Harry Stutz became a household name in the early 1900s when his legendary Stutz Bearcat won multiple racing championships. On the reverse side of history, the newest Ford GT revels in a rich lineage that boasts four consecutive Le Mans wins. Both cars will be commemorated on the official poster artwork for the 2017 Milwaukee Concours d’Elegance, united by this year’s theme: “Speed: Then and Now”.
Then: The 1914 Stutz Bearcat
The first car built by Harry Stutz under his name was manufactured in 1911. It went straight to the race track, where it racked up numerous victories at the 1913 and 1915 championships. If you were among the fortunate few willing and able to spend the price of a house for a duplicate version, then it was likely you were ordering a legendary Stutz Bearcat for yourself.
To look at the 1914 Bearcat that belongs to Brian and Trish White from North Carolina, is to appreciate one of the finest original race cars. Mr. White first saw a Bearcat when he was an impressionable eight-year-old, at The Elegance at Hershey, alongside his father. Decades later, he found his own Bearcat, which made its debut back at Hershey after a two-year restoration. From there, the Whites’ Bearcat went on to win Best of Show at the Hilton Head Island Concours d’Elegance. While the Whites are bringing this great car to show at the 2017 Milwaukee Concours d’Elegance on August 6, their plans are to use the car in driving events, possibly breaking a few speed limits along the way.
Now: The 2017 Ford GT
While the Bearcat embodies the start of speed, the new asphalt-scorching 2017 Ford GT has been selected to represent the speed of today. This sleek, twin turbocharged land rocket cracks 216 mph, possesses the latest technology, and lived up to its family heritage of consecutive Le Mans wins by immediately pocketing a class win at this year’s Le Mans. The 2017 Ford GT is so new that the exact model coming to the Milwaukee Concours d’Elegance is still being built, with even the color unknown.
About the Artist
The 2017 Milwaukee Concours d’Elegance official commemorative poster artist is Joyce Edfors of Lake Mills, Wisconsin. Ms. Edfors, who is both a vintage car enthusiast and an artist, has an eye for capturing detail in her work. To enhance the theme, the artist has chosen an exhilarating new background for this year’s poster that will truly capture “Speed: Then and Now.”
About the Event
The two-day Milwaukee Concours d’Elegance is scheduled for the first weekend in August at Veterans Park. The open Show & Glow by the Lake car show, a motor tour and the annual Style & Speed Social are scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 5, followed by the Concours d’Elegance on Sunday, Aug. 6. The Milwaukee Concours d’Elegance is hosted by The Masterpiece Ltd. The Masterpiece Ltd. is organized and operated exclusively to support other public charities including, but not limited to, those operating in southeastern Wisconsin which provide medical and social service care and relief to underprivileged children and families through various motor vehicle-related fundraising events. Learn more at masterpieceltd.org
Contact: Carrol Jensen
Title: Sunday Concours Event Committee
Company: The Masterpiece Ltd.
Contact Phone Number: 414-526-2244
Contact E-Mail: Carrol Jensen
Website URL: masterpieceltd.org