Dinard Élégance: Reviving the French Art of the Concours

Images: Ambre Clément, Anne Castagnos-Sen

If you’re a longtime reader of this magazine, you’ve likely encountered past features on Dinard Élégance – France’s most distinctive concours d’élégance.

This celebrated event has played a pivotal role in reviving the tradition of the concours à la française, reintroducing the elegance and flair that defined the French flair for concours d’élégance during the early 20th century.

Located on France’s western coast, the seaside resort of Dinard was home to one of the first French-style concours d’élégance. Its modern revival has breathed new life into the concept, updating pre-war traditions with fresh class and elegance.

Instead of the now conventional static displays where judges circulate among parked cars, Dinard Élégance features a dynamic format: vehicles drive up a ramp, parading before an audience and a jury seated on opposite sides.

Participants – whether couples, friends, or families, often with a dog or child in tow – dress in period-appropriate costumes carefully coordinated with their vehicles.

The second modern edition, held on 4th September 2021, marked the centennial of Dinard’s original 1921 concours.

It was a memorable spectacle, with cars parading under evening floodlights, casting a magical glow over the event.

Most recently, on Saturday, 14 September, Dinard celebrated the fourth edition of its revived concours, a project brought to life by the passionate duo Juliette and Denis Cohignac.

With a small but capable team – among them, former FIVA President and Rallye du Pays de Fougères organizer Patrick Rollet – the event has flourished.

Emmanuel Bacquet, former Director of the Musée National de l’Automobile - Collection Schlumpf, adds his curatorial expertise, ensuring an outstanding selection of entries year after year.

A unique energy infuses the event thanks to the enthusiastic involvement of young volunteers, many from the extended Cohignac family – Marie, Justine, Paul, Gabin, and Lucie – as well as devoted supporter Aurélie Saillard. Their contribution gives Dinard Élégance a youthful and vibrant appeal.

Spanning three days, from Friday’s arrivals to Sunday’s motorcycle concours, the event offers a seamless blend of spectacle and charm.

Anticipation peaks as transporters unload rare and prestigious cars. The air fills with the sound of revving engines and the unmistakable scent of oil and exhaust – an intoxicating preview of what’s to come.

Saturday kicks off with the Tour d’Élégance, which assembles near the beach by Avenue du Prieuré. Volunteers welcome participants from across the globe – this year’s edition featured entries from twelve nations and three continents.

The tour offers a striking contrast of vehicles, such as a 1931 Buccialli TAV 12 Saoutchik cruising alongside a Corvette, or a Maybach Zeppelin DS8 sharing the road with a Lancia Flaminia Zagato… that of Darab Khan, all the way from London, where it has been since it left India (see: The Only Lancia Flaminia Sport Zagato India Ever Had).

Incidentally, the Lancia went on to become the runner-up in the class of cars from the 1950s.

The procession travelled along scenic coastal roads to the elegant Domaine de Montmarin, where guests enjoyed a garden luncheon on the peaceful banks of the Rance River.

Afterward, the convoy returned to Dinard, with concours cars displayed along the town’s beachfront esplanade.

This year’s entries ranged from a 1907 International Auto Buggy to the futuristic Lancia Sibilo concept. The Auto Buggy captured the early days of motoring with its simple, rugged design.

Imported from Canada and restored for the event, it features a modest 8bhp, air-cooled twin engine and a top speed akin to a moped. It earned First Prize in the Vintage/Veteran category (1907-1931).

One of the most eye-catching participants was the Buccialli TAV 12. With its vast wheels, elongated hood, and slit-like windshield, this vehicle is a recreation of the original 1931 convertible.

Built on a Cord L29 chassis and powered by a Lycoming inline-eight, it’s the only replica authorized by the Buccialli company.

Another standout was the SIATA Diana Berlinetta by Bertone – an all-aluminium beauty powered by Fiat 1400 mechanics, presented by Raoul San Giorgi.

Its lightweight body and Abarth-tuned engine made it a standout in both rallying and classic events like the Mille Miglia.

Barely 200 were produced, making it highly coveted. It claimed both the Design Award and the Most Beautiful Italian Car Award.

Dinard Élégance also highlights design innovation through its prototype and concept car class. Leading the segment was the 1976 Ferrari Rainbow, a bold Marcello Gandini creation for Bertone.

Based on a shortened Ferrari 308 GT4 and featuring a revolutionary retractable roof, it defied the Ferrari aesthetic of its time – and won the public vote for its ingenuity and style.

This car was presented courtesy of the ASI (Automotoclub Storica Italiano), guardian of the Bertone Collection.

Even more radical was the 1978 Lancia Sibilo, Gandini’s farewell to the Stratos era. With its sculptural form and Perspex-integrated steel bodywork, the Sibilo evoked science fiction – and indeed served as inspiration for the 1990 film Total Recall.

Powered by the same 2.4L V6 as the Lancia Stratos and Ferrari Dino, the Sibilo won First Prize in the Post-Classic category (post-1960).

The concours’ seven-member jury, drawn from both the automotive world and other creative fields, judges vehicles on more than just condition. Attire, accessories, and the presentation of the vehicle as a whole are also considered, making for a multi-dimensional evaluation.

The setting of Dinard Élégance adds to its magic. The Port Breton Gardens provide a naturally elegant stage, made even more enchanting by a live jazz orchestra playing period tunes.

Commentary from the ever-engaging Patrick Rollet, though delivered only in English, added wit and insight throughout the evening.

Spectators could participate by voting for their favourites, adding an interactive element to the festivities.

The final day, Sunday, closed the event with a relaxed yet festive atmosphere. Held in the shaded grounds of Port Breton Park, the static awards ceremony honoured winners across both car and motorcycle categories.

From centenarian vehicles to futuristic concepts, Dinard Élégance continues to affirm its place as a uniquely stylish and spirited celebration of automotive heritage.

Results:

Post Classic (post 1960):

• 1 Lancia Sibilo Bertone - 1978
• 2 Aston Martin DB4 GT - 1963
• 3 Maserati 3500 GT Vignale Spyder – 1961

Classic (1941 – 1960):

• 1 Delahaye 135M Cabriolet Chapron - 1948
• 2 Lancia Flaminia Sport Zagato - 1960
• 3 Imperial Crown Coupé – 1969

Post Vintage (1931 – 1940):

• 1 Alvis Speed 25 Offord & Sons - 1937
• 2 Packard Eight Coupé Chauffeur Franay - 1938
• 3 Bugatti Type 49 Roadster Gangloff – 1933

Vintage/Veteran (1907 – 1930):

• 1 International Auto Buggy - 1907
• 2 Isotta Fraschini Tipo 8A SS Castagna - 1930
• 3 Rolls Royce 20/25 HP – 1930

Grand Prix d’Excellence FFVE:

• Rolls-Royce Phantom II Open Tourer Hooper – 1931

Public Prize:

• Ferrari Rainbow Bertone - 1976

Dinard City Prize:

• Lamborghini Miura P 400 S - 1970

Jury Price Historic:

• Cadillac Série 62 Coupé Sedan - 1959

Best Design:

• Siata Daina Berlinetta Bertone - 1953

Spirit of FIVA:

• Peugeot 202 Cabriolet - 1939

Prix de l’élégance:

• Aston Martin DB4 GT - 1963