Eligibility for the world stage is something that most collectors will build up to. Not only from the point of view of refining their collection to get the best vehicles but also, having done that, making their way through local shows or meetings up to the bigger events.
Cutting your teeth at smaller events is a great way to get used to the scrutiny, the details and the logistics of getting a classic car from one place to another. It is also a great way to meet fellow enthusiasts, view other cars and begin to expand upon that home-based knowledge that you have gleaned.
What is more, there is a wealth of information you can pick up just by looking at other exhibitors’ cars. How are they presenting them? How are they transporting them? How are they showing the provenance of their automobile? What can you learn from their collection and their experience?
If you are able to accumulate some accolades along the way, at these local and national shows, it will go a long way to supporting your application for world-class events. I once came across a pre-war Bentley that had won everything on its way up to a Concours d’Elegance, and the owner was as proud of the local ‘Best in Show’ awards as he was of the world-class accolades.
Pick Your Shows Wisely
Part and parcel of working your way up to the more exclusive events is being able to know when an application will work and when it will not. Much of the decision will be based on the car you own and the classes and categories at the event.
As we have previously discussed, these classes are relatively fluid and subject to historical anniversaries and the whims of organisers. In order to ensure success, you have to be on the ball and seize the opportunity when you can. Of course, there are many shows worldwide, so there are plenty to choose from and they span all kinds of motoring interest too. There are events dedicated to racing; rally; pre-war; post-war; sports cars, super-cars. The full gamut.
My Top Events Of The Year
I am often asked what my favourite classic car events of the year are. Here is my current list: whether you like concours, racing or rallying, there is something for everyone…
February – Retromobile, Paris, France
February – 21 Gun Salute International Vintage Car Rally & Concours, New Delhi, India
March – Sydney Harbour Concours d’Elegance, Australia
May – Mille Miglia, Brescia, Italy
May – Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este, Lake Como, Italy
May – Monaco Historic Grand Prix, Monaco
June – Heveningham Hall Concours d’Elegance, Suffolk, England
June – Chantilly Arts & Elegance, France
August – Monterey Car Week including Pebble Beach Concours and The Quail, California, USA
September – Bernina Gran Turismo Hill Climb, St Moritz, Switzerland
September – Goodwood Revival, Sussex, England
September – Salon Privé, Blenheim Palace, England
October – Zoute Grand Prix, Knokke-Le-Zoute, Belgium
My Top Show Winners
Another question I hear is, “What type of car wins?” at major events. If you want to be in the big league at Concours d’Elegance, these are the types of car that often win and have been picking up prizes recently:
- Concours of Elegance, Hampton Court Palace – 1928 Mercedes-Benz 680 S Boat Tail Roadster with Coachwork by Barker
- Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance –1938 Mercedes-Benz 540K Autobahnkurier
- Salon Privé – 1933 Bugatti Type 55 Roadster with Coachwork by Jean Bugatti
- Pebble Beach – 1937 Alfa Romeo 8C 2900B Berlinetta with Coachwork by Touring
- The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering – 1953 Lancia Aurelia PF200C Spider with Coachwork by Pinin Farina
- Cavallino Classic – 1958 Ferrari 335 Sport
- Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este – 1937 Alfa Romeo 8C 2900B Berlinetta with Coachwork by Touring
- Goodwood Cartier Style et Luxe Concours d’Elegance – 1950 Abarth 250 Monza
Surprise Winners
One of the great things about classic car collecting and being involved in shows is that you can often be surprised by the winners that the judges pick. As you survey the showground, you will get used to trying to pick your own winner and seeing whether the judges share your view.
I love being surprised by the judging panel, and I love hearing their rationale even more. It never ceases to amaze me the details they have considered and why one immaculate car trumps another. Part of the allure of these events is that you are always discovering new reasons to covet classic cars.
