By Liz Leamy
Last weekend was a golden one on all counts as hundreds of people convened at Roger Sherman Baldwin Park on the Long Island Sound to attend the much-anticipated 28th Greenwich Concours d’Elegance with its famous annual showcase of classic and contemporary American and European vehicles.
This renowned event, that is sponsored and organized by Hagerty, the automotive lifestyle brand and specialty collectible insurance company based in Traverse City, Michigan, and has been ranked by USA Today as a top-five car affair in the U.S., featured more than 300 stunning automobiles of all makes, styles and years, as well as an array of activities, including the Hagerty Ride and Drive experience and other memorable things, designating it as another unforgettable moment in time for its participants.
“We’re thrilled with the quality of cars and the number of people that came. These events are what the car culture is all about and we’re honored to be here,” said McKeel Hagerty, Chief Executive Officer of Hagerty, who graciously thanked the Town of Greenwich for its vital role in this event. “The stars of this event, of course, are the cars and the owners who bring the cars.”
This year’s Greenwich Concours, in its celebrated signature style, drew scores of renowned automobile collectors and luminaries from all over the East Coast and the U.S., many of them coming from places as far as Montana, Idaho and Washington.
This year’s Greenwich Concours top honors went to Leigh Brent’s breathtaking navy 1931 Cadillac 452A that was named as the Concours d’Elegance Best of Show Award winner on Sunday and Tim McMann’s electric Barris-Built custom purple and ecru 1957 Chevrolet 210 ‘El Capitola’ had been chosen as the Best of Show champion at the Concours de Sport event on Saturday.
“The custom, Barris-designed 1957 Chevrolet 210 and elegant 1931 Cadillac 452A celebrate not only the quality of cars in the region, but the diversity of cars as well,” said Hagerty. “We are tremendously grateful for the support of our partners, sponsors, volunteers, judges and attendees who made this year’s event a success.”
Certainly it was endearing to note the reactions of Brent and McMann as their automobiles were named as the leading victors of the 2024 Greenwich Concours.
“I’m real thrilled to be here, it’s my first time and it’s been great. Everyone has been so nice and it’s been a landmark day. I’m just so surprised and happy,” said McMann of Vancouver, Washington, whose Barris-designed Chevrolet 210, that had been built in Sacramento, California, had also been named the 2024 Greenwich Concours Specialty Award and Media Award winner in addition to having been selected as the event’s Best of Show Concours de Sport champion. “It blew me away that we were selected as a finalist and then when they put the final ribbon on, I couldn’t believe it. It’s really been something.”
Brent was also grateful about the unfolding of the weekend’s events.
“It’s all been so exciting,” said Brent, who is from Baltimore, Maryland, as he stood proudly by his automobile discussing some of its fascinating history, including the fact that it is a rare car whose coachwork had been done by the famous Fleetwood Metal Body automobile coachbuilder that had been based in Fleetwood, Pennsylvania before relocating to Detroit, among other notable things. “I’m just happy to be here and be part of this whole event. Everyone here comes together to celebrate the love of cars and that’s what it’s all about.”
Throughout this event, everyone there, including the spectators, presenters, officials, food and retail vendors, volunteers, security staff, Hagerty team members as well as those there with their cars, all certainly seemed as if they were having a good time, all in celebration of the beauty, design, role and impact of the automobile in past and present day culture.
“It’s amazing to be here. Everyone has been so kind and this venue is gorgeous, especially with the park being right on the water, “ said Scott Nickett of Doylestown, Pennsylvania, whose striking 1961 teal green Imperial Crown had been selected as the champion among its class at this event. “There are so many beautiful cars here. They’re really like artwork on wheels, and it’s been an honor to win an award. Everyone is so committed to what they do and it’s such a dedicated and great group of people.”
Others agreed.
“This is my first time here and I’m having a great time. It’s a beautiful show and I’m glad I came,” said Tony Brienza of Wyckoff, New Jersey, whose 1966 electric blue Corvette Stingray Convertible drew scores of admirers on Saturday. (Brienza also shows his cars along with his son, Michael Brienza, at Concours events all around the East Coast on a regular basis.)
Meanwhile, many of the officials there, who could be spotted wearing navy blazers, khaki slacks, button-down shirts and straw-brimmed hats, also seemed to be having an enjoyable time.
“This is a great event,” said Nick Pagani, who has been a Greenwich Concours d’Elegance official for 28 years and is owner of the esteemed car repair and restoration shop, Ace Auto that is located in New Rochelle, New York and serves as home to 80 vintage cars. “Everyone is friendly, the cars are amazing and I always look forward to coming here every year.”
By all means, the buoyant mood and energy described by Pagani and so many others seemed to be felt among the spectator contingent as well.
All weekend long, attendees of this event could be seen having a great time whether they were either busy checking out the magnificent showcase of vehicles, shopping at the Hagerty Group’s vendor tent, noshing on the tasty selection of culinary fare at one of the food vendor trucks or just hanging out laughing, chatting and catching up with one another.
“This has been a wonderful event. It’s beautiful here and everyone is so friendly,” said Kim Greeley of Baltimore, Maryland, who was attending the Concours with Leigh Brent, owner of the 1931 Cadillac 452A that was named the 2024 Concours d’Elegance Best of Show victor. “The whole atmosphere here is amazing and it’s great to be part of it all.”
Others concurred.
“This is such a nice event here in Greenwich,” said Guinevere Freccia who helps run her family’s iconic 100 year-old business, Freccia Brothers Garage located on 246 West Putnam Avenue in Greenwich. “There are so many people here, the cars are beautiful and there’s such a nice, calm feeling in the air. It’s been really great.”
