Benedict Castle Concours
Riverside, CA
May 21, 2023
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Benedict Castle Concours landed the morning after the Gunther Werks Kombustion Open House, and I was lucky enough to tag along—“crashing” the concours with my 993. You’ll spot it tucked in the background behind the Gunther Werks Speedster in a few shots, a personal footnote to a day that blends philanthropic purpose with Southern California car culture.
Set on the grounds of Benedict Castle in Riverside, the show is equal parts garden party and gathering of true believers. The venue itself adds drama: a 1920s Spanish-Moorish landmark designed by Henry L. A. Jekel, now home to Teen Challenge. The castle’s terraces, stairways, and stonework give every lineup a sense of procession, turning each row of cars into a tableau. It’s an unusually cinematic setting—handsome, a little theatrical, and wholly SoCal.
That context matters, because the Benedict Castle Concours isn’t just about sheetmetal. It’s a benefit for Teen Challenge of Southern California, with proceeds supporting addiction recovery programs; the modern event carries forward the spirit of its late founder, Nicole Meguiar, and regularly draws a “Car Guy” who's who—Barry Meguiar, Chip Foose, Wayne Carini, Mike Brewer, Corky Coker, and more. The tone is celebratory and inclusive: concours winners parked near hot rods, vintage racers, exotics, customs, and motorcycles.
This gallery leans into that breadth. I spent time with the Gunther Werks Speedster, studying its stance and surfacing, while my 993 quietly photo-bombs a frame or two. I also sought out a 550 Spyder replica by Alan Iwamoto (@smokedogg_customs), whose craftsmanship and proportions make it feel both reverent and alive. The car’s presence threads the line between homage and reinterpretation, a reminder that Porsche’s mid-century minimalism still hits hard when executed with care.
Across the castle lawns, that was the through-line: purpose and personality in equal measure. Benedict Castle Concours pairs a worthy cause with a distinctly Californian sense of theater—and for one sunny Sunday, my 993 got to play a small part in the story.
