Cadillac will share honors with its earlier companion car, the LaSalle. That exhibit, being organized by the Northern California Region of the Cadillac and LaSalle Club, Inc., will consist of five classes of Cadillacs, ranging from 1902 to 1987, and one class of LaSalles, from 1927 to 1940. Judging will be conducted by the experienced members of the national club, many of whom have judged at other national meets. Of particular interest will be a 1907 single-cylinder "Victoria Touring" Cadillac.

Cadillac is named for the Frenchman who founded Detroit in 1701. Noted for such acclaimed designers as Harley Earl, Cadillac is also recognized for innovating such advances as the electric engine starter (1912), the body styling department (1927) and digital fuel injection (1980).

The corresponding Mercedes exhibit, being organized by the San Francisco Bay Area Section of the Mercedes-Benz Club of America, Inc., will have six classes spanning models from 1886 to 1987. We are working to highlight the exhibit with a factory replica of an 1886 Patent-Motorwagen along with a 1911 Touring Car. Mercedes judges will assess each entry for authenticity, condition and cleanliness. There will also be a separate Mercedes "corral" where non-judged cars will be displayed.

Karl Benz's three-wheeled Patent-Motorwagen is credited as being the world's first commercial motorcar. Following racing victories by Daimler and Benz's early cars, the two companies merged in 1926, and their first joint model was designed by Ferdinand Porsche. This was followed by the successful SSK models in the 1930s and the introduction of pre-combustion diesel engine technology in 1936. In 1954, Mercedes' status in sports racing was solidified by the 300SL whose "Gull Wing" model became a styling legend.

The 2010 Palo Alto Concours will be held on the Stanford University athletic fields, Sand Hill Rd. at Pasteur Dr., from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, June 27th. Almost 500 vehicles and a variety of special automotive exhibits will be featured. Proceeds help support more than 40 peninsula charities. Tickets.