I was there ... (Concours impressions from a participant's perspective)
I was there ... as a "Masterpiece" at the Classic Days Schloss Dyck "Jewels in the Park". My name is "Gentleman", I was produced in 1948 as a "Special Sport Tourer" by Alvis and in 1950 I hit the road for the first time in Manchester.
At the ripe old age of 58, I moved to the beautiful little town of Miltenberg am Main. Here I was very carefully examined and authentically partially restored in the classic workshop.
"The invitation to the top event of the Fiva-A-Concours d'Elégance at Schloss Dyck in Germany gave my owner goosebumps.
I spent 14 days being cleaned, polished, lifted, an old scar on my trunk lid was filled and painted, the chrome trim was manicured, etc., etc.
This procedure was not always so pleasant for me, but I endured it in keeping with my name.
Then came the presentation in the beautiful castle garden. The radiant sun was reflected in my red tin dress and the space between the blooming flowers flattered my appearance.
What was the point of the jury's questions - you can recognize the jury members by their straw hats - about my history, pedigree, documents, whether everything on me was original, whether the chrome grille was fastened with screws and whether my heart (i.e. engine) was running smoothly? Well, at the push of a button, I moved my pistons and finished this inspection with a sonorous bubbling sound.
The covetous glances from the ladies as I drove past in the park were much more pleasant.
I didn't receive an award, but I did pick up a lot of nice comments. One charming lady, about my age, even said: "... a dream, that's art".
Overall, the appearance of my classic car colleagues in the park was extremely impressive. But I felt very comfortable in their company.
Now I have put on my pyjamas again and am dreaming ... with passion ... of the wonderful days at Schloss Dyck and the successful Classic Days with an absolutely remarkable organization.
