Cars & motorsport
Concours d’Elégance Suisse 2019: Founder Mathias Doutreleau Talks About The Upcoming Fourth Edition
In just three years, the Concours d’Elégance Suisse has become one of the great meeting dates in all rare and racy vintage cars collector's agendas. The 4th edition taking place from June 21st to 23rd at the Chateau de Coppet in Switzerland will further confirm this reputation.
By Watchonista
It is always a pleasure to meet a fellow car lover and exchange about our shared passion! A month away from its fourth edition, I met with Mathias Doutreleau, Founder of the Concours d’Elégance Suisse – of which Watchonista is a partner for the 4th consecutive year, and he lifted the curtain on the quickly approaching new edition.
Alexander Friedman: So nice to see you again, Mathias. What is in store for us for the 2019 edition of the Concours d'Elégance Suisse?
Mathias Doutreleau: It is going to be a tremendous year! We have a flurry of surprises that will delight all lovers of fine mechanics — 2019 marks several prestigious anniversaries. We will celebrate 125 years of Delahaye. The French brand has imprinted its mark in automobile history through its emblematic car designs. Another mythical name, both in terms of racing and aesthetics and elegance, will commemorate its 110th year.
Amazing cars will flock from all over Europe for this ‘Rendez-Vous’ which is not to be missed. For the 100 years of Bentley, a few circuit ‘giants’ and their beautiful lines will also be present. We will also celebrate the 100th anniversary of Citroen. We will pay homage to André Lefèbvre, the genius designer of the famous Traction, DS or 2CV. Finally, another myth will blow her 60 candles on the occasion: the Mini, as renowned as her Italian alter ego the Cinquecento. It will be a full plate.
AF: What memories stand out from the previous editions?
MD: We are thrilled to witness the growing participation of cars coming from Swiss collections, linked to Swiss history. This makes our show stand out alongside the other great shows like Pebble Beach or Villa d'Este. The historical dimension is of utmost importance for collecting cars. Celebrating exceptional mechanical wonders sold in Switzerland, belonging to Swiss families through generations, or even built in Switzerland or acquired at the Geneva Motor Show, is a real advantage for collectors.
We are also delighted to continue to hold the show at Chateau de Coppet, which embodies in itself Swiss subtlety by mixing authenticity, humility, and elegance. The association of both worlds works wonderfully.
AF: You still have a strong horological partner?
MD: We are happy and honored to have Breitling as our main sponsor once more. We remain in the mechanical precision realm. The brand is very dynamic and emphasizes more and more her historical bond with the automotive world. Most probably we will have a very impressive surprise – which I can already reveal to you: the Delahaye that Leon Breitling himself bought new! The car underlines clearly the strong relationship between this mythical brand and cars, beyond the usual aviation link typically associated with Breitling. There might be some other surprises revealed at the show, but I cannot say more at this point.
AF: It sounds like a formidable program! We are eager to be there!
MD: Indeed! As usual, we will present 80 to 90 exceptional collection cars divided into 15 categories. Our selection committee is finalizing them as we speak. We are looking forward to welcoming the full Watchonista team and all the lovers of rare and beautiful mechanical wonders, both automobiles and watches, from June 21st to 23rd at the Chateau de Coppet in Switzerland.
Thank you, Mathias, we let you get back to fine tuning this spectacular 4th edition.
(Photography by Pierre Vogel)
Video: The Concours d'Elégance Suisse 2018
Discover Watchonista's recap video of the 2018 edition of the Concours d’Elégance Suisse!
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