While it's never been proven, Henry Ford's famous quote, "you can paint it any color as long as it's black" is a phrase that has survived a century and exemplifies what the Model-T Ford represents: steadfastness and an endearing quality of sameness. The Trust's 6th Annual Concours d' Elegance will celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Ford Model-T . The car, colloquially known as the Tin Lizzie and the Flivver set 1908 as the historic year that the automobile came into popular usage. The Model-T is regarded as the first affordable automobile that "put America on wheels."

Coincidently, part of York County's uniqueness is due to the role it played in the manufacturing and development of cars. In the 1900's car manufacturing was a prosperous and thriving business that employed hundreds of Yorkers. However, the Model-T and Henry Ford's innovation of the assembly line production ensured that York County's history of car manufacturing, while significant, would be short lived.

Come celebrate York's unique history as the " Detroit of the East" by participating in the 6th Annual Concours d'Elegance to be held on the grounds of York College on July 19, 2008. Celebrate the 100th Anniversary of the Ford Model-T as well as a bounty of other automobiles—from Classic, European, American, Sports, and Muscle cars to original and York-built motorcars and antique motorcycles.

Concours d’ Elegance is a French term meaning literally “Parade of Elegance.” The event originated in Paris at the beginning of the 20th century. European couture houses showcased fashion collections in combination with exquisite custom coachwork on automobiles of the day. Both the cars and the fashions were judged and awards given based on beauty, style, and design. World War II resulted in the cessation of the Concours temporarily. In the 1950s and 1960s, Concours d' Elegance reappeared in Paris and soon began to appear in countries around the world including the United Kingdom, Italy, Australia, Philippines, and the United States.

Each year, the proceeds from the Concours event have been used to underwrite the educational programs and activities of the Trust. Monies raised from the 2008 Concours are being designated to support the operations of the Trust’s Agricultural & Industrial Museum (AIM), located at 217 West Princess Street, along the northern terminus of the York County Heritage Rail Trail.

The York County Heritage Trust is proud to announce The Chrysler Corporation as the 2008 Concours d'Elegance Major Corporate Sponsor and Harvey & Win Bradley as the 2008 Concours d'Elegance Major Individual Sponsor.

Click Here to download a Nomination Form

The York County Heritage Trust, a not-for-profit educational organization located in the heart of downtown
York, PA, oversees three museums, five historic properties, a reference library/archives, and the Murals of York.

Do you want to know what will be served for lunch? Here's the 2008 lunch menu!