By Rebecca Wyatt, OU Web Writer

Spurred by a love of classic and collectible cars, hundreds of people walked the grounds of Meadow Brook Hall to view some of the rarest cars in the United States as part of the 27^th annual Concours d’Elegance held Aug. 7.

More than 320 cars ranging from classic to contemporary were on display including about 40 fitting the theme of this year’s event, “Magnificent Cars of the Brass Era,” which featured Pungs-Finch, Columbia, Thomas Flyer, America Undersling and Oldsmobile vintage autos.

Terence Adderley of Bloomfield Hills and also a Concours board member, took home Best in Show honors in the American car category for his 1929 Duesenberg Model J LeBaron Dual Cowl Phaeton, estimated at a value of $2.5 million. Adderley began restoring the car with his son, who was killed in the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center in New York.

Arturo Keller of Petaluma, Calif., won foreign car Best in Show accolades for his 1929 Mercedes-Benz SSK.

Proceeds from the Concours d’Elegance and its annual art auction help with the preservation of Meadow Brook Hall. To date, the Concours has raised more than $5 million. This year, the Concours also raised money through an online auction of two vintage cars on eBay Motors. The 1936 Mercedes-Benz 540 K Special auctioned for $710,400 and the 1935 Auburn 851SC Boattail Speedster went for $375,100.

“Magnificent Cars of the Brass Era” is the first in a three-year series called “The Best of America.” Next year, the Concours will feature cars from the Golden Era of pre-World War II and in 2007 the Power Car of the post-World War II area will take center stage.

For more information on the event, visit the Concours d’Elegance Web site.