2023 Concours Highlights and Winners

December 10, 2023

Record-Breaking Turnout and Event Highlights Mark the 2023 Des Moines Concours d’Elegance

The 2023 Des Moines Concours d’Elegance, held on September 10, 2023, attracted a record-breaking turnout of over 20,000 attendees to the heart of downtown Des Moines. This year’s event was “A Celebration of the Art & Design of the Automobile,” and proudly marked its 23rd year as the Midwest’s premier annual exhibition of distinctive antique, vintage, classic, and special interest motor vehicles. Each year, Des Moines Concours is managed and staffed by over 80 dedicated volunteers. The purpose and mission of the Iowa Automotive Heritage Foundation is to enhance and promote the automotive heritage of Iowa and the Midwest through educational projects and public awareness programs that celebrate automotive art and design and highlight the social and economic benefits of our automotive heritage.

Event Highlights

The 2023 Des Moines Concours d’Elegance featured several elements that contributed to the event:

  • 12 individual classes totaling 120 cars and 25 motorcycles were exhibited.
  • A 17’x10′ Jumbo Screen from Insane Impact displayed captivating content, including a 3-minute video at the top of each hour and scrolling sponsor logos throughout the event. An extensive sound system provided by Light This Productions ensured that every visitor could immerse themselves fully in the experience.
  • Radio-Controlled Car Racetrack: Hobby Haven sponsored a thrilling RC racetrack on 12th Street, entertaining attendees of all ages.
  • Selfie Photo Booth: Sponsored by Snap-on Tools and featuring a 1930 Model A gave visitors a chance to capture memories.
  • Multiple food and service vendors lined 13th Street, offering a range of food and services for attendees.

2023 Sponsor and Donor Recognition

The success of the 2023 Des Moines Concours d’Elegance would not have been possible without the generous support of its sponsors and donors, with special thanks extended to the Premier Chevy Dealers, Polk County Board of Supervisors, and all contributors who played a important role in making this event a smashing success. Proceeds from the event supports Children’s Cancer Connection, an organization dedicated to assisting Iowa families impacted by childhood cancer.

We were honored to have some incredible guests at the 2023 Des Moines Concours d’Elegance. Jennifer Hines, CEO of Children’s Cancer Connection, shared inspiring opening remarks and announced the CCC award winners. Our Main Emcee, Todd Magel, kept the event engaging, and Adam Wanie from Karl Chevrolet-Stuart presented the Corvette 70th Anniversary Class Awards. Lou Sipolt, our American Muscle Class Celebrity Judge, presented the class awards. Heather Lee was the Corvette 70th Anniversary Class Celebrity Judge and Michael Miano joined from Krause Group presenting the awards to the Exotic Class winners.

Des Moines Concours 2023 Best of Show and First Place Awards

Best of Show and 1st Place in Classics: 1930 Rolls-Royce Phantom II owned by Irving Jensen of Milford, Iowa

Exotics: 1969 Marcos GT 3L owned by Mark and Penny Doubet of Mount Vernon, Iowa

American Muscle: 1970 Plymouth AAR Cuda owned by Jim Wesanto of Nashwauk, Minnesota

Space Age Collectibles: 1965 Chevrolet Corvair Monza Convertible owned by Brian and Robin Ische of Beloit, Wisconsin

Atomic Age Collectibles: 1951 Nash Healey Alloy Roadster owned by Paul and Pam Friskopp of Johnston, Iowa

Early Collectibles:  1932 Studebaker Commander Regal Sedan Model 71 owned by Deanna and Harold Manley of Newton, Iowa

Preservation: 1973 Volkswagen Super Beetle Sedan owned by Tim McEntee of Waukee, Iowa

Nash Metropolitan 70th Anniversary: 1960 Nash Metropolitan owned by Jim Marmon of Urbandale, Iowa

Motorcycles: 1978 Rickman Honda CR750 owned by Edward and Tiffin Kunath of Waterloo, Iowa

Antiques: 1916 Cadillac Type 53 7-Passenger Touring owned by Andy and Anne Flagge of Mason City, Iowa

Corvette 70th Anniversary: 1967 Chevrolet Corvette owned by Jeromy Burgmaier of Creston, Iowa

Riviera 60th Anniversary: 1965 Buick Riviera GS owned by Kendall and Lori Reed of West Des Moines, Iowa

Children’s Cancer Connection 1st Place Award: 1953 Packard Caribbean owned by Michael Neighbour and Jeff Neighbour of Ankeny, Iowa