BEVERLY, MA – The premier Concours d’Elegance of New England is one that attracts enthusiasts from all over the world to the charming seaside town of Beverly. “This concours is probably the ultimate on the east coast there is no other that’s on the ocean as this site is,” says judge Rick Beecoff.
A concours judged with French rules (meaning there are no points or technical assessments), the exquisite showcase of classic autos allows the judges freedom to simply select the car in their class they’d love to jump in and drive home. From an original ’65 Shelby Cobra 427 to a Gullewing – and even a 1909 Rolls Royce in pristine condition – it’s an event Baer Connard describes as a “petrol head’s dream”.
“We’ve got this setting at Endicott on the water, at Misselwood, where it is just majestic to have cars and people supporting the wonderful school of Endicott College,” Connard explains.
A member of one of the first co-ed classes at Endicott, Baer Connard says the fusion of two of his favorite passions – his alma mater and rare autos – makes the fundraiser now in its 15th year a can’t miss event. “The scholarships are important for so many different reasons – not just for the recipient but for keeping the funds in perputuity to grow within the college and help build endowment and hlep build the financial structure of the colege to keep the college going.”
Today, the tradition has gone so far as to raise hundreds of thousands to support the college’s Inspire Scholarship for students like Layla. “I knew I always wanted to go to Endicott, but financially I knew it was always an issue for my family,” Layla explains. “My family came here as immigrants in 2002 not knowing a word of English, they couldn’t attend college so this is something that I get to do that they never got to do.”
To learn more about Concours d’Elegance, visit their website.
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Emmalyn Reid 