The Audrain Concours d’Elegance: A Modern Revival of Automotive Heritage
In the rarefied air of Newport, Rhode Island, where history is etched into the very granite foundations of the city, the Audrain Concours d’Elegance has emerged as a premier event that captures the soul of classic car culture. For those unfamiliar with the intricacies of high-stakes automotive gatherings, the term Audrain concours d’elegance refers to a prestigious competition where meticulously restored or preserved classic automobiles are judged by a panel of experts for their historical significance, design authenticity, and concours condition. Held annually in late September/early October, the Audrain Motor Week encompasses a series of events leading up to the main Concours d’Elegance on Sunday, creating a holistic experience that extends beyond the formal show field.
One cannot discuss the rise of this event without acknowledging the pioneering spirit of its founders. The Audrain Motor Week was conceived by the Audrain Group, a luxury automotive concierge service and insurance provider, as a response to what they perceived as a shift in the competitive landscape. Specifically, the launch of the Audrain Concours d’Elegance in 2019 was fueled by a desire to provide an authentic, world-class automotive competition at a time when some legacy events were transitioning away from the rigor of concours judging. This distinction is critical: while many events focus on fun and camaraderie, the Audrain remains anchored in the “Concours d’Elegance” tradition, meaning participants compete for awards based on strict criteria rather than participation.
The official launch of the Audrain concours d’elegance was met with immediate enthusiasm from the automotive community, who had been anticipating the establishment of a new elite event. Led by Donald Osborne, a recognized figure in the classic car world, the Audrain Group invested heavily in creating an event that rivaled the “granddaddy” of them all, Pebble Beach. Osborne’s vision was to not only attract the world’s finest vehicles but also to cultivate a new generation of enthusiasts through immersive educational experiences.
The Genesis: Addressing Market Gaps
To fully appreciate the significance of the Audrain Concours d’Elegance, one must understand the context of the competitive car show landscape. The automotive world has traditionally been dominated by a handful of prestigious events, each with its own character and appeal. Pebble Beach, located in California, is often cited as the pinnacle, drawing cars of exceptional rarity and provenance. However, for years, the automotive community had been discussing a perceived shift in this event’s focus, with some traditionalists feeling that the educational and competition aspects were being diluted.
This led to the creation of Audrain concours d’elegance as a direct response to this need for a purist competition. The Audrain Group’s strategy was audacious: to not only establish a new show but to build a comprehensive “Motor Week” that would transform Newport into the global hub for automotive excellence. This Motor Week is deliberately structured to create a sustained experience, beginning with the “Opening Reception” and culminating in the “Main Event” on the final day.
The decision to focus on the Audrain Concours d’Elegance was also strategic. In a world where many automotive events have become commercialized or social-media driven, the Concours d’Elegance represents the highest level of respect for automotive history and engineering. It is not simply a gathering of cars; it is a judged competition where every detail, from the engine bay to the interior upholstery, is scrutinized by experts. For owners, this is the ultimate test of restoration quality, and for judges, it is a challenging exercise in discernment and historical accuracy.
Comparing the Giants: Audrain vs. Pebble Beach
While both events represent the zenith of automotive exclusivity, they cater to slightly different audiences and possess distinct atmospheres. Many automotive journalists, including those familiar with both Audrain concours d’elegance and Pebble Beach, argue that the Audrain offers a more intimate and authentic experience.
Pebble Beach, now owned by Hagerty, has long been the gold standard for concours events. It draws a legendary roster of automotive collectors, historians, and influencers. The competition there is fiercely contested, and the awards—particularly the Best of Show—are among the most coveted in the world. However, the sheer scale of Pebble Beach can sometimes feel overwhelming, with a vast array of classes and participants that can make the event feel less accessible to casual attendees.
In contrast, the Audrain Concours d’Elegance has been carefully curated to provide an experience reminiscent of Pebble Beach in its earlier days. During the 2025 Audrain Motor Week, several industry veterans noted that the event reminded them of the concours of 15 to 20 years ago—a period characterized by deep appreciation for automotive engineering and preservation. This focus on authenticity is a major selling point for the Audrain concours d’elegance, drawing those who seek a more traditional and educational experience.
Into the Deep End: A New Judge’s Perspective
For automotive journalists and commentators, the experience of attending the Audrain Concours d’Elegance is often a journey of discovery. When I first attended the main event, I was struck by the overwhelming sense of history and precision that permeated the judging field. It is easy to assume that judging a concours is a straightforward process, but as I discovered, the reality is far more complex.
During the 2025 Audrain Concours d’Elegance, I was honored to be invited to serve as a judge. Seated at the judges’ breakfast, I realized that I was in the company of seasoned experts, many of whom had extensive judging experience at previous concours. Despite this, I had never officially judged a concours of this magnitude. However, having participated in the parody car show, Concours d’LeMons, multiple times, I harbored a quiet confidence that I understood the spirit of automotive competition.
My co-judge for the Sporting Choice Award was Ray Evernham, a NASCAR Hall of Fame crew chief with an incredible record of success in the racing world. Evernham and I quickly bonded over our shared experiences at Pikes Peak, and together we were tasked with finding the most sporting car on the lawn. The objective was not to pick the most beautiful or rarest car, but rather the one that embodied the spirit of sport and competition.
Navigating the Complexity: Judging Methodology
The role of a judge at the Audrain Concours d’Elegance is not to nitpick minutiae but to identify vehicles that stand out in their respective classes. However, as anyone who has attended or judged a concours knows, what makes a car “sporting” is subjective. When I asked the head judge for clarification on whether we should focus on sports cars or actual race cars, his response was telling: “Yes.” This simple answer signaled that the Audrain Concours d’Elegance encourages judges to consider a wide range of vehicles, from luxurious grand touring cars to purpose-built race machines.
The event is structured into distinct classes, which helps judges organize their assessment. For the Sporting Choice Award, Evernham and I were tasked with reviewing cars that had either two doors or no doors. This encompassed a vast array of vehicles, ranging from classic European sports cars to American muscle cars. Our objective was to identify the top four or five favorites, keeping in mind that we had a limited amount of time to complete our task.
One of the most challenging aspects of judging is dealing with cars that are too close in quality. In Class D, for instance, we were presented with six Ford GT40 Mk1 homologation specials that were nearly identical in quality. Without disassembling the cars to verify specific details—which we were explicitly instructed not to do—it was virtually impossible to pick a winner. Similarly, Class A, featuring six breathtaking pre-war Alfa Romeo 8Cs, presented a formidable challenge. The winning car, a burgundy beauty that ultimately won Best of Show, was clearly exceptional, but differentiating between the other six was an exercise in subjective interpretation.
Notable Entrants and Judging Experiences
The Audrain concours d’elegance is known for attracting cars that are rarely seen in public, even by experienced judges. One vehicle that particularly stood out during the 2025 event was a Lamborghini 3500 GTZ Zagato Coupe. This car is exceptionally rare, with only two ever built, and the other is purposely kept from public display. While I found the Zagato incredibly impressive, I knew it would not be the winner of the Sporting Choice Award, as we were looking for a more traditional “sporting” car.
My co-judge, Evernham, was drawn to an extremely rare Allard JR that raced at the 1952 24 Hours of Le Mans. However, it turned out that Evernham owns three Allard JRs, so we decided to exclude this one from our consideration. While it was a remarkable car, its owner was likely to be very attached to it, and we did not want to create any awkwardness during the competition.
The Third-Place Decision
The hardest choice we faced was for third place, or what Audrain calls Honorable Mention. 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 an automotive journalist who has always had a soft spot for postwar Alfas, I was immediately drawn to the 6C. I don’t know what it is about these cars, but I just love them. The bakelite used on the switchgear, the clean lines, and the overall aesthetic of these cars are simply captivating. This particular 6C was
