A Deep Dive into the 2026 Audrain Concours: Innovation, Preservation, and the Future of Automobilia
By [Your Name/Industry Expert Name], Senior Automotive Analyst
Every year, as the leaves turn crimson and gold in the historic seaside town of Newport, Rhode Island, the automotive elite converge for an event that has become the benchmark of grace, heritage, and technological splendor: the Audrain Concours d’Elegance. It is a gathering that commands respect, not just for the rarity of its entries, but for the rigorous standards of its judging and the vibrant intellectual discourse it fosters. In 2026, the Audrain cemented its status as a titan of the classic car world, offering an unmatched experience that blends the old-world charm of the Gilded Age with the cutting-edge innovation driving the automotive industry forward today.
The journey began not in Newport, but at the MODA automotive exhibition in Miami. Organized with surgical precision by RM Sotheby’s, MODA serves as a testament to what happens when established auction houses innovate. Born from a competitive spirit following the migration of several key auction specialists to the Broad Arrow group, MODA transformed the vibrant Miami art scene into a canvas for vehicular artistry. It was during this event that the organizers of Audrain extended an invitation—a personal invitation—for me to join the judging panel. After years of admiring the event, this was the moment to truly immerse myself in its unique ecosystem.
This invitation to judge at a top-tier concours is not merely an honor; it is a challenge that tests one’s perception of automotive excellence. As I accepted the role of a judge, I found myself reflecting on my first encounter with the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. That initial experience, occurring in the pre-social media era, was defined by youthful naïveté. I recall a distinct lack of formality, a sense that I was attending a casual event rather than the grandest spectacle in the classic car world. The memory of that sartorial misstep serves as a stark reminder of how the landscape of such events has evolved. When one’s contemporaries include decorated automotive journalists like the Pulitzer Prize-winning Dan Neil, the pressure to perform at an elite level becomes acutely apparent. This incident ignited a fundamental question that has followed me through my career: Why not me? Why should I not be contributing to this conversation?
The Evolution of Excellence: Audrain vs. Pebble Beach
The comparison between the Audrain Concours d’Elegance and Pebble Beach is a frequent topic among enthusiasts and insiders. To many, including icons like Jay Leno—whose collection and influence in Newport are undeniable—the Audrain has evolved to surpass its venerable predecessor. Leno’s perspective was particularly insightful during The Gathering, Audrain’s answer to The Quail, held at Doris Duke’s opulent “summer cottage,” Rough Point.
During a live podcast recording with Spike Feresten, the mastermind behind “No soup for you!,” Leno eloquently articulated this comparison. He posited that the Audrain Motor Week, in its 2026 iteration, feels akin to Pebble Beach as it was some 15 years prior—raw, authentic, and pulsating with the energy of pioneering enthusiasts. Jay Leno, a resident of the affluent Newport area with an extensive personal car collection, plays an integral role in the Audrain’s identity. His contributions have been recognized by the city, which officially declared October 2, 2025, as Jay Leno Day—a clear acknowledgment of his influence on the local automotive culture.
Navigating the Challenges of Judging at the Audrain
Stepping into the judging circle at a major concours requires a distinct shift in perspective. The head judge, Phil Neff, opened the pre-show breakfast with a probing question: “Is there anyone here who hasn’t judged a concours?” In the room filled with seasoned professionals, only a few hands rose, none of which were mine.
While I had never judged the pinnacle event of Newport, I had extensive experience presiding over the parody show, Concours d’LeMons. I have judged this event so many times that the specific number has become elusive, and I have frankly sworn off participating again. The question of whether I should have admitted my relative lack of formal concours experience is one I leave to debate. However, the underlying philosophy of these events remains simple: when one is presented with an opportunity to participate at this level, one simply engages. The prevailing mindset—and one that has served me well—is captured by the simple question, “It’s cars, ain’t it?” Why not step into the arena?
Neff and his team paired me with Ray Evernham, a legendary figure in NASCAR history. Known for his championship-winning tenure with drivers like Jeff Gordon, Evernham proved to be an ideal collaborator. We discovered a mutual connection through Pikes Peak, both having participated in the grueling uphill race. Our assignment was to judge the Sporting Choice Award. The directive was straightforward: we were tasked with identifying the most sporting car on the lawn, regardless of its class.
To ensure we were aligned, I sought clarification from Head Judge Neff. Did he want us to focus more on sports cars or actual race cars? His response—a wry smile and a simple “Yes”—illuminated the breadth of the award. Essentially, we were tasked with evaluating every vehicle with either two doors or no doors, a task that encompassed well over 100 vehicles, all within a strict two-hour timeframe.
The Art of Selection: Finding a Sporting Winner
Decked out in our official judging attire—medallions, clipboards, pencils, and navy blazers—Evernham and I set out on the concours lawn. We quickly established a strategy: as is tradition, the cars are organized into specific classes. Our approach was to examine each class, identify the cars that truly stood out for their sporting character, and narrow down the list to our top four or five favorites. We were explicitly instructed to avoid the obsessive minutiae that often plague modern concours judging, such as the alignment of carb bolts or the specific weave of trunk lining. The goal was to focus on the overall sporting appeal of the automobile.
The Weight of Expertise: When the Obvious Choice is Difficult
Two of the concours classes highlighted the immense depth of experience required to serve as a judge at this level. Class D, featuring a lineup of Ford GT40 road cars, was particularly challenging. Approximately six of these cars were virtually indistinguishable, each appearing to be an equally spectacular GT40 Mk1 homologation special. Without access to detailed historical records or the ability to perform intrusive technical inspections—which we were strictly forbidden from doing—selecting a winner was nearly impossible. In fact, we were unable to make a selection. This level of scrutiny demands the expertise of dedicated subject matter experts who can discern the subtle nuances that differentiate these exceptional vehicles.
The same challenge was encountered in Class A, the prewar Alfa Romeo division. This class featured six breathtakingly beautiful 8C models. The winning car, a stunning burgundy beauty, ultimately went on to win Best of Show, and in hindsight, this outcome seemed remarkably appropriate, even though discerning the specific reason for its win was beyond my expertise.
Despite these challenges, we managed to compile a short list of favorites. However, compromises had to be made. Among the contenders was a Lamborghini 3500 GTZ Zagato Coupe that truly captivated me simply because I had never encountered it before. Upon further research, I discovered that only two such cars exist, and the other has been intentionally kept out of the public eye. While I was fascinated by the Zagato’s novelty and pure “Wow!” factor, I quickly realized it was not a strong contender for the Sporting Choice Award.
Ray Evernham, meanwhile, was deeply impressed by an exceptionally rare Allard JR that had raced in the 1952 24 Hours of Le Mans. I soon discovered that Evernham owns three Allards, making this particular example less suitable for the award, despite its historical significance. It remains the most successful of the seven Allard JRs ever built, featuring a Jaguar C-Type body adapted to meet new Le Mans regulations while still powered by a potent 5.3-liter Cadillac V-8 engine.
The Difficulty of Third Place: Cadillac vs. Alfa Romeo
Perhaps the most difficult decision we faced was determining third place. The choice was between a 1949 Alfa Romeo 6C 2500 SS Touring Superleggera Coupe and a 1940 Cadillac Series 62 Bonham & Schwartz Convertible Victoria. As a devoted enthusiast of postwar Alfas, I possess a deep affection for these vehicles. I am particularly drawn to the tactile feel of the Bakelite switchgear found in these cars. This particular 6C wore a handsome blue livery and possessed a compelling history, including the fact that its current owner had not driven it since 1973 until he participated in the Audrain Tour d’Elegance the day before the concours.
However, the Cadillac presented a stronger sporting appeal. It was one of only two such cars custom-bodied in Pasadena, California, by Bonham & Schwartz—the same coachbuilders responsible for Clark Gable’s Duesenberg. The candy-red Series 62 simply radiated presence; it possessed that inherent “wow” factor, that indefinable quality that distinguishes the extraordinary from the merely beautiful. While it was one of two made, it is also the only survivor; its sibling was destroyed in a fire. This particular car was built for the wealthy Californian oil baron family, the Dohenys, who coincidentally founded the city of Beverly Hills. We awarded the Cadillac our third-place vote, or as the Audrain calls it, Honorable Mention.
The Final Decision: Old vs
