From watching rare golden-age automobiles whiz around Monterey, California, to witnessing more than 650 historic cars fly around the track in Belgium, there’s an event for everyone to attend so they can celebrate their favorite cars throughout time. And, it doesn’t hurt that these races happen to be located in some of the most beautiful places in the world.
Goodwood Festival of Speed: England
Each year, in late summer, the Goodwood Festival of Speed takes to the streets of West Sussex, England. The festival, which began in 2003 and attracts more than 100,000 spectators each year, is a true celebration of classic cars. At the event, spectators can watch the different races, get up close and personal with the cars, and even stay overnight on the ground in a glamping tent.
Spa Six Hours: Belgium
Each September, racing fans are in for a treat. That’s because that’s when the Spa Six Hours returns. Held at the Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps in Belgium, the event will certainly please everyone with the more than 650 cars spanning several decades in attendance. Go for the races, stay for the display, and spend a little time at the event’s lounge bar to meet with the owners of these gorgeous vehicles.
Grand Prix de Monaco Historique: Monaco
Every two years the infamous street circuit is taken over by vintage beauties who can still handle all the hairpin turns their more modern counterparts race through for its sister race, the Monaco Grand Prix. Cars produced from the 1930s to the 1980s will take over the Monaco Bay both on and off the track. At the site, visitors can mingle with the stars of racing, car owners, and one another to discuss their shared love of roaring engines.
Tour Auto 2000 Optic: France
Paris is for lovers—and that includes car lovers too. Each year, vintage devotees can catch the action along the race course that starts from the Grand Palais in Paris to the finish line in Deauville. Stops along the route include Dijon, Lyon, Vichy, and Tours, and the race will only include cars manufactured from 1951 to 1973. If you’ve got an eligible car you can enter it now and join in on all the fun.
Mille Miglia: Italy
Along the designated route for this Italian car race, some 430 exceptionally preserved vehicles will race to determine who really does reign supreme in the car universe. Eligible cars include those produced between 1927 to 1957. Fans are welcome to congregate along the route to cheer on their favorites. Every car accepted into the race can be found here.
Le Mans Classic: France
The Le Mans Classic won’t return until the summer of 2020, but, it’s well worth the wait. In association with the Automobile Club de l’Ouest, Le Mans Classic brings fans a complete retrospective of the famed Le Mans 24 Hours race. At the 2021 event, visitors will have the opportunity to check out truly rare vehicles. And, children are invited to take part in the Little big Mans event and drive around in one of the mini replicas of their favorite old cars.
Monterey Classic Car Week: United States
In August, the world’s best classic cars descend on Monterey, a stunning stretch of land along California’s coast that is simply ideal for a drive. During the week-long event, fans can ogle as many cars as they can handle, and attend more car races and events than they can count. Cars come in all shapes, sizes, and come from nearly every decade of car manufacturing history. Be warned: This event is wildly popular so make sure to book your accommodations in the area as soon as possible.
