Auto Events Calendar – The Best Classic Car Shows in the World
With the coronavirus pandemic forcing events to re-schedule their dates, this year’s auto events calendar will look a bit different. Thankfully, some classic car shows have remained.
These include the GP Ice Race in Zell am See and Belgium’s Autosalon Brussels. However, the postponed dates of other events have left a gap in the schedule.
Le Mans Classics
Le Mans Classics is an event that combines the cars which wrote the 24 Hours history book. Created by Peter Auto and the Automobile Club de l’Ouest, it has been an unmissable rendezvous for spectators and enthusiasts since its first edition in 2002.
On Thursday, the village and paddocks opened so that the public could discover the different exhibitors and their cars. Among the highlights was Bentley’s presence, with no less than 70 models from the interwar period.
The day also saw legendary Group C racing competitors line up for an old-school ‘Le Mans style’ start. It is a rare opportunity to see these incredible machines in action on the full circuit.
Spa Classics
The Spa Classic is another major event organized by Peter Auto and is held yearly at the legendary race track of Spa-Francorchamps. It features a wide range of classic cars that race together on the demanding Ardennes circuit. This includes everything from the tight pinch point at La Source, to the testing Eau Rouge through Raidillon section and high-speed balancing act at Blanchimont.
The atmosphere at Spa is magical as the challenge presented by this amazing circuit is magnified under the fading light of a Belgian evening. This makes for an unforgettable experience that is etched into the minds of motorsport lovers everywhere.
Goodwood Festival of Speed
The Goodwood Festival of Speed is the ultimate summer garden party. It’s Pimm’s and tartan rugs mixed with screaming rubber and awe-inducing machinery.
This year’s event was the first time the public has seen the new 690bhp Aston Martin V12 Vantage in action and it put on a show up the hill.
Also making its dynamic debut at Goodwood this year was the Renault Zoe EV, a modern take on one of the French car maker’s best-loved models. Next to that was the Caterham Project V, a neatly shaped electric convertible designed by Anthony Jannarelly (who made that jumpy Lykan for Fast & Furious X). It wowed.
Concours d’Elegance Suisse
Reviving a historic tradition the Concours d’Elegance Suisse is held at the Chateau de Coppet on Lake Geneva. The event celebrates automobile heritage and the art of mechanical engineering.
Breitling has strong ties with the world of classic cars and this year the Swiss watchmaker celebrated these ties in a unique partnership with the show. The brand’s association with automotive culture celebrates a passion for purposeful innovation and meticulous preservation, which resonates strongly with the values of the Concours d’Elegance.
Taking the CFF train is a great way to get to the event, the station at Coppet is only 100m from the concours’ main gate.
Essen Techno Classica
The Essen Techno Classica trade fair is the world’s largest trading centre for classic automobiles. Its visitors and exhibitors are profiting from a boom in historic automobiles. According to the organisers, this is because collector’s cars are one of the safest investments and a symbol of passion for technology and past epochs. The exhibition features classic and prestige automobiles, motor sports, spare parts and restoration. A special preview day called Happy View Day takes place in April 2023.
Paris Car Show
The Paris Car Show, held every two years at the Parc des Expositions Porte de Versailles, is one of the world’s most important auto shows with many production and concept cars making their debuts. This year was no exception, with a host of exciting new cars including the DS E-Tense Performance electric concept inspired by Formula E racers. The Renault 4, Peugeot 408 and Jeep Avenger all made their debuts as well. The DS E-Tense is expected to go on sale in 2022.