Classic auto show has European flair in Highland Park

European cars in the sporting tradition from the teens to the ’60s will be the featured models at Auto Historica XII, the Highland Park Historical Society’s annual one-day-only antique and classic auto show fundraiser.

It is set for Saturday, July 21, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the grounds surrounding the museum, 326 Central Ave., Highland Park. Admission is $5, free for kids younger than 12 accompanied by an adult. All proceeds will benefit the Highland Park Historical Society.

Auto Historica XII, the 12th in a series featuring The Automobile as Art, is presented by The Exchange (A Division of Semersky Enterprises Inc.), Audi/Porsche/Chevrolet, and also sponsored by Hagerty, Shalom Memorial Funeral Home-Shalom Memorial Park and Sunset Foods.

Approximately 50 cars will be on display — notably two 1954 Porsches, including one of the earliest Speedsters, as well as a 1920s Vauxhall and Bentley, a 1960 Morgan Plus 4 Drophead Coupe, and a 1959 PTV 250 microbar, the only one of its kind in America. Another highlight will be a 1929 Detroit Electric Car.

Auto Historica is considered one of the most elite exhibitions of rare and unusual automobiles and other motorized vehicles in the Midwest.

Over the years, this invitation-only event has featured winners from the world-famous Meadowbrook, Amelia Island and Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance.

The uniqueness, elegance and authenticity of its array of collector and vintage cars have earned it the nickname “Little Pebble Beach.”

“Auto Historica XII will continue its tradition of excellence and strive to be the finest show yet,” said Lou Natenshon, chairman and head of the selection committee, and a Highland Park resident.

Highland Park Mayor Nancy Rotering will present the Mayor’s Choice award. An award will also be presented for the most popular car owned by a woman.

In addition to a raffle, a highlight of the event will be a live auction at 1:30 p.m. featuring a “Push it to the Max!” Porsche driving experience.

The winning bidder will receive two free tickets to the Porsche Sport Driving School at the Autobahn Country Club in Joliet — valued at $1,000 — and will be able to experience the exhilaration of driving on the racetrack in a new Porsche 911, Panamera 4 and Boxter. The winning bidder must be 23 years of age with a valid driver’s license.

For details, call (847) 432-7090, visit www.highlandparkhistory.com, www.highlandparkhistory.org, or the Highland Park Historical Society Facebook page.