The classic car community offers countless opportunities to share your passion with fellow enthusiasts, from prestigious concours d’elegance events to casual weekend cars and coffee gatherings. Finding the right events for your interests and vehicles enhances your enjoyment of the hobby and connects you with like-minded collectors.
Understanding Concours d’Elegance
What Is a Concours?
French for “competition of elegance,” a concours d’elegance is a judged event where vehicles compete based on authenticity, condition, and presentation. Serious concours evaluate everything from paint quality to correct hardware, rewarding preservation and meticulous restoration.
Major Concours Events
- Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance: The pinnacle of the hobby, featuring the world’s finest collector cars
- Amelia Island Concours: Major East Coast event with diverse classes and strong participation
- The Quail: Intimate Monterey Car Week event known for exceptional curation
- Concours of America: Historic St. Johns event celebrating American and European classics
Is Concours Right for You?
Concours participation suits collectors with exceptional vehicles prepared to museum standards. The preparation investment is substantial—detailing alone can take dozens of hours. But for appropriate vehicles, concours provides unmatched recognition and connection with preservation-focused enthusiasts.
The Cars and Coffee Culture
What Is Cars and Coffee?
These informal morning gatherings welcome all enthusiast vehicles regardless of condition or value. The format is simple: show up with your car, drink coffee, and talk with fellow enthusiasts. No judging, no registration, no pressure.
Finding Local Events
Search for “cars and coffee” plus your city name. Many occur weekly or monthly at shopping centers, restaurants, or car dealerships. Social media groups and enthusiast forums advertise local gatherings.
Cars and Coffee Etiquette
- Arrive early—the best interactions happen before crowds peak
- Don’t rev engines or do burnouts
- Ask before photographing interiors or touching vehicles
- Be welcoming to all makes, models, and experience levels
Other Event Types to Consider
Marque-Specific Shows
Porsche, BMW, Corvette, and other marques host dedicated shows ranging from informal meets to national conventions. These events offer deep expertise and specialized vendor support.
Driving Tours
Rally-style tours emphasize driving over showing. Events like the Copperstate 1000 and Colorado Grand combine scenic routes with camaraderie, perfect for collectors who believe cars should be driven.
Vintage Racing
Historic racing events like the Monterey Historics and Weathertech Raceway events let appropriate vehicles compete as intended. Even spectating provides incredible access to significant machinery.
Building Your Event Calendar
Start Local
Begin with accessible events to learn what you enjoy. Cars and coffee offers zero commitment—show up when convenient and leave when ready.
Match Events to Vehicles
A concours-quality restoration deserves judged events. A well-used driver belongs at casual gatherings or driving tours. Different vehicles suit different venues.
Expand Gradually
As your interests develop, add marque shows, regional tours, and eventually major national events. The hobby offers lifetime exploration opportunities.
The Community Connection
Beyond comparing cars, events build relationships that enhance the collector experience. Fellow enthusiasts become friends, mentors, and resources. They’ll recommend mechanics, share technical knowledge, and alert you to vehicles for sale.
Whether you prefer the rigor of concours competition or the relaxed atmosphere of morning coffee gatherings, active participation transforms car collecting from ownership into community.
