Rare vehicles made their return to the region over the weekend for the 9th Cobble Beach Concours d’Elegance.
A number of vehicles ranging from the early 1900s onwards featured a number of different classes, including pre 1975 European sports cars, 1963-1967 corvettes, and traditional hot rods pre 1951.
This year’s best in show winner was a 1929 Cord L-29, owned by Greg Ornazian of Rochester Hills, MI.
There were also awards given out for most oustanding post-war and pre-war vehicles. A 1958 Buick Roadmaster Limited Convertible and a 1935 SS Cars Limted SS One Airline Saloon won those categories.
Concours d’Elegance Vehicles (Photo by Nathan Shubert)
Owen Sound’s River District also came alive on Saturday as part of the Concours d’Elegance as vehicles parked on the road for various seminars and to allow residents to view the unique vehicles up close.
Show Chair and Founder of the event Rob McLeese says the event has been unbelievable.
He says some of the highlights from this year were celebrating 75 years of Porsche, 120 years of Buick, 70 years of Corvette, and 60 years of Lamborghini.
He says the annual event also draws a large crowd of both enthusiasts and rare vehicle owners.
“We have got cars here from about 14 states and nine provinces,” says McLeese.
Concours d’Elegance Vehicle (Photo by Nathan Shubert)
He says what is special about the event is how it brings together various vehicles from all over with their different backgrounds and history.
“I have got a car here that has taken me seven years to get here, I got another car that has taken me five years to get here, because you have to cajole the owners because it is a big deal for them. They spend a lot of money preparing their cars and doing the work and for some of these guys, this is their main asset, so this is a big deal for them,” says McLeese.
McLeese added this year’s event was not just for judging cars, however, as many attendees also dressed up in attire related to their vehicle’s era.
Concours d’Elegance Attendee (Photo by Nathan Shubert)
“We have a contest this year for both the participants and for the spectators and we have prizes for them,” says McLeese.
Both Georgian Bluffs Mayor Sue Carleton and Owen Sound Mayor Ian Boddy welcomed attendees to the event.
“Georgian Bluffs is honoured to host such a distinguished gathering, and we take great pride in providing a breathtaking backdrop for these exceptional vehicles,” says Carleton.
“Now in its ninth year, this event provides an opportunity to appreciate some the world’s rarest and most valuable automobiles. It’s also an occasion to explore all our area has to offer, from natural beauty to arts, sports, and culture,” says Boddy.
The annual event also acts as a fundraiser.
“Over the past eight Concours, we have raised over $864,000 for two deserving charities. The Sunnybrook Foundation, Garry Hurvitz Brain Sciences Centre will allow brain science experts to embed cutting-edge research in clinical care decisions, focusing on all age groups from youth to the elderly. Funds also help the Owen Sound Region Hospital Foundation and this year money raised will support a new ultrasound unit,” says McLeese.
