Not Your Father’s Car Show
Claude and Audrey Ohanesian
FOLKS, start off your engines. The Lake Forest/Lake Bluff Chamber of Commerce, the Town of Lake Forest, and an advisory committee of auto lovers are revving up their engines for a clearly show like no other. On Sunday, Oct 10, from midday to 3 p.m. at the west Lake Forest train station and adjoining good deal, the “Then and Now Car Display: Celebrating a Century of Motorcar Excellence” will consider place with a curated collection of autos for even the most discerning admirer.
“We really desired to have an celebration in west Lake Forest to showcase all that is going on in that portion of town,” states Joanna Rolek, government director at the Lake Forest/Lake Bluff Chamber of Commerce.
“We know that auto demonstrates and foods occasions tend to draw crowds of all ages and we saw this as a great possibility to deliver the community jointly.”
At the recommendation of a pal, Rolek attained out to local auto afficionado John Maxson for his guidance on how to organize the exhibit. Maxson serves on the Advisory Board for the Geneva Concours d’Elegance and is the things to do director for Packards of Chicagoland, an business of about 100 people who very own Packard vehicles, “We went and visited the practice station and I instantly noticed that room would be an issue,” says Maxson, who is utilised to attending displays with hundreds and hundreds of cars and trucks. “But we produced lemonade from lemons and decided to develop a curated present the place we tap 10 local professionals to invite the 10 best cars and trucks in their classification to appear to the demonstrate.” Maxson is co-chairing the advisory committee with Ed Russ and Shaun Carter.
John Maxson and Ed Russ
The advisory committee rapidly pulled alongside one another a listing of 10 classes of vehicles from pre-1950 creation cars to classic, distinctive fascination, significant general performance, and exotic cars and trucks that will be showcased together with luxury superstars of these days.
“When we commenced reaching out to the industry experts in every group, the response was pretty enthusiastic,” Maxson says. “Some would say they had many far more than 10 cars they’d like to include and we’d have to remind them that they ended up constrained to 10. This was a superior difficulty to have.”
The end result: the best of the best autos will be on hand for the Then and Now Vehicle Present, automobiles like Claude and Audrey Ohanesian’s 1938 Packard. Claude is the Regional Director of the regional Packards of Chicagoland Car Club and Treasurer for the Greater Illinois Location Classic Car or truck Club of America. A Lake Forest resident, Claude is a lifelong vehicle enthusiast with an eclectic assortment of cars and trucks that contain pre-war classics like Marmon, Lincoln Continental, Pierce-Arrow, and Packard, and far more contemporary autos like a Chrysler Town and Country, Pontiac GTO, and Ford Thunderbird. At past count, the Ohanesians possess about 30 antique, classic, and other specific interest automobiles, but they are regularly shopping for and selling.
“Being motor vehicle particular person is a life-style,” describes Maxson, who bought his to start with automobile when he graduated from higher faculty in 1964, a 1931 Model A Ford. “I don’t have a difficult time remembering what my initially automobile was since it is even now in my garage.”
Maxson’s like for the car earth has driven him to co-writer a e-book named Chicago’s Motor Row.
“There’s an area in the town, down by McCormick Spot from 1400 S. Michigan to 2400 S. Michigan, exactly where all of the car dealerships utilized to be,” Maxson says. “Ford Motors opened the to start with dealership there in the early 1900s and numerous of the other automakers adopted before long after. Today, even though people structures have not housed automobiles in quite a few decades, you can inform what every making was simply because the title of the supplier is nonetheless on it.” Maxson’s ebook examines the architecture of these distinctive historical properties, as properly as the cars they showcased.
It was critical to Maxson that a notable car person compose the ahead to his reserve.
“I really needed Jay Leno who is regarded for his in depth selection of cars and trucks,” he claims. “Through the different car or truck clubs I’m in, I was equipped to connect with a close mate of Jay’s who instructed me that he’d ahead my ask for to him, but it was unlikely Jay would be able to do it with all he had going on.”
Four days later on, Maxson’s phone rang and it was Leno himself.
“Jay called me up like we had been friends without end,” Maxson recollects. “He mentioned he would support me out due to the fact he required to notify the tale of how cars and trucks improved how we live—how cars manufactured us cell and opened up the planet.”
As luck would have it, Chicago’s Motor Row will be readily available for acquire just in time for the Then and Now Car Exhibit on October 10.
In addition to the greatest cars at the Then and Now Demonstrate, there will be drawings for prizes, tunes, and the debut of the “Food & Libation Station” that will characteristic numerous of the area’s most loved eateries. The antique and vintage car component will be non-judged with a Lake Forest Cup award offered. There will also be state-of-the-artwork fire and law enforcement vehicles.
Participating partners for the celebration incorporate Audi/Porsche Exchange, Ferrari Lake Forsest, Knauz Automotive Group, Steve Foley Rolls Royce and Bentley, and Northshore Sportscars among other people, every single showcasing signature types. In addition to the dealerships, Big Door, Pasquesi Dwelling & Gardens, and Hill & Stone Insurance policy are highlighted sponsors.
“This will truly be a clearly show for all ages, the place there is a little something for anyone to see,” Maxson suggests. “Just cross your fingers for a lovely working day.”
For a lot more information, go to lflbchamber.com.