50th Anniversary Concours d' Elegance

Event Leadership: Mary Bradford-White
Hosts: Mackray Golf Course and San Filippo Estate
Benefits: Barrington Area Conservation Trust, Hospice of Northeastern Illinois and Cowboy Dreams

First Annual Concours d' Elegance 2007

The inaugural Barrington Concours drew nearly 3,000 people and was so successful that it was featured on the cover of the March 2008 issue of Car Collector magazine. Jeff Broadus, the publisher of Car Collector, wrote, “As new Concours d’Elegances go, Barrington hit a home run in 2007. Renowned car collector Malcolm Pray brought his 1937 Delahaye 135M, which had been exhibited at the 1939 World’s Fair, and Rick Dresang brought the 1972 All-American Racers (Gurney) Eagle, driven by Mark Donohue in the Indy 500.

Barrington Concours Chief Judge Jonathan A. Stein commented, “The 2007 Barrington Concours was one of the most gracious North American–based events I’ve ever attended. The graciousness and the way exhibitors and judges are treated makes a big difference to the overall experience. It’s also clear that the organizers are building an event that is here to stay for many years.”

A Friday night welcome dinner was held in Barrington and Saturday’s Road Rally and “Village Day” highlighted the cars throughout the Barrington area. Tours of magnificent Barrington-area estates were arranged for special guests and their spouses, with Saturday evening’s gala featuring a sneak peek at some of the fabulous Concours automobiles.

Legends and Legacies was a result of the collaborative vision of the event’s hosts and beneficiaries, Barrington Area Conservation Trust, Hospice of Northeastern Illinois, and Cowboy Dreams who believe in the strength of partnership and who work diligently to preserve and promote some of the most important legacies of the Barrington area: compassion, conservation, and community involvement.

“The success of the inaugural Barrington Concours in 2007 proved that not only could our organizations host a fabulous celebration of classic automobiles, but that we could also provide an example of how a community can embrace an idea and work together for the benefit of area charities,” said Mary Bradford-White, event co-chair and President of the Barrington Area Conservation Trust. “With the extraordinary support we have received from our sponsors and from the community, we are certain that we will be able to continue this tradition for many years to come.”

The following photos were taken at the golf club on the day of the 2007 event prior.

1937 Delahaye, Photo Courtesy of Barbara Kemp

1950s era Cadillac, Photo Courtesy of Barbara Kemp

1933 Duesenberg, Photo Courtesy of Barbara Kemp

Concours cars and attendees on the Golf Course, Photo Courtesy of Barbara Kemp