, presented at the 1961 Geneva Car Show, will be roaring amongst
the competitors as will a large number of other cars with a rare pedigree – either sold new in Switzerland or
having always belonged to the same family.
A great many events will be held around the Cullinan launch, and a privileged few in particular will be able to
enjoy the benefit of exclusive test drives arranged by other car partners.
Relentless in its pursuit of authenticity and originality, the CES showcases the preservation of automobile
heritage by giving pride of place to unspoilt, unrestored or correctly restored cars.
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