Cobble Beach Concours d’Elegance recently marked its 12th anniversary, continuing its tradition of showcasing exceptional automobiles while supporting local health initiatives. Since its inception in 2013, the event has successfully raised over $1,125,000 for the Brightshores Health System Owen Sound Foundation, which benefits the local hospital, and the Sunnybrook Foundation, which supports the Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre in Toronto.
Located just a three-hour drive from Toronto, the Cobble Beach Concours is renowned for gathering an impressive array of classic, eclectic, and exotic cars from across North America. This year, 125 cars were on display, many of which are unique models not commonly seen elsewhere.
Against the backdrop of Georgian Bay, it is a spectacular venue held on Cobble Beach Resort’s 18th fairway.
The Concours d’Elegance on Sunday, September 14 featured several standout vehicles, including:
- The Detroit Historical Museum displayed a 1963 Chrysler turbine car, an experimental coupe powered by a turbine engine. Only 55 were built with Carrozzeria Ghia constructing the bodywork, and Chrysler completing the final assembly in Detroit. (Did you know that the turbine engine has no need for oil or coolant?)!
A 1941 Cadillac limousine owned by collector Steve Plunkett, originally built for King Edward VIII, who famously abdicated the throne to marry American divorcee Wallace Simpson.
A 1963 Buick, custom-built by GM in Oshawa for then-Prime Minister Lester B. Pearson.
A 1929 Ford Model A roadster, driven to the show from Columbus, MI by owner-mechanic Seamus Hnat.
General Motors showcased three significant experimental vehicles known as CERV I, II, and III (Chevrolet Engineering Research Vehicles).
- Bill Gates’ Porsche 959, which gained notoriety due to its non-homologation for the U.S. market. After a lengthy battle with customs, Gates successfully imported the car under the “Show or Display” exemption in 1999.
The coveted Best in Show award went to a 1938 Steyr 220 Roadster owned by Peter Boyle from Oil City, PA. This rare vehicle is one of only two surviving examples, featuring advanced technology for its time, including a floating rear axle and a wet-sleeve all-aluminum engine.
The Most Outstanding Pre-War Award was presented to a 1932 Duesenberg Model J owned by William Miller.
The Most Outstanding Post-War Award was given to a pristine 1958 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz owned by Vernon Smith of Swift Current, NL.
Members of Citroënvie received accolades during the Concours d’Elegance.
Tony Burgess won Best in the Euro Icons of the 80s/90s category with his 1999 Bentley Continental SC, while Gord Linkletter secured 3rd place in the Hollywood Glamour American Pre-1980 class with his 1949 Cadillac Series 62 Sedanette.
Additionally, Josephine O’Brien showcased her 2003 Smart Roadster Coupe in a non-judged display titled Women in Motion.
View a full picture gallery of the cars displayed here: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjCuzqp
The weekend was filled with additional activities, including:
- A Tour d’Elegance on Friday, was open to Concours d’Elegance participants where many cars traveled through regional roads to Owen Sound, Oliphant, Wiarton, and Big Bay.
- On Saturday, a Cars and Coffee event welcomed vehicles 25 years and older in downtown Owen Sound, while just two blocks away, the Concours d’Lemons showcased the quirky side of automotive culture.
- Two free seminars at The Roxy Theatre featured discussions on 73 years of Formula 1 racing and a presentation on the new Porsche Experience Centre Toronto.
The Cobble Beach Concours d’Elegance continues to impress with its organization and the quality of vehicles on display. Mark your calendars for the upcoming dates:
- September 18, 19 & 20, 2026
- September 17, 18 & 19, 2027
- September 15, 16 & 17, 2028