The Salisbury Concours d’Elegance is an invitation-only, nationally recognized exhibition of collectible vintage motor vehicles. The Concours celebrates the fine art and design of motor vehicles and the designers that created them. 120 automobiles and 30 motorcycles are organized into classes, judged by French Rules (an owner may elect not to be judged). Judging is based on elegance and beauty of design. Pristine condition, while helpful, is not essential for acceptance; innovative design and the artistic qualities of the original vehicle are primary considerations.

The focus of the Concours is on fine vintage motor vehicles driven during the Carl and Edith Weeks family era of the Salisbury House (1923-1953), when they built and lived in the mansion. The Concours includes vintage vehicles prior to 1923, collectible vehicles up to 1960, and special feature classes that may reflect any period of interest.

Criteria for acceptance include such considerations as marque, model, design, innovation, elegance, rarity, age, quality, and adherence to original design as manufactured.

The 2013 Special Feature Classes:

• The Jaguars: Between the late 30s and the early 60s, a focus on styling, innovation, performance, and value served to elevate Jaguar from a small upstart to a leading producer of fine automobiles.
• The Lincolns and the designs of Edsel Ford: Honoring Edsel Ford as both talented automotive designer and President of Lincoln and Ford Motor Company from 1918 to1943, with a focus on Lincoln as his luxury brand.
• The Station Wagons: Featuring early “people haulers” built prior to 1964, from Model A’s – the first station wagons – to vinyl attired woody wannabes.
• Wings to Wheels: Featuring automobiles built by companies that also manufactured aircraft and aircraft engines. The young automobile industry evolved in a similar timeframe to the aircraft industry, especially affected by the demands of two world wars.
• The Vintage Motorcycles: all marques and models from inception thru the 1970′s, including original condition, restoration, competition and period-modified models.

The Traditional Classes, presented annually:

• The Salisbury Classics: prestige automobiles of luxury and elegance, designed, built and driven during the same era (1923-1953) as the Weeks’ residency at the Salisbury House.
• The Antiques: early historic automobiles that experimented with innovations in engineering and design, from inception through 1922.
• The Collectibles: open to all marques of innovation and distinction not represented by a feature class, manufactured between 1923 and 1962.

No entry fee is required for the Concours; however, we encourage exhibitors consider a charitable donation to the 501c3 Salisbury House Foundation in support of educational programming, house restoration, and the Concours. Make gifts by check or online at www.salisburyhouse.org – click “Donate”, then “Program support for” –“Concours”.

Art Exhibition:

The Salisbury House and Gardens in conjunction with its 2013 Salisbury Concours d’Elegance, is pleased to announce an open call for artists to submit their artwork celebrating the Art and Design of the Automobile, in a juried exhibition beginning August 1, 2013 and extending to the conclusion of the 2013 Salisbury Concours d’Elegance event conducted September 8th, 2013. The art competition is seeking artwork that innovatively celebrates the beauty of classic automobiles, and the role art and design in the development of automobiles from the past. For further information and to submit artwork, click here: https://www.callforentry.org/index.php and search for "Salisbury House Foundation: Celebrating the Art and Design of the Automobile" with the deadline for submittals on May 31, 2013.

The Concours is presented on the grounds of the historic Salisbury House museum and its ten-acre estate of manicured gardens and woodlands. The elegant mansion is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and featured in the A&E television series, America’s Castles. The architecture of the 42 room country manor was inspired by the 13th century King’s House in Salisbury, England. The house features rich architectural details, inside and out, and an outstanding collection of fine art, antiques, rare books, musical instruments, and tapestries.