Steve Saleen Receives First Ever "ART ASTOR" AWARD
Automotive Innovator Honored at Official Concours Motorcar Company Launch Party presented by Belvedere Vodka and Veuve Clicquot
LAGUNA HILLS, Calif. May 10, 2008 - Owners Jonathan and Mary Michaels celebrated the launch of their Concours Motorcar Company Saturday night with 500 of their favorite auto enthusiasts, colleagues and friends amidst a sea of collectable classic and exotic vehicles, and the presentation of the "Art Astor" Award to Steve Saleen. Proving to be a good time for all, the Brazilian-themed First Annual Ipanema Exotic Car Event raised funds for Concours Foundation for Kids beneficiary, Orangewood Children's Foundation, via proceeds from live and silent auctions.
The live South American sounds of the Paul Ingram Quartet fused with a retro aesthetic crafted by 247 Studio's Danielle Tarango transported guests to Jobim's exotic land of curves where everyone indulged in signature Ipanemis, crafted by presenting sponsor Belvedere Vodka and Veuve Clicquot, and enjoyed Tommy Bahama's Island Grille Coastal Cuisine contemporary culinary temptations. Auto enthusiasts, both novice and aficionado, swooned over the extensive collection of extraordinary vehicles displayed within the Concours showroom and adjacent areas as it is not everyday one comes face to grill with such rarities as a 1994 Lamborghini SE 30th Anniversary, an SLR-McLaren 2008 Roadster, a 1994 Cizeta V16T, or a Diablo 6.0 Pro Yellow, to name a few.
Headlining the live auction was the opportunity to drive a Saleen S7 with internationally known speed innovator, Steve Saleen, the evening's honoree. Representing the history that has evolved into today's car culture, Radio Mogul and historic car collector Art Astor of Anaheim had long been an inspiration to CEO/Founder Jonathan Michaels. With Art Astor retiring much of his car collection this year, Michaels wanted to recognize Astor's long-standing automotive contributions by creating an annual award to be presented to an individual who has demonstrated the most significant contribution to the automotive industry. This year's recipient, legendary racecar driver Steve Saleen, was acknowledged not only for his past contributions, but also for the launch of his new supercar company SMS, which further promises to put Saleen at the forefront of the world-class supercar scene.
The silent auction was chock full of sports rarities, such as an autographed Pete Rose Jersey, won by a member of the Velocity Magazine family, and a signed Sandy Koufax framed photo. Custom Austin Taylor suits, original Giclee artwork by host Jonathan Michaels, fashion from Novecento Boutique, spa, golf, and sport packages also inspired excitement and interest. The Ipanema Exotic Car Event was preceded by a Little Black Book cocktail social and launch party toast by sponsor Genesis Audio and Video in which over 100 sponsors and VIPs gathered to congratulate the Michaels on their upcoming venture.
In addition to Belvedere Vodka's Ipanemis, Orange Sunsets and Spa Martinis, as well as the tantalizing Veuve Clicquot, guests were treated to additional libations courtesy of Glenmorangie Single Malt Scotch Whisky and Ardbeg Single Islay Malt Scotch Whisky. The distinctive Culinary Senses made sure that gourmand satisfaction had been attained. Donna B's Cookies honed in on everybody's sweet side with a divine selection of cookies, brownies, and cakes whose beauty was surpassed only by the marvelous texture and flavor. Strategic Benefits Group creates a posh cigar lounge presented by Cigar Oasis.
Founded by Orange County business attorney Jonathan Michaels, Concours Motorcar Company serves the collector community by offering investment-grade collector cars. Offering a full array of collectible exotic and muscle car sales, Concours Motorcar Company is devoted to creating an experience as personal and unique as the acquisition itself. Michaels' company will also be operating Club Concours, a private membership club that will offer once-in-a-lifetime encounters, personal concierge services and a fleet of the most desirable cars in the world for its members. The co-host of Concours Radio, an online radio show devoted to the collector car community, Michaels beams "We could not possibly be more excited about our official launch. Concours represents a lifetime of ambition, and to have it coincide with such an extraordinary event that supports such a wonderful charity as Orangewood is a dream come true."
The Ipanema Exotic Car Show benefited Concours Foundation for Kids - an entity formed by Michaels to benefit abused and underprivileged children. The Foundation is currently on track to receive its 501(c) 3 nonprofit status. Michaels carries a personal allegiance toward restoring hope in those who are less fortunate. Concours Motorcar Company donates proceeds from of each of its transactions to the Foundation, and it will seek public support for the Foundation through fundraising activities. The Foundation will then select a local charity to be the benefactor of its fundraising efforts as Orangewood Children's Foundation was chosen to be honored Saturday night.
The night wouldn't have been possible without the generous support of Presenting Sponsors Belvedere Vodka and Veuve Clicquot, Velocity Magazine, in addition to contributions provided by Tommy Bahama Island Grille, Strategic Benefits, American Express of Laguna Niguel, The Ritz Carlton Club, Cars and Coffee.info, Corporate Development for Joint Ventures, Genesis Audio & Video, Speed Ventures, Southwest Airlines, Speed Ventures, Commerce West Bank, Donna B's Cookies, Romeo Cucina, MJM Jewelers, City Site Builders, and plant purveyors Green Effects.
"I am both thrilled and touched to be working with the many terrific people in Orange County's car community. The love and support has we have received has warmed my heart," reflected Mary Michaels. The undeniably swanky inaugural Ipanema Exotic Car Event has set the bar for years to come as locals and visitors alike turn to Concours Motorcar Company as the place to find all the right curves.