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Philadelphia Concours d’Elegance
June 25, 2022
No Lush Lawns for this Premier Car Show
There’s a tongue-in-cheek saying about the difference between a car show and a concours d’elegance: “A car show takes place on pavement and a concours takes place on grass.”
Well, the Philadelphia Concours d’Elegance blows that saying out of the water… or ocean or lake or fountain or other aquatic feature present at many of the world’s top collector car shows.
Now in its 3rd year, the concours takes place in commercial southwest Philly, on a side street adjacent to a slew of car dealership parking lots.
The venue is the world renowned Simeone Foundation Automotive Museum, located in a renovated former factory with nearly 2 acres under roof and a 3-acre paved area out back.
Inside the building is one of the world’s greatest collections of racing sports cars, assembled over decades by automotive historian Dr. Fred Simeone. Visitors walk back in time viewing mostly unrestored rare and champion cars, displayed in historic dioramas depicting LeMans, Bonneville Salt Flats, Mille Miglia and other racing venues.
The day of show features both an invitation-only, judged concours featuring 30-plus significant vehicles and a car corral for enthusiasts to show their own cool cars. Also included are family-friendly activities; celebrity guests, including Super Bowl-winning Coach Dick Vermeil; food and specialty vendors; and access to the Simeone Museum.
The two-day event is conducted by Cool Cars for Kids, Inc., a non-profit organization that promotes awareness and funds research for many different types of rare genetic disorders. The primary beneficiary is the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.
Be sure to visit the Simeone Museum website, which includes Dr. Simeone’s informative descriptions of each car and how it was acquired.
The Philadelphia area is fortunate to have two concours events. The 23rd annual Radnor Hunt Concours d’Elegance takes place about 30 miles west of Center City on September 8.
All photos courtesy of The Simeone Foundation.