The Chantilly Arts & Elegance Concours was held on September 7, 2014, at the Domaine de Chantilly, North of Paris, France. This first time event celebrated the return to France of a world-class Concours d’Elegance, an event that originated in the country back in the horse and carriage days in the late 17th century. The combination of some of the finest cars in the world attending, the spectacular setting, and the excellent work by the organizer Peter Auto resulted in an outstanding event.

The cars on exhibit were all hand picked and came from some of the best collections in the world. The display of the vehicles was divided between two large Royal Gardens, each containing five pools and fountains; between the Gardens is a body of water supplied by the Grand Canal of Chantilly. The location allows for the display to be spread out and results in an exceptional viewing experience. Complementing the cars were both vintage steam and powerboats giving rides on the waterways, and hot-air balloons that allowed visitors to see the sights from the air.

American collector Peter Mullin’s spectacular 1937 Delahaye 135 M Cabriolet, with coachwork by Figoni & Falaschi took the first Best of Show win. Shown (below) are many of the other pre-war class winners in more than two-dozen images by Pavel Novitski of Novitski Classics. More information can be found at the Chantilly Arts & Elegance Concours. At the bottom of the post is a twenty-five minute video produced for the organizers that gives you an excellent overview of this outstanding event.

Best of Show winning 1937 Delahaye 135 M Cabriolet, with coachwork by Figoni & Falaschi.

1932 Alfa Romeo 8C Monza.

1930 Bugatti Type 41 Royale Coupe Napoleon.

1930 Bugatti Type 41 Royale Coupe Napoleon.

1932 Maserati V4 Zagato Sport Spider by Zagato.

1932 Maserati V4 Zagato Sport Spider by Zagato.

1933 Bugatti Type 55 Roadster.

1933 Bugatti Type 55 Roadster.

Vintage Bentleys.

1930 Bentley Speed Six Old Number 2.

1939 Talbot Lago T150 C SS Pourtout Coupe. Look for a feature article on this car soon.

1939 Talbot Lago T150 C SS Figoni et Falaschi Coupe.

1939 Talbot Lago T150 C SS Figoni et Falaschi Coupe.

1939 Talbot Lago T150 C SS Figoni et Falaschi Coupe.

1928 Bugatti T40 Lidia.

1932 Bugatti Type 50.

1932 Bugatti Type 50.

1933 Mercedes-Benz 380 Roadster.

1933 Delage D8 S Pourtout Cabriolet.

1904 24-40 h.p. Delaugère & Clayette

1925 Bugatti Type 35.

1933 Maserati 8CM.

1937 Bugatti Type 57C Atalante.

1936 Hispano-Suiza J12 Saoutchick Cabriolet.

1937 Bugatti Type 57 S Atalante.

The video (below) shows an overview of the Chantilly Arts & Elegance Concours, it is in the French language, but is professionally produced and well worth viewing. The production also covers the Tour L’Elegance and the gathering of over five-hundred other cars that attended the Luncheon on the Grass.