Porsches galore (and more) in the City of Brotherly Love

In honor of Porsche’s 75th Anniversary, the Philadelphia Concours d’Elegance aimed to turn the City of Brotherly Love into Porsche-adelphia and support Cool Cars for Kids. Did they succeed? Well, you might love some of these participating cars.

1959 Cadillac Coupe de Ville
Owned by Scott Nickett

The concours didn’t only have Porsches, such as this Cadillac. This Coupe de Ville exemplifies the decadence of 1950s America. It weighs 4720 pounds and measures 225 inches long. This beautifully restored Caddy won Best Closed Car in Philly.

1985 Porsche 911 M491
Owned by Charles Gardiner

This all-original survivor car came with the M491 option. That included a wider body, Turbo whale tail, Turbo wraparound chin spoiler, Turbo suspension, Turbo brakes with 285mm cross-drilled discs and four-piston aluminum calipers. In its first-ever show it won Best Open Car.

1967 Fiat Abarth 1324
Owned by Don and Diane Meluzio

Abarth installed an upsized Fiat 124 engine into the rear of a Fiat 850 Sport Coupe to create this 1324. This car underwent a complete restoration in 2008 and still has its original power plant. The 1324 won Best Late Model Abarth at the Radnor Hunt Concours d’Elegance and the Best Post War car in Philadelphia.

1984 Porsche 911 Targa
Owned by Hamilton McGregor

Hamilton McGregor has had this car since he bought it new from the Quakerbridge Porsche Audi dealership in Princeton, New Jersey. It is unrestored and remains completely in its original condition. It has won numerous awards, including first place at the Cincinnati Concours D’Elegance, best in class (Unrestored) at The Greenbriar Concours d’Elegance, and now Best Unrestored at the Philadelphia Concours d’Elegance.

1914 Overland 79S Speedster
Owned by Mark W Thompson

In 1914, Overland was the second-largest manufacturer of cars, but they just made 50 of these Speedsters, and only in that year. The owner had the Speedster undergo an 8-year restoration, bringing it back to factory specs, with the exception of three items–a monocle windshield, a Waltham dash block and friction shocks. This car went on to win its class, Best Pre War.

1966 Lotus Cortina Mk1
Owned by Mike Gaizaukas

The owner restored this car in memory of his father, Bruno Gaizaukas. Bruno served in the U.S. Air Force, doing tours in World War II, Korea and Vietnam, and earning a Bronze Star. That love for his father extended to the car, which features only one non-original part–the hand-turned wooden steering wheel. The Lotus won Best Sports Car in Philadelphia.

1973 Buick Century Gran Sport Stage 1 Sun Coupe
Owned by Philip Roitman

This is one rare Buick. The marque made only 728 Stage 1s. Of them, 45 were Sun Coupes, 32 had air conditioning, 24 had an electric-operated sunroof and four had Special Company Order. This is a numbers-matching example, never been restored, and still has 90- to 95-percent of the original paint. This car handily won Best Muscle Car in the City of Brotherly Love.

1970 Porsche 917
Owned by Simeone Foundation Automotive Museum

Sure, it never won a race, but how about that livery? The unique colors earned it the nickname of “Hippie Porsche.” And, to be fair, it did set a lap record and finished second in the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1970. In fact, this 917 still holds that record for the original Le Mans course.

1986 RC Cola Porsche 962
Owned by Gordon Zimmerman

Two IMSA wins, driven by three 24 Hours of Le Mans winners and one iconic livery adds up to one head-turning car. This wonderfully restored car won the Dr. Simeone Heart of a Champion Award at the Philadelphia Concours d’Elegance. Simeone’s museum in Philadelphia revolves around the Spirit of Competition, and this car fits right in.

1966 Jaguar E-Type, Series 1
Owned by Ronald Schotland

Many consider the Jaguar E-type as one of the most beautiful sports cars ever made. If you agree, then you might consider this one of the best examples. It earned a 400-point perfect score to win the 2022 AACA Senior Grand National Award. Plus, it has taken best in class at the Radnor Hunt Concours d’Elegance, and best in show at The NYC Concours and now the Philadelphia Concours d’Elegance.