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Audrains Concours Motor Week the automotive lifestyle event returns to Newport, October 2nd-6th

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One of the premier automotive events of the year is returning to historic Newport, Rhode Island.  Audrain’s Motor Week kicks runs October 2nd to October 6th.   This is not just a car show, this is an automotive and a lifestyle event not to be missed.  Since its inception which we were thrilled to attend, Audrain’s Motor Week has become one of the premier automotive events in the world.

Newport is the birthplace of auto racing with William K. Vanderbilt and his friends racing at a Newport horse track back in 1900.  This event would later evolve into the Vanderbilt Cup Races.  Newport is rich with history from sailing, tennis, to racing, and  to being the summer playground of the wealthy during the Gilded Age.  This historic town is the perfect venue for Audrain’s Motor Week which concludes with Audrain’s Concours on the lawn at the beautiful Vanderbilt mansion, The Breakers. The back lawn of the Breakers which overlooks the ocean will feature over 180 cars. The cars are some of the finest and unique classic cars you will see anywhere.

The perfect setting for a Concours

The organizers have organized so many events for Motor Week you need to plan ahead.  The Concours Village is The Headquarters for this World-class Automotive Event! The International Tennis Hall of Fame acts the Concours Village for the Motor Week.

The Concours Village at the Tennis Hall of Fame

The Village is open through the Motor Week and will feature concessions from local restaurants, vendors with unique booths and experiences as well . Patrons will be able to enjoy great food from LaForge Restaurant and other exceptional Rhode Island restaurants, purchase official motor week merch, view some very special autos and motorcycles.  It is also where some fantastic seminars are held.

Any time during motor week visit the Audrain Automobile Museum to check out the latest exhibition. Each temporary exhibition features 15+ cars allowing for an in-depth look at a collection of remarkable vehicles.  This museum always displays some of the most unique and interesting cars.

Cars, cocktails, and food at the beautiful Rough Point estate

On Friday October 4th, Rough Point the beautiful former home of Doris Duke will host “The Gathering”.  We attending this event several times during Audrain Motor Week and it is outstanding.  The lawns overlooking the ocean are breathtaking. As you wander the ground you can sip champagne, wine, cocktails and beer and enjoy a unique collection of cars. Fine food and bites are also served. You’ll be in good company with comedian, Jay Leno and other car enthusiasts alike. Full-day ticket holders have access to the grounds from 11:00 am onward. Half-day ticket holders have access from 2:00 pm onward.  Rough Point is a mansion and a museum with an extensive collection of fine arts and a sprawling historic landscape with panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean.  This is not an event to be missed.  The Gathering runs 11 am to 5pm. Cars of all kinds including super rare concept cars have graced the lawn at The Gathering.

Classics on the Audrain tour gather on Bellevue Avenue

Saturday will feature the Tour D’Elegance. The Tour d’Elegance is the scenic drive for all cars that are participating in the Audrain Newport Concours d’Elegance and is a spectacle not worth missing. Cars are meant to be driven and this is a chance to see these amazing autos as the complete their tour and park on Bellevue Avenue right in front of the museum. Also on Saturday is a Cars and Coffee event starting at 8am for any classic car driver not on the tour.

The ultimate event, Sunday’s Concours d’Elegance is the pinnacle  of Audrain Newport Concours & Motor Week. The Concours team has gathered an outstanding  selection of judges from around the globe. The Concours classes cover the decades from early 1900 to 1980 with a focus on cars that exemplify the History, Luxury, and Sport of the automotive world. This is a judged event with over a dozen classes of cars. If you love cars or know one who does, this is the ultimate car event for automotive enthusiasts. The Concours opens at 8:30 am and concludes at 3:30pm.

There is so much to do during Motor Week including great seminars, Audrain’s Museum, Bonhams car auction, Wine By The Water, the Hilltop Hangout and more. So get your tickets now and start planning for a memorable experience in beautiful Newport.

You meet the nicest people at Audrain’s

Audrain Concours Motor Week

For tickets and information and to plan your visit: https://www.audrainconcours.com

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Greenwich Concours 2023: an exciting weekend of automotive excellence

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Best of Show at the Concours d’Elegance: 1937 Alfa Romeo 8C 2900 B owned by Lawrence Auriana.

Each June there is a special gathering in Greenwich Ct of automotive enthusiasts, collectors and experts to attend the Greenwich Concours d’Elegance. At this yearly event, the automotive faithful witnessed a finely curated collection of unique automobiles.  The passion of the owners, judges, attendees and the organizers was evident in Greenwich this past weekend.

Wayne Carini’s 1953 Studebaker Commander Starlight Coupe

On Sunday June 4th the waterside show field was filled with classic cars featuring a number of different classes.  Among the classes were Post War Alfa Romeo, Beach Cars, The Class of ’63, East Coast Coachbuilders, Ghia Concepts (cars hand built by Ghia of Italy), Historic Hot Rods, Muscle Cars (in high impact colors), Motorcycles, Woodie Wagons, Super cars and more. 

There were cars for every taste and interest.    On Sunday as on Saturday, Wayne Carini, restorer, collector and star of the tv program “Chasing Classic Cars” walked guests through some of his collection of cars that were displayed waterside.  Wayne was also the Grand Marshall of the Concours.

The DeSoto Adventurer II concept car built for Chrysler by Ghia of Italy. One of a kind.

Being invited to a Concours to show your vehicle is an honor, but to win best in show is quite the achievement.   Saturday’s Concours de Sport Winner of the best in show was The 1965 Ford GT40 Mk I owned by Benjamin Levy.

On Sunday the best of show winner at Concours d’Elegance wasthe 1937 Alfa Romeo 8C 2900 B owned by Lawrence Auriana.  The judges must have had a challenging time choosing with all the amazing and unique cars on the show field.

The concours this year also featured a section with several food trucks and a bar truck which seemed to be a big hit with the guests. Attendees could also upgrade their experience and have access to Club Greenwich where they could dine in a beautiful pavilion overlooking the harbor and the winners platform.

In the parking lot across the street the electric car company Lucid was giving free test drives.  Hagerty Ride and Drive was also there with several classic cars and one modern Porsche for guests to test drive through the streets of Greenwich.  I was thrilled to drive a classic 1967 Pontiac GTO.  It is this kind of experience provided by Hagerty Events and the Greenwich Concours which set this event apart from other car shows.

Driving a classic 1967 Pontiac GTO as part of Hagerty’s Ride and Drive program.

If your interested in other Concours and car events presented by Hagerty, you should consider joining the Hagerty Drivers Club.  I have circled my calendar for the next Concours.  It should  be another great weekend.

More information>>  https://www.greenwichconcours.com/

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Photos from the Concours can be seen all year on instagram @car_nation_frank

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