By J.A. Ackley
Jan 16, 2025
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Photo by Kristina Cilia
Don’t think concours are for you? Think again.
What does this dirt-track-loving, 1970s Caddy-driving, professional wrestling fan get out of attending one? Plenty. Here are five reasons why I enjoy them and think you should add one to your calendar for this year.
Photo by J.A. Ackley
Any quality concours–and I’m not talking only events such as Pebble Beach–will present cars that you’ve never seen before. Last year’s Chattanooga Motorcar Festival is a great example–and its admission set you back for just $20. A Porsche 930 X-code car (1 of 4). The Jaguar XJ220 that Jeremy Clarkson drove on Top Gear. And the Alco that won the storied Vanderbilt Cup in 1909 and 1910. Typically, nothing is pedestrian about the cars at a concours. Even the seemingly most mundane examples have an incredible backstory.
Photo by J.A. Ackley
Photo by J.A. Ackley
Want to know more about how your classic car originally looked like? Maybe you’re struggling with fixing a particular issue or finding a specific part. Or you’re thinking of buying a certain car. Well, you’re in luck at a concours. Those presenting on the showfield have the best examples for a reason. They’re often experts on their car or, at the very least, can lead you to those experts. Most owners are quite happy to help you, too, if you ask. So, don’t be shy. Break the ice by complimenting them on their gorgeous car.
Photo by J.A. Ackley
Photo by Kristina Cilia
How often do we dress to the nines these days? Weddings and funerals, right? If you have a flair for fashion and miss wearing a jacket and a tie or decked-out dress, many concours offer that opportunity. Hats, too, are more than welcome. So, here’s your reason to dust off what’s in that closet or go shopping for some new attire. (By the way, bonus points for automotive-themed wear.)
Photo by Kristina Cilia
Photo courtesy The Quail.
Concours people know how to eat and drink. Sure, The Quail, probably offers the pinnacle of that with huge tents containing all sorts of food with names that need a pronunciation guide. However, many of the smaller concours feature great (often local) wine, unique cocktail creations and hand-crafted food with ingredients sourced from the best (often local) farms. Don’t miss out this opportunity. Come hungry to a concours. You will regret eating before.
Photo courtesy The Quail
Photo by J.A. Ackley
During Monterey Car Week, I apparently nudged Erik Estrada out of the way as I sought to take the perfect photo. Oops. Don’t call CHiPs on me. And this wasn’t even at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, but at smaller event at a local Porsche dealer. Without a doubt, many celebrities love cars, and they also love concours. They could be actors such as Estrada, comedians such as Jay Leno, movie studio higher-ups as Pixar’s Jay Ward, racing heroes such as David Hobbs or Ray Evernham, or even royalty from other countries. While they’ve made a name for themselves in what they do, keep in mind they’re just car people like you and I. So, feel free to talk cars. Who wants to talk work anyway?
Why do you love going to concours? We’d love to hear your reasons, too.
Photo by Teri Murray
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