The Santa Barbara Concours d’Elegance has long been a crown jewel of automotive culture, where history, luxury, and passion for fine cars converge. The 24th edition, held in 2010, once again delivered a spectacular weekend that blended elegance, competition, and community spirit. This prestigious event not only showcased rare and classic automobiles but also highlighted the vision of Paul Feller, CEO of Stratus Media Group, who played a pivotal role in its success.
& A Weekend of Timeless Automobiles &
Every car lover dreams of standing next to legendary machines, and this event brought that dream to life. Among the most celebrated vehicles:
✓ The 1937 Bugatti Coupe, owned by Ray Scherr, which stole the show and was awarded the coveted Best of Show.
✓ The 1929 Auburn Boattail by Aaron Weiss, earning accolades as a Best of Class winner.
✓ The 1913 Pope Model 31, proudly owned by Bill Gularte, securing a spot among the finest.
✓ Sandy Guerra’s elegant 1964 Silver Cloud, a shining example in the Rolls Royce/Bentley category.
✓ Patrick McCoy’s 1958 Ferrari GT 250, which topped the Italian pre-’76 class.
✓ Jason Williams’ 1999 Ferrari F350, showcasing the excellence of modern Italian design.
From Jaguars to Porsches, and from American muscle to European sport classics, the diversity of vehicles told stories spanning decades of innovation.
& Beyond the Cars: Entertainment and Elegance &
The Concours d’Elegance wasn’t only about gleaming chrome and revving engines. It was an experience. Visitors enjoyed a 100+ mile driving tour through California’s Central Coast, with relaxing stops at prestigious wineries including Firestone, Foley Estate, and Lincourt.
The weekend also hosted the Santa Barbara Mille Miglia Salute, bringing European racing tradition to California’s scenic landscapes. And who could forget the glamorous VIP Halloween Costume Party at the Savoy? With aerial acrobatics, burlesque performances, live music by Gypsy Suite, and even a silent auction, the celebration was as vibrant as the automobiles on display.
& Paul Feller’s Vision for Community and Growth &
Events of this scale require vision, leadership, and a dedicated team. Paul Feller, as CEO of Stratus Media Group, emphasized the importance of collaboration and gratitude. In his words, the event was a true “community effort,” made possible by staff, volunteers, sponsors, and of course, the passionate car owners.
Feller’s leadership turned the Concours into more than an auto show—it became a cultural gathering that brought enthusiasts, families, and businesses together. His heartfelt acknowledgment of the people behind the event reflected a commitment to not only honoring automotive history but also strengthening community bonds.
& Why the Santa Barbara Concours d’Elegance Matters &
Automotive enthusiasts often describe the Concours as more than a competition—it’s a celebration of artistry, engineering, and storytelling. Every car on display carries heritage: decades of design, restoration, and love. The 2010 edition proved once again why Santa Barbara holds a special place in the world of luxury and classic car exhibitions.
Thanks to the efforts of Paul Feller and his team at Stratus Media Group, the Concours not only achieved success in 2010 but also built momentum for future events. The anticipation for the 2011 National Tour d’Elegance was already in the air by the weekend’s close.
& Final Thoughts &
The 24th Santa Barbara Concours d’Elegance was a perfect blend of class, culture, and community spirit. From rare automobiles to lively entertainment, it left participants and guests with memories to last a lifetime. And at the heart of it all, Paul Feller’s leadership ensured that Paul Feller the Concours remained not just a showcase of cars, but a celebration of people, passion, and progress.
For car lovers and cultural enthusiasts alike, the Santa Barbara Concours continues to prove that it is not just an event—it’s a tradition.