By Betty Magrath, SLFP.com

ST. LOUIS, (SLFP.com), April 15, 2001 - It was a classic Easter day in the park - bright sky, warm breezes and thousands of people to view and rediscover antique cars, hot rods and muscle trucks. The 39th Easter Concouse d'Elegance has become one of the major events of the year in St. Louis.

The Upper Muny Parking lot featured over 500 vehicles displayed by the Horseless Carriage Club of MO, Inc. Each year, the show has become even more of a legend. Since its inception in July 1947 beginning on the parking lot of the Automobile Club of Missouri and concluding with a parade to Forest Park, the show has captivated the spirit of memorable times in the auto history of St. Louis. The tradition of an Easter show in Forest Park began in 1954.

Antique car owners spent the day sharing stories about their cars with spectators and fellow exhibitors. Myrna Schild, proud owner of an original 1948 Rolls Royce Silverwraith, noted that the vehicle had only 3,000 miles. "This is one of the lowest Silverwraith chassis in the world. Rolls Royce only built chassis.The body of this car was actually built about two miles from here on Westmoreland Place. It's known as the Westmoreland Speedster," she smiled.

Several isles over, Jim Mathis was relaxing with friends near his 1950 Mercury Coupe. The bright colors and dramatic flames were showstoppers. "I've spend the last fifteen years working on this car. Originally, it was restored with a high tech look. Now, it has an authentic 1950-type 'Plum Crazy' color with flames," said Jim. He commented that the car had been dropped 4" in the front and 6" in the rear and that it featured a 1949 dash and rear window.

An original 1948 Rolls Royce Silverwraith, owned by Tim (straw hat) and Myrna (red hat) Schild, features an unusual boat tail design. The body of the car was built in St. Louis.

Helen Cole Dimbs enthusiastically explained how her 1919 Cole Sedan came to be painted blue during a time when people were not suppose to buy expensive cars. "In 1919, people were suppose to buy black Model Ts and As and war bonds. "My grandfather, who was also quite a salesman for the Cole Motor Car Co ., wrote to Besty Ross' grand niece and ask for pieces of the American flag canvas.

He then painted all the cars blue and used the slogan, 'Cole 19 has gone to war in Besty Ross Blue. General Pershing order 50 cars for the military in Europe and soon he had orders for the cars from all over the world. People felt confortable buying the expensive blue cars because they also came with a war bond," she noted.

The Concours, sponsored by AAA, featured cars including a 41 Packard Parade Car, a 34 Chevrolet Master, 55 Chevrolet Corvette V8 Roadster, 1963 Chrysler Turbine Car and a 1906 Success Auto Buggy.

All Photos © 2001 Bob Moore/SLFP.com