Concours d’Elegance, The Legacy Continues

Ault Park
June 16, 2011

1950 Jaguar Mark V Saloon

Concours d’Elegance celebrated its 34th year, and while many people purely think of the event as a world class car show, there is more to the story. The first show took place on June 18, 1978 at the estate of William and Helen Williams. While it was the generosity of the Williams family which helped to fashion the first show, the vision was really a combined effort between Helen and her good friend Bill Rudd.

1911 Interstate Indy Racer

Sandy Leary with the honorary Bill Rudd award

Rudd, who suffered from severe rheumatoid arthritis, carried with him the sunniest of dispositions. So even when the world handed him lemons, Rudd lived with a happy heart, generous spirit, and by doing so, left an inspiring legacy that would influence generations. Rudd’s hope to find a cure for arthritis is much of the reason Helen Williams created the car show, as a benefit to the Ohio Valley Chapter of the Arthritis Foundation.

A few years ago Rudd passed, but his legacy endures in the form of his four children… Thomas, Sandra, Vicki, and Teri. Ever since the show’s inception, the Rudd clan has been involved with the show by working the front gate. “I can’t imagine not working the gate; it’s great to see the familiar faces of the people who return and those who put the event together,” said Sandy Rudd Leary, the eldest daughter, who has worked 33 of 34 car shows. Impressive.

1957 Chevrolet Corvette

The importance of the event has even passed onto the next generation of Rudd’s. “The first few years I worked the car show because it was just the the family thing to do, but as I’ve gotten older I realize the importance of carrying on the legacy that my grandpa established and now I wouldn’t miss it,” said Casey Leary.

1958 Porsche 356 Speedster (owner Dr. Jack Hahn)

From the first year of the show to how it has evolved in the present day, certainly a lot has changed; nevertheless, each year is a wonderful reminder of the late Bill Rudd and how, even in his passing, he’ll continue to inspire family and friends for generations to come.

1989 Batmobile Replica