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Rare cars, and the people who love them, pack downtown Geneva

It’s not unusual to find the streets of downtown Geneva filled with cars, but Sunday brought an entirely different kind of traffic jam to the city’s central district.

More than 300 antique and classic cars — some of them exceedingly rare — lined South Third Street from State to South streets as thousands of spectators packed the downtown for a glimpse of them during the Geneva Concours d'Elegance.

Car owners from across the country travel to Geneva for the annual event, and a chance to win one of the coveted “Benz” Trophies awarded to the top vehicles.

Among the judges Sunday was James Dorfman of Lake Zurich, who closely examined vehicles for their originality, condition and historical significance.

Show judge James Dorfman of Lake Zurich carefully inspects a 1945 MG TC Roadster owned by Tom Wilson of Zionsville, Indiana during the 2024 Geneva Concours d'Elegance on Sunday in downtown Geneva. Ryan Rayburn for the Daily Herald

“You're looking for how pristine the paint is,” he said while examining a 1945 MG TC Roadster owned by Tom Wilson of Zionsville, Indiana.

Besides offering car enthusiasts a chance to see these immaculate and rare rides up close, the event also served as a fundraiser for Northwestern Medicine Living Well Cancer Resource Center, which offers free programs such as support groups, educational workshops, nutrition services, art and exercise classes, stress reduction classes and more to families battling cancer.

Owner David Watts, left, of Grayslake, talks to Ron Falk about his 1923 Amilcar Monoposto during the 2024 Geneva Concours d'Elegance on Sunday in downtown Geneva. Ryan Rayburn for the Daily Herald
Artist John Paul Marcelo of Santa Rosa, California paints a 1929 Cadillac Convertible Coupe on Sunday during the 2024 Geneva Concours d'Elegance in downtown Geneva. Ryan Rayburn for the Daily Herald
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