Barrington concours ensures a scenic cruises
It can be quite a chore to find decent driving spaces in the Chicago area — far enough away from the concrete jungle so you momentarily forget you live in one of the nation’s largest cities. A popular destination is the quaint town of Barrington.
One group working hard to preserve its charming rural characteristics is the Barrington Area Conservation Trust. Since 2007, the trust has used an annual Concours D’Elegance to raise funds to support its mission.
The event, hosted at the Makray Memorial Golf Club, boasts a diverse and eclectic compilation of transportation icons. While automotive tastes can vary, each enthusiast, regardless of tastes, can be sure to find something to appreciate and enjoy.
This year’s event took place earlier this month with the kickoff being a 40-mile road rally through the Barrington countryside. A total of 75 vintage and collector vehicles took part in this rolling spectacle. On the following day, all action was on the picturesque golf course, with more than 130 collector cars, trucks, motorcycles and scooters on display along the lush fairways. Owners showed up from all over the suburbs, as well as Wisconsin, Indiana and Michigan, to present and compete.
Guests who strolled the well-manicured lanes were treated to a collection of vintage exotic iron, made by the likes of Ferrari, Packard, Auburn, Porsche, Jaguar and Mercedes. Not to be left out, motorcycle enthusiasts had the chance to see and admire vintage Triumphs, BMWs, Nortons and Moto Guzzis. There was even something for scooter fans with fully restored models from Vespa, Lambretta and Aermacchi parked out on the grass.
In addition to a number of high-end luxury cruisers, classic Detroit muscle had some representation by way of a host of Mopar, Chevrolet and Ford V-8 bruisers.
The chromed and polished vehicles participating in the judged portion were accepted by invitation only and had to be approved by a committee responsible for selecting the best examples to represent the show’s theme. Twelve judges inspected each engine-powered contestant before awarding 35 Best in Show trophies within several classes.
Patty Dowd Schmitz serves as executive director and has been involved with the concours since its inception. “We are always thrilled with the turnout and the support the community gives for the event,” she said. “As we say, ‘It takes a village to run a concours,’ but all the time and energy put into it is very rewarding.”
Through its efforts, the trust has preserved more than 500 acres in the Barrington area and holds one of the largest conservation easements in the state. While it’s true that scenic motoring meccas are no longer being made, with groups like the trust, at least a few of the area routes we enjoy so much will be preserved for years to come.