An Extraordinary Auto Exhibition. From Every Era. For Every Age.
September 6, 2021
The Des Moines Concours d’Elegance to benefit Children’s Cancer Connection is an auto exhibition like no other in the area. All cars being exhibited are in the same, if not better, condition as when they left the factory. The best examples, most from within Iowa, are brought together for the public to not only enjoy their aesthetics, but also learn of their historical and technical significance. The automobiles on display come from every era starting from the early 1900s, through the design, engineering and social changes of the decades, up to the present. This year’s Featured Classes will be the 60th anniversary of the Chevrolet Corvair, and the 60th anniversary of the Jaguar E-Type. We are also featuring Ford and Mercury vehicles with the famous Flathead V8 engine.
One of the earliest cars scheduled to appear is a 1910 Sears Model K. In fact, this car could be ordered from the Sears catalog, delivered to the local train station, and assembled by the owner to drive home.
Early Ford examples include a couple from 1932. These later became popular with hot rodders in 1950s, and were dubbed “Deuces”. The Beach Boys’ classic “Little Deuce Coupe” is a musical tour of one such car.
From the 1960s, two contrast cars are highlighted. The Jaguar E-Type was called “the most beautiful care ever made” by Enzo Ferrari. That’s high praise from the head of one the most iconic makers of cars. Chevrolet’s Corvair (a combination of the names “Corvette” and “Bel Air”) was a rear-engine compact car that sold over 1.8 million units in the 1960s. Ralph Nader’s book “Unsafe At Any Speed” leveled dubious claims against the rear-engine Corvairs, as well as much of the automotive industry.
When the Concours wraps up at 4 p.m., the popular “Roar at Four” gives attendees the rare chance to see and hear these beautiful cars as they take off from the show. It’s a great time to get your cell phone and record your favorite supercar start up and roll out.
Awards are given to the top three cars from each class of automobile. The judging of the cars focuses on the presentation of and the story behind the cars more than technical merit.
Free To The Public
The 2021 Des Moines Concours will be held on Sunday, September 12, 2021 around the Pappajohn Sculpture Park in downtown Des Moines from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The show is free to the public to attend and provides a great family environment. Food trucks and other vendors will be available during the show.
Donations can be made at https://www.desmoinesconcours.com/donate/.
Saturday Driving Tour
On Saturday, September 11, 2021, the Heartland Driving Tour will include a morning drive through Madison and Warren Counties in central Iowa. The 150+ mile route, known by one car club as “Mad Warren”, ambles through rolling hills of woods and farmland, past towns and parks.
The cost for the 2021 Heartland Driving Tour is $35 per person. Additional donations to the Iowa Automotive Heritage Foundation are appreciated. Donations are tax deductible, with proceeds going to Children’s Cancer Connection. Register at https://desmoinesconcours.com/register/.
About Des Moines Concours and Iowa Automotive Heritage Foundation
The Des Moines Concours™ is a premier automotive exhibition held at the internationally recognized John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park in downtown Des Moines. The Concours presents an invitation-only exhibition of more than 130 vintage and classic motor vehicles, selected to celebrate the fine art, design evolution and amazing innovations of motor vehicles through the years, as well as the talented designers and engineers who created them. The event is free to the public.
The Iowa Automotive Heritage Foundation enhances and promotes the automotive heritage of Iowa and the nation. These goals are accomplished through educational projects and public awareness programs that celebrate automotive art and design and highlight the social and economic benefits of our automotive heritage. As part of our educational and charitable mission, the Foundation also seeks to raise awareness and financial support for selected community charitable organizations working to address present day social needs in Central Iowa.
About Children’s Cancer Connection
Proceeds from the Des Moines Concours d’Elegance benefit Children’s Cancer Connection. Children’s Cancer Connection connects families facing childhood cancer by providing programs for education, recreation and support. Awards at this year’s Concours will be presented by kids involved in Children’s Cancer Connection. The Des Moines Concours has provided more than $100,000 to the organization.
Donate Here
Can’t attend or want to to help support Children’s Cancer Connection? Donate at https://desmoinesconcours.com/donate/.
