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 2012 Special Feature Classes:

• The BMWs: celebrating pre-WWII BMWs such as the iconic 328 Roadster and the post-war sporting transition with landmark cars such as the 501, 507, 700, 1600, 2002, 2800CS, Z8 and more.
• The Cadillacs: commemorating generations of America’s “Standard of Excellence” for luxury automobiles, including a special presentation of convertibles from each decade.
• The Exotics: a gathering of classic and contemporary exotic automobiles powered by the time-tested front-engine/rear-wheel-drive configuration.
• The Forgotten Fiberglass: low production, fiberglass-bodied automobiles from the 1950s and 1960s, such as the Tiburon, Kaiser Darrin, Kurtis 500M, Avanti, Woodill Wildfire, and the Glasspar G2 roadster.
• The Porsches: appreciate the wide variety of motor vehicles resulting from the fertile imagination of the Porsche family, from the “people’s car” to tractors to supercars and the lovely 356s, 911s and much more.
• The Studebakers: showcasing milestone cars from the teens through the 1960s, featuring designs by designer Raymond Loewy, including the President, Champion, Commander and Avanti.
• 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 1960.

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”.

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.

Schedule of Activities:

• Saturday, 8 AM, Sept. 8 – 5th Annual Salisbury Heartlands Driving Tour: A popular tour visiting several central Iowa attractions. While focused on exhibitors, the Tour is also open to the public. Any car may be driven on the Tour.  $30.00 per person, includes lunch

• Saturday, 5:00 PM, Sept. 8 – Exhibitors’ Banquet: a wine and beer reception, buffet dinner and presentation on interesting automotive subjects.  No charge for Exhibitor and 1 guest

• Sunday, 11 AM–5 PM, Sept. 9 – Salisbury Concours d’Elegance: Autos staged from 7:30 AM to 9:30 AM, judging begins at 10:00 AM.No charge to exhibitor and one guest. 

• Sunday, 5 PM, Sept. 9 – Awards Reception: Wine and light dinner buffet on the Salisbury Patio. Awards presented at 5:45 PM.  No charge to exhibitor and one guest.

All Concours events are rain-or-shine. The Concours d’Elegance is limited to hard surface in the event of wet grounds.