French Car Takes Gold Medal at Concours d’Elegance at Endicott

French Car Takes Gold Medal at Concours d’Elegance at Endicott

Beverly, MA -- What started last Sunday as a foggy and gloomy day ended in a spectacular showcase of excellence, style & elegance at the third annual North Shore Concours d’Elegance. The Classic car and motorcycle show forms one of the top events in the New England region, which combines fashion, music, art in addition to the dozens of classic vehicles on display at the oceanfront Misselwood Estate grounds at Endicott College.

First to arrive was a 1935 Triumph Southern Cross, whose owner drove five hours from New Jersey to be part of one of the most scenic concours shows on the East Coast. Dozens of other similarly unique vehicles arrived to the Misselwood property by early dawn, including marques such as Bentley, Jaguar, LaSalle, Cadillac, BMW, Studebaker, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Ferrari and Oakland.

As more cars arrived, the rain stopped and the sun peeked briefly from behind the clouds to brighten up the day while the property filled up with camera ready spectators. Many of them also gathered inside the Long’s Jewelers & Rolex Pavilion, where it was standing room only to catch a glimpse of the fashion shows hosted by Lorraine Roy Designer Collections, as models showcased their latest outfits on the catwalk. Inside the estate, the Wenham Museum featured various antique hats, surrounded by artwork from local Boston’s North Shore painters.

While both ladies and gentlemen showcased their fancy hats on the sloping lawns, cars and motorcycles received equal attention and admiration from the spectators. The Ervin “Bud” Lyon III Best of Show award went to stunning 1948 Delahaye 135 M Figoni at Falaschi. Combining luxurious appointments and race-winning engineering, the Delahaye 135 is one of the most desirable French cars from its time. Coachbuilders such as Figoni at Falaschi, Chapron, Franay, Letourner & Marchand, and Guillore all had their turn at building an image for the Delahaye name. Many of these cars were built specifically for Concours events which demanded elegance and uniqueness.

The Valle R. Nelson award, given to the car driven the furthest distance to the show, was awarded to a Mercedes-Benz 280 SL Convertible. The owner drove his car 622 miles from Ontario, Canada to be at the show. Fifteen other first and second place awards were given to various best in class categories.

For 2013, gearing up for its fourth consecutive year of success, we are excited to announce two major modifications to the show. As homage to the extraordinary oceanfront property once owned by Susan B. Cabot., a Boston Brahmin – one of the “first families of Boston”, we are honored to rename the North Shore Concours d’Elegance the “Misselwood Concours d’Elegance”. Already established as a premier event location, the estate forms an ideal backdrop set in a historic and breathtaking region.

In addition to the already established Sunday Concours, we are also adding a Saturday Tour d’Elegance, a 40-mile trip following the winding roads of the Essex Coastal Scenic Byway; starting in Newburyport and ending with a champagne reception at the Misselwood Estate. We welcome you to register and appreciate your support in raising scholarships funds. Continuing the tradition of outstanding automobiles and motorcycles, we hope to see you next year on July 27-28, 2013. More information can be found at: www.endicott.edu/concours.

Photograph of the Best in Show by Patrick Cornelessen

2012 Winners

Ervin "Bud" F. Lyon III Best in Show Award
1948 Delahaye 135M Figoni et Falaschi

Valle R. Nelson Award
1970 Mercedes-Benz 280SL Convertible
(Drove 622 miles to attend)

Class I - Brass and Nickel thru 1925
1st place: 1910 Oakland Model 24 roadster
2nd place: 1918 Johnson Special

Class II - Classics and Significant from 1932 to 1942
1st place: 1931 Ford Model A Coupe
2nd place: 1931 Ford Model A Victoria Sedan

Class III - Pre War Classics and Significant 1933-1942
1st place: 1935 Triumph Southern Cross Roadster
2nd place: 1939 Cadillac Fleetwood Imperial

Class IV - Vintage Sports & GT thru 1959
1st place: 1949 Jaguar XK-120 Alloy Roadster
2nd place: 1956 Porsche Coupe

Class V - Vintage Sports & GT from 1960
1st place: 1966 Alfa Romeo GTC
2nd place: 1962 Jaguar XKE OTS

Class VI - Corvette
1st place: 1965 Corvette Roadster
2nd place: 1966 Corvette Roadster

Class VII - Most Significant 1946-1950
1st place: 1947 Chrysler Town & Country Woodie
2nd place: 1950 Bentley Mark IV Graeber

Class VIII - Most Significant 1951-1959
1st place: 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air Hardtop
2nd place: 1957 Studebaker Golden Hawk 400

Class IX - Most Significant Imported 1951-1959
1st place: 1957 Mercedes-Benz 300B Roadster
2nd place: 1954 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster

Class X - Most Significant 1960-1967
1st place: 1961 Chrysler New Yorker Conv
2nd place: 964 Volvo P210 Duett

Class XI - Most Significant 1968-1970
1st place: 1970 Rover P5B Saloon
2nd place: 1970 Lancia Fulvia HF Rally Fanalone

Class XII - Most Significant from 1971
1st place: 1972 Datsun 240Z
2nd place: 1973 BMW 2002 Touring

Class XIII – American Muscle Car
1st place: 1967 Pontiac GTO Convertible
2nd place: 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS 454

Class XIV - Motorcycles
1st place: 1969 BSA Firebird
2nd place: 1974 Norton 850 Commando

Most original
1961 Chrysler New Yorker Convertible