A dramatic, cliff-top ocean view; 125 classic vehicles; and high-style fashion and sophistication were some of the hallmarks of the fifth annual Misselwood Concours d’Elegance, held on the grounds of the grand Misselwood Estate at Endicott College in Beverly.
The two-day extravaganza, which benefited student scholarships at Endicott, kicked off with a 70-mile tour of the North Shore on Saturday. The show on Sunday featured a stunning field of rare, beautifully restored, and often museum-quality vehicles. Concours owners drove their vehicles from 17 states, some as far as Colorado and Florida, because they love “the boutique feel” of this premier and exclusive event, says Patrick Cornelissen, director of operations at Endicott College. After a scrupulous application process, just 125 vehicles were selected to showcase at Misselwood.
“[The cars] really go through a rigorous process in order to be accepted on the field,” Cornelissen says.
And what a field it was, with a sweeping seascape as a backdrop.
“Some have been comparing this to the Pebble Beach of the East Coast,” Cornelissen says. “The combination of ocean in your backyard and the car sitting in front of it makes such a spectacular view.”
Rain during the Sunday show did little to dampen the enthusiasm of the concours owners and spectators. Rather, the weather made the ocean views that much more dramatic, and gave attendees a welcome opportunity to visit the VIP tent, where food, drinks, and friendly chatter added a congenial air to the proceedings.
Although Cornelissen says choosing a winner among such a fantastic field was difficult, there were several standout vehicles, including this year’s Ervin “Bud” F. Lyon III Best in Show Award winner, a 1914 Locomobile Model 48 Berline, owned by former Olympian Bill Alley.
“There were only 300 produced, and it’s most likely the only survivor [made] between 1914 and 1918,” Cornelissen says of the best-in-show winning car. “The restoration was flawless.”
Other standout vehicles included a 1908 Locomobile Type L Runabout; a 1938 Talbot-Lago T-23 Figoni et Falashi; and 1967 Ferrari 275 GTB 4.
“Most people see it only in a museum,” Cornelissen says of the bright yellow Ferrari. “It gives you goose bumps to see a car like that.”
A fashion show by Lorraine Roy at Bella Sera Bridal, as well as a chance to tour the historic Misselwood estate, gave additional depth to the Misselwood Concours d’Elegance. In fact, Cornelissen says the event’s fashion show and fancy hat competition paid homage to the original Concours d’Elegance in 17th-century Paris, where men and women would parade around their carriages and show off the latest fashions. The fashion show at Misselwood Concours d’Elegance did the same, showcasing looks ranging from cocktail dresses to evening gowns.
“The concours show is about more than classic cars,” Cornelissen says. “It’s really about showcasing beauty, elegance, and style in all its facets.”
Heidi Nicholson, co-owner of Bella Sera Bridal, agrees.
“Cars and fashion go hand-in-hand,” Nicholson says. “Sexy cars, sexy fashion.”