11 Best Car Shows for Collectors of Classic and Vintage Vehicles
For vintage vehicle collectors, car shows are not just events; they are opportunities to explore rare and iconic automobiles. From prestigious concours d’elegance to lively classic car gatherings, these shows offer a chance to see history in motion. Collectors and enthusiasts alike gather to admire meticulously restored cars, share knowledge, and sometimes, make big investments. Whether you are looking to purchase a classic car or simply appreciate the craftsmanship, attending these events is a must. The best car shows feature everything from pre-war classics to modern-day collectibles, and each one brings something unique to the table. With auctions, displays, and the chance to network with fellow collectors, these shows are a celebration of automotive history.
This post may contain affiliate links, which helps keep this content free. Please read our disclosure for more info.
Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance
Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance is one of the most prestigious events for vintage car collectors. Held every August in Pebble Beach, California, it features a display of rare and exceptional automobiles from various eras. Enthusiasts and collectors gather to admire these fine vehicles, with many vying for the coveted Best of Show title. The event also includes auctions where rare vintage cars can change hands for millions. The event attracts collectors, historians, and manufacturers, offering a unique mix of automotive history and luxury.
The market value of some of the cars showcased here can reach astonishing amounts. For example, a 1937 Talbot-Lago T150-C-SS Teardrop Coupe, which won Best of Show in 2019, sold for approximately $13.42 million. This event not only highlights the beauty of vintage cars but also showcases the investment potential of rare and classic automobiles.
Goodwood Revival
The Goodwood Revival, held annually in West Sussex, England, celebrates the golden era of motorsport. Vintage car collectors come to see classic racing cars, motorcycles, and even aircraft. The event is known for its immersive experience, where attendees are encouraged to dress in period attire, adding to the nostalgia of the event. The races feature some of the most iconic vehicles from the 1940s to the 1960s, with the chance to see rare cars in action on the track.
Many collectors attend Goodwood Revival to purchase and view rare cars and memorabilia. A 1953 Jaguar C-Type, which has been featured here, can sell for over $10 million at auction. The event is also known for its vintage car auctions, where some of the world’s most desirable vehicles are up for grabs.
Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance
Held every March in Amelia Island, Florida, the Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance is a renowned event for vintage vehicle enthusiasts. It showcases over 300 cars, including rare classics, antique vehicles, and the latest in automotive design. The event features a wide range of categories, from early 20th-century automobiles to modern-day luxury sports cars. It also includes a prestigious auction where some of the world’s finest vehicles are sold.
The cars showcased at Amelia Island often reach high market values, with some vehicles fetching millions at auction. For instance, a 1937 Talbot-Lago T150-C-SS Teardrop Coupe sold for around $12.5 million in 2020. This event is a great place for collectors to network, acquire new additions to their collections, and gain insight into the future of vintage car restoration.
The Concours of Elegance
The Concours of Elegance, held annually at Hampton Court Palace in London, is one of the most prestigious classic car events in Europe. It showcases over 60 rare and iconic vehicles, including pre-war cars, luxury cars, and other automotive masterpieces. The event is a celebration of automotive excellence, featuring cars from private collections as well as historical vehicles from major museums. The Concours also includes a charity auction where rare cars are sold to the highest bidder.
One of the most notable aspects of the Concours of Elegance is the high market value of the cars on display. For example, a 1937 Talbot-Lago T150-C-SS Cabriolet, which was shown at the 2019 event, fetched $10.1 million at auction. For collectors, this event is not only a chance to view vintage vehicles but also to make significant investments in rare automobiles.
Hershey Fall Meet
The Hershey Fall Meet, hosted annually by the Antique Automobile Club of America (AACA) in Hershey, Pennsylvania, is one of the largest antique car shows in the world. The event is a must-attend for collectors seeking vintage cars, parts, and memorabilia. With more than 1,000 cars on display, the Hershey Fall Meet offers an extensive array of vehicles spanning from the 1900s to the 1970s. The event also includes a swap meet, making it ideal for finding rare parts and accessories for restoration projects.
Hershey’s car auction also attracts collectors from all over the globe, with some vehicles fetching significant amounts. For example, a 1932 Duesenberg Model J sold for $10.3 million at a Hershey auction. This event is perfect for those looking to expand their collection with a mix of affordable and high-end vintage vehicles.
Cavallino Classic
The Cavallino Classic, held every January in Palm Beach, Florida, is dedicated to Ferrari enthusiasts. It is known as one of the premier events for Ferrari collectors, with more than 100 vintage Ferraris showcased. The event includes a concours d’elegance, driving tours, and an exclusive auction where some of the finest Ferrari models are up for sale. The event attracts collectors, restorers, and Ferrari experts, all eager to share their passion for these iconic vehicles.
Ferrari models at Cavallino Classic can be worth millions, depending on their rarity and condition. A 1957 Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa, for instance, is valued at around $39 million. The event provides an excellent opportunity for collectors to view some of the rarest and most valuable Ferraris in existence.
Retro Classics Stuttgart
Retro Classics Stuttgart, held annually in Germany, is one of Europe’s largest classic car exhibitions. It brings together vintage car collectors from around the world to showcase and trade classic vehicles. With over 1,500 cars on display, Retro Classics covers a wide range of models, from early automotive designs to mid-20th-century cars. The show also features a large number of auto parts and restoration services, making it a one-stop event for collectors.
Market values at Retro Classics can range from modestly priced classics to multi-million-dollar vehicles. For example, a 1963 Porsche 911, a model regularly featured at Retro Classics, can fetch anywhere from $250,000 to $1 million, depending on its condition and originality. Collectors flock to this event to find unique cars and engage with fellow enthusiasts and restorers.
Monterey Car Week
Monterey Car Week, held every August in California, is a major event for vintage car collectors. It includes the prestigious Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, but also features several other events like the Carmel-by-the-Sea Concours on the Avenue and the Quail Motorsports Gathering. With hundreds of rare vehicles on display, Monterey Car Week attracts collectors, manufacturers, and car enthusiasts from around the globe. It also includes high-profile auctions where some of the world’s rarest cars are sold.
Cars showcased at Monterey Car Week often reach sky-high market values. A 1955 Jaguar D-Type, for instance, sold for $21.78 million at the 2016 Gooding & Co. auction during the event. The weeklong celebration is a must-attend for any serious vintage car collector looking to expand their collection.
Classic Motor Show
The Classic Motor Show, held in Birmingham, England, is one of the largest events for vintage car enthusiasts in the UK. The show features a wide variety of classic vehicles, from post-war models to more modern classics from the 1980s and 1990s. It is a great place to discover rare cars, network with fellow collectors, and attend seminars on car restoration. The event also includes an auction, where buyers can purchase vintage vehicles and memorabilia.
The market for cars at the Classic Motor Show can vary widely, with some cars valued at under $20,000, while others, like a 1962 Aston Martin DB4, can be worth over $1 million. For collectors in the UK and beyond, this event offers an excellent opportunity to acquire rare vintage cars and parts.
La Jolla Concours d’Elegance
The La Jolla Concours d’Elegance, held annually in California, is known for its breathtaking coastal setting and high-end vintage cars. The event brings together rare and historic vehicles, including pre-war classics, European sports cars, and American muscle cars. The concours competition is one of the highlights of the event, with awards given for the most meticulously restored and preserved vehicles. The show also features a luxury auction for collectors to purchase rare automobiles.
Vintage car values at La Jolla Concours d’Elegance can be very high. A 1956 Ferrari 410 Sport Spider, for instance, sold for $22 million at auction. This event provides collectors with the opportunity to view rare vehicles, network with industry professionals, and make significant purchases.
The Classic Auto Show
Held in Los Angeles, The Classic Auto Show attracts collectors from across the United States. The show features a variety of vintage cars, from muscle cars to classic European models. It includes a wide range of categories, offering something for every type of vintage car enthusiast. The event also offers opportunities for restoration experts and collectors to connect, exchange ideas, and acquire parts for projects.
Classic cars at the show can range in price, with some vehicles, like a 1967 Shelby Mustang GT500, reaching values over $1 million. The Classic Auto Show is a great venue for collectors to find both affordable cars and high-end vintage gems.
This article originally appeared on Avocadu.