by Don Meluzio –
I asked Mike Gulett if he would allow me to write an article about a local concours we have on the East Coast. Radnor Hunt Concours is held on a very picturesque setting on the grounds of the oldest continuing fox hunting club in the country. The club has been in existence for 133 years.
Triumph Italia 2000 body by Michelotti
The location is about 15 miles west of Philadelphia in the beautiful farm country of Malvern, Pennsylvania. I feel very connected to this concours because I grew up 10 miles away. It is an area rich in road racing history. Roger Penske had shops nearby, and Holbert Racing is also nearby.
The concours is the baby of its founder Michael Tillson who is a car guy all the way. It’s probably not that well known, because Mike Tillson doesn’t talk about it, but he has run the 24 Hours of Daytona, the 12 Hours of Sebring, the 6 Hour at Watkins Glen, amongst many other famous events. His co-drivers have been the likes of Innes Ireland, and Al Holbert! He didn’t just compete, but he had some really impressive finishes.
Porsche 959
Mike doesn’t do it all by himself, he relies a great deal on Toby Ross, Phil Neff, and their committees. After 15 years of competing at Radnor, I can honestly say that I have always felt that the judging was fair and honest. I am sure that this tradition will continue under new chief judge Tim McNair.
My very good friend Bill Rothermel was the Master of Ceremonies. Bill is behind the microphone for at least a half dozen concours in the US, and does a great job at Radnor. The various committees meet all year long in order to pull off this wonderful event.
BMW Isetta
This years featured vehicles were Packard, Alfa Romeo and Classic Pickup Trucks. Radnor has by far the most complete collection of motorcycles of any car concours!
Don and Diane Meluzio’s 1957 Porsche Speedster
More photos are in the slide show below.
Radnor has added something that I believe they refer to as Motorsport Parking. It is an area reserved for exotic and classic cars. I spoke to a couple of guys that drove for close to two hours to do the Park. I also added some photos from McLaren of Philadelphia’s tent where they displayed a few McLaren P1s! Great guys, and great cars!! Also Algar Ferrari displayed a new 488 Ferrari.
Photos of Motorsport Parking are in the slide show below.
Don Meluzio is an avid car lover and collector. He is the president of the Iso & Bizzarrini Owner’s Club and lives in Pennsylvania USA.
1958 Devin Sports Racer-283 Chevy Power with an Iskenderian Cam and 3 -2 Barrels
Photos by Don Meluzio, Bill Rothermel and Jake Krone.
SummaryArticle NameRadnor Hunt Concours 2015DescriptionA very elegant concours in the farm country of Pennsylvania.AuthorDon Meluzio
The Devin(Devon?) belongs to the uncle of my close friend Lee Lafleur. Lee owns an auto repair shop in Virginia Beach. He is also the first customer at my chassis business.
Thomas, It is Devin. Thanks for the correction, I changed it.
What a small world.
Great story and photos Don. I’ve judged with Mike Tillson at Hilton Head and he’s a real class act – it looks like his show is too! As you say, he never mentioned a word about his racing exploits. We’ve enjoyed having you to our show in Cincinnati (Ault Park Concours d’Elegance) and hope that you’ll be back again.
Dave, Yes, I have been to Ault Park Several times, great Concours, nice people. If I remember correctly the last couple of years has been the same weekend as The Elegance at Hershey? It’s 40 minutes from my house, and also a very nice event.(Bill Rothermel is Emcee there also!) I am sure I’ll be back to Ohio! Don