Misselwood Concours d’Elegance: About 

In 2010, the re-launch of a Concours d’Elegance show on Boston’s historic North Shore area was welcomed with great enthusiasm and excitement. Each year, thousands of people roamed the Misselwood Estate to explore the magnificent display of antique cars and motorcycles, each significant in their own field. Drawing crowds and cars from all New England states and beyond, the Misselwood Concours d’Elegance set a new standard on the East Coast, as people explored the sloping lawns and spectacular oceanfront settings, while admiring art exhibits and fashion shows leading up to a grand award ceremony.

If you are not yet familiar with this region of New England, I urge you to discover the history, traditions and rich heritage of the area and to explore everything from scenic route 127, to Beverly, Salem, Gloucester or Cape Ann. The area of our concours was often referred to as the “Gold Coast”, and became a summer destination for wealthy Bostonians and New Yorkers in the late eighteenth and early nineteenth century. Set in this idyllic backdrop, literally at the edge of the Atlantic Ocean, the Misselwood Concours d'Elegance returns this piece of history to the North Shore.

Concours d'Elegance shows date back to the 17th century, whereby horse-drawn carriages paraded in the parks of Paris. Over time, these carriages were replaced by horse powered automobiles to be judged on their appearance in a "concourse of elegance". At the Misselwood Concours d'Elegance we honor that tradition, as cars and motorcycles compete for various Best in Class awards, and ultimately for the coveted Best of Show Award. In 2012, the top-honors were given to a 1948 Delahaye 135M Figoni et Falaschi In addition, the Valle R. Nelson Award, honoring the car furthest driven to the show, was given to a 1970 Mercedes-Benz 280SL from Ontario, Canada.

While these awards reflect the true uniqueness of the participating vehicles, I am especially pleased that funds raised by tickets sales of the Misselwood Concours d'Elegance are dedicated directly towards student scholarships, providing current and future students the opportunity to start or successfully finish their educational dreams at Endicott College. Linking classic cars and motorcycles with supporting young adults in their pursuit of a college degree makes the Misselwood Concours d’Elegance truly distinctive.

We hope you will support this exciting Concours event by participating and I look forward to welcoming you.

Patrick Cornelissen
concours@endicott.edu