Robb Francis Sports Cars – Concours on the Green

The scene was set for one of the most picturesque concours events NNJR has ever hosted. Our stunning venue was the beautiful estate of Robb Francis in Bernardsville NJ. The five acres of manicured lawns accented by a serene pond provided a back drop that most concours organizers could only dream about. As the sound of big band jazz music filled the air from the speakers around the resort like pool, the stage was set for another NNJR block buster.

The key to any great concours event is the weather. This was the one element not in our favor. The forecast was for apocalyptic thunder and hail storms to blanket the area at any given time. Both Hank and I were getting phone calls from concours participants voicing their concerns about the dismal forecast. Nevertheless, by 8:30am the crowd started to file in. Almost everyone who pulled up had a tale of sour weather to tell. But upon arrival at our tranquil estate for the day, all concerns were quickly alleviated.

Robb set up a great display of Porsches to greet the crowd as they arrived. The display included a magnificently restored 1959 Porsche Diesel Junior tractor, a couple of beautiful 356’s, various 911’s and even a Noble. Robb’s garage was open for tours which wowed the crowd with his CLK Black Series, a 100 point Jaguar XKE and an NNJR concours award winning 997S cab.

As luck would have it, rain stayed away from our event the entire day. With reports coming in from surrounding area of horrible weather we quickly arranged the field and began judging. The field consisted of 30 cars to be judged. Our expert judging staff went to work and turned in the following results.

The 356 class had a beautiful group of cars. In third place with his 1958 Ivory over red Speedster was Ed Vazquez. Second place was awarded to Lake Underwood and his significant 1957 Speedster. Taking top honors with his 1957 Outlaw, was Jeff McFadyen. Jeff is no stranger to pulling down top honors with his stunning, well restored 356.

In the early 911 class, which consisted of 911 models ranging from 1978 to 1989, saw some extreme competition. First to third place was separated by just three tenths of a point. In third place, with his Parade winning 1989 Carrera, was Bob Knapik. Second place went to Ed Neighbour and his always well prepared black 1978 911. First place was won by Fred Simonson and his stunning Guards Red 1989 turbo look cab. The early 911 class has become the toughest class to compete in by a large measure.

We had two participants in the mid 911 class. This consisted of the 964 and 993 models. In second place was William Scharft with his super clean 1991 911 turbo. Fresh off a first place win at New Hope, Steve Kroeger, repeated his spectacular performance with a first here as well.

The late 911 class saw some fierce competition. Taking an honorable mention with his beautiful Cobalt Blue 997 turbo was Bob Weissburg. In third place was Manny Irula and his always well prepared Seal Grey 996 turbo. Second place was awarded to Dan Schievella driving a 2008 911 and first place was secured by Richard Waddell and his stunning 2008 911.

We saw a very large Boxster/Cayman class at the Concours on the Green. This class also provided us with some of the highest scores of the day. Coming in third place with his 2009 Boxster was John Schrade. Second place with her Guards Red 2008 Caymann was Sharon Doherty. First place was won by Robert Purgason and his well prepared 2012 Boxster. Robert had the highest score of the day with a 224.5 out of a possible 225 points.

Lastly in the 928 class were Tony and Nick Cristello taking the first place trophy. Even though they had the only car in the class, they still rose to the occasion with an impressive 224.2 points.

Following the judged event the participants were able to relax around Robb and Anne’s home and enjoy a fantastic lunch. We look forward to another RF Sports Cars Concours on the Green next year.