Concours d’Lemons Monterey: Horsing around, not horsepower, wins

What’s serious about the Concours d’Lemons? Pretty much nothing, but it’s seriously a good time, despite the cars being so incredibly awful, bizarre or campy.

Take for example the Worst of Show for Monterey, the 1971 Lincoln presented by Jason Simms. It’s a race car. Yes, that’s right. It competes in the 24 Hours of Lemons and, according to Jason, has “at least finished one race.” At the end of the event, kids rushed to get a chance to sit in–umm … I mean on–the winning ride of the day. It was clearly a fan favorite.

However, there were many other class winners–and we use that term lightly–that the large crowd of attendees (for some reason) enjoyed.

Winners

Worst of Show: Jason Simms, San Francisco, Calif., 1971 Lincoln

Ford: Scott Kennedy, Simi Valley, Calif., 1960 Edsel Ranger

GM: John Ficarra, Nevada City, Calif., 1971 GMC Ambulance

Mopar: Jeff Niles, Palo Alto, Calif., 1990 Dodge Van

Other: John Moulton, Corral de Tierra, Calif., 1975 Bricklin SV-1

Japanese: Dan Wilson, Carmel Valley, Calif., 1969 Subaru 360

German: Eric Luan, Pleasanton, Calif., 1986 Porsche 928 Safari

British: Logan Calkins, San Diego, Calif., 1973 Land Rover Series III 83

French: Steve Mandell, Claremont, Calif., 1955 New Map Solyto

Italian: Chris Obert, Santa Cruz, Calif., 1974 Fiat 124 Sedan

Swedish: Mike Rhea, Tahoe City, Calif., 1967 DAF Bestel Wagon

Sickest Sickle: Dean Meltz, San Leandro, Calif., 1970 Homemade Prestige Mantle

Participation: Mark Osotro, Sacramento, Calif., 1993 BMW 525i

Slighter Better than a Go-Kart: Fred Hayes, Vallejo, Calif., 1960 Volkswagen Bus

Best Back Seat: Ted Bowner, Salinas, Calif., 1958 Edsel Ranger

Driving on a Prayer: Alan Daoud, Monterey, Calif., 1967 Bumper Car

Sight for Sour Eyes: Robert Peterson and his daughter who desperately wished to remain anonymous, Salinas, Calif., 1988 Geo Metro

Pimpin’ Ain’t Easy: Rebecca Wolanin, Chuluota, Fla., 1970 Cadillac Eldorado

Should Have Been a Lawsuit: Jerod Helt, Rancho Palos Verdes, Calif., 1976 Porsche 912

Combustion Crown: Roxanne and "WIld Bill" Hill, Roseville, Calif., 1966 Volkswagen Short Bus

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