It’s that time again. One of the grandest events of the season arrives next weekend: the 18^th Annual Palos Verdes Concours D’Elegance. Hosted again at the Trump National Golf Club, the CDE is perhaps the ultimate charity automobile exhibition, combining a Road Rallye and remarkable motor display.

Events begin Saturday, September 18 with a Road Rallye from the Trump National Golf Club to Vic’s Garage at the Edelbrock Museum in Torrance where the Grand Marshal Oktoberfest takes place, honoring Grand Marshal Andy Granatelli, awards are presented, and both a live and silent auction (featured lots: pit passes to the Indianapolis 500; an all-expenses-paid weekend vintage racing trip in Laguna Seca, Sears Point, or Thunderhill) take place.

The Oktoberfest, by the way, was inspired by the Concours’ theme of German motors this year:

On Sunday September 19, cars arrive for judging as early as 6 a.m. though the field (including boutiques) isn’t open to the public until 10. After the clubhouse luncheon, award presentations begin at 1:30, and the winners stay on view until 5 p.m.

Judging classes include: Horseless Carriages, European Classics (Open) 1925-1948, European Classics (Closed) 1925-1948, American Classics (Open) 1925-1948, American Classics (Closed) 1925-1948, Classic Airflow & Zephyr, Jaguar 1946-1974, Post-War European Sports Cars 1946-1974, Facel-Vega, Post-War American Sports & GT Cars 1946-1964, Pre-War Mercedes Benz, Post-War Mercedes Benz, Mercedes Benz 300SL, Mercedes Benz SL (under 3 liters), Porsche 356, Porsche 911, BMW Vintage (pre-1967), BMW Neu Klas (1967-1985), Borgward, Microcars, Volkswagen, German Race Cars, German Motorcycles, German Special Interest.

As you can imagine, the owners of such extremely rare motors (did they say pre-war Mercedes Benz?) are an interesting group, indeed.

Need a hotel? Your best choice is of course Palos Verdes’ Terranea Resort, offering a special event rate.

Trump National Golf Club is located at One Ocean Trails Drive, Rancho Palos Verdes