LEGENDARY FORMULA ONE DRIVER, SIR STIRLING MOSS TO SERVE AS GRAND MARSHAL AT TENTH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION OF

THE HOUSTON CLASSIC “
KEELS AND WHEELS”
CONCOURS D’ELEGANCE & AUCTION

March 3, 2005 - Houston, Texas – Sir Stirling Moss, known as one of the greatest race car drivers of all time, will visit from “across the pond” to serve as grand marshal of the 10th Anniversary of The Houston Classic “Keels & Wheels” Concours d’ Elegance and Auction. Moss is considered one of the most versatile drivers in the history of racing and during his professional career competed in over 495 events, finished in 366 of them, and won an amazing 222 times. He was knighted in 1999 by H.M. Queen Elizabeth II. 

Presented by Constellation Pointe, the Concours takes place on Saturday, April 30 and Sunday, May 1, 2005 in Seabrook, Texas at the Lakewood Yacht Club (LYC) on Clear Lake and opens to spectators from 10 AM - 5 PM  Saturday and 9 AM – 4 PM on Sunday. Entries include some of the most beautiful, exotic and rare examples of classic automobiles as well as vintage wooden boats and yachts from throughout the United States.  Car and boat owners will compete for Best of Class awards in over 60 Classes.  Custom crystal awards, by Baccarat, the internationally known French crystal company, will be presented for Best of Show honors to the top classic automobile and vintage wooden boat in the show.

This grand celebration of beauty and elegance kicks-off Friday evening with the annual Yachta, Yachta, Yachta cocktail party sponsored by skin care company Kiehl’s for Concours participants and sponsors.  During the evening guests are invited to tour numerous private yachts docked in the harbor at LYC and preview the offerings for Saturday’s automobile and boat auction.

The Worldwide Group will be offering an astounding array of Classic, sports, exotic, 50’s, 60’s and Muscle cars as part of a 100 important motor cars and 12 wooden boat offering at it’s 10th annual Houston Classic Auction & Concours, Saturday afternoon beginning at 12 noon, featuring an award winning 1930 Duesenberg LaGrand Dual Cowl Phaeton from a very prominent collection with impeccable provenance, and a one of only 17 built 1971 Plymouth ‘Cuda 440 6 Pack Convertible, both anticipated to bring in the seven figure range. Also featured at this year’s auction:

·        100% untouched original 1965 Ferrari GTB (Est. $375,000 - $425,000)

·        1929 Auburn Boattail Speedster (Est.  $200,000 - $250,000)

·        1970 Plymouth Hemi ‘Cuda (Est. $200,000 - $250,000)

·        100 point Concours winning 1937 Garwood 28’ Triple Cockpit V12 watercraft, one of only 10 produced (Est. $300,000-$350,000).

·        Also featured at this year’s event are selected automobiles from three private collections being offered without reserve.

Another highlight  is the 1939 Bugatti, known as the “Shah’s Bugatti” from the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angles, once owned by Mohammed Reza Pahlavi, the Prince of Persia and future Shah of Iran. He received this striking supercharged Bugatti as a gift from the French government on the occasion of his first wedding.  In 1959 the Bugatti was sold out of the Shah’s Imperial Garage for a sum equivalent to approximately 275 US dollars.  It was subsequently owned by a succession of Bugatti enthusiasts, but never publicly shown until after receiving a complete restoration in 1983. Featured marque is Ghia with a stunning collection on display during the 2-day event including a 1954 Plymouth Ghia also from the Petersen Museum. 

Lakewood Yacht Club has served as the beautiful backdrop to the Houston Classic “Keels & Wheels” Concours d’Elegance since its inception in 1995.  A combination of the scenic location and wonderful examples of engineering and design from both the marine and automotive worlds makes for a gloriously entertaining and relaxing weekend  The show attracts an ever-increasing audience from around the globe.  

Constellation Pointe, this year’s title sponsor, is an exclusive gated community located on Clear Lake in League City, Texas.  Situated on a peninsula this property features private floating docks and offers some of the last remaining waterfront living on Clear Lake.  Constellation Pointe is located within 10 minutes from the Kemah boardwalk and 30 minutes from downtown Houston via Interstate 45.

Proceeds from the show supports The Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Houston.  Keels & Wheels is open to the public, for more information or to purchase tickets, log on to www.keels-wheels.com Tickets are $17 in advance or $20 at the gate. Children 10 and under are free.  Lakewood Yacht Club is located on Clear Lake off NASA Road One near Hwy 146.   Look for “Keels & Wheels” parking signs.