A Celebration of the Art & Design of the Automobile

A Celebration Of The Art & Design Of The Automobile

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, and produced only between 1915 and 1948. A number of factors are used to determine a “Classic” 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/years of a particular marque are accepted as Full Classics.


2024 Des Moines Concours 1st Place Winner in the Classics Class and Best of Show

1935 SS Cars Limited SS One Airline Saloon owned by Jim and Lisa Hendrix of Chesterfield, MO. Built and purchased during the 25th Silver Jubilee Celebration of King George V, this Airline Saloon retains its original body, chassis, 2663 cc 6-cylinder engine, and dual RAG carburetors. Meticulous restoration includes its original special-order silver paint color and light blue leather upholstery. Of 624 Airlines produced, only 12 survive. The company changed its name to Jaguar in 1945.

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!

The Des Moines Concours is accepting exhibitor applications through July 31st.

Celebrating 25 Years of the Des Moines Concours

The 2025 Des Moines Concours marks a major milestone—our 25th anniversary! For a quarter-century, we’ve celebrated automotive excellence, bringing together stunning vehicles, passionate enthusiasts, and a shared love for design and innovation.

Join us as we honor this special anniversary with an unforgettable exhibit, featuring remarkable cars, and exciting special classes. Proceeds from the 2025 Des Moines Concours will benefit Children’s Cancer Connection, supporting kids and families affected by childhood cancer. To find out more about the organization, visit their website.

Interested in sponsoring the Des Moines Concours? Visit our Become a Sponsor page to see all the opportunities.

2025 Concours Accepting Applications to Exhibit

The Des Moines Concours is a premier exhibition of more than 150 vintage, classic and special interest collectible motor vehicles. Join us around the beautiful Pappajohn Sculpture Park in downtown Des Moines to show off your vehicle to 20,000+ attendees, including enthusiasts and families. Our exhibition is free-of-charge for exhibitors and the public. If you enjoy showing your vehicle in a quality exhibition, consider adding us to your summer schedule! Applications will be accepted from March 1st to August 1st. Visit our Exhibiting page to apply.


2025 Special Classes

Chrysler: 100th Anniversary 1925 to 1974
American Pickup Trucks: Utility, adventure and style

 

A Centennial Celebration – 100 Years of Chrysler Corporation

The Des Moines Concours will be celebrating a Century of Success by Chrysler Corporation when we offer the public a view of the vehicles manufactured by one of America’s premier auto manufacturers.

Walter P. Chrysler and His Iowa Connection

In 1908, Walter was the Superintendent of the Chicago Great Western Railroad in Oelwein, IA. He attended the Chicago Auto Show that year and purchased a Locomobile for $5,000. He had the car shipped to Oelwein and before he ever drove the car, he disassembled it just to see how it worked! In 1925, Walter organized Maxwell into the Chrysler Corporation, quickly becoming the 8th largest auto manufacturer.


American Pickup Trucks: Symbols of Freedom, Adventure and Strength

 

This Special Class celebrates utility, adventure and style of iconic pickup trucks made in America up to 1975. The deployment of more than 330,000 4×4 military trucks helped cement the nation’s love of trucks. Today, trucks account for more than 80% of all auto sales. We are looking for iconic restored examples of 1/2 ton, 3/4 ton, and 1-ton trucks from Ford, Chevy, Dodge, International and others that showcase America’s love of these vehicles.