2017 Poster - Featuring Mercedes

FAQs

Frequently asked questions about the July 8, 2017 gathering at the Gilmore Car Museum, our Sixth Annual Event.

"When is the show?"

This year's show is Saturday July 8. The show itself runs from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Gilmore Car Museum, 6865 W. Hickory Road, Hickory Corners, MI 49060. It's off M-43, just north of Gull Lake.

Show cars should arrive between 8:00 a.m. and noon. Note, the gate closes at 12:00 SHARP.

"How do I register?"
There is no advanced registration (maybe next year!), but you can download the registration form to your computer. Open the form in the free Adobe Reader, fill it in and print it out. You can also save a copy of your filled-in form.

"How much does it cost?"

The Gilmore Car Museum is offering a reduced entry fee of $11 per show car and $11 per person. Note that ALL cars entered in the show pay the $11 entry fee, regardless of GCM membership. Show car passengers who present their GCM membership card get in for FREE as do all other visitors with a current GCM membership card (Say, this might be a good time to join the museum!).

All proceeds directly benefit the museum. Show costs are provided by our wonderful DeutscheMarques sponsors: Orrin B. Hayes Mercedes-Benz of Kalamazoo, Porsche Grand Rapids and Sharpe BMW, also of Grand Rapids.  They make our show possible. Please visit them, either in person, or via the links at right. Additional support is supplied by our vendors, also listed at right.

"Will there be keepsakes available for sale?"

Yes, of course. Not only do we have posters available, this year's T-shirts will also be on sale. They're all-cotton and in a cool German-themed color.

"Will there be awards?"

We hand out up to 60 awards in all. Every car entered is judged and may receive one of ten awards in each of five German marque classes, Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche and Volkswagen, plus our catch-all "Other" German class. 

Best-in-Show winners will have their names engraved on the Orrin B. Hays Cup, The Sharpe BMW Trophy and the Porsche Grand Rapids Cup, on display at each dealership. Each of the six Best-in-Show winners takes home a unique crystal trophy to keep.

"OK, help me out – how do you pronounce 'DeutscheMarques' and what does it mean?"

'Deutsche' (say Doy-cha) means German in the German language. 'Marques' (say Marks) is an English word that means car maker. Opel is a German marque, for example. So, DeutcheMarques means German car manufacturers, and saying it aloud sounds like the old German currency (before they switched to the Euro).

"What's special about this year's show?"

This is our Sixth Annual Event, and we're expecting nearly 300 cars and over 1,500 visitors to the Gilmore Car Museum.

"What else is there to do besides the show?"

All DeutscheMarques participants will have full access to the world-class Gilmore Car Museum, with cars in several themed buildings (Model A Ford, Cadillac, Lincoln) as well as red barn after barn filled with automotive treasures. Food will be available at the museum's historic diner, and there will be a beer tent, too.

"I drive an ordinary German car every day. May I bring that?"

YES, you're invited! ALL German cars are included in our event. During DeutscheMarques we see both daily driven cars, weekend-only cars and even some museum-ready treasures. All are welcome. Bring your car, your friends and family and join us!

"May I register online?"

Not this year, but we have a new downloadable fill-in form. Click this registration form and save it to your computer. Open your saved copy in the free Adobe Reader, fill it in and save it. Print a copy and bring it with you to the show. Each marque, Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Volkswagen and Other German marques, will have a registration table. Head there to sign in for the show.

DeutscheMarques 2016 In Review

Hundreds of German cars and thousands of visitors descended upon the Gilmore Car Museum in Hickory Corners, Michigan for the Fifth Annual DeutscheMarques car show on July 9, 2016. The weather was beautiful and in spite of an additional 3,000 people arriving to run in a crazy 5K inflatable run, the GCM staff moved the cars smoothly onto the field.

As always, there were some spectacular vehicles in the field. A 1970 Porsche 911 factory-built rally car was presented by Tom Ripley. Said to be the winningest European rally car, it has won the Austrian Alps Rally, RAC Rally in England, the Monte Carlo Rally, the Tour de France Rally (yes, the one with CARS), and has been raced by every significant LeMans race car driver, including Jurgen Barth.

Darren Draves displayed his beautiful 2005 Porsche Carrera GT. On his registration, Darren noted the car is "bone stock." After looking it over, it's hard to imagine how it might be improved.

A 1957 BMW Isetta drew a lot of attention from the admiring crowd and received a special Judge's Award. Owner Ron Lindoo of Ann Arbor noted that the car is "small...really small."

Chief DeutscheMarques judge Marv Berkowitz took home the "Cleanest Concours Car" award for his absolutely immaculate 2011 E 550W. His meticulous attention to detail was shared with the judges before they made their rounds.

Our growing Audi contingent was well-represented. Nathan Lantzy snagged two awards for his red 2010 Audi S5, garnering both "Best of the 2010s" and "Cleanest Concours Car" for that exciting marque.

A complete list of the 2016 winners follows.

The most coveted "Best in Show" crystal trophy was awarded to one car in each marque. The proud winners were:

"Best in Show" winners from left:  Klaus Jones from Troy, Michigan with his 1967 Mercedes-Benz 250SE, David Chapple of Marshall, Michigan with his 1958 Volkswagen Beetle, Kathy Hartman of Portage, Michigan and her 1956 Porsche 356C, Mary Short from Kalamazoo, Michigan and her winning 2013 BMW Alpina B7, James Kloska of Buchanan, Michigan and his 2007 Audi S8. [Photo by John Lacko]

Presented by 

Exclusive Marque Sponsor 

Sharpe BMW:

Best in Show BMW:                  Mary Short, Kalamazoo, MI          2013 Alpina B7

Presented by 

Exclusive Marques Sponsor 

Orrin B. Hayes Mercedes-Benz:

Best in Show Mercedes-Benz:  Klaus Jones, Troy, MI                     1967 250SE

Presented by 

Exclusive Marque Sponsor 

Porsche Grand Rapids:

Best in Show Porsche:               Kathy Hartman, Portage, MI         1956 356C

Best in Show Audi:                   James Kloska, Buchanan, MI          2007 S8

Best in Show Volkswagen:       David Chapple, Marshall, MI          1958 Beetle

2016 DeutscheMarques Award Winners

DeutscheMarques – July 9, 2016

Here are the Sharpe BMW award winners:

Best in Show BMW:	Mary Short, Kalamazoo, MI	2013 Alpina B7
Best of the 2010s:	James Wickersham, Mason, MI	2014 M5
Best of the 2000s:	Trevor Miller, Richland, MI	2004 M3
Best of the 1990s:	Michael Vandeveer, Kalamazoo, MI	1997 Z3
Best of the 1980s:	Jeff Schutter, Sparta, MI	1985 635 CSi
Best of the 1970s:	Arlan TenClay, Hudsonville, MI	1971 2002
Best Classic (1969 & earlier):	Kevin Taylor, Kokomo, IN	1968 1600
Best Survivor:	Dennis Rohm, Auburn, IN	1982 320is
Cleanest Concours Car:	Michael Johnson, Farmington Hills, MI	2012 650i X-Drive
Judge’s Special Award:	Rod Lindoo, Ann Arbor, MI	1957 Isetta

 Here are the Orrin B. Hayes Mercedes-Benz award winners:

Best in Show Mercedes-Benz:	Klaus Jones, Troy, MI	1967 250SE
Best of the 2010s:	Matthew Short, Kalamazoo, MI	2012 C63 Black Series
Best of the 2000s:	Richard Nellums, Portage, MI	2000 SL600
Best of the 1990s:	Steve Edelen, Battle Creek, MI	1993 300CF
Best of the 1980s:	John Pruis, Grand Rapids, MI	1988 180E
Best of the 1970s:	Doug Wolford, Lansing, MI	1972 280SEL 4.5
Best Classic (1969 & earlier):	Matt Funk, Middleville, MI	1967 200D
Best Survivor:	Mark Sauer, Holland, MI	1995 S 350TD
Cleanest Concours Car:	Marv Berkowitz, Portage, MI	2011 E 550W
Judge’s Special Award:	Tom Gezon, Marne, MI	2001 SLK 320

Here are the Porsche Grand Rapids award winners:

Best in Show Porsche:	Kathy Hartman, Portage, MI	1956 356C
Best of the 2010s:	Jack Hartman, Portage, MI	2013 911 Carrera S
Best of the 2000s:	Darren Draves, Hickory Corners, MI	2005 Carrera GT
Best of the 1990s:	Dan & Ren Phillips, Grand Rapids, MI	1990 944 S2
Best of the 1980s:	Amber Door & Jerry Arens, Jenison, MI	1984 911
Best of the 1970s:	Rick Riley, Grand Rapids, MI	1975 911 Carrera
Best Classic (1969 & earlier):	Terry Schieble, Portage, MI	1967 911 S
Best Survivor:	Mark Zavada, Kalamazoo, MI	1981 911SC
Cleanest Concours Car:	Chris Young, Birmingham, MI	1988 928S4
Judge’s Special Award:	Doug Medema, Belding, MI	1955 550 Spyder (replica)

Here are the Audi award winners:

Best in Show Audi:	James Kloska, Buchanan, MI	2007 S8
Best of the 2010s:	Nathan Lantzy, Battle Creek, MI	2010 S5
Best of the 2000s:	Tom Woodburn, Portage, MI	2005 A4
Best of the 1990s:	Ben Zeeuw, Grand Rapids, MI	A4Q
Best Survivor:	Jerry Cummings, Allegan, MI	2002 A4 Avant
Cleanest Concours Car:	Nathan Lantzy, Battle Creek, MI	2010 S5
Judge’s Special Award:	Joel Phillips, Kalamazoo, MI	1995 Ur-S6

Here are the Volkswagen award winners:

Best in Show Volkswagen:	David Chapple, Marshall, MI	1958 Beetle
Best of the 2010s:	Richard Deming, Jr., Grand Rapids, MI	2013 GTI
Best of the 2000s:	Tom Gloden, Lansing, MI	2004 R32
Best of the 1990s:	Terry Rott, Grand Rapids, MI	1991 GTI
Best of the 1980s:	Shawn Jones, Muskegon, MI	1992 Rabbit Pickup
Best of the 1970s:	Michele Boniface Tsuji, Delton, MI	1977 Transporter Bus
Best Classic (1969 & earlier):	David Chapple, Marshall, MI	1968 Karmann Ghia
Best Survivor:	John Jakasson, Wyoming, MI	1956 Beetle
Cleanest Concours Car:	Stephen Mondry, Grand Rapids, MI	1993 Corrado SLC
Judge’s Special Award:	Susie Lucas, Allegan, MI	1967 13-Window 9- Passenger Station Wagon

DeutscheMarques on the air

Listen to DeutscheMarques founder Pete Hamlett talk about this Saturday's fifth anniversary gathering at the Gilmore Car Museum on WOOD and WVFM: 

Click here:  NewsRadioWOODinterview

Click here: FM106.5interview

While listening, you'll enjoy a slideshow of event images taken by John A. Lacko (www.lackophoto.com), our official DeutscheMarques Auto Group photographer.

DeutscheMarques IV

DeutscheMarques Best in Show winners, from left, Henry Riley, Porsche, Dave Monaghan, BMW, Maya Toma, Other German, Trevor Doublestein, Volkswagen and Ron Ellenbaas, Mercedes-Benz. (John A. Lacko photography)

By Bradley S. Pines / DeutscheMarques
 – HICKORY CORNERS, MICH. 
   Please join us on July 9, 2016 for the Fifth Annual DeutscheMarques show at the Gilmore Car Museum. Be a part of history as we strive to host our largest ever event, presented by Orrin B. Hayes Mercedes-Benz, Sharpe BMW and Porsche Grand Rapids. Be sure to see the beautiful DeutscheMarques Best-of-Show marque trophy in each dealership's showroom. Every annual winner has their name engraved on the trophy.
  Last year, almost 200 gleaming German cars were on display during the Fourth Annual DeutscheMarques show at the Gilmore Car Museum. Porsche Grand Rapids, Orrin B. Hayes Mercedes-Benz of Kalamazoo, and Sharpe BMW of Grand Rapids were the exclusive marque sponsors of the all-German car event. 

   DeutscheMarques Auto Group founder Pete Hamlett said not only were five cars named Best in Show in their respective marque classes, but almost 60 awards were handed out by judges in all. 

Jim Boerighter, left, accepts
Audi Best in Show award from
Pete Hamlett, DeutscheMarques founder.

   The Grand Rapids Porsche Cup will soon be engraved with the name Henry Riley. The Avon, Indiana resident saw his Porsche 997-series Carrera 4 GTS win Porsche Best of Show. 

   Ron Ellenbaas and Bill Johnston who call themselves the “Off Brothers” of nearby Richland, Michigan, had their magnificent 1937 Mercedes-Benz 540K Cabriolet named Mercedes-Benz Best in Show and their names will be engraved upon the Orrin B. Hayes Mercedes-Benz Trophy, seen in the Kalamazoo showroom.

   Dave Monaghan, of Lake Orion, Michigan, had his classic 70s BMW 3.0 CS named BMW Best in Show and his name will soon be seen on the Sharpe BMW Cup in their Grand Rapids showroom. 

   Trevor Doublestein of Holland, Michigan, watched his 1959 VW Samba win Volkswagen Best in Show. The classic camper has only 32k miles on it.

   Jim and Trish Boerighter, of Portage, Michigan, won Audi Best in Show for their 2013 Audi S5. With only one entrant in the Other German Marque class, and that car a previous Best in Show winner, the judges awarded young Maya Toma of Indiana the trophy for her 2002 German Hudora scooter.
   Bob and Kay's Car Wash, Foreign Car Services, Munk's Motors and Spring Valley Motors also supported this year's show.
 
Here are the Sharpe BMW award winners:

Best in Show BMW:        Dave Monaghan, Lake Orion, MI           BMW 3.0 CS

Best of the 21st Century: Trevor Miller, Richland, MI                    2004 M3

Best of the 1990s:            Gary & Hannah Apps, Kalamazoo, MI 1991 850ci 

Best of the 1980s:            Jeff Schutter, Sparta, MI                          1985 635csi

Best BMW of the 70s:     Dave Monaghan,  Lake Orion, MI          BMW 3.0 CS

Best Classic BMW:         Ben Younce, Indianapolis, IN                  1968 2002 

Best Survivor:                 Jake Clevenger, Shelbyville, MI              1999 M3 217k

Best Daily Driver:           Jim Prihoda, Parchment, MI                    2001 525T

Cleanest Concours Car   Carl Boyland, Jackson, MI                       2001 540i

Special Judges' Award  James Essar, Portage, MI                          '01 525i 142k

Here are the Orrin B. Hayes Mercedes-Benz award winners:

Best in Show:  Ron Ellenbaas & Bill Johnston, Richland, MI   1937 540K

Best of the 21st Century: Marv Berkowitz, Portage, MI              2011 E550

Best of the 1990s:            Paul Swope, Portage, MI                      1999 E55 AMG

Best of the 1980s:            John Leese, Grand Rapids, MI            1985 380SL

Best of the 1970s:            Doug Wolford, Lansing, MI                1972 280SL

Best Classic M-B:            Ted Nugent, Holland, MI                     1969 280SL

Best Daily Driver:            Mark Sauer, Holland, MI                     1995 S350TD

Cleanest Concours Car:   Klaus Jones, Troy, MI                          1967 250 SE

Special Judges’ Award:    Rich Fosme, Auburn HIlls, MI            1960 190SL 

Here are the Grand Rapids Porsche award winners:

Best of Show Porsche: Henry Riley, Avon, IN                          997 C4 GTS

Best of 21st Century:   Darren Draves, Hickory Corners, MI GT3 RS 4.0

Best of the 1990s:        Zachary Huber, Brighton, MI              1992 968

Best of the 1980s:       Chuck & Lynn Olenyk, Rockford, MI 911 Carrera Cab

Best of the 1970s:        Bob Newill, Livonia, MI                         1976 914

Best Classic Porsche:  Rick Riley, Grand Rapids, MI               1959 356A

Best Survivor:              Mark Zavada, Kalamazoo, MI              911SC

Cleanest Concours Car:Dale&Cindy Siekman, Rockford, MI   911Targa

Special Judges’ Award: Christopher Bahlman, Dearborn, MI  Boxter

Here are the Volkswagen award winners:

Best in Show VW:        Trevor Doublestein, Holland           1959 Samba

Best of 21st Century:    Richard Demming, Grand Rapids, MI   2013 GTI

Best of the 1990s:  Jeff&Aleta Wells, Grand Rapids, MI  1996 Golf Harlequin

Best of the 1980s:  Munk’s Motor’s, Waterford Twp, MI 1986 VW Cabrio

Best of the 1970s:  Michelle&Boniface Tsugi, Delton, MI ’77 Transit Bus

Best Classic VW:   Bill Chapel, Marshall, MI                     ’68 Karman Ghia

Best Survivor:        Ted Kieffer, South Bend, IN                ’67 Mdl 265 DC

Best Daily Driver:  Eric Chapman, Kentwood, MI            2001 Golf

Cleanest Concours Car: Ken Adams, Tipton, MI               1964 DC PU

Special Judges’ Award: Kirk Leftwich, Kalamazoo, MI   ’86 Iltis Mil 4WD

Here are the Audi award winners:

Best in Show Audi:   Jim & Tish Boerighter, Portage MI 2013 S5

Best of 21st Century: Bill Oddonetto, W. Bloomfield, MI   2010 A5

Best of the 1990s:     Joel Phillips, Kzoo, MI                     1995 S6

Best Survivor:           Josh Webb, Schoolcraft, MI             1996 A4

Best Daily Driver:    Don & Sharon Herzog, Kzoo, MI  2006 S4

Cleanest Concours Car: Steve Ankney, Holland, MI       2000 TT
Special Judges’ Award: Tom Woodburn, Portage, MI   2005 A4

We will be adding lots more images very soon!