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Great Marques Concours d'Elegance 2024: A Spectacular Debut at Morgan Memorial Park - By Oliver Seligman
This year marked a new chapter for the Great Marques Concours d'Elegance as it moved to a stunning new venue, Morgan Memorial Park in Glen Cove, Long Island, New York. The decision to host the event here, with sweeping views of the Long Island Sound and the opulent estates of the Gold Coast serving as a backdrop, proved to be a masterstroke.
The move to Morgan Memorial Park came after we were notified earlier this year that our long-standing venue, Old Westbury Gardens, would no longer be available after a successful 15-year run. Finding a new home for the show was no small feat and involved significant collaboration with our partners, the BMW and Ferrari clubs. It was a Ferrari Club member, Lawrence Ruisi, who first suggested Morgan Park, and after some investigation, we knew we had found a fitting venue for the event. Not only did it meet our expectations with its unique location, but crucially, it allowed us to park on the grass—an absolute must for a proper Concours d'Elegance.
The transition to Glen Cove wasn’t without its challenges. From working with the town’s mayor, city council, and attorneys to ensuring every detail aligned with our vision, patience and perseverance were key. But in the end, the hard work paid off, and we welcomed a scaled-back but still impressive array of vehicles to Morgan Park for what would become one of our most memorable shows to date.
A Showcase of Mercedes-Benz Excellence
The event was a sight to behold, with a magnificent collection of classic and modern Mercedes-Benz vehicles displayed on the lush grounds. From immaculately restored classics to sleek, cutting-edge models, the lineup underscored the enduring appeal and timeless elegance of the Mercedes-Benz brand. Guests marveled at the craftsmanship and history represented in every vehicle, each one telling its own unique story.
But this year brought something new and exciting—the introduction of a special concours class for modified Mercedes-Benz vehicles. The decision to include these custom creations was a result of months of careful planning. Judging these vehicles required a different set of criteria than the traditional concours, and one of our judges, who had been participating in a judging forum, worked closely with our team to develop a new set of standards. This class added a fresh dynamic to the event, celebrating the creativity and individuality of those who push the boundaries of Mercedes-Benz engineering and design.
A Day to Remember
The weather cooperated beautifully, and the show was a resounding success. Attendees enjoyed not only the cars but also the remarkable setting, with panoramic views of the water enhancing the overall experience. The event’s atmosphere was relaxed and inviting, with something for everyone, from die-hard car enthusiasts to casual visitors who appreciated the beauty of the surroundings.
Interestingly, the day also featured a surprise: a spontaneous secondary car show in the visitor parking lot! The enthusiasm for the event was so infectious that even guests who didn’t officially register their vehicles became part of the spectacle, further adding to the camaraderie and joy that permeated the day.
In the end, none of this would have been possible without the collective efforts of the Mercedes-Benz team and our partners. Pulling off a show of this magnitude requires careful coordination, and we’re fortunate to have a team that knows how to balance strengths and weaknesses to ensure everything runs smoothly. Our goal was simple: to create an event where everyone could enjoy world-class automobiles, feel safe, and take in the beauty of the location. By all accounts, we succeeded.
Looking Forward
As we reflect on the success of the 2024 Great Marques Concours d'Elegance at Morgan Memorial Park, we’re already excited about what the future holds. This new venue has set the stage for many more incredible shows to come, and we’re grateful to everyone who helped make this year’s event such a triumph. Here’s to many more years of celebrating the best of Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Ferrari in one of Long Island’s most picturesque locations.
Look for images from the event, including the stunning venue at Morgan Memorial Park, the unique modified Mercedes-Benz class, and a dazzling collection of classic and modern vehicles, in this issue of Star Magazine.
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