A Celebration of the Art & Design of the Automobile

A Celebration Of The Art & Design Of The Automobile

Concours Charity Gala Tickets On Sale!

Bringing elegance and taste right to your table

Concours Charity Gala at the Stine Barn
Friday, September 6th from 5:30 to 8:30 PM

In case you need reasons to purchase tickets to the 2024 Concours Charity Gala, look no further! Here are the highlights that you won’t want to miss.

  • The event is held at the fabulous Stine Barn in West Des Moines. The Stine Barn is a visual experience of rustic elegance.
  • There will be an impressive display of incredible vehicles to greet you: the McPherson College Pebble Beach 2nd Place Class Winning 1953 Mercedes-Benz 300S Cabriolet, a 2025 Lamborghini Revuelto and the 2024 Hy-Vee IndyCar will be there to impress.
  • During the social time, Aaron Holt and Doolittle Farms will be providing hors d’oeuvres. Plus, there will be an open bar served by My Private Bartender throughout the evening.
  • Stroll around the Silent Auction, view the wide selection of high-end treasures & services, and find the perfect item to bid on.
  • We’re excited to have an extraordinary Live Auction item: A catered dinner for 12 by Aaron Holt and Doolittle Farms. You’ll get a chance to taste their creations during dinner. Then you’ll want to be the highest bidder!
  • Savor an Iowa Bourbon Experience with small-batch bourbon tastings served by Eugene Nassif of Cat’s Eye Distillery out Bettendorf, Iowa.
  • Enjoy the melodic tunes of guitarist Willy Shay, providing a beautiful backdrop for the evening.
  • Brian Martin from McPherson College will share the story of the Mercedes-Benz project. An intro to the students’ project can be found HERE.
  • Aaron Holt will then describe the plated gourmet dinner created for the evening. He and his incredible team will be serving a farm-to-table meal that is not only beautiful, but delicious!
  • After dinner, we will hold the Live Auction for the Doolittle Farms’ catered dinner for 12. Gather your tablemates and make plans!
  • We’ll then introduce our guest speaker, Brent Roske, from Flamingo TV on Roku. Brent has great stories to share of his travels and experiences including filming the Pebble Beach Concours with renowned personalities such as Wayne Carini, Ant Arnstead, Jenson Button, Derek Bell, and Donald Osborne. His presentation is a must see!

The 2024 Concours Charity Gala is the place to be! Tickets are limited, so purchase yours soon. Visit our Gala page.

Silent Auction Items

We’re finalizing our Silent Auction offerings and would be happy to feature your item or service. We are requesting items of at least $250 in value. Proceeds from the Gala and the entire Des Moines Concours weekend benefit Children’s Cancer Connection. Please reach out to us if you would like to make a donation.

Meet Aaron Holt from Catering by Doolittle Farm

Take a peek at the amazing vehicles that will be on display:

The Concours and the Children’s Cancer Connection

Our Commitment to Children’s Cancer Connection

Learn about the heartwarming mission behind the 2024 Des Moines Concours with this video from Jennifer Hines, CCC Executive Director.

In 2014, when the Des Moines Concours moved its location to the Pappajohn Sculpture Park in the Western Gateway of Des Moines, the partnership between the Iowa Automotive Heritage Foundation, who produces the Des Moines Concours, and Children’s Cancer Connection (CCC) began. The Board of Trustees saw the good works of the organization. So, it was an easy decision to have proceeds from the Concours benefit CCC.

A Letter from CCC Events Manager, Abby Coppolla

Abby Coppolla works closely with the Des Moines Concours Committees and Chairs to help plan the event. She shares the mission of Children’s Cancer Connection and the ongoing partnership with the Des Moines Concours.

“While this event offers a spectacular display of vintage and classic motor vehicles, it also serves a profound purpose beyond the stunning cars.

“Proceeds from the Des Moines Concours d’Elegance will benefit Children’s Cancer Connection, an organization dedicated to supporting Iowa families impacted by childhood cancer. Our mission at CCC is to connect these families by providing opportunities that encourage relationships and strengthen community. Through generous fundraising and donor efforts, CCC offers hospital-based programming, support outings, camps, events, and other outreach to more than 800 Iowa families at no cost to them.

“By attending and participating in the Des Moines Concours d’Elegance, you’re not only enjoying an incredible display of automotive history; you’re contributing to a cause that truly matters. You’re helping us make a significant impact on the lives of children and families facing the challenges of childhood cancer.”

Children's Cancer Connection Youth Judges
Every year, Children’s Cancer Connection brings a crew of youth judges, complete with clipboards, pens and judging documents, to pick their top three favorite exhibited vehicles. Their awards are presented during the main awards ceremony which starts with the Star Car Class at 2:45 PM.

Join Us in Making a Difference

Even though the Des Moines Concours is free to attend on Sunday, September 8th, there are other ways you can support our mission. Every donation, big or small, helps the Iowa Automotive Heritage Foundation (IAHF) cover expenses for the Des Moines Concours and also provide funding to CCC to continue providing vital programs and services to families in need.

You can mail checks to Des Moines Concours, P.O. Box 13322, Des Moines, IA 50310. Or email us at info@desmoinesconcours.com. You can also make a donation at this link.

Children’s Cancer Connection is proud to be the longtime charity partner of the Des Moines Concours.

From Backroads to Boulevards – We invite you to join us at the John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park on Sunday, September 8th. Come and view world-class motor vehicles while supporting a cause that changes lives. Together, we can celebrate art, innovation, and community, while making a deep impact on the lives of children and families through Children’s Cancer Connection.

 

2024 Concours Charity Gala

Kick Off the Des Moines Concours d’Elegance Weekend with a Spectacular Friday Night Charity Gala

The Des Moines Concours d’Elegance is excited to announce its highly anticipated Charity Gala, taking place on Friday, September 6, at the elegant Stine Barn in West Des Moines from 5:30-8:30 PM. This year’s gala promises an unforgettable evening of fine dining, entertainment, and exclusive experiences, all while supporting a worthy cause.

Highlights of the Evening:

  • Vehicles on display: The McPherson College Pebble Beach 2nd Place Class Winning 1953 Mercedes-Benz 300S Cabriolet, a 2025 Lamborghini Revuelto and the 2024 Hy-Vee IndyCar will be on site during social time.
  • Silent Auction: Bid on an array of exclusive items. We are currently working on securing some amazing auction items that will be sure to excite attendees.
  • Music by Willy Shay: Enjoy the melodic tunes of guitarist Willy Shay, who will provide a beautiful backdrop for the evening.
  • Iowa Bourbon Experience: Savor small-batch bourbon tastings in our exclusive bourbon experience, curated for discerning palates. Hosted by Eugene Nassif of Cat’s Eye Distillery out of Bettendorf, Iowa.
  • Gourmet Dinner by Chef Aaron Holt: Delight in a farm-to-table plated dinner prepared by Chef Aaron Holt, the 2018 Iowa Chef of the Year Winner, and Doolittle Farms from Story City. Chef Holt, highly recommended by 2024 Master Chef Winner Grant Gillion, is renowned for his bourbon-inspired menus.

Special Guest Appearances:

Brian Martin of McPherson College will have a presentation on the college’s Pebble Beach 2nd Place Class Winning 1953 Mercedes 300 S. During the cocktail hour, he will share fascinating details about his car and the prestigious Pebble Beach event. You won’t want to miss this video and another video about the Mercedes-Benz journey!

Brent Roske

Brent Roske, founder of the Flamingo Network on Roku and former NBC Universal director, will headline the evening. Roske, an Emmy Award and 42 Telly Awards winner, has directed commercials for Subaru and Chevy and hosted the series ‘Art on Wheels.’ His extensive work in the automotive industry, including filming at the Pebble Beach Concours with renowned personalities such as Wayne Carini, Ant Anstead, Jenson Button, Derek Bell, and Donald Osborne, promises to captivate and inspire guests. Watch this Pebble Beach episode of ‘Art on Wheels’ from last summer featuring Wayne Carini, Ant Anstead, x5 Le Mans winner Derek Bell about his time w Enzo Ferrari and more. Brent and his film crew will be filming portions of the Sunday Des Moines Concours for a future episode.

Join the Celebration

Join us for an evening that combines the best of culinary excellence, fine spirits, and automotive elegance. The Charity Gala is the perfect way to kick off a weekend dedicated to celebrating the artistry and innovation of the automotive world while making a meaningful impact on the lives of children and families through Children’s Cancer Connection.

Dress Code: Respectable Chic. While formal suits and evening gowns are not required, we encourage guests to dress in attire that is both tasteful and polished. Think of “respectable chic” as a balance between elegance and ease.

Tickets: Single $275 / Couple $500 / Table of Eight $1,800

Click HERE To Get Your Tickets Today

Here are some highlights from the 2023 Charity Gala – enjoy!

 

Rev it UP for the Motorcycle Class

Motorcycles are a frequent class at the Des Moines Concours, and one that attracts a lot of attention. Whether this is due to their affordability, fun factor, or the memories they evoke, motorcycles and automobiles have a long history of sharing technology and even parts.

Many of the microcars of the 50’s and 60’s used either motorcycle engines, or engines based on motorcycle architecture/tooling. One facet of motorcycles is the 2-stoke single (1-cylinder).

In the late 1940’s, 2-stroke tuners were trapped between two conflicting goals. To reduce cylinder pressure enough such that cylinder filling could begin through the opening transfer ports, they needed to open the exhaust port earlier. But opening the exhaust earlier also meant that it closed later, allowing more time during which fresh charge (air/fuel mixture) that had traveled around its loop in the cylinder to escape through the exhaust port. As a result, 125cc 2-stroke engines were limited to about 8 hp at around 7,500 rpm.

Fortunately, engineers developing 2-stroke diesels (such as Detroit Diesel) had already tackled this problem and had concluded that a strong sound wave, created in the exhaust pipe by the sudden opening of the exhaust port, could be reflected back to the engine by a correctly shaped exhaust pipe. The sound wave’s pressure would arrive at the exhaust port just as the fresh charge was beginning to exit.

In 1951, DKW in West Germany succeeded in applying this idea. Through much experimentation, the new exhaust system worked! It not only created a negative reflected wave (helping to pull exhaust out of the cylinder), but its positive wave reflection not only stopped fresh charge from escaping, it could also stuff any already-lost charge back into the cylinder just as the exhaust port was closing.

The East German challenge incorporated an idea previously used on the 1920’s Sun-Vitesse motorcycle—a crankcase intake port controlled by a rotating disc on the crankshaft, cut away to open and close that port. With it, opening and closing timings could be set at any desired values.

Japanese 2-stroke manufacturers, seeing this success, applied modern scientific methods to the problems of the Germans synthesis, and rapidly advanced the state of the 2-stroke arts by greatly improving piston metallurgy. This was a game-changer which gave Suzuki a World Championship win with the new technology: the 50cc in 1962.  The next year, Suzuki added the 125cc World Championship, and in 1964–65, Yamaha’s  RD-56 250cc twin.

Narrowing the focus a bit to street legal singles, popular brands in the U.S. offered sizes from 50cc to 400cc. Examples are Honda’s MB5 and Kawasaki’s AR50 at the small end, to Hodaka’s Ace 90/100, Bultaco Metrella 200/250 and Yamaha DT-1 in the middle, and MAICO GS400 at the larger end. Although a trifle compared to muscle car values, a Yamaha DT-1 will demand upwards of $10,000 in the current market.

Although their zenith was over 40 years ago, 2-stroke bikes play an important role in motorcycle history. Often overshadowed by their 4-stroke, and often larger, brethren, the singles are an interesting and affordable niche within the motorcycle collector hobby.

The Des Moines Concours is accepting exhibitor applications through July 31st. Visit our Exhibiting page and apply today!

Historic Highways and The Albaugh Collection

2024 Heartland Driving Tour
Saturday, September 7th

Travel the Lincoln and Jefferson Highways and Stroll Through Iowa’s Premier Car Collection

For 2024, the Heartland Driving Tour sets out east of Des Moines on a journey to explore three historic highways that connected Iowa to the rest of the nation. The Tour will take you back in time to explore early roads that helped open travel to more automobiles for commerce and travel.

The tour will start with a visit to Southeast Polk High School to get a glimpse at the future generation of car enthusiasts, and efforts to prepare them for work in the automotive trades.

Historic US Route 6 carries the Tour east through rolling countryside and farmland. Route 6 once ran 3,652 miles from Bishop, California to Provincetown, Massachusetts. The route will carry us past the former factory of one of Iowa’s locally built car brands.

Heading north, the Tour will join the Lincoln Highway and follow segments of the iconic highway’s history. The Lincoln Highway was conceived by Carl Fisher, the creator of the Indianapolis 500, and was developed specifically for use by automobile.

Following the Lincoln Highway west will bring us to the crossing of the Jefferson Highway, also known as the Pine to Palm Highway. The brainchild of E.T. Meredith, the Jefferson opened travel between Winnipeg, Manitoba and New Orleans, Louisiana.

Our final leg of the Driving Tour takes us to Ankeny, Iowa. The Albaugh Collection has over 150 examples of Chevrolets, particularly convertibles. Explore examples of the first decade of Corvettes, see every color combination of 1957 Bel Airs, or gaze at the massive GM Futurliner bus. A catered lunch will be provided.

Join us on Saturday, September 7th from 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. The tour will start at Southeast Polk High School (7945 NE University Ave, Pleasant Hill, IA) and end at the Albaugh Collection (1505 NE 36th St, Ankeny, IA).

Each car receives a printed Tour Guide. Each participant (drivers and riders) is provided food, drinks and a commemorative sticker. Cost is $40 per participant. The Tour is limited to 150 participants.

Sign up today at https://desmoinesconcours.com/driving-tour

 

 

Volkswagens at the Des Moines Concours

Discover the History and Charm of Volkswagen at the 2024 Des Moines Concours

We are excited to announce that this year’s Des Moines Concours will feature a special class dedicated to celebrating the history of air-cooled Volkswagens in America, spanning the years from 1949 to 1981. This unique class will include air-cooled examples from Volkswagen’s product line, including the iconic Beetle, the versatile VW Bus in all its variations, the elegant Karmann Ghia, the Squareback and more. Each vehicle on display represents a piece of Volkswagen’s storied past and its impact on automotive culture.

In 1934, Dr. Ferdinand Porsche, the visionary behind both Volkswagen and Porsche, was awarded a contract to create an affordable car for the average German—the “people’s car” or Volkswagen. Originally called the KdF Type 60, the design parameters included being able to accommodate two adults and three children, 32 MPG, an air-cooled engine, and easy inexpensive parts changes. By late 1935, prototypes with their 1100cc 25HP engines appeared.  Production was interrupted by WW2, but units of the now Type 1 began trickling out of the Wolfsburg factory by late 1945.  By 1972, over 15 million had been produced, exceeding the Ford Model T’s production record. When the last Beetle rolled out of the Puebla Mexico factory in 2003, over 21 million units had been produced wordwide. An interesting fact you might not know: Volkswagen always produced a convertible version (Cabriolet) of the Beetle, adding a touch of open-air freedom to its lineup.

The concept for the Type 2 (aka the Bus) is credited to Dutch Volkswagen importer Ben Pon. Pon visited Wolfsburg in 1946, intending to purchase Type 1s for import to the Netherlands. While visiting, he saw a Plattenwagen, an improvised parts-mover based on the Type 1 chassis. HE realized something better was possible using the stock Type 1 pan. With a drag coefficient of Cd=0.75, the aerodynamics of the first prototypes were poor.  Engineers did wind tunnel testing to optimize the design, implementing simple changes such as splitting the windshield and roofline into a “vee”, this helping the production Type 2 to achieve a Cd=0.44. The first production models debuted in November 1949. Only two models were offered: the Kombi, with two side windows and middle and rear seats that were easily removable by one person, and the Commercial. The Microbus was added in May 1950, joined by the Deluxe Microbus in June 1951.

The Des Moines Concours is accepting applications for exceptional cars for the Volkswagen Class. If you would like to be a part of this iconic class, go to our Exhibiting page to apply.

Questions?  Send your email to info@desmoinesconcours.com

DID YOU KNOW VW’s presence in Iowa dates back to as early as the mid-50’s? Des Moines had Cars Inc., Cedar Rapids with Empire Motors, Burlington had Import Motors Ltd, Davenport had Murphy’s Foreign Cars, and Hassenger Import Motors in Sioux City. In some cases, these dealerships sold multiple imported brands to augment the sales of Beetles and microbuses. Today, remnants of their (and their successor’s) legacy can still be seen at vintage car shows and classic Volkswagen gatherings across Iowa! Here are a few:

Celebrating American Station Wagons at the Concours

We are extremely excited to include a special class in the Concours d’Elegance this year for American Station Wagons. If you were raised in the USA in any decade prior to the 1990s, there’s a good chance you have memories of riding in the back of a wagon, perhaps on a family vacation or maybe even on a daily basis. As automotive culture has evolved and shifted its emphasis to SUVs, trucks and crossovers, the station wagon has become a symbol of nostalgia: it represents a way of life that many see as a high point for both the manufacturing of cars and the country itself.

Photo by Mark Susina

The term “station wagon” originally referred to train stations; those earliest versions were designed for exactly that: taking people and luggage to the local passenger rail stop. Over the years, other terms have been adopted and used for similar vehicles: estate car, variant, shooting brake and carryall have all been applied to cars we would classify as wagons. Though they are few and far between on modern day roads in the U.S., it’s hard to deny that the station wagon is one of the quintessential symbols of the classic American way of life.

Photo courtesy of Bells Studebaker Diner & Museum

From the earliest wood-bodied variants of Ford’s Model T in the 1910s, the station wagon has served as a practical car for hauling people, luggage and more. The “woody” iteration of the wagon is certainly what defined the style in prewar days, but it was in the 1950s when America first began to wholly embrace the need for family transportation in a big way. Domestic automakers all saw the postwar boom of suburban development as an opportunity for them to create and market cars designed for all purposes: take the kids to school, bring home plywood to build a deck, and go out on the town on the weekend. Style and practicality were combined in cars that had three rows of seats and extra cargo space, but all the luxury options and powertrains of sedans of the day. This wagon boom continued through the 1960s and ‘70s, but quickly changed in 1984 with Chrysler’s introduction of its minivan.  Sales declined further with the popularity of SUVs, pickups and crossovers in the decades to follow.

Do you own a classic wagon from one of the big three American manufacturers? Or maybe a less common wagon from Studebaker or AMC? The Des Moines Concours is accepting applications for exceptional station wagons (up to 1984 model years) in this year’s exhibition, from a Model T depot hack through the glorious Nomads of the 1950s, and even the faux-wood adorned Country Squires of the 1970s and beyond. If you, or someone you know, would enjoy being a part of this iconic class, go to our online application.

Questions?  E-mail info@desmoinesconcours.com for more information.

The Antiques Class Goes Full Steam Ahead

The Antiques Class encompasses vehicles manufactured from the 1800s through 1927 when the last Ford Model T was produced.  During those pioneering years, thousands of blacksmiths, buggy-makers, and backyard builders joined forces with manufacturing moguls. All shared one common goal – to replace 4-hooved horses with 4-wheeled horsepower. Each of these pioneers was eager to be first-to-market with a reliable product that performed well and would be capable of growing a successful business. Three emerging technologies were employed in relatively equal numbers: internal combustion, electricity, and steam.

Henry Ford’s spindly 1896 Quadricycle was not America’s first gasoline-powered horseless carriage, but it might be the best known. Ford used a single-cylinder internal combustion engine to putter his buggy around Dearborn. Millions of buyers followed in subsequent years. As Ford’s fame and fortune grew, he befriended Thomas Edison, inventor of the light bulb and a driving promoter of quiet and comfortable electric cars. Both options had pros and cons. Twin inventors Freelan and Francis Stanley said they had a better idea. They opted for steam.

In 1897, the Stanley brothers completed their first steam-powered automobile in Lawrence, Massachusetts. During the next two years, they produced more than 200 cars — more than any other U.S. manufacturer. In 1903, they sold a series of patents to George Eastman for a half-million dollars and used the money to relocate production to a former bicycle factory in nearby Watertown.

Stanley cars were rated at 10, 20, or 30 horsepower. However, steam cars were rated by boiler hp, not engine shaft hp. So, a typical 20HP Stanley’s engine had an output more than 100 peak horsepower. (By comparison, a 1910 Pierce-Arrow 48 with its massive 525 CI T-head engine developed just 48HP.) In 1906, Fred Marriott set the world record for the fastest mile in an automobile (127 mph) behind the wheel of a specially prepared Stanley dubbed “Woggle-Bug”. This record stood for five years.

Starting a cold Stanley 2-cylinder compound steam engine is labor intensive. It can take as long as 30 minutes to build up a sufficient head of steam in the 550 PSI boiler. Owners often kept the pilot lit overnight so their cars would be ready to go in the morning. A hot Stanley produces peak torque at standstill and takes off quickly and quietly with smooth acceleration. Since there is no transmission, shifting is not required.

Steam power had been used in ships and locomotives for decades where they earned a reputation for exploding under severe pressure. Fears of property damage and loss of life steered many wary automobilists toward gasoline and electricity. That was unfortunate, since there have been no documented cases of a Stanley boiler exploding in use, thanks to quality construction and a pressure relief valve.  Burns, on the other hand (as Jay Leno can attest to), did occur.

Initially, all Stanleys were non-condensing, meaning the steam that passed through the engine was exhausted out. Beginning in 1915, condensers were added to reuse the vapors and improve driving range. The need to travel farther was necessitated, in part, by the shrinking availability of horse troughs as the country rapidly turned away from horses. Cruising range on level roads was roughly 1 MPG of water for non-condensing models, and 2 MPG on condensing cars.

By 1914, sales of gasoline-powered automobiles outpaced the alternatives. The Stanley brothers sold their business in 1917 and the factory closed in 1924. After more than 25 years of production, approximately 11,000 Stanleys had rolled off the assembly line. Today, more Stanleys are preserved, restored, and operating than any other brand of steam car.

Lynn Curry owns the red 1909 Stanley Model R Touring pictured here.  Restored by Stanley specialist Jim Keith in 1996, this car has completed countless tours, including a 5,300 mile, 44-day trek from Anchorage, Alaska to Bar Harbor, Maine.  With its red wooden body, polished brass, and steam exhaust, it is a dramatic example of vintage motoring. This is his second Stanley, the first being a 1910 Model 72 Roadster.

As owners of antique cars age, their treasures are often tucked away in garages and barns where they gather dust and deteriorate. Not so with Lynn. He is an active member of the Steam Automobile Club of America, has served as President of the Stanley Museum in Kingfield, Maine, and is a former Chair of the Des Moines Concours Antiques Class. Plus, he has passed his passion for steam cars down to sons Mike and Robert, and grandson Ethan. As a team, the Currys completed a tour of New England last year and will participate in the Eastern Steam Car Tour in Kentucky this coming June.

Be it gas, electric, or steam powered, the Des Moines Concours is always looking for owners of well-preserved and authentically restored antique automobiles to share their beloved piece of history. Apply to exhibit online HERE.

Classics Class – What You Need to Know

The Des Moines Concours uses the Classic Car Club of America’s definition of a Full Classic as a “Fine” or “Distinctive” automobile. It may be either American or foreign built, produced only between 1915 and 1948. A number of factors come into play but, generally, a Classic was a high-priced, top-end vehicle when new, and was built in limited quantities. No mass-produced assembly line vehicles are considered Classics. Other factors include larger engine displacement, custom bespoke coachwork, and luxury accessories. Mechanical developments such as power brakes, power clutch, and automatic lubrication systems also help determine whether a car is considered to be a Classic.

With some marques, only certain models are recognized as CCCA Classics. Download the list of recognized cars to see which models of a particular marque are accepted as Full Classics.

2023 Des Moines Concours 1st Place Winner in the Classics Class and Best of Show

2023 Classics Class & Best of Show Winner

1930 Rolls-Royce Phantom II owned by Irving Jensen of Milford, IA

This car was originally ordered by J.P. Morgan Jr. and was used as his summer car until 1941 when it was donated to the Henry Ford Museum. Morgan requested some items when ordered, including a taller folding top to allow for a top hat, black wheels with SS spokes, softer riding main springs, and the Morgan crest on the rear doors.

Registration Open for 2024 Des Moines Concours

Mark Your Calendars for our Events September 6th through 8th

It’s time to submit your registration for the 2024 Des Moines Concours. Our main Concours event takes place on Sunday, September 8th from 10 am to 4 pm, capping off a weekend of activities.

This year’s classes include our Annual Classes and three Special Classes:

Annual Classes

  • Antiques– Vehicles produced from the beginning of motor vehicles through 1927
  • Early Collectibles– A broad range of cars and trucks produced between 1928 and 1942
  • Atomic Age Collectibles– Vehicles with post-war styling built between 1946 and 1957
  • Space Age Collectibles– Tailfins, chrome, and sleek body lines, produced from 1958 to 1969
  • Preservation– Unaltered survivors produced before 1974
  • Classics– Luxury, limited production automobiles produced from 1915 to 1948
  • Exotics– Speed, rarity, and provocative designs make these cars an attraction to everyone
  • American Muscle – High-performance, rear-wheel drive, mid and full-size models up to 1973
  • Motorcycles– Mechanical icons that influenced cultures with their design and engineering

2024 Special Classes

  • Station Wagons – American station wagons up to 1984
  • Porsche – Performance on the street and on the track
  • Volkswagen – 1949-1981 Volkswagens in America

 

French Rules Judging at the Des Moines Concours

The Des Moines Concours utilizes “French Rules” for evaluating vehicles shown at our event. After all, the word “Des Moines” is French!  A Concours d’Elegance, which translates to Competition of Elegance, typically utilizes French Rules for evaluating vehicles. Unlike the judging system typically used in car club events (e.g. AACA, CCCA and marque-specific clubs), French Rules judging utilizes both objective and subjective elements.

Are you ready to apply to exhibit? The link to the application is below. August 1st is the deadline to apply. Classes do fill up, so the sooner you apply, the better!