7th Annual Barrington Concours D’Elegance displays the finest in classic automobiles, July 12 – 14

A Series of Yearlong Special Events Celebrates The Automobile as History and Art  Kicking Off Thursday, April 25 with Bob Lutz, Former Vice Chairman of General Motors

 
 

 

CHICAGO, IL — Automotive aficionados are treated to the most exceptional classic vehicles throughout the world during The 7^th Annual Barrington Concours d’Elegance, July 12 – 14, 2013 at the Makray Memorial Golf Club just 40 miles northwest of Chicago in Barrington, IL. Featuring 100 of the world’s finest and rarest vehicles including special displays never before seen in the Midwest, the Concours offers the true artistry combined with rich history of the most famed classic automobiles. Co-chaired by Chief Executive Officer and owner of Cooper Technica, David Cooper and Chief Operating Officer Patty Dowd Schmitz, all proceeds benefit the Barrington Area Conservation Trust, through the newly established Legends & Legacies Foundation. Tickets ($25 – $85) can be purchased in advance online at www.barringtonconcours.org.
 
In addition to the Concours, a series of special events will take place for a yearlong celebration of the automobile. Kicking off the events, Cooper Technica, which specializes in the complete restoration and history of rare and valuable vintage automobiles, hosts “An Evening with Bob Lutz” on Thursday, April 25 at Cooper Technica (401 N. May St., Chicago) featuring former Vice Chairman of General Motors Bob Lutz. Over 200 guests will join Lutz as he shares insights from his pioneering days in the automotive industry as well as thoughts on the future. Lutz will also be on hand to sign copies of his national bestselling book “Car Guys vs. Bean Counters: The Battle for the Soul of American Business.” Tickets ($40 prior to the event, $50 at the door) can be purchased online at www.barringtonconcours.org. All proceeds benefit the Legends and Legacies Foundation which supports various Chicago area charities while promoting the classic vehicle community. More events will be announced at a later date.
 
“Over the course of only a few years, the Barrington Concours has become one of the most enjoyable celebrations of our rich automotive heritage,” said David Cooper. “I have been involved with this organization since its founding in 2007 and to see the event grow into a yearlong celebration of the automobile is extraordinary. It is a privilege to work with a group of high caliber individuals who share our vision and are now helping propel the Concours to even greater success in the automotive world and beyond.”

In July, the Concours d’Elegance takes place over an entire weekend beginning on Friday, July 12, when Legacy Club members and invited guests kick things off with a “Car-B-Que” featuring the muscle car collection of Mike and Ivy Guarise, co-hosted by Dave and Susan Nelsen. The festivities continue on Saturday, July 13 with a Road Rally featuring a 40-mile drive through the countryside followed by a picnic lunch for guests and presenters to enjoy. On Saturday evening, the Concours will host a charity gala benefit for the Barrington Area Conservation Trust at the Barrington Hills Country Club. Sunday marks the main event as the Barrington Concours d’Elegance opens at 11:00 a.m. A distinguished panel of judges assembled by Chief Judges Peter Fino of QuattroFino and automotive historian and writer Jonathan A. Stein will review all automobiles at the Concours and present the top honors, including special honors to key individuals in the automotive industry at a 2:30 p.m. The Awards Ceremony is followed by a VIP closing cocktail hour.
 
The 7^th Annual Concours will feature 12 classes of collectible cars and motorcycles across every time period and style from private collectors around the globe. Featured exhibits will include select Avions Voisins,1930s French luxury automobiles established by Gabriel Voisin that will arrive in Chicago from the Mullin Automotive Museum. Their rare appearance at the Barrington Concours marks the first time these unique vehicles will be shown in the Midwest. Other exhibits include an extraordinary assembly of Duesenbergs featuring renowned authority Randy Ema; an Indy Car exhibit with the assistance of race driver Bobby Rahal and Don Devine; a celebration of the 60^th Anniversary of the Porsche 911; a special showcase for the 50^th Anniversary of the Corvette; and a rare collection of antique military vehicles.
 
“I’m thrilled with the direction that the 7^th Annual Concours d’Elegance is taking,” said Co-Chair and Chief Operating Officer Patty Dowd Schmitz. “Not only have we significantly increased the quality of vehicles for this year’s main event, but the special events planned throughout the year will ensure the high quality and entertainment for exhibitors, sponsors, VIPs and guests.”
 
Over 50 corporate and individual sponsors support the 7^th Annual Concours d’Elegance including Founding Sponsors Motor Werks of Barrington, Makray Memorial Golf Club, Northern Trust and the Stephen B. Smith Family.
 
Additional information about the Concours and other events scheduled throughout 2013 can be found here.
 
About the Barrington Concours d’Elegance
The Barrington Concours d’Elegance is a charitable event that supports the Legends & Legacies Foundation, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization (in process). This year’s proceeds support The Barrington Area Conservation Trust, which works to protect open space in Barrington and throughout the Northern Illinois region. Located just 40 miles northwest of downtown Chicago, the Barrington Concours d’Elegance is a premier automotive event that celebrates the rich international automotive heritage. A series of events are scheduled throughout the year, culminating with the Concours’ move to Northerly Island in June 2014. For more information about the Concours or to purchase tickets, call (847) 381-4291 or visit www.barringtonconcours.org.
 
About Legends & Legacies Foundation
The Legends & Legacies Foundation, a 501c3 organization (in process), aims to raise money for local charities through a continuing series of educational events focusing on automotive history, design, and technology. Since the first Barrington Concours d’Elegance in 2007, the event has continued to work with various charities including Hospice of Northeastern Illinois, Barrington Area Conservation Trust, and Cowboy Dreams of Illinois.