If you want to see the intersection of high fashion, history, and raw horsepower, there is only one place to be in late August: downtown Geneva, Illinois. This past Sunday, August 24, we headed west to the Fox River Valley for the 2025 Geneva Concours d’Elegance, an event that truly lives up to its name as a “competition of elegance.”
The Hook: While Chicago has no shortage of weekend car meets, the Geneva Concours is on an entirely different level. It isn’t just a “car show”—it’s a prestigious, invitation-only showcase where the vehicles are treated like fine art. This year felt even more special because my dad, Jim Smith, was serving as a judge, giving us a front-row seat to the meticulous process that happens behind the scenes.
The Atmosphere: Walking down historic Third Street, the vibe was classic Americana mixed with European luxury. The street was lined with over 200 meticulously restored vehicles, ranging from “brass era” antiques from the early 1900s to modern supercars that look like they belong on a poster. Because the event is free to the public, the crowds were massive—over 2,000 people packed the sidewalks to marvel at cars that, in many cases, are literally priceless.
Watching my dad, Jim Smith, and the other judges work was a masterclass in attention to detail. In a Concours event, they aren’t just looking for a shiny coat of paint; they are checking for period-correct original parts and even inspecting the interior of vents for dust.
- The “Benz” Trophy: This is the big one. Seeing the owners’ faces as the judges approached was a reminder of how much work goes into these machines.
- 2025 Featured Vehicles: This year’s highlights included a stunning tribute to Carl Benz’s 180th Birthday and a massive display of Morris Garages (MG) classics.
- The Rare Gems: We saw everything from a rare Locomobile to vintage Ferraris that rarely see the light of day. Seeing these multi-million dollar vehicles parked right on a public street is an experience you just don’t get anywhere else.
- Price: Free for spectators
- Wait Time: None to get in, but if you want to see the cars before the crowds get too thick, you have to be there by 10:00 AM.
- Location: South Third Street, Geneva, IL (right in the heart of the downtown shopping district).
Final Thought: The Geneva Concours d’Elegance is more than a car show; it’s a celebration of engineering as art. Having my dad involved as a judge made me appreciate the discipline it takes to keep these pieces of history alive. If you missed it this year, mark your calendars for 2026—it’s the only time you’ll see this much “rolling gold” in one place.
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