A weekend of classy vintage automobiles at the Cobble Beach Concours d’Elegance

   One-Tank Trip for July 14-18

   (c) By Jim Fox

They don’t make them like this anymore.

   Spectators agree as they step back in time at Concours d’Elegance shows displaying rarely seen vintage and classic automobiles.

   Two Canadian shows highlight these classy chassis – the Cobble Beach Concours d’Elegance near Owen Sound and the Crescent Beach Concours in British Columbia.

   “These are more than just cars – they are works of art and history,” said Rob McLeese, founder and chair of the Cobble Beach event on Sept. 16.

Rarely seen automobiles will make an appearance at the Cobble Beach Concours d’Elegance near Owen Sound.

   “Beautiful and rarely seen automobiles will herald in a new tradition of distinction and elegance on the shores of Georgian Bay,” he added.

   Cobble Beach is fashioned after the big Concours events in the U.S. and in its 6th year doesn’t mind sharing the spotlight with Pebble Beach California where the first Concours was held in North America in 1950.

   You couldn’t get more scenic backdrops with the Concours at the Cobble Beach Golf Resort’s 18th fairway overlooking the bay.

Concours at the Cobble Beach Golf Resort

   The B.C. event on Sept. 1 is held oceanside at Blackie Spit Park in Surrey with 80 collector automobiles and motorcycles.

   Zoom, zoom

   Concours d’Elegance literally means a “competition of elegance,” and has its roots in the 17th century when the aristocracy paraded horse-drawn carriages through the parks of Paris.

   With the advent of the automobile, Concours evolved into competitions by manufacturers, custom coach builders and owners whose vehicles were judged on their design beauty.

   Cobble is a three-day event, with a welcome reception Friday and on Saturday the Participants’ Tour of the Grey Bruce area, seminars, Cars & Coffee and the main event on the Sunday, said Ashley Withall, event coordinator.

Getting a closer look at a 1931 Cadillac Phaeton. (Barbara Fox photo)

   The Saturday coffee event from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. will have up to 150 classic cars on display and is free to the public to attend.

   Concours on Sunday will feature about 115 classic and historical vehicles ranging from the early brass autos to the super cars of today, she said.

   There is strict judging of the classes including classic cars, muscle, European sports and horseless carriages, with about 8,000 people expected to attend.

   The event is gaining in prominence as it was invited to participate in the International Chief Judge Advisory Group along with Concours Suisse (Geneva) and La Jolla Concours (California).

   It was also been named among the Top 100 festivals by Festivals & Events Ontario.

A lineup of woodie wagons attracts the curious at Concours. (Jim Fox photo)

   This event has grown steadily each year and features vehicles and guests from across North America, “helping Owen Sound and the surrounding areas to become known as Ontario’s classic car destination,” McLeese said.

   Money raised supports the Sunnybrook Foundation and Owen Sound Regional Hospital Foundation.

   America’s big show

   The Concours d’Elegance of America in Plymouth (Metro Detroit) marks its 40th anniversary on July 29.

Reflections from Concours Michigan. (Barbara Fox photo)

   This year’s field at the Inn at St. John’s features 300 significant classic and historically relevant vehicles ranging from the Gaslight Era to Modern Collectables.

   There are also special events throughout the weekend.

    Road trip details

   - Concours is at the Cobble Beach Golf Resort (221 McLeese Drive) in Kemble, just north of Owen Sound, Sept. 16 from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

   Tickets are $35; $25, ages five to 16; free younger than 5; $100, family of four, with free offsite parking and a shuttle to the grounds. cobblebeachconcours.com; (416) 366-4820, Ext. 228. Cobble Beach Golf Resort Community: cobblebeach.com

   - Concours d’Elegance of America, July 29, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., is at the Inn at St. John’s (44045 Five Mile Rd.) in Plymouth, Mich.

   Admission is $35 U.S.; free for 12 and younger; free parking and shuttle with purchase of admission ticket by July 23; $10 afterwards.michigan.org/event/40th-annual-concours-d-elegance-america; (248) 643-8645.

   Other Metro Detroit auto events, tourist information: visitdetroit.com; 1-800-DETROIT.

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Jim Fox can be reached at onetanktrips@hotmail.com

For more One-Tank Trips: http://1tanktrips.blogspot.ca