Auto Historica XI Starts Saturday

Antique and classic cars from across the Midwest will be seeking the attention of visitors Saturday during the Highland Park Historical Society's annual auto show, dubbed Auto Historica XI.

With more than 60 cars of different styles and eras, this year’s exhibition will focus on Woodies, classic American and European wood-bodied cars from the mid-1900s. 

Lou Natenshon, chairman of the organization's car selection committee and an avid car collector, said he used his car collecting contacts to select owners to invite. He said many of the 2011 guests had exhibited their cars at the major concourses across the U.S.

“This is a very unique event,” Natenshon said. “It gives the community an opportunity to see these cars without having to travel halfway across the country and pay hundreds of dollars.”

The show will from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday in the gardens surrounding the museum on Central Avenue.

Linda Marshall, program and development director for the Historical Society, said she expected at least 800 visitors to attend the event. 

Some of the cars are one-of-a-kind and many are extremely rare, said Joe Bortz, one of the show’s directors.

Visitors will be able to see micro cars and large classics, European sports cars from the 1920’s and later models from the 1970’s. Bortz said the “star of the show” will be a 1931 Duesenberg Convertible Sedan. 

Adults will be asked for a $5 donation and children younger than 12 will be admitted free. All proceeds go to the Highland Park Historical Society.

This year’s show has a variety of generous sponsors, including Duxler Complete Auto Care, Imperial Motors Jaguar and .

Editor's note: This article originally said adults would be asked for a $15 donation. The correct amount is $5. We apologize for the error.