America, land of the free, home of the brave, and the ultimate playground for classic car enthusiasts. From sea to shining sea, this country is jam-packed with events that show off some of the most incredible vehicles to ever grace our highways and byways. Let’s take a look at 13 of the greatest ones that maybe, just maybe, make you consider buying that vintage Mustang you’ve always dreamed of!
1. Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance, Florida
Every March, the Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance transforms this tranquil island into a paradise for classic car fans. It’s where the grass is greener, and the cars are, without a doubt, classier than a James Bond dinner party. Forget about just looking pretty – the event raises millions for charity, proving that old cars have big hearts, too.
2. Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, California
Pebble Beach in August is where the crème de la crème of the automotive world come to strut their stuff. It’s like the Oscars for classic cars! Just imagine strolling the 18th fairway, surrounded by the most breathtaking masterpieces, with the Pacific Ocean as your backdrop. You might want to keep your mouth closed to avoid catching flies!
3. Woodward Dream Cruise, Michigan
Imagine a car show so big it takes over an entire city. Welcome to the Woodward Dream Cruise! Here in August, Detroit’s Woodward Avenue becomes the center of the classic car universe. With over 40,000 cars participating, it’s like a parade that got a bit out of hand in the best way possible!
4. Telluride Festival of Cars and Colors, Colorado
As if Telluride wasn’t stunning enough in September, the Festival of Cars and Colors goes ahead and adds classic cars into the mix. Other places just can’t compete! This festival is an absolute feast for the senses because of the beautiful mountain scenery alone. It’s a reminder that cars and nature can coexist beautifully.
5. Charlotte AutoFair, North Carolina
Twice a year, the Charlotte Motor Speedway turns into a giant playground for classic car enthusiasts. With thousands of cars on display, the AutoFair is a place where you can literally walk for miles and still see something new at every turn. It’s a reminder of the days when tail fins were a status symbol, and horsepower was the only currency that mattered.
6. Texas Motor Speedway Car Show, Texas
In the heart of Texas, the Texas Motor Speedway Car Show brings together classic beauties from all eras under the bright Texas sun. This event is proof that everything is bigger in Texas, including the love for classic cars. You can expect a weekend filled with shiny chrome, revving engines, and a sense of community that only car lovers can understand.
7. Hershey AACA Fall Meet, Pennsylvania
Hershey is truly the sweetest place on Earth, and the AACA Fall Meet is a classic car lover’s dream come true. It’s where you go to see the cars of your youth, along with a flea market that you could easily mistake for car parts heaven. If you’re looking for a nostalgia fix, this is definitely the place to come to.
8. Back to the 50s Weekend, Minnesota
The Minnesota State Fairgrounds takes a trip back in time during the Back to the 50s Weekend. Featuring over 12,000 vehicles from the golden era of American car design, it’s a stunning mix of chrome, tailfins, and neon. Honestly, we wouldn’t be surprised if we stumbled into Elvis while we were there!
9. Greenwich Concours d’Elegance, Connecticut
What would you get if you mixed East Coast sophistication with classic automotive beauty? Well, the Greenwich Concours d’Elegance, of course! This event celebrates vintage and contemporary masterpieces. It’s a social event with a side of horsepower that shows you just how the other half lives – and drives!
10. Louisville Concours d’Elegance, Kentucky
Hidden in the historic Churchill Downs, the Louisville Concours d’Elegance is a unique mix of Southern charm and automotive excellence. Here, thoroughbreds of a different kind take the spotlight. It’s a place where the mint juleps are almost as smooth as the cars’ paint jobs and where horsepower meets horse racing.
11. Route 66 Car Show, Arizona
Traveling down the historic Route 66, you’ll stumble upon one of the most iconic car shows in the U.S. It’s a celebration of America’s Main Street, with classic cars as far as the eye can see. You can’t help but taste the spirit of adventure in the air while every polished hood tells a story of the open road.
12. La Jolla Concours d’Elegance, California
April in La Jolla means one thing – an extravagant display of classic cars near the Pacific Ocean. The La Jolla Concours d’Elegance is a tribute to the timeless beauty of automotive design, where rare and exotic vehicles bask in the California sun. It’s an event that’s as much about the scenery as it is about the cars!
13. Hot August Nights, Nevada
Reno turns up the heat in August with Hot August Nights. It’s a week-long party where the music is as vintage as the vehicles! You can expect to see streets flooded with muscle cars, hot rods, and a sea of care grease. It’s a reminder that some things, like good music and great cars, just get better with age.
Car Pilgrimages
These 13 classic car shows are pilgrimages for those who believe that cars are rolling pieces of art. Each show can tell you all about the history and sheer joy that these mechanical marvels bring into our lives. Whether you’re in it for nostalgia or community, these car shows are sure to rev your engine!
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