The concept of a Concours d’Elegance (or competition of elegance) originated in 17th Century Paris. The French aristocracy used to parade around the city’s parks during summer weekends and holidays. As horse-drawn carriages gave way to the motorcar, the competitions transitioned to automobile owners being judged on both the appearance and condition of their vehicles. The combination of extreme rarity, perfect condition and beautiful appearance are all key factors for making a car a Concours d’Elegance winner. Here are the top 5 Concours d’Elegances in the world today:
Click on the images to view them in their full size |
Amelia Island |
Location: Florida, USA The Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance is held annually at the Florida’s Ritz-Carlton Amelia Island. It was founded in 1996 by businessman and car collector, Bill Warner, and has grown to become one of the premier events of its kind in the world since then. Judges select first, second and third-placed cars in each category, while subjective awards to standout vehicles are also given out. Your car also has to be chosen by the organizers, who will deem whether it is worthy of being displayed. |
Image Source |
Villa d’Este |
Location: Lago di Como, Italy This event has taken place each year since 1929 against the stunning backdrop of Lake Como. While this Concours is somewhat small relative to the others in this list, it’s also one of the most glamorous. Visitors can view approximately 50 exquisitely-prepared cars dating from the 1920s through to the 1970s. Luxury car manufacturers take the opportunity to showcase their most exclusive and expensive new offerings at this Concours – Aston Martin notably showed its One-77 supercar to the viewing public for the first time at the 2009 edition. |
Image Source |
Greenwich |
Location: Connecticut, USA Held annually during the first weekend of June, the Greenwich Concours d’Elegance kicks off on a Friday, with a Grand Tour of cars parading down Greenwich Avenue. On the Saturday, a Concours Americana takes place. Only American-produced cars and motorcycles are allowed to enter. The main event, the Concours International, takes place on the Sunday. This caters to imported (non-American) cars and motorcycles. Contemporary supercars are also on display. |
Image Source |
|
Pebble Beach |
Location: California, USA The Concours d'Elegance at Pebble Beach is widely considered to be the most prestigious event of its kind in the world. The first edition was held in 1950, and it acts as the finale for Monterey Car Week in its present incarnation. Some 15,000 spectators view approximately 200 cars on display, and there are 25 judging classes that they are entered in. Pebble Beach also raises money for charity - some $14 million has been raised and given away over the years. |
Image Source |
Salon Prive’ |
Location: London, UK Held on the South Lawn of the spectacular Blenheim Palace, Salon Prive' is now in its 11th year. It was conceived by Andrew and David Bagley, who saw a niche for supercar manufacturers to present their latest models openly and safely. It's more of a quintessentially-British garden party laden with very expensive cars than anything else. Luxury goods brands also display their products to visitors. |
Written by: Jake Schembri |
Finland Is Far More Than Merely a Winter Wonderland...
Finland has a reputation for being a winter wonderland, but there's much more to the country than that. Here are the top 10 attractions to enjoy in Finland.
See Polonnaruwa - A Magical Medieval City In Sri Lanka
Polonnaruwa was the seat of the Sinhalese kingdom that ruled over Sri Lanka between the 11th and 14th centuries. Take a look at this stunning city.
These Cars Have the Largest Sticker Prices In History
There are expensive cars in this world, then there are cars that are just on another level entirely. Behold the 12 most expensive cars ever sold new.
The Cinque Terre Are the World's Most Beautiful Villages..
The Cinque Terre are well among the most beautiful villages in the world. Even UNESCO thinks so. Discover the charm of the Cinque Terre right now.
Each of These Flawless Diamonds Has a fascinating History
There are diamonds, then there are the finest, most flawless diamonds ever discovered. Find out the history behind 6 of the world's finest diamonds.
These Are Simply the Most Stunning Bays in the Whole World
There are many spectacular bays around the world, but these are just the most beautiful of all. So here's the top 10, in all its glory. Enjoy!
These 12 Beautiful Cars Are Literally One of a Kind
There are only one each of these beautiful, classic cars.
I Wish They Still Made Cars Like These Classic Hot Rods
Hot rodders spend their spare time fixing and transforming classic cars. See the stunning cars their dedication has produced.
These Were the Fastest Production Cars Money Could Buy
Many records have been broken as part of man's relentless pursuit of more and more speed. Each of these 16 cars has held the production car speed record.
Days Of Future Past: 14 Bizarre Cars From Bygone Eras
These wacky retro car concepts are seriously so cool.
Why is Europe Cutting Down on Air Travel?
Europe is seriously considering a shift from air travel to high-speed railway systems, but why?
Exploring the Fascinating History of the Flying Ship
The USS Plainview was an American ship that could fly. Literally. But what happened to it?
The Eighth Wonder: How the Panama Canal Works
The Panama Canal is an engineering wonder, see how it was built and how it works here
Look Ma, No Eyes: How Self-Driving Cars "See" Obstacles
The technology that allows self-driving cars to detect and navigate around obstacles
Exploring 5 of the Most Famous Pilots in History
The fascinating stories of men and women who dared to explore flight when it was still a young technology.
The Car, the Star: 12 Famous Cars From Movies and TV
There were many famous cars in movies and TV over the years, but some stand out above all the others. Here are the 12 most famous ever to grace our screens.
"Rare & Expensive" Doesn't Do These Muscle Cars Justice...
Rare and expensive are terms that don't do these muscle cars justice. Some are completely unique, while others actually started legends. Here they are!
Collection: The Airplanes That Conquered the Skies
Before you are 10 posts that will each take you to a world of airplanes, so you get a wide range of fascinating planes to learn about!
This Daredevil Motorcyclist Will Leave You Petrified!
Get ready to watch one of the most dangerous acts ever performed on TV, as a stunt motorcyclist performs a dangerous routine around Howie Mandel.
Ancient Wheels: 15 of the Oldest Vehicles in Human History
Check out these amazingly cool retro automobiles.
These Are the 10 of the Fastest Trains On the Planet...
Trains are a huge part of how we get things from place to place. But which are the fastest, and why is that?
Has There Ever Been a Greater Era For Beautiful Cars?
These have been many great automotive eras, but the 21st Century has seen many technologically incredible and truly beautiful cars released. Here is the top 10.
The Fighting Elite: 10 Modern and Dangerous Tanks!
These are the 10 most advanced war machines you can find on the battlefield around the world.
What a $130 Million Car Collection Looks Like...
This British man sold an incredible collection of cars worth over $130m...
You Won’t Believe How Massive These Steam Locomotives Were
Here we present some of the largest steam locomotives ever built throughout railway history.
Paul Allen's Collection of WWII Planes Is Staggering!
This amazing group of planes was amassed by billionaire Paul Allen. These incredibly rare WWII fighters can be enjoyed by the general public. Take a look.
This Subway Train Has a Beautiful Secret Inside...
What looks like a regular subway from the outside, offers a suddenly luxurious experience inside!
I Thought I'd Seen it All... Until I Saw These Cars...
These owners must have spent a fortune putting their strange creations together on wheels.
The Very First Models of Famous Car Brands
Photos of the first models of these 10 well-known car manufacturers, so you can get an idea of where they came from and where they are now...
Need for Speed – France's Record-Breaking SUPERFAST Train
We’ve all heard of the Japanese bullet trains, but did you know about the TGV – France’s super fast trains?
Bristol Brabazon: A Flying Marvel with a Theater!
The Bristol Brabazon was the largest aircraft ever built by Britain. And it had a movie theater? So why did fail?
It's Crazy That These Highly Valuable Cars Were Abandoned!
It's incredible to think that these highly valuable cars were forgotten about in garages and barns for so long. Check out these incredible barn find cars.
These Stunning Cars Were Sold at Unbelievable Prices
These classic cars are beautiful, but you need very deep pockets if you ever fancy getting hold of one of them.
Only One Car Was Ever Named 'The Ghost'. This is Why...
This may look like some modern re-creation, but this plexiglass Pontiac 'ghost car' model was created in 1939...
These Remarkable Cars Broke the Land Speed Record!
Having broken the speed of sound, designers are developing a car designed to travel at 1000 mph. Here are the other cars that have broken the land speed record.
Step Inside the Cockpits of These Amazing Planes
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to get behind the controls of some of the most exciting planes and helicopters ever built? Well wonder no more!
The Story of the Only Aircraft Built With Pivoting Wings
Did you know NASA once tested pivoting wing technology?
Maintain Your Car's Value Longer With These Top Tips
Cars often decrease in value over the years, but these tips will ensure that your car value will be maintained.
These Are Some of the Most Unusual Trains Ever Made
Join us on a fascinating journey of history’s most unusual trains.
15 of the World's Most Beautiful Historic Race Cars
These race cars weren't only effective on track, they also happen to be absolutely stunning to look at. Here are 15 of the most beautiful race cars ever.
10 Groundbreaking Cars that Changed the Auto Industry
There have been many innovative cars that have come to market over the decades, however these 10 cars were revolutionary. Take a look at these 10 game-changers.
When People Messed With Their Cars… With Bizarre Results
Sometimes people make the weirdest modifications in their cars. Take a look.
13 Lesser-Known Car Facts That May Surprise You
We're so used to cars that we sometimes forget that their history is incredibly interesting.
These Wonderful Cars Put Japan On the Automotive Map
Just because Japan took a while to catch up to the European manufacturers, it doesn't mean that they didn't produce some great cars along the way. Take a look.
These Timeless Campervans Are Classics of Their Era
There is no greater sense of freedom than hitting the road in a campervan, and some people still prefer to ride in the old classics.
14 Pics of Old Cars Being Restored To Their Original Glory
It’s so satisfying to see these classic cars being restored to their original glory.
12 of the Weirdest Things Car Mechanics Saw on the Job
Turns out car mechanics regularly spot all kinds of crazy things on the job. Take a look at these 12 highlights