Exhibiting

The Des Moines Concours is a premier exhibition of vintage, classic and special interest collectible motor vehicles that celebrates the fine art, design evolution, and amazing innovations of motor vehicles through the years, as well as the talented designers and engineers that created them. The Concours is held in downtown Des Moines on closed streets surrounding the internationally recognized John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park that features 27 works of art by 21 of the world’s most celebrated sculptors. The Des Moines Concours is a free event and open to the public with 2019 attendance exceeding 12,000.

Criteria for vehicle acceptance include authenticity, condition, rarity, design, engineering and innovative features and historical merit. Please note that replicas, reproductions or modified vehicles will not be accepted. The application deadline is August 1st each year. Use the online application below.

PLEASE NOTE: UNLESS YOU RECEIVE A CONFIRMATION EMAIL AND A THANK YOU NOTE ON THIS SITE AFTER CLICKING SUBMIT, YOUR APPLICATION WAS NOT RECEIVED BY OUR COMMITTEE. Make sure you use the most up-to-date browser, including Safari, Chrome and Firefox. If you have questions, please contact us at application@desmoinesconcours.com

Classes for the 2020 Des Moines Concours include:

  • Antiques to 1927 Class – Vehicles produced from the beginning of motor vehicles through 1927
  • Early Collectibles 1928-1942 Class – A broad range of non-Classic collectible cars and trucks produced between 1928 and 1942
  • Atomic Age Collectibles 1946-1957 Class – Vehicles with post-war styling through the mid-1950s
  • Space Age Collectibles 1958-1967 Class – Tailfins, loads of chrome, striking lights, and sleek body designs
  • Preservation to 1970 Class – Unaltered survivors with only minor updates like batteries, tires, and belts
  • Classics Class – High-priced, low production, finely-designed automobiles produced from 1915 to 1948
  • Exotics Class – Speed, power, and sleek, provocative designs make these cars an attraction to everyone
  • American Muscle Cars Class – High-performance, rear-wheel drive mid- and full-size models up to 1973
  • Motorcycle Class – Mechanical icons that influenced cultures with their design and engineering
  • Alfa Romeo 110th Anniversary Class – Automobiles built by the Italian Automobile Company Alfa Romeo
  • Chevrolet Corvair 60th Anniversary Class –Chevrolet Corvairs built 1960 to 1969
  • Chevrolet Tri-Five 65th Anniversary Class – Chevrolet 150, 210, Bel Air, and Nomad models manufactured between 1955 and 1957
  • 4X4 and 4-Wheel Drive Class – Vehicles with a two-axle drivetrain capable of powering all four wheels simultaneously, used on- and off-road
  • American Austin 90th Anniversary Class – Motor vehicles from American Austin and Bantam Car Companies
  • Fabulous ’50s Fiberglass Sports Car Class – Low-volume production and home-built fiberglass bodied sports cars built built before 1960
  • Ford Flathead V8 Class – Manufactured between 1932 and 1953 with original Ford Flathead V8 engines

2020 Application to Exhibit

The Des Moines Concours d'Elegance™ • A Celebration of the Art & Design of the Automobile • September 12 & 13, 2020
  • See description above to determine which class best fits your vehicle. You may only choose one class. If you are in doubt, please contact us at application@desmoinesconcours.com
  • Identify designation as cc, liter or ci
  • Please provide a summary of facts and history of the vehicle and any outstanding features, including prior awards and show history. If the vehicle is restored, please tell us when and by whom. If this is an un-restored (survivor) vehicle, please provide any history and details. This information may be included in the Concours program. Please attach any supplemental information as necessary below as word docs or pdfs. (Maximum of 900 characters can be entered here.)
    * During the judging, vehicle engine compartments will be viewed as part of the evaluation process for show awards. The primary concern is period correct engine and equipment, as our show criteria emphasize the authenticity of vehicles. Vehicles are meant to be driven, so evidence of normal engine bay usage will not reduce the evaluation. We wanted to inform applicants early so that accepted entrants will know how to properly prepare their vehicles to achieve the best evaluation.
    AGREEMENT & WAIVER IMPORTANT – acceptance is conditional upon signing this WAIVER The provisions of this AGREEMENT apply to participation in all events related to the Des Moines Concours™ (“Concours”). In consideration of acceptance to the Concours, the undersigned agrees as follows: I will indemnify, defend and save harmless Iowa Automotive Heritage Foundation (IAHF), its committees, staff, directors, volunteers and agents, from and against any and all liability, claims, damages, costs and expenses including reasonable attorneys’ fees, in connection with my participation in all Concours events, which results from my negligence. I acknowledge that the indemnified parties above assume no liability for stolen or damaged property and agree that I display my vehicle at my sole risk. I waived all claims against the indemnified parties for damages to my vehicle except those which result from the negligence of an indemnified party. I agree to provide proof of vehicle liability insurance if required. In addition: I agree to place a fire extinguisher behind the left front wheel of my vehicle while on display at the Concours. I give permission and free unconditional non-exclusive license to IAHF to use my name and images of my vehicle for promotional or educational purposes in connection with the Concours, whether before, during, or after the Concours.
  • Drop files here or
    Accepted file types: jpg, jpeg, png, gif, pdf.
    Please let us know if you have questions on how to upload or resize files at application@desmoinesconcours.com. If you did not receive an email confirmation that your application was submitted, the form did not go through and the application was not received. Please resubmit.
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