For the past two years I’ve had the privilege to attend the Concours d’Elegance in Cincinnati, Ohio. This prestigious car and motorcycle show has been held in scenic and historic Ault Park every second Sunday in June since 1996. The inaugural event in Cincinnati was held in 1978 by William and Helen Williams in their estate to honor their dear friend who suffered from rheumatoid arthritis. The event was and continues to support and benefit the Arthritis Foundation today.

“The Ault Park Concours d’Elegance is a nationally recognized car show that highlights some of the most spectacular automobiles and motorcycles of all time. Ault Park offers one of the most unique settings for a Concours in the country.” – http://www.ohioconcours.com/index.asp

 

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Overlooking view from the Pavilion at Ault Park.

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Among the many showing classes, different car and motorcycle themes are featured every year. This year’s featured theme was “Art of Automobile ~ Great American Design”. Classes in this feature were Early Innovation 1900-1949, Classic Beauties 1925-1948, Flamboyant Fifties, Pop Culture Cars 1960-1980, and Modern Marvels 1995-Present. Special displays included 100th Anniversary of Maserati, 50 years of the Mustang, and Micro Cars. All of these categories and more were represented very well with hundreds of beautiful and interesting automobile examples.

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My camera lens is secretly attracted to beautiful hood ornaments.
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A very distinctive automobile among the many.
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It is admirable for an automobile manufacturer to remain consistent in grille designs, even to this day.

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It was not a sunny day for the most part but that certainly did not prevent the many car enthusiasts and their families from enjoying this legendary event. In addition to the main event of beautiful and interesting automobiles, it included many vendors and an art exhibit held at the Park’s pavilion overlooking the event scenery.

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A colorful and busy array of spectators at peak time of the event.
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Pointing out the beauty.
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Vintage motorcycles from behind the bushes.
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One of the various brass automobiles present at the event that caught my fancy.
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Young families admiring and soaking up the beauty.

I had a great time admiring all of the automobiles through both the lens of my camera and first hand. Many of the car owners and representatives as well as attendees were talkative and friendly. Some showing much interest in knowing what I personally liked about their car and the photographs I was taking. This has certainly become one of my very favorite car shows and I’m already looking forward to next year’s show.

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Award winning vintage racer.
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Best of Show award winner, 1934 Packard Twelve LeBaron Boat-tail Speedster.
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A welcoming proposition.
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Vintage motorcycles were very popular among spectators.
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You experience beauty differently when you get more intimate with the details.