Misselwood Concours d'Elegance 2017
For the past two years, I've proudly been the official photographer for the Misselwood Concours d’Elegance at the scenic Misselwood Estate in Beverly, Massachusetts. Held at Endicott College, this event is known as one of New England's most picturesque Concours venues, showcasing classic cars and motorcycles from across the country against the stunning backdrop of the rocky coast. Misselwood Estate's charm, with its ocean views, sets the stage for this celebration of automotive history. From meticulously restored classics to rare models, the Concours d'Elegance offers a captivating display of passion and craftsmanship. As the event photographer, I've had the privilege of capturing these moments of automotive artistry against the Atlantic Ocean's backdrop. It's an eagerly anticipated event for automotive enthusiasts, providing a unique opportunity to immerse in the elegance and history of these iconic vehicles. Stay tuned for more highlights from this unforgettable gathering of automotive excellence.
This year, I took the initiative to reach out to the event's host, Darren Stewart, with a unique proposal. Alongside photographing the cars, I offered to walk around the picturesque grounds and provide suggestions on optimal placements to enhance their visual appeal. This approach not only benefits me as a photographer but also serves to elevate the experience for other photographers who use the venue for their work. By securing more impactful shots, we collectively contribute to better publicity for the event, potentially attracting increased sponsorships in the future. Looking ahead to next year, I'm planning to provide maps for volunteers and introduce a wider array of unique and interesting vehicles to further enrich the showcase.
The event this year, held on Saturday, July 23, graced us with perfect weather—a photographer's dream. As a prelude to the main event, the Saturday prior always includes what we fondly call a "road tour." This scenic journey along the coastline towards Newburyport and Gloucester is a tradition embraced by the board members. This year, I was joined by my friend Michael Demetrio, who brought his lovely Morgan 3 Wheeler along for the ride, adding an extra layer of charm to our coastal adventure.
As we meandered along the coastal roads, our journey took us through charming towns adorned with shops and bustling with people. The unmistakable roar of the Morgan 3 Wheeler commanded attention, causing heads to turn and conversations to pause as we passed through each town. There's a unique thrill in knowing that all eyes are on the remarkable vehicle you're riding in, with bystanders undoubtedly thinking, "WOW, look at that thing!"
Midway through our coastal excursion, I had the chance to switch gears, quite literally, as I hopped into a friend's Ford Model T to continue the adventure. The Ford Model T, with its vintage charm and historic significance, provided a whole new perspective on the road tour. It's a car that demands a certain respect and attention, especially when navigating the scenic coastal roads at a leisurely pace.
Overall, this year's road tour was nothing short of spectacular. We shared countless laughs, made unforgettable memories, and had the pleasure of meeting some truly wonderful people along the way. It's these moments of camaraderie and joy that make events like these so special, where the love for classic cars and the open road bring people together in the most delightful ways.
As we embarked on our journey, I had the privilege of positioning our car between an Aston Martin DB4GT, driven by RM Vehicle Specialist Don Rose, and a Dodge Roadrunner Superbird piloted by Lew Bednarczuk, the owner of Classic Motorcars. These were two distinctively different cars, but I knew the juxtaposition would yield striking imagery for the Concours. To cap off the evening before the main event, Endicott College's president, Richard Wylie, hosted a delightful party at his residence, featuring live jazz music, an open bar, and delectable appetizers for all to enjoy.
The following morning, I eagerly arrived at the estate around 5:30 a.m., hoping to capture an epic sunrise for my photographs. However, my hopes were dashed as the sun didn't quite align with my vision. With some time to spare before the official start of the show, I took it upon myself to assist wherever I could. I took charge of rearranging the Lyon-Waugh Auto Group cars, ensuring they fit the designated area while achieving the desired aesthetic. As the other cars began to arrive, I felt privileged to have a hand in setting up several spaces, meticulously positioning the cars with wheels turned just right and ensuring they were placed thoughtfully rather than haphazardly.
This year, Mike Demetrio, the owner of the Morgan 3 Wheeler, added an extra layer of excitement to the event by showcasing three eclectic motorcycles from his impressive collection. Among them were the Bimota Tesi 3D, the Ducati Desmosedici RR, and the OCC Patriot's Bike. The presence of these unique and rare motorcycles added to the diversity of the show, drawing in enthusiasts from all corners. Additionally, Paul Jr. from Paul Jr. Designs brought four of his incredible creations and positioned them prominently near the VIP tent for all to admire. These impressive displays of craftsmanship and innovation added even more flair to an already spectacular event.
Bella Sera, a renowned bridal company known for providing models for the event, once again captivated the audience with an elegant fashion show. Led by CEO Heidi Nicholson, the Bella Sera team brought a selection of stunning models to grace the back patio, showcasing their exquisite collection of eye-catching dresses. From intricate lace to flowing silhouettes, the fashion show was a delightful display of bridal elegance, adding an extra touch of glamour to the Concours d'Elegance event. For more information about Bella Sera and their beautiful offerings, visit their website at bellaserabride.com.
A momentous highlight of the event was Norman Shanklin's triumph, as he claimed the prestigious Best of Show title with his exceptional 1914 Rolls Royce Silver Ghost. Remarkably, this car happens to be the sister car to the red Rolls Royce that previously clinched this esteemed award back in 2015. The legacy of elegance and excellence continues with this timeless vehicle, a true testament to the enduring allure of classic automobiles.
In conclusion, this year's Misselwood Concours d'Elegance was yet another resounding success. It's been a joy and privilege to be a part of such a wonderful event, and I'm already eagerly anticipating next year's gathering. To learn more about the Misselwood Concours and stay updated on future events, visit their website at endicott.edu/concours.aspx. Here's to another year of celebrating classic cars, timeless elegance, and the camaraderie of automotive enthusiasts.
