The Audrain Concours d’Elegance: A Celebration of Automotive Heritage in Newport
Few events in the automotive world command attention like the Audrain Concours d’Elegance. Held annually in the picturesque setting of Newport, Rhode Island, this prestigious Concours has quickly ascended to become a must-attend destination for collectors, enthusiasts, and automotive historians alike. Joining the ranks of storied Concours events like Pebble Beach, the Audrain has carved out its own unique identity as a vibrant showcase of automotive heritage, combining stunning concours judging with spirited rallies and educational gatherings.
The Audrain Concours d’Elegance, an establishment conceived not long ago, has rapidly garnered acclaim for its unique approach to showcasing classic and contemporary automobiles. Under the guiding hand of its visionary leader and Master of Ceremonies, Donald Osborne, the event has transformed into a distinguished spectacle that draws parallels to some of the world’s most hallowed car gatherings. Osborne, a charismatic figure whose presence lends a distinct charm and sophistication to the affair, has been instrumental in fostering the Audrain’s ethos of combining rigorous judging with an authentic passion for automotive history and design.
The Conception of a New Classic
The Audrain Motor Week represents a relatively young addition to the landscape of high-end automotive events. Since its inception in 2019, the Concours has undergone a remarkable evolution, transforming itself from a nascent gathering into a world-class automotive extravaganza. The Audrain’s rapid ascent in the automotive community can be attributed to a strategic blend of factors: the unparalleled locale of Newport, a strong focus on community and education, and the establishment of a world-class judging program that attracts leading experts from around the globe.
Central to the Audrain’s growing stature is its strategic location in Newport, Rhode Island. This historic coastal city, with its stunning Gilded Age mansions and picturesque oceanfront vistas, provides a breathtaking backdrop that rivals any premier Concours in the world. The Audrain’s flagship event, held on the pristine lawns of the Newport Country Club, transforms the coastal landscape into a symphony of metal and glass, where timeless automotive designs are showcased with the grace and elegance they deserve.
Beyond the formal judging, the Audrain Concours d’Elegance also hosts the Audrain Tour d’Elegance, a spirited driving tour that takes participants through the scenic roads of Rhode Island. This annual tradition adds an element of adventure to the event, allowing enthusiasts to experience the thrill of driving their cherished automobiles through some of the most beautiful landscapes in the Northeast. Additionally, The Gathering, held at the historic Rough Point estate—the former home of Doris Duke—serves as a more intimate forum for collectors to connect, share their passion, and participate in thought-provoking discussions on automotive heritage and future trends.
The Judging Process: A Testament to Excellence
One of the defining features of the Audrain Concours d’Elegance is its rigorous judging process. The Concours attracts a roster of esteemed judges, comprising automotive journalists, historians, collectors, and experts from the racing world. This blend of expertise ensures that each automobile is evaluated with a comprehensive understanding of its provenance, originality, and historical significance. The goal is to identify the most exceptional examples of automotive engineering and design, rewarding those who have dedicated themselves to preserving automotive heritage for future generations.
My recent experience serving as a judge at the Audrain was a testament to the caliber of this event. From the outset, the judging process was conducted with professionalism and precision. Head Judge Phil Neff welcomed the judging panel, and though I had never formally judged a Concours d’Elegance before, I drew upon my extensive experience from other automotive events, including the satirical Concours d’LeMons, where the criteria for judging are distinctly different.
To ensure thoroughness, the judging panel was divided into specialized groups, each tasked with evaluating specific classes of automobiles. I was paired with Ray Evernham, a Hall of Fame NASCAR crew chief and a legend in the racing world. Together, we were assigned the Sporting Choice Award, which involved reviewing a wide array of vehicles, from sports cars to race cars, to identify the most sporting automobile present. The task required careful consideration, as we were instructed to evaluate each car’s unique contributions to automotive history and design, rather than getting bogged down in minor imperfections.
The judging process involved a careful review of each automobile within our assigned classes. We evaluated the overall presentation, attention to detail, and historical significance of each vehicle. While certain classes presented significant challenges, such as the Ford GT40 road cars or the Alfa Romeo 8C division, the judging panel worked collaboratively to ensure that each automobile received fair and thorough evaluation. This collaborative approach not only ensures objectivity but also fosters a shared sense of camaraderie among judges and participants alike.
The Art of Selecting the Best
One of the most challenging yet rewarding aspects of judging is selecting the recipients for each award. This process often involves difficult choices, as many automobiles possess remarkable beauty and historical significance. As a judge, the goal is to identify the cars that truly embody the spirit of automotive excellence while also considering the individual preferences of the judging panel.
For the Sporting Choice Award, my co-judge, Ray Evernham, and I faced the daunting task of selecting the most sporting vehicle from a selection of stunning automobiles. The competition included rare cars like the Lamborghini 3500 GTZ Zagato Coupe and an exceedingly rare Allard JR that raced at the 1952 24 Hours of Le Mans. We ultimately chose to award third place, or Honorable Mention, to a 1949 Alfa Romeo 6C 2500 SS Touring Superleggera Coupe and a 1940 Cadillac Series 62 Bonham & Schwartz Convertible Victoria.
The Cadillac, in particular, stood out for its rarity and stunning design. It was one of only two ever built, custom-bodied in Pasadena, California, by Bonham & Schwartz, the same company that crafted Clarke Gable’s Duesenberg. This Candy-Red Series 62 possessed that certain “wow factor”—a sense of timeless elegance and exclusivity that is often difficult to quantify but immediately apparent to those who appreciate automotive artistry.
The ultimate decision for the Sporting Choice Award came down to two remarkable vehicles: a 1938 Talbot-Lago T150 C Lago Figoni et Falaschi Teardrop Coupe and a light green 1951 Cisitalia 202SC Pinin Farina Cabriolet. The Talbot-Lago possessed undeniable provenance, having won the Belgian Grand Prix at Spa in 1948—making it the oldest car to ever win a Grand Prix race. However, the Cisitalia proved to be the crowd favorite. Its stunning design, elegant lines, and vibrant color combination captured the hearts of the judges, earning it the top honor for the Sporting Choice Award. The Cisitalia 202SC is a masterpiece of automotive engineering and design, a car that perfectly embodies the spirit of the Audrain Concours d’Elegance.
Building Community: The Audrain Experience
The Audrain Concours d’Elegance extends beyond its exceptional judging program. The event emphasizes community, education, and celebration, making it a truly unique experience for enthusiasts of all levels. From the exclusive gatherings to the immersive driving experiences, the Audrain offers a platform for like-minded individuals to connect, share their passion, and deepen their appreciation for automotive heritage.
The Gathering, held at the historic Rough Point estate, provides a more intimate setting for collectors and enthusiasts to gather and connect. This exclusive event offers a unique opportunity to experience the beauty of Newport’s Gilded Age mansions up close, while also participating in thought-provoking discussions on automotive history and future trends. The camaraderie among participants is palpable, as collectors share stories, experiences, and insights, fostering a sense of community that extends far beyond the event itself.
The Audrain Tour d’Elegance, a signature event of the Audrain Motor Week, offers participants the chance to experience the beauty of Newport firsthand. Thisspirited driving tour takes enthusiasts through the scenic coastal roads of Rhode Island, allowing them to enjoy the thrill of driving their cherished automobiles in a stunning setting. The Audrain Tour d’Elegance is a testament to the event’s commitment to celebrating automotive heritage through driving experiences that connect collectors with the open road.
The Future of Automotive Excellence
The Audrain Concours d’Elegance has quickly established itself as a premier automotive event, offering a unique blend of world-class judging, spirited driving experiences, and community gatherings. As the event continues to evolve, it remains dedicated to preserving automotive heritage and celebrating the artistry of automotive design. The Audrain’s commitment to excellence, coupled with its strategic location in Newport, ensures that it will remain a cornerstone of the automotive community for years to come.
For enthusiasts looking to experience a world-class Concours event that combines rigorous judging with a vibrant sense of community, the Audrain Concours d’Elegance offers an unparalleled experience. Whether you are an automotive enthusiast, a collector, or a historian, the Audrain provides a platform to celebrate automotive heritage and forge lasting connections within the global automotive community.
As automotive technology continues to evolve, the role of organizations like the Audrain Concours d’Elegance becomes increasingly important. By celebrating the legacy of automotive history, the Audrain ensures that future generations will continue to appreciate the artistry, engineering, and innovation that have shaped the automotive world. Through its exceptional judging program and community-focused events, the Audrain Concours d’Elegance remains at the forefront of automotive preservation, offering a truly unique experience for enthusiasts of all levels.
In conclusion, the Audrain Concours d’Elegance is more than just a car show—it is a celebration of automotive heritage, community, and excellence. From its world-class judging to its immersive driving
