Lake Mirror Classic Concours d’Elegance and Car Show Opens October 18-20, 2024
October 20 @ 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
FreeThe Lake Mirror Classic Concours d’Elegance and Car Show is a highly anticipated three-day automotive event held annually in Lakeland, Florida, attracting over 20,000 car collectors and enthusiasts. Set against the picturesque backdrop of the Lake Mirror Promenade, the event will take place from October 18th to 20th, 2024, showcasing more than 400 classic, rare, and custom cars.
Event Overview
Founded in 2018, the Lake Mirror Concours d’Elegance has quickly earned a reputation as a prestigious competition for classic, rare, and antique cars. The vehicles are evaluated based on authenticity, originality, condition, and historical significance, with participants vying for top honors in their class. The stunning collection of cars is displayed along Lake Mirror’s scenic shorelines, creating a breathtaking view for attendees.
This year, the 2024 Lake Mirror Classic Concours d’Elegance and Car Show will be held from October 18-20, 2024. The event is free to attend, making it a delightful way to spend a weekend in Lakeland.
Event Highlights
- Concours d’Elegance: Featuring over 400 cars, including American muscle cars, European sports cars, and vintage classics. Last year’s show included 112 American Muscle Cars, 84 European Sports Cars, 60 Classic Cars, 48 Hot Rods, and 24 custom cars.
- Car Show: A more informal event open to all car types, held on the streets of downtown Lakeland. This event is an excellent opportunity for car enthusiasts to showcase their vehicles and connect with fellow car lovers.
- Road Rally: An adventurous challenge where participants navigate Lakeland’s roads, following clues to discover the town’s hidden gems. Open to all car types, this fun event adds a unique twist to the weekend.
- Swap Meet: A treasure trove for car collectors looking for parts, accessories, and memorabilia. Open to the public, the swap meet is an ideal destination for those searching for unique items.
Why Attend?
The Lake Mirror Concours d’Elegance offers a unique experience for car collectors and enthusiasts, combining the charm of a Concours-level competition with the excitement of informal car shows, road rallies, and swap meets. The event’s location around Lake Mirror not only adds beauty to the experience but also provides a perfect backdrop for appreciating automotive heritage and craftsmanship. With free admission, the event makes for a delightful weekend in Lakeland.
Event Details:
- Dates: October 18-20, 2024
- Venue: Lake Mirror Promenade, Lakeland, Florida
- Admission: Free to attend
- Event Times: Vary per event, with the Concours on Sunday
2024 FEATURED CAR CLASSES:
Sunday’s Concours d’Elegance will feature over 400 cars, highlighting rare classics from yesteryear to the present. Last year’s show featured an impressive lineup, including 112 American Muscle Cars, 84 European Sports Cars, 60 Classic Cars, 48 Hot Rods, and 24 custom cars.
The iconic Futurliner from the GM “Parade of Progress” will be the centerpiece of a significant display at the Lake Mirror Classic Concours & Car Show from October 18-20, 2024. The show will highlight the renowned 1953 GM Motorama Cars and the 1953 Corvette, presenting a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
FACTOID: The “Parade of Progress” debuted on Feb. 11, 1936, in Lakeland, FL.
The Lake Mirror Classic Concours will also feature one of only two Futurliners restored to their original splendor. Experts from the National Auto and Truck Museum in Auburn, Indiana will offer tours of the vehicle, answer questions, and allow guests inside the Futurliner. They’ll also assist with photos, ensuring guests capture this unique experience.
Recreating the 1953 GM Motorama, the Futurliner event is a special display of past GM limited-production vehicles including:
– 1953 Cadillac Eldorado
– 1953 Buick Skylark
– 1953 Oldsmobile Fiesta
– 1953 Chevrolet Corvette
The 70th anniversary of the renowned Motorama display and Futurliner will be on display at the Concours d’Elegance on Saturday, October 21.
Grand Marshal 2024
Announcing Bill Warner – 2024 Lake Mirror Classic Grand Marshal
Lake Mirror Classic 2024 is excited to announce Bill Warner as the Grand Marshal for the 2024 event. A legend in the automotive world, Mr. Warner is the founder and long-time chairman of the Amelia Island Concours (now The Amelia). Known for his contributions as a racer, automotive photographer, and journalist, Warner’s impact on the industry is unparalleled. Join us in Lakeland, FL, from October 18-20, for the opportunity to meet this iconic figure at the Lake Mirror Classic.
ABOUT BILL WARNER
Born in Jacksonville, Florida, in 1939, Bill Warner developed an early passion for cars, beginning his collection of classics in the early 1960s. In 1996, his enthusiasm led him to found the Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance, which has since become a premier event for car enthusiasts worldwide.
Warner began his career as an automotive photographer and journalist, contributing hundreds of articles to leading automotive publications and authoring several books on classic cars and car collecting. His dedication to the automotive industry has earned him a place in the Automotive Hall of Fame, along with numerous accolades for his lifelong contributions to the field
Bill Warner was born in Jacksonville, Florida, in 1939. By the age of 18, he had developed a passion for cars, beginning his collection of classic vehicles in the early 1960s. His desire to share his love of automobiles with other enthusiasts led him to found the Amelia Island Concours d’Elegancein 1996, which quickly became a premier event for car collectors worldwide.
Warner’s career began as an automotive photographer and journalist. He has contributed hundreds of articles to numerous automotive publications and has authored several books on classic cars and car collecting. A member of the Automotive Hall of Fame, Warner has received numerous accolades for his lifelong contributions to the automotive industry.
Also See Bill Warner’s Book on Amazon: The Other Side of the Fence: Six Decades of Motorsport Photography
2022 Lake Mirror Concours Best in Show
** The 2022 Best in Show car went to a cherry Shelby Display, featuring a 1965 Shelby GT350 owned by Nick Smith of Stuart, FL.
Additional vehicle class winners were as follows:
- The American Muscle Car award went to a 1969 Dodge Super Bee owned by Iggy Alonso of Miami, FL.
- The European Sports Car class was awarded to a 1953 Ferrari 250 GT Berlinetta Lusso owned by Miles Collier and The Revs Institute.
- The Classic Cars trophy was presented to a 1932 Packard 903 Deluxe Victoria owned by Richard and Patricia Lambert of Port Orange, FL.
- The Hot Rods class winner was a 1968 Chevrolet Camaro SS owned by John and Pam Smith of Bradenton, FL.
- Lastly, the Custom Car class champion was awarded for a pristine 1956 Ford Thunderbird owned by Randy Harrison of Plant City, FL.
LIST OF EVENTS:
Hot Rod Rendezvous Event
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 18TH, 2024
Time: 5-10 PM
Enter a Vehicle costs $35 per vehicle
The evening ambiance lets attendees experience the majestic Lake Mirror in its full splendor. Witness some of the best Hot Rods, Street Rods, Customs, and Race Cars around the beautiful Lake Mirror Promenade.
Concours d’Elegance (Main Event)
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 19th, 2024
Time: 10AM – 4 PM
$55 to enter a vehicle
The Lake Mirror Classic showcases splendid automobiles from top collectors and museums nationwide. Alongside rare and themed displays, attendees can admire vintage wooden boats. The Amphicars, always a hit, will be around Lake Mirror, marking the centerpiece of this three-day Lake Mirror Classic.
Lakeland Downtown Classic Car Show
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 19 , 2024
Time: 10AM – 4 PM
Tickets: $55 per vehicle
Historic downtown Lakeland comes alive with show-stopping vehicles and entertaining displays. With over 400 Classics, Exotics, Muscle Cars, Hot Rods, Specialty Vehicles, and Trucks, it’s a visual treat for all ages, featuring vehicles from Florida and beyond.
Admission & Ticket Prices
Admission to the Lake Mirror Classic Concours d’Elegance is free for spectators. While the event is a fundraiser for local charities, organizers have opted to grant free public access. However, there are associated costs, such as $10 daily parking and food available for purchase from on-site vendors.
Date: The 2024 Lake Mirror Classic Concours d’Elegance will be held from October 18-20, 2024.
VIDEO: Lake Mirror Classic Concours d’Elegance
CHARITY BENEFICIARIES:
The Lake Mirror Classic Concours d’Elegance and Car Show beneficiaries of the Lake Mirror Classic Concours d’Elegance:
- Lakeland Police Athletic League
- Lakeland Literacy Council
- Lakeland Regional Health System Foundation
- Polk County CASA
- United Way of Central Florida
In 2023, the “Classic” generously provided $28,000 for local charities – further details are available in our official announcement.