Classic cars are an incredible glimpse into our past; a magnificent tribute to the country’s impressive history in this iconic industry. From the classic Chevy Camaro to the Dodge Charger, there’s a great thirst for classic models. This is true even though there are new Camaros and Dodgers still being produced.
Insurance seller, the Hagerty Group, estimated back in 2014 that there are some 5 million collector cars in the United States. More than half of these are owned by the baby boomers. Their new desire to sell their cars has helped to spur a growing global market. This in turn has boosted the popularity of the humble classic car show.
In today’s piece, we’ll be sharing with you what we believe to be the 5 best automotive shows across the United States today:
1. Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance (Pebble Beach, CA)
Next show: August 15, 2021
Head to
Pebble Beach
, California on the Sunday in August for one of the highest-profile classic car shows in the country. It’s the show which, in the organizers’ words, “where icons of the past inspire the future.” Many go there to show their cars at the site on the 18th fairway of Pebble Beach Golf Links to gain the greatest title of “Best of Show” in the event’s main parade. Many more come to enjoy the sights, sounds and stunning setting of what is probably the greatest and more renowned classic car show in the US today. In 2021 they will celebrating their 70th anniversary, so don’t miss out.
2. Telluride Festival of Cars & Colors (Telluride, CO)
Next show: September 23-26, 2021
One problem some see with established shows like Pebble Beach is that they feel they are crashing the party. Those enthusiasts should consider one of the scene’s newest events, the
Festival of Cars & Colors
in Telluride, Colorado. Set against the majesty of the San Juan mountains. Beyond just the classic cars, Telluride’s show includes aviation and motorcycles in the mix, too.
Participants who want to do more than look at cars can enter one of their cars for the “People’s Choice Award.” They could also photograph their vehicle against the backdrop of Colorado’s magnificent natural scenery.
3. The Woodward Dream Cruise (Detroit, MI)
Next show: TBA
The 2020 cruise won’t be happening this year, unfortunately, but we can’t have a classic car show list without mentioning Detroit’s premier event. The
Woodward Dream Cruise
begins about one mile north of Detroit in Ferndale, and goes up 10 miles to Pontiac before circling back to Ferndale. People come out in droves, especially to see the car come by at 13 Mile & Woodward, 9 Mile & Woodward and top of the loop in Pontiac.
This event has its roots in the local community. The first one was a fundraiser to get donations to build a soccer field in Ferndale. The cruise of 1995 garnered a quarter of a million participants, but today it gets around 1.5 million and 40,000 classic cars to cruise America’s first highway.
4. Charlotte AutoFair (Charlotte, NC)
Next show: October 22-24, 2020
Residents of the east coast have a real gem on their doorstep, too. Hosted at the
Charlotte Motor Speedway
, this huge event brings together classic cars and a huge array of vendors offering memorabilia, vintage signs, tires, wheels, toys, tools and much more. You might even happen across another classic car to add to your collection.
One other big highlight of the event is the classic car corral, which is beloved by the more than 150,000 participants that come to take part. Those who take part do so mostly to show off their cars for sale, but others perhaps just to show off their classic stripes!
5. The Syracuse Nationals (Syracuse, NY)
Next show: July 16-18, 2021
Motor enthusiasts Over the years, the
Syracuse Nationals
has been held 20 times, raising money for local charities and displaying more than 8,000 cars and trucks for the 90,000 or more attendees. Owners of classic cars invited to compete in the show can win prizes of up to $10,000 (Winfield Award).
The event offers air-conditioned indoor spaces for those looking to escape the summer heat. There are also hundreds of vendors at which you can purchase parts and components to either fix up your own model or even build a whole new one from scratch!
Classic Car Enthusiasts, Unite!
The year 2020 doesn’t appear to be the year for those looking to attend classic car shows. The onset of COVID-19 has put a spanner in the works on that front. Hopefully 2021 will bring the full range and color of the classic car show scene to drivers everywhere.
Photo by Alex Suprun on Unsplash
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