History of the Concours

The inaugural Concours d’Elegance was held at the estate of William and Helen Williams in June 1978. The event was the vision of Helen Williams, who wanted to do something in honor of her good friend, Bill Rudd, who was aff licted with rheumatoid arthritis. A small group of eight committee members—in cooperation with the Arthritis Foundation’s Ohio River Valley Chapter—produced the fi rst show. After 15 years of hosting at several locations throughout Greater Cincinnati, the Concours adopted historic Ault Park as its permanent venue in 1996. The annual show day was also changed at this time from Father’s Day to the second Sunday in June.

In 2006, the Cincinnati Concours d’Elegance Foundation, a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, was established to manage and produce the Concours. All proceeds continue to benefi t the Arthritis Foundation, with a focus on supporting its Juvenile Arthritis (JA) programs. Subsequently, the Concours was named primary sponsor of the JA Family Camp.

Now in its 44th year, the Cincinnati Concours d’Elegance is the longest running concours outside of the West Coast, and the fourth oldest overall concours show in the United States. Along with associated weekend and year-round enthusiast events, the Cincinnati Concours attracts automobile collectors nationwide as well as from Europe, Canada, and South America.