I recently made a day trip up to the coastal town of Beverly, MA for the 5th annual Misselwood Concours d’Elegance. Despite only being about half an hour north of Boston, I never heard of Misselwood until about a month ago. I didn’t know what to expect, although having “Concours d’Elegance” in the title usually is a good indicator that older, rarer cars will be present.
While by no means a large-scale extravaganza, Misselwood did indeed offer up plenty of rare sights, several I was proud to witness in person for the first time. There was a little of everything, ranging from a 1920s Bentley, all the way up to modern Porsches and a Ferrari. I even saw a new cherry-red Jaguar F-Type convertible in the parking lot. If you think those new Jags look great in pictures, in person they’re even better. New lust object indeed. But today is not about parking lot finds, it’s time we get started with the cars actually on display.
As mentioned, the oldest vehicle present at Misselwood was this late-1920s Bentley. I’ll be honest when I say I don’t have a huge interest in these cars, which is why I didn’t stop at it for too long.
Representing the U.S.A was this beautifully restored 1929 Peerless Six-61 roadster. On the running board, was a photo of its former rusted-out shell. I think Peerless just may be the only car company in history to stop producing cars in favor of beer.
One of the most beautiful American pre-war cars was the Packard Super Eight. I couldn’t help but spend a couple of minutes just staring at this 1933 example.
Largely due to the 1/18 scale 1929 Packard LeBaron model that’s been part of my collection for at least 10 years, it exhibits all the styling traits I usually associate with cars from this era.
With the same large radiator grille, dual “gullwing” hoods, rectangular hood vents, running board mounted spare tires with rear view mirrors perched atop, luggage rack, it was really like seeing one of my favorite car models come to life.
Rolls-Royce’s Spirit of Ecstasy may get all the attention as far as hood ornaments go, but as far as I’m concerned it has nothing on Packard’s elegant swan.
No car show would be complete without a Cadillac, and Misselwood had several. The most wonderful had to be this 1940 Fleetwood Series 75 convertible sedan. After arriving a little late to the show, the owner decided to to take up a spot away from the other cars and overlooking the Atlantic, making for a majestic backdrop to photograph this majestic vehicle.
One of only 45 produced, I overheard the owner telling another man that the original owner was a woman who was one of GM’s largest shareholders at the time. From what it sounded like, her family’s company was some kind of supplier to GM. Despite this, she wanted to remain discreet about the kind of car she drove, and originally had all Cadillac badging and emblems removed.
I would’ve liked to have spoken personally with the owner, as I was curious to find out more about its history, however he was still speaking to the same gentleman for about 20 minutes. I didn’t want to be rude and cut in. Regardless, it was a treat to stand back and take in this car and the view.
While Germany’s automobile industry (any pretty much everything else) was wiped out by the war, by the early ’50s automobile production was back swing with cars like this ritzy 1954 Mercedes-Benz 300 four-door cabriolet. Looking handsome in a grayish-blue shade, these cars were popular enough with West German chancellor Konrad Adenauer to earn the nickname “Adenauer Mercedes”.
1954 300s received several updates including front vent windows, vacuum-assisted power brakes, and added horsepower to their standard SOHC I6 for a total of 123!
As the largest and most expensive Benzes of their day, the 300 didn’t skimp on luxury. That dashboard is most exquisite, with its large expanse of polished wood. My mother’s 2013 GLK350 tries to evoke this look, with an expansive piece of burl walnut going from steering wheel to passenger door. However modern cars only use wood veneer, not solid wood like on this car.
The 300 looks equally stately from the rear, with its pontoon fenders and generous chrome trim. I wouldn’t want to try to back up in one of these though. That cabriolet roof blocks rear visibility quite a bit.
Not to be unrepresented against the boys from Stuttgart, this extremely rare 502 cabriolet from BMW offered a nice comparison of these two rival’s flagships. Built for BMW by Baur, the 502 cabriolet was only sold for 1954 and 1955.
Succeeding the similar 501 in 1954, the 502 featured the first V8 engine in a post-WWII German car, a 2,580cc all-alloy OHV unit rated at 100 hp. Although it made less power than the Mercedes’ I6, the smaller and lighter 502 was reportedly Germany’s fastest regular production sedan at the time (160 km/h, 100 mph).
Moving back across the Atlantic and into the 1960s, I stopped to check out some Ford products like this ’66 Mustang hardtop…
…or this ’64 Thunderbird coupe that would’ve made Thelma and Louise proud. Much like Tom, this generation T-Bird is likely my favorite. It’s lines are sharp, with aggression up front and a graceful, tapering rear.
Their interiors were beautifully designed and high quality. It’s a shame that in only a decade’s time Ford would go ugly, cheap, and tacky with hard plastic and phony wood interiors in the T-Bird.
I honestly think a Thunderbird like this would make a great classic to cruise around in during the warmer months. It has distinctive styling, isn’t unreasonably large, and isn’t as common a a Mustang (not to mention the fact that it sits four comfortable). If I were in the market, however, it would have to be the convertible.
I particularly like the ’64s with “THUNDERBIRD” spelled out on the hood.
1964 would be the first year that dual winged thunderbirds would adorn the taillights. One of the T-Bird’s several lasting styling touches, it brings back memories of the teal ’95 Thunderbird one of my mom’s best friends owned when I was little.
Although I’ve already published a lengthy piece on it, I can’t share my day at this show without at least one good picture of this beautiful 1956 Imperial Southampton. This was easily my favorite car of the show!
For a little more Germanic flair, there was this clean-looking W113 Mercedes 280SL. Although rather plainly styled in comparison with both the iconic W198 the preceded it and every future SL to follow, its simplicity is rather refreshing, especially compared to the current R231 SL.
This particular white SL is likely a 1970 model, due to several 1970MY cosmetic changes, and the very limited production for 1971, the W113’s final year. With a 2.8L I6 under the hood, the 280 offered the highest displacement of the three engines available over the course of the W113’s production.
Rated at 170 horsepower and 180 lb-ft of torque in Germany (U.S. models outputs were reduced slightly), this car was by no means the 621-horsepower SL 65 AMG of its day. Still, with the car’s small size and low curb weight, performance was adequate enough for the times. Four and five-speed manual transmissions were offered, although this one had Mercedes’ four-speed automatic, which was found in the majority of US-bound W113s.
Luxury is another aspect that has been greatly enhanced with each generation of the SL. The interior of this 1970 SL is spartan compared to any Mercedes of recent memory. Just the basics, and the enjoyment of the opened top driving experience.
Similarly sized, yet much more family-oriented in mission was this Alfa Romeo 2000 Berlina. With an expansive greenhouse, its boxy, upright styling was a huge contrast to the low, cavernous Broughams produced in the U.S. at this time.
I’m not sure how many of these were imported to the U.S.A., but I’m sure that the majority of them have long rusted away.
Just a few cars down was this 1974 BMW 3.0 CS.
Only 375 of the 3.0 CS were imported to the U.S. in 1974, and this one is even rarer because of its Alpina modifications.
The Alpina upgrades continued into the interior, with heavily bolstered sport buckets, and teal accent stripe.
Before leaving, I caught one more area where a large congregation of Porsches had assembled.
With Porsches of every decade, including every generation of 911. It was really quite a sight.
This early 911 looks absolutely tiny compared to current 911, which is some 10 inches longer.
Although it’s hard to single out any generation 911 as my favorite, this beautiful “993” 911 Carrera 4 from 1994 really takes me back. I would definitely take this one as my daily driver.
Misselwood turned out to be a great show. There were of course, a few other interesting cars I saw, but I omitted them from this showcase as I plan on writing individual posts on them. So, stay tuned, the best is yet to come.
How did I miss that all the years I lived on the North Shore?
This was only the 5th year they’ve had it, and there’s no advertising. I only found it on a website listing car shows in New England for the summer.
Same here–I live in Boston and had no idea!!!
I love the suicide doors on that Cadillac.
Great selection, Brendan. Adenauer, 3.0CS and lovely pink Imperial for my garage please. Not sure what exact model you shot (I’m guessing 4 1/2), but Bentleys owned Le Mans back then.
I second that Tim, I live one town over (Salem) & I have never heard of this show until now. It looks like it’s on the grounds of Endicott College, near Beverly Farms. Thanks for reporting Brendan & maybe you’ll see me there next year.
Born in Salem, lived in Marblehead most of my life until I moved to Southern NH.
That’s exactly what it looks like to me as well, especially with the uncluttered view of Beverly Harbor behind. It would be fun to go once for me, but those cars, while beautiful, are a little too rich for my blood.
Yes it was at Endicott College. And I hadn’t heard of it until this summer. They’ve only been doing it for 5 years, and I imagine it’s been smaller every year back. I will probably be there again next year. Well worth it being so close!
Brendan,
Since you’re near Boston, did you make it to Swedish Car Day at the Larz Anderson Auto Museum last weekend? They host that event for Saab and Volvo enthusiasts every August.
I took my Volvo up there last year and had a blast seeing my Volvo Club buddies at the event. I’m from southern VT so I was already familiar with the area.
Unfortunately I wasn’t able to make it. I did hear about it and wanted to go, but I had work, and it’s a tough loss giving away a Sunday shift where I work part time (time and a half $ on Sundays).
Coincidently I almost decided on the Larz Anderson Museum for a day trip today. The Heritage Plantation Car Museum in Sandwich beat it out, as I can’t pass up a nice drive to the Cape on this beautiful day.
I’m surprised to see a Mallory distributor in that 3.0 CS. But I had one in my Chevy LUV, so they did offer them for a lot of “weird” engines if you will.
Wow. What a selection! For something that was not “large-scale” there were still some very unusual and iconic cars there. I’d love to see a 300 or 502 “in the metal”. That Alpina 3.0 CS is fantastic (though I’d have a bone to pick with the chrome wheel arch trims). And is there a better dashboard than the mid 60’s T-bird? I’d be hard pressed to find one. Thanks for giving us a nice view into the show.
What a wonderful little show. The Adenauer might be the best-looking post-war “head of state” car. I think only the RR Phantoms (V and VI) come close. Check out the passenger grab-handle on the dash–a work of art unto itself.
Awesome setting for a car show. Nothing like having it on grass (real grass not dirt grass) and near the water.
Lots of nice cars though I can’t say I am a fan of 50s German styling for the sedans. I suppose I’m one of the few that doesn’t find the Mercedes 300 very attractive, and I am a huge Mercedes nut. That Packard Super Eight though, wow. These are always my favorite from the classic era at the shows — I don’t think there is a better looking grille anywhere, not even on a Rolls-Royce.
Some of my other favorites are there too, the ’64 T-bird, Mercedes 113 and Porsche 993. The white/black color combo on the 113 is rare and very sporty and that one looks to be in fantastic condition though they removed the bumper guards. I prefer these with side markers, guards and US headlights, it’s a weird thing with me.
Some beauties there. I am not sure I have ever seen a Peerless in the metal. It is probably the least known today of the fabled “3 Ps” of top-drawer luxury cars before the Depression – Packard and Pierce being the other two.
That Cad convertible sedan is gorgeous as well, but then the convertible sedan is one of my favorite body styles.
That BMW 502 is completely new to me. That rear view is fascinating to look at, and I love that V8 emblem.
I love the BMW 502 Cabriolet. I’ve seen pictures of the car, but I’ve never seen one in person. I also like its rival, the Mercedes-Benz 300 cabrio. I’ve seen my share of Mercedes-Benz Ponton style cars before, but they’re usually 180D and 190Ds, I’ve never seen a top of the line 300 Adenauer before. Very nice. 🙂
I live 15 miles north of there and never knew it existed. Next year for sure.
Brendan, the photos and your comments constitute a really nice article. I hope Paul and Perry are giving you a big raise 😉 as you’ve really been a busy guy this summer, with lots of contributions lately.
Where to start – the magnificent Cadillac, the incredible wood in the Mercedes, and the unusual BMW 502 (cannot recall ever having even seen a picture of one of these). Such a great selection of really special cars. I too prefer the 993 Porsche. My cousin had a 97 Carrera Cabriolet in a sort of Cabernet color (Viola Metallic?) with beige top and leather interior that was just beautiful.
While I agree with you about the Packard swan, I disagree on the 64 Thunderbird’s lettered hood. I much prefer the Thunderbird emblem (always loved it) used on the 65 (no doubt in part because we had that model). I also prefer the car without wire wheels though this 64 is a magnificent specimen and I love the color combination. I’m always struck by how many of these cars, including this one, were ordered without power windows. Folks were still skittish about this option because early power windows were so unreliable (and some still had memories of the truly awful hydro-electric windows used up to around 55).
Thanks again – felt like I was there with you.
Thank you very much! I appreciate the nice compliments.
It definitely has been a busy summer for me, I’ve been working a lot of hours and spending a lot of time trying to figure out what I want to do with my life when I finish college this December, but thankfully I’ve also been able to spare some time to devote to CC. When I’m busier during the school semester, it’s tough not being able to have much time to find and write car articles. Like anything you enjoy, not being able to do it is frustrating. But thankfully I have a rapidly filling photo library of cars I’ve spotted this summer. It should make the fall less of a drought for me! 🙂
Thanks enjoyed this article . Just one more thing… as Colombo would say. It’s a cormorant, or some years Packard claimed it was a pelican, but a swan? Never.
Its interesting that the BMW 502 pictured here admired while the Bangle butt on recent BMW’s is “roundly” criticized. I love the rear 3/4 view of that 502 and also like the Bangle Bimmers that so many love to hate.
A 64-66 Thunderbird would make a fantastic DD with a modern 5.0 and 4 speed auto transmission (out of a town car) to make it a bit more fuel efficient with more HP to boot.
For all you fellow Bostonians, there’s a show coming up on Boston Common on September 21st.
You might be surprised to find out that the dash and interior wood trim on the ’54 Mercedes actually employs veneers in its construction. Veneers are much more tolerant of dynamic environments, such as found in cars. Dimensional wood has a propensity to warp and crack, bad traits that can be engineered out by a master craftsman. Most fine cabinetry use veneers.
Some beautiful cars.
I’m going to go all low brow here and comment on the ’60s Americans. It was only recently that I gained an appreciation for how much the early Mustangs were mini-me Thunderbirds. Seeing both of these with vinyl tops really emphasizes that.
Nice selection of cars I woulda spent more time on the Bentley and ignored the Porsches but thats me looks like a 4Litre with Vanden Plas touring body THe Packard is nice but I see those quite often the Adenauer Benz is gorgeous thats a real luxury car not some mass produced bomb loaded with gee gaws, Nice 502 BMW havent seen many of those and not likely to yeah good car show. Thanks
Loved the field & show.
Best experience I’ve had at a concours
Ed Neighbour
78 Porsche 911