Boston Common - Niche Media - A side of Boston that's anything but common.
Issue link: https://www.ifoldsflip.com/i/148898
REVVED W hen the Boston Cup opens on September 22, car collectors and enthusiasts from around New England and beyond will converge on Boston Common to admire some of the finest restorations and racing cars in the world. Founded by Richard Doucette and Ed Owen, who is a partner at a Mercedes-Benz restoration business in Waltham, the event debuted last year to much acclaim. Doucette conceived of the show when the Castle Hill Concours d'Elegance was discontinued in RE S 2003. "I love beautiful, classic cars," he says. "I felt a loss." So he and Owen stepped in to fill the gap. This year the duo expects an even greater turnout as collectors show off some of their most valuable toys. Some of the collectors might surprise you—from one of WGBH's most famous television hosts to a local restorer who has sold cars to the likes of Jimmy Buffett, an alternative energy executive, and a young entrepreneur. "The Boston Cup is a celebration of the diversity of automotive history," says Owen. "The range of vehicles on display this year runs from an 1893 Duryea, which was made in Massachusetts, to a 2013 Tesla Model S, with 99 others in between." In honor of our (and the nation's oldest) park, the show will feature 101 vehicles, one for each year of the Parkman Bandstand on the Common. Cars are grouped into classes of origin, including American, British, German, Italian, Japanese, and, new this year, Made in Massachusetts. Judging is done by peers: Each owner casts a vote for best in each class as well as the two Best of Show awards, European and American. "I'm most excited to see the 1937 BMW 328," Owen adds. "It's going to be a real treat." Tom Zarrella with his Mercedes-Benz 280SL and 1958 Porsche Speedster alongside his favorite drive—Gloucester's Atlantic Road at dawn. 120 BOSTONCOMMON-MAGAZINE.COM 120-127_BC_F_Cars_Fall13.indd 120 8/2/13 6:07 PM