The 8th Concours d’Elegance made its return to Cobble Beach, bringing with it rare and exotic vehicles.
The event ran between Sept. 16 to the 18 and featured a variety of events, including “Cars, Planes and Coffee” at the Wiarton Keppel International Airport, an automotive seminar at the Roxy Theatre, and award presentations.
The awards ranged from class, ingenuity, most elegant pre and post war, people’s choice, and best in show.
The most outstanding post-war award went to Vernon Smith, for a 1957 Cadillac Eldorado Brougham.
The most outstanding pre-war award went to William Wybenga, for a 1932 Lincoln KB Coupe by Judkins.
The best in show award went to Peter Boyle, for a 928 Isotta Fraschini 8A SS.
Show Chair and Founder Rob McLeese says after a long two year hiatus, they were excited to welcome people back for the 8th annual event, after the last Concours d”Elegance was held in 2019.
In addition to bringing together car owners from across Canada and the United States, the event also raises money for charity.
McLeese says, “over the last seven Concours, we have raised over $600,000 for two deserving charities: The Sunnybrook Foundation, Garry Hurvitz Brain Sciences Centre and the Owen Sound Regional Hospital Foundation (OSRHF). The Sciences Brain Centre will allow brain science experts to embed cutting-edge research in clinical care decision, focusing on all age groups from youth to the elderly. Funds also help the OSFHF and this year money raised will support a new ultrasound unit.”
McLeese says for this year’s event, they were able to reach his minimum goal of raising over $100,000 and bringing the total amount they have donated to charity, to over $800,000.
In addition to the 118 cars that made their way to Cobble Beach, a few motorcycles and boats were also being shown off on the golf course on Sunday.
“Concours d’Elegance usually are cars only,” says McLeese. “We are right on Georgian Bay and we have to celebrate our marine side of this community.”
McLeese says the event is special as it brings people together who share a similar love of cars.
“When they come and they see the special vehicles that are here, and the fact that these come out and get displayed in such a wonderful setting in Grey Bruce, it is just awesome the people can come and enjoy something like this,” says McLeese.
A full list of winners will be updated when they are available.
