12 Must See Concours d’Elegance Car Shows in North America

Here you can find some of the finest automobile shows in the world as they are displayed at 10 different Concours d’Elegances locations on some of the most luxurious estates in the world.

Concours d’Elegance (French: Concours d’élégance) is a term of French origin that means a “competition of elegance” and refers to an event where prestigious vehicles are displayed and judged. It dates back to 17th-century France, where aristocrats paraded horse-drawn carriages in the parks of Paris during summer weekends and holidays. Over time, carriages became horseless and the gatherings became a competition among vehicle owners to be judged on the appearance of their vehicles. These events are often held at automobile shows, after racing competitions or, especially in the United States, as a fundraising event for charities.

HISTORY – The oldest still-extant Concours, the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este, is held annually near the Villa d’Este hotel in Cernobbio, on Lake Como in Italy. The first of these was held in September 1929. The first Concours in North America was held in 1950 at the Pebble Beach Golf Links in Monterey, California, in conjunction with the first Pebble Beach Road Race. The longest continually-running event is the Hillsborough Concours d’Elegance in California, which has been held every year since 1956 (both Villa d’Este and Pebble Beach have skipped years since 1956).

JUDGING – Numerous local organizations sponsor Concours events. Traditionally, vehicle judging at a Concours is more demanding than that of a neighborhood or general automobile show. Trained judges examine the vehicle thoroughly. They rate each and every component. Only those vehicles that are judged perfect (or very nearly so) in every way are considered eligible for trophy class.

Often, the competitiveness of a Concours d’Elegance forces restoration of a vehicle to surpass “mint” condition. Mint condition would be the state of the vehicle when it originally left the factory. Concours-quality cars are often given upholstery, paint, plating, and mechanical restoration to a standard far exceeding that of the car when it was new.[citation needed]

Concours d’Elegance competitions also are run for classic cars. Here, the emphasis is as much on originality as the condition, although this also is very important. The general aim is to present a vehicle that is in the same, or better, condition than it was in when it left the production line. Unless original, modifications are not allowed, and components must be suitable for the year and model of the automobile. Even components or features fitted to automobiles of the same type, but in a different production year or trim level, are not allowed. Original-equipment accessories from the manufacturers’ own range are allowed and some competitions allow after-market equipment and accessories, provided they are of the correct period. The automobiles must be presented in flawless visual condition, as with other Concours-grade cars.

Below is a list of the top 12 luxury Concours d’Elegance Car Shows in the United States.

Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance finale of Monterey Car Week held in August every year presenting best of show winners

Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance

The Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance is an automotive charitable event held each year on the Pebble Beach Golf Links in Pebble Beach, California, considered the most prestigious event of its kind. It is the finale of Monterey Car Week held in August every year.

A Concours d’Elegance (French, literally “a competition of elegance”) is an event open to both prewar and postwar collector cars in which they are judged for authenticity, function, history, and style. Classes are commonly arranged by type, marque (manufacturer), coachbuilder, country of origin, or time period.

Judges select first-, second-, and third-place finishers for each class in the event, and the judges confer the “Best of Show” award on one car from the group of first-place winners.

In addition, a group of honorary judges—individuals who have made significant contributions to the automotive industry or motorsports—award a number of subjective awards to recognize standout vehicles regardless of class ribbons, as well as memorial awards created to honor specific automotive industry personages. Approximately 15,000 spectators attend the event.

Next Show Date: August 15, 2021 for the 70th Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance

For more details on the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance Week of Events.

ALSO SEE: The Top 100 Concours d’Elegance Calendar And Schedule – All Dates and Times

Audrian Concours Car Show In Newport RI At The Waterfront Vanderbilt Searfair Estate

Audrain Newport Concours & Motor Week

Spend your days enjoying fine dining pop-ups, exhibitions of rare and exciting automobiles, seminars, shopping, tennis, golf, and sailing along the Newport coast. Then, once the sun goes down, experience exclusive cocktail hours, dinners, our annual gala, and various VIP parties hosted in the Gatsby-Esque mansions that populate America’s original luxury capital.

The four-day program concludes with a centerpiece event, the Audrain Newport Concours & Motor Week, which will feature a world-class collection of over a billion dollars worth of rare and vintage cars. During the 2021 Audrain Newport Concours, the question won’t be what will you do, but rather, how will you do it all?

Generations of Motoring History

Newport, Rhode Island was the birthplace of motor racing in America, thanks to Willie K. Vanderbilt. A young man at the turn of the century, Willie K. bought a Daimler Phoenix for $10,000, which would translate to about $250,000 in current dollars. His friends soon caught onto the motoring craze and in a matter of months, they were all racing around the famed Ocean Drive, bragging that they would cruise along at over 60 miles per hour. They were quickly met with neighborhood backlash as their public road racing became hazardous, and so they took their sport to Newport’s horse racing track. It was there, in September of 1900, that the famed Vanderbilt Cup began to take shape.

Newport’s extensive automotive history dates back as early as the Gilded Age. The first American car race, the Vanderbilt Cup, took place in this historic area. On September 6, 1900, Willie K.Vanderbilt and some of his closest friends traveled to the nearby horse track to race their newly-imported automobiles. Little did they realize the impact the Vanderbilt Cup would have on American racing culture.

Given its rich motoring history, Newport is the premier destination for a Concours & Motor Week. Beautiful, historic mansions and the seemingly endless Atlantic Ocean provide the most elegant of backdrops. Audrain Newport Concours & Motor Week is a celebration of the automobile, uniting enthusiasts from around the world.

The Audrain Automobile Museum

The Audrain Automobile Museum was established in 2014 and has been growing exponentially since its opening. Even with years of successful events under our belts, we dreamed of grandeur. A world-class Concours & Motor Week event of this caliber has never been executed in Newport, Rhode Island… until now.

“More of an Art Museum than a Car Museum,” we celebrate the Machine Age when art and automobiles came together. With access to more than 200 of the most remarkable and rare vehicles ever made, the Museum takes pride in its ability to display automobiles from 1899 to the modern-day. Vehicles are chosen specifically and showcased based on ever-changing exhibition themes. By displaying 15-20 cars at a time, the Museum gives patrons and enthusiasts of all ages a completely unique experience with each visit. Read More…

Next Show Audrian Newport Car Show – The event will be held September 30 – October 3, 2021. Media: CCCADRCONDSS2021

Palm Beach Cavallino Car Show And Ferrari Concours d”Elegance at the Palm Beach Breakers Hotel featuring over 400 of the rarest Ferrari’s ever on display

Palm Beach Cavallino Classic Car Show

The Palm Beach Cavallino Classic Ferrari Car Show, which was scheduled to celebrate its 30th-anniversary on April 21-24, 2021, has been rescheduled due to the Corona-19 virus.

This year, the Ferrari Cavallino Classic (2021) Car Show will bring together some of the most ardent Ferrari car collectors and enthusiasts in the world to celebrate one of the most iconic automotive brands in history.

The show sports over 400 Ferrari models both new and old. The oldest Ferrari is a model 125 S sport with a 1.5-liter V12 engine while the newest is a 2021 Ferrari SF90 Stradale supercar.

The annual event is considered to be one of the most elegant and important car shows in North America and has been taking place on the third weekend in April in Palm Beach Florida, since 1992.

Palm Beach Cavallino Classic

A section of the massive array of Ferraris at the Cavallino Classic Concorso di Eleganza at the 24th event in January 2015.
The Palm Beach Cavallino Classic is an annual Ferrari enthusiasts’ event in Palm Beach, Florida, usually during the third or fourth weekend of January and widely held as the most important gathering of Ferraris in the United States.

It is planned and hosted by Cavallino Magazine, the journal of Ferrari history since 1978. The Classic’s goal is to celebrate the beauty, speed, history, and art of the Ferrari marque, from its inception to the present day. The event is known for attracting some of the rarest and most prized Ferraris in existence – many of which not only show but also race during the event. It also celebrates other classic Italian marques, such as Bugatti and Alfa Romeo.

History
The event started in 1992 at The Breakers Hotel and Resort in Palm Beach Florida and recently celebrated its 25th anniversary at that oceanside resort. It is now considered one of the hallmarks of January in Palm Beach.

At the 25th event (January 2016), Ferrari North America introduced the new F60 America Ferrari, at The Breakers, during the event.

The Next Cavallino Classic Ferrari Car Show Has Been Rescheduled to April 21-24, 2021

One of Florida Largest Events, The Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance Car Show on held Annual on Amelia Island (Just outside of Tampa) Florida

Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance

The Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance is an automotive charitable event held each year during the second weekend in March at The Ritz-Carlton Amelia Island in Amelia Island, Florida. A The New York Times article about celebrity car ownership listed “the nation’s top concours d’elegance: Pebble Beach in California, Meadow Brook in Michigan, Amelia Island in Florida and the Louis Vuitton Classic in midtown Manhattan.”[1]

A concours d’elegance (French, literally “a competition of elegance”) is according to The New York Times writer Keith Martin like a “beauty pageant for rare and elegant cars”.[2] Each entry is rated for authenticity, function, history, style and quality of restoration by a team of judges that includes specialists for each car type. A perfect score is 100, but any imperfection, no matter how slight, requires a fractional point deduction. Classes are arranged by type, marque, coachbuilder, country of origin, or time period.

Judges select first-, second-, and third-place finishers for each class in the event, and the judges confer the best of show award on one car from the group of first-place winners. In addition, a group of honorary judges—typically individuals who have made significant contributions to the automotive industry or motorsports—give subjective awards to recognize standout vehicles regardless of class ribbons, as well as memorial awards created to honor automotive industry personages.

History
Businessman and car collector Bill Warner, a photographer and writer for Road & Track magazine since 1971, founded the Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance in 1996 at the urging of other northeast Florida auto enthusiasts who wanted a classic car show in Florida like the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance in California. Warner selected Community Hospice of Northeast Florida, which had provided service to his parents as well as his wife, as the beneficiary of the event.[3] The first event was held April 6, 1996, at Ritz-Carlton Amelia Island. Warner assembled a group of 163 cars and attendance was around 2,200.

By 1999 attendance had increased to 8,500; 205 cars were exhibited; and $268,000 was raised for Community Hospice. The New York Times assigned a reporter to write a story. In his full-page feature article, Keith Martin stated, “The Amelia Island event, which is sponsored by Mercedes-Benz, is the only one in its region to aspire to the same standard of excellence (as the) Concours d’Elegance at Pebble Beach, in California, as well as the Louis Vuitton Classic at Rockefeller Center”.[2]

Events
Each year’s Amelia Island Concours honors an outstanding person from motorsports, a featured marque (manufacturer) and/or theme, plus judging and awards for each class of the Field of Dreams, the showcase exhibition. Events have included a golf tournament, automobile auctions, art and fashion shows, dinners with honored guests, silent auctions of memorabilia, charity raffles and autograph sessions.[4] The top concours awards are the Best of Show Concours d’Elegance and the Best of Show Concours de Sport. Additionally, there are various corporate awards, vehicle class awards, and special awards such as the People’s Choice award.[5]

Entrants submit an application for each car, and the Concours field is selected from each year’s pool of applicants. Vehicles newer than 1974 models are normally not eligible to enter, and vehicle participation is by invitation only.[6] Many collectors spend years and hundreds of thousands of dollars purchasing and restoring a car in hopes of being chosen. Once a car is accepted to the Concours, it cannot again be entered in the event for five years, with three exceptions; the ownership of the car has changed, the car has been restored, or if the featured marque is obscure, the Concours car selection committee can reach out to invite cars of varying restoration quality—or cars that have previously been entered in the Concours—in order to provide a healthy representation of the marque for exhibition.

Most of the owners display their cars because they want everyone who appreciates style and beauty to see their project. Most view the weekend as a social gathering rather than a special interest event. The organizers attempt to invite vehicles from varying time periods so that spectators who prefer a certain style of car will always find several examples to examine.[7] Many of the competing cars are valued in the hundreds of thousands of dollars, with some worth millions. For this reason, along with its setting and amenities, the Amelia Island Concours is considered one of the premier concours in the world.

Next Amelia Concourse Show: 2021 Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance will begin on
Thursday, May 20 through Sunday May 23

La Jolla Concours dElegance Car Show

La Jolla Concours d’Elegance

The La Jolla Concours d’Elegance features various types of fine automobile gems. Past years have showcased horseless carriages, Italian marques, British marques, woodies, 50s classics, American sports cars, and the automobiles of Carroll Shelby. Spectators from all over the nation come to the breathtaking shores of La Jolla to view their favorite classics. This year, the La Jolla Concours d’Elegance is back with exquisite automobiles to illustrate again that if diamonds are forever, then cars are timeless.

16th Annual La Jolla Concours d’Elegance, Official Statement on Event Cancellation
February 10, 2021/0 Comments/in News /by Jose Alonso
16th Annual La Jolla Concours d’Elegance
Official Statement on Event Cancellation
Friday, April 22 – Sunday, April 24, 2022

Article Link

World-Class Cars, World-Class Experience

La Jolla, CA – In April of 2020, the La Jolla Concours d’Elegance (LJCDE) was canceled five weeks prior to the event, at the outset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Over the course of 2020, the La Jolla Historical Society and the LJCDE Committee worked tirelessly to reimagine the event and had planned for a September 2020 Concours, but when COVID cases spiked in the summer, we realized that this event was not possible. We next aimed for April 2021, as we were hopeful that 2021 would allow for a safe automotive celebration at the caliber expected from the LJCDE. However, with dramatic increases in COVID infections in California over the holidays and a national vaccine rollout that has been slower than anticipated, we must formally announce the cancellation of the April 2021 event. The next La Jolla Concours d’Elegance will be celebrated on April 22-24, 2022, so please mark your calendars now!

The Eyes On Design Is An Annual Car Show Featuring over 400 Historic Vehicles Prominently Displayed on the Majestic Lawn of the Historic Edsel & Eleanor Ford Estate

The Eyes On Design Is An Annual Car Show

Wiki – EyesOn Design are a series of events including an annual car show and a fundraiser for the Detroit Institute of Ophthalmology. It has become a national event focused on the emotion and character of automotive design.

The Eyes on Design Show was established on the late-1986 as both celebration of automotive design and a fundraiser for the Detroit Institute of Ophthalmology, a nonprofit organization in Grosse Pointe Park, Michigan, devoted to matters pertaining to the eye and vision.

The first shows were called “Eyes On The Classics”. The first shows were held in the Grosse Pointe Academy parking lots. Initially focused on the domestic “Big Three” (General Motors, Ford and Chrysler), the show was expanded to include automakers from around the world. The name was also changed to “EyesOn Design”. For its third show, the venue moved to the grounds of the Edsel and Eleanor Ford House.

To ease access and accommodate the increasing public attendance, the design chiefs at DaimlerChrysler, Ford, and General Motors suggested that the event be hosted by one of their companies each year. The 2002 show was held at the Chrysler Headquarters and Technology Center in Auburn Hills, Michigan. The theme for this 15th anniversary weekend-long show was “Performance Vehicles”.

In 2003, the General Motors Technical Center in Warren, Michigan hosted the event. According to General Motors, the 2003 event was the largest, most complete collection of concept vehicles ever assembled representing the very best efforts of GM, Ford, Chrysler, and other automakers. The three-day event was also the first time the GM Design Center was open to the general public. Attendees also had the opportunity to purchase rides in notable GM concept cars.

A Founding Chairman of the annual EyesOn Design event, Chuck Jordan, was commemorated during the January 2011 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The EyesOn Design show celebrated its 25th anniversary during summer 2012, on the grounds of the Edsel and Eleanor Ford House with over 200 vehicles displayed by invitation only.

DESIGN AND FOCUS – The “Eyes on Design Show” has grown from an East Side show to an automobile exhibition of national and international significance.

According to the Ford Motor Company, the Eyes on Design Show is the world’s only car show to focus on the emotion and character of automotive design.

Bringing together some 250 concept cars in one place is the secret of the show’s success that has been driven by the enthusiastic assistance of automotive design executives. In addition to vehicles from various automakers, the event also features concept cars by invitation from some of the world’s most renowned vintage automobile collectors and restorers.

The vehicles shown at the annual event are by invitation. Judging in numerous classes is “based not on the quality of the restoration or authenticity”; rather it is on the basis of their “the design character, emotional appeal and artistic excellence of the vehicle.”

EyesOn Design is one of America’s premier automotive events. Each year, the event attracts members of the transportation design community, collectors, and the public to celebrate and reflect on design.

Vehicles are chosen based on the year’s theme by invitation only, and between 200 and 300 vehicles are at the show. EyesOn Design receives its support from both domestic and foreign vehicle manufacturers, as well as automotive suppliers and other loyal companies. Judging is facilitated by active and retired exterior and interior designers from leading automotive and supplier companies.

RAISING MONEY TO SUPPORT VISION – A benefit for Henry Ford Health System’s Detroit Institute of Ophthalmology, EyesOn Design is a major source of funding for the DIO’s research, education and support group programs for the visually impaired. The DIO is a division of the Department of Ophthalmology of the non-profit Henry Ford Health System.

Upcoming Show: Sunday, September 19, 2021
Edsel & Eleanor Ford House
1100 Lake Shore Road, Grosse Pointe Shores, Mi

Keels & Wheels Concours d’Elegance Car and Boat Show

Keels & Wheels Concours d’Elegance

Keels & Wheels Concours d’Elegance
Saturday May 1, 2021
10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Sunday May 2. 2021
09:00 am – 4:00 pm
General Admission:
Online advance $30
At gate $40
Students 11 and older at gate $15
(with valid student ID)
Kids age 10 and younger free
Venue: Lakewood Yacht Club
2322 Lakewood Yacht Club Drive
Seabrook, TX 77586

Misselwood Concours d’Elegance in Beverly, Massachusetts

Misselwood Concours d’Elegance

On Boston’s Upper North Shore, seasoned car professionals and students from the Endicott College are gearing up for one of the most anticipated and spectacular car events on the east coast.

Sometimes referred to as the Pebble Beach of the east coast, the Misselwood Concours d’Elegance event will take place at Endicott College’s Misselwood Estate to display some of the rarest vehicles in the world.

The event will take place on the majestic oceanfront front lawn of the estate and also feature a full weekend of events including live entertainment, gourmet foods, and hundreds of rare and vintage automobiles.

Concours d’Elegance of America, Plymouth Michigan

Previous Location
The Inn at St. John’s|44045 5 Mile Road, Plymouth, MI | Map

Everfest’s Take
The Concours d’Elegance of America is a world-renowned event that features some of the finest and rarest cars available. Since its inception in 1979, the festival boasts a lineup of esteemed car collectors who proudly put their exquisite vehicles on display. Guests can peruse the fleet of available automobiles, participate in an auction of vintage cars or browse through an exhibit that showcases unique automotive art.

ara Noftz, director of the Concours, said more than 1,000 spectators showed up Saturday with more than 12,000 expected on Sunday.

The concours d’elegance held annually at the Pebble Beach golf course in California is fabulous, but it’s also bougie and costs a ton of money to attend. While we recommend you go there at least once, the Concours d’Elegance of America is nearly as incredible and takes place in southeastern Michigan—which, we probably needn’t point out, is far cheaper to travel to and stay in than northern California during one of the fanciest weekends of the year.

Having been running for over 40 years, the Concours d’Elegance of America has called the Inn at Saint John’s in Plymouth, Michigan, its home since 2011. Given that the venue is just half an hour from the Car and Driver offices, the event is an annual go-to for us. While the concours names two Best in Show winners—which this year were a 1938 Graham 97 and a 1954 Ferrari 375MM, both pictured above—we picked our own 10 favorites. Because we’re odd, our choices ranged from a coal-powered Citroën to a ’60s Mercedes limo to a stainless-steel Thunderbird and a Mohs Safarikar (don’t worry, we’ll explain). Click through to see them all (and, yes, we also picked the Ferrari).

Greenwich Concours d’Elegance has grown into a premier, nationally recognized automotive event Celebrating 25 Years on the Waterfront

Greenwich Concours d’Elegance

Greenwich Concours d’Elegance
Founded in 1995, the Greenwich Concours d’Elegance has grown into a premier, nationally recognized automotive event.

The 25th anniversary edition of the Concours – now owned and produced by Hagerty – will expand the automotive experience to an even wider range of enthusiasts. In addition to time-honored traditions like the Grand Tour and Saturday evening Waterfront Party, new event enhancements include Hagerty’s various curated “hands on the wheel” experiences, classic Ride & Drive opportunities, youth-focused activities and exquisite food experiences.

Featured classes for 2021 will include Ford vs. GM, Lancia, 100 Years of Duesenberg, 70 Years of Allard, Right Coast Rods, Vintage SUVs, 120 Years of Indian and 100 Years of Moto Guzzi.

Greenwich Concours d’Elegance has grown into a premier, nationally recognized automotive event Celebrating 25 Years on the Waterfront.

Waterfront Party at the Greenwich Concours Car Show featuring vintage car collections

Concours d’Elegance
The 2021 Concours d’Elegance celebrates its 25th anniversary by shining a light on the best automobiles in the world. Featured classes include 100 Years of 3-Litre Bentley and 100 years of Springfield Rolls-Royce. Special motorcycle classes include 120 Years of Indian and 100 Years of Moto Guzzi.

Greenwich Concours Grand Tour

Waterfront Party at the Greenwich Concours Car Show featuring vintage car collections

The Grand Tour is the ultimate experience of camaraderie among fellow car enthusiasts as they enjoy life behind the wheel of these outstanding automobiles. Concours entrants and their entourages take center stage when they drive on this exclusive adventure through the stunning surroundings of the Greenwich and New York areas.

Waterfront Party
The public is invited to join the festivities as the Concours celebrates both car culture and the Greenwich community. You’ll feel the excitement in the air as family and friends enjoy this beautiful waterfront setting filled with music, dancing, wonderful food and more. Attending also fuels local charitable efforts with proceeds going directly to The Hometown Foundation.