Concours 2012 – NNJR 55th Celebration Wrap Up

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It is hard to believe; 75 Porsches on display, perfect weather, and over 550 NNJR members in one location. Sounds like a recreation of a German car equivalent of Woodstock, but in reality it was one epic celebration of NNJR’s 55th year in existence.

As the 8:00am hour rolled around, I pulled up to Harbor Hills Day Camp in Mendham to be greeted by Warren Gisser and Hank Menkes ready to get the event started. The weather could have not been more perfect. As we set up the display field, we optimistically prepared for a showing of 60 Porsches ranging in age from 1951 all the way to present day. By 9:00am the cars were rolling in at a furious pace. The scene was being set for a perfect presentation of Porsche’s automotive accomplishments over the last 50 years. Once the drivers pulled on to the green, they were greeted by Fernando Lopez, a well known professional automotive photographer. Fernando took a picture of the driver and their car before Ben Rassmusen and our faithful NNJR team placed them on the field. Fernando’s shots were determined by many to be some of the finest prints that ever had of their vehicle.

Within two hours the field had 75 cars packed in, far more than we anticipated. For this event, we decided to go with a “People’s Choice” type of Concours judging. Frankly, judging 75 cars across 8 classes would have taken all day to judge if we ran a proper Concours event, so the “People’s Choice” was the only viable option. As attendees registered at the front gate the ballots were given out and the judging began.
The field of cars was truly a spectacular sight. We had specialty cars like a very rare Porsche 959 and a 996 GT3 Cup Car. We also had some of the finest 356 models represented, from a split window coupe to Roadsters and Speedsters that added to the collective provenance of the event.

By 4:00pm it was time to count the ballots and determine the winners. With the help of Bob and Lucille Knapik, we tabulated the hundreds of voting forms to determine the winners in the 8 classes that comprised the field. So let me get to the point you have been waiting for, the winners.

In Class 1, the 356 class, we had three very remarkable cars take the honors. In third place, was Bill Berenter, with his spectacular 1961 356 B Roadster. Lake Underwood II took second with his 1957 Speedster. Lake’s car was once race driven by his father who achieved several podium finishes. In first place was Ray Paterek with his perfectly restored 1951 356 split window coupe. Ray’s car was the queen of the show. With its perfect door fits, glass like paint job and an interior to match, it had the crowd mesmerized all day.

Class 2 represented the Early 911 group. With well over a dozen cars in this class, there were a lot to choose from. In third place was David Cheek with his stunning white 1989 911 coupe. David’s car has only 5300 original miles. Second place was given to Fred Simonson and his super rare Guards Red 1989 turbo-look cabriolet. Taking the first place prize was Peter Pulice with his well prepared 1967 911S.
Class 3 comprised the Mid 911 grouping. This was another large class with some beautiful cars. In third place came NNJR icon, Dennis Thovson, and his well prepared 1993 RS America. Murray and Akemi Kane took second place with their 1985 911. First place was awarded to John Griffith and his beautiful green 993 twin turbo.

Class 4 was assigned to the Late 911 class. In second place was Ann Marie Francis and her magnificent 2009 911 Carrera S Cabriolet. First place was won by Matthew Muller and his amazing 2011 GT3RS 4.0. It was a great treat to have such a rare 911 at the event.
Class 5 was filled with the 914 entries. Second place went to Jim Foster and his beautiful forest green 1970 914. First place was given to Tod Worden and his Lime Green 1974 914. Tod’s car is all original and has only 16000 miles and is a stunning example of a 914.
Class 6 included 924, 944, 968 and 928 models. Ben Rasmussen took third with his Guards Red 1984 944. Second place went to Dom Miliano and his Black 1987 944. The first place ribbon was awarded to Tony Cristello for his beautiful Amazon Green 1994 928 GTS.
Class 7 was our Boxster/Cayman class which had a strong showing. In third place was James Oliver and his 2010 Cayman. Second place was won by Anne Foos and her beautiful white 2008 Cayman. First place was given to Don Doherty and his well prepared Guards Red 2008 Cayman.

Lastly Class 8 was comprised of the Race/Specialty grouping. In third place with his amazing 2003 GT3 Cup Car was Tom Swift. We greatly appreciate Tom bringing out his race car. We know it takes quite a lot of effort to transport a vehicle that is not street legal. Coming in second with his 1956 356 Carrera Speedster tribute was Robb Francis. First place was won by Bob Kerkes and his beautiful and incredibly rare Guards Red 959.

I thank all the participants for your support and passion for NNJR. The hard work and devotion shown by Cindy and Tony Cristello, Marlys and Dennis Thovson and the Concours crew made the event truly outstanding.

  • The remaining Concours events for 2012 are as follows:
  • September 8 Robb Francis Motorcars Concours d’Elegance in Bernardsville NJ
  • October 7 Paul Miller Workshop
  • November 18 ID Signs Workshop