Greetings!

Welcome to the October 2026 Collector Car Journal featuring highlights from recent automotive activities and a look ahead at notable events and milestones across the collector car world.

With Fall weather now making its presence felt across much of the country, the final major outdoor automotive events in the northern and Midwestern states are winding down, and the transition to the indoor show and exhibition season is underway.

It has been another remarkable year for the collector car world, with exceptional automobiles appearing at concours events, historic racing gatherings, auctions and celebrations of automotive culture on both sides of the Atlantic. While the summer months, culminating in Monterey Car Week, traditionally dominate the calendar, September and October have demonstrated that there is still plenty to celebrate before the year comes to a close.

Among the recent highlights were the Audrain Newport Concours & Motor Week in Rhode Island and Luftgekühlt 12 in Georgia, two very different events that illustrate the remarkable diversity of today's collector car community. One celebrates the elegance and history of the automobile in the traditional concours setting, while the other brings together generations of Porsche enthusiasts through a distinctive combination of motorsport heritage, design and automotive culture.

October also brought the conclusion of another IMSA racing season and the induction of a new class into the IMSA Hall of Fame, recognizing some of the great drivers and racing cars that have contributed to the history of American sports car racing.

Looking ahead, November brings several important automotive awards presentations and, of particular significance, the inaugural Rétromobile New York. After two-plus years of planning, one of Europe's most celebrated historic motoring events is preparing to make its North American debut at the Javits Center in Manhattan, November 19–22.

There is certainly no shortage of automotive activity to keep enthusiasts engaged as we approach the final months of 2026.

Audrain Newport Concours & Motor Week



Now in its seventh year, the Audrain Newport Concours & Motor Week has established itself as one of America's leading celebrations of automotive history, design and culture. This year's event, held in the picturesque and historic New England summer resort, was blessed with delightful early October weather and introduced a significant change of venue for its Sunday Concours d'Elegance.

For the first time, the main Concours event was held within the walls of historic Fort Adams, overlooking Newport Harbor and Narragansett Bay. One of America's largest coastal fortifications, Fort Adams was constructed during the 19th century and today forms part of Rhode Island's state park system. The imposing stone walls, monumental entrance archway and expansive interior grounds provided a different backdrop from the manicured lawns of the Newport mansions that have traditionally hosted the event. The setting was certainly dramatic, although navigating the rather narrow entrance through the fortifications required some careful attention from owners driving the larger pre-war Classics and American luxury automobiles.

Another new addition to the Motor Week program was the inaugural Audrain Supercar Concours d'Elegance, held on Saturday on the waterfront outside the Fort's Overlook. Dedicated to the evolution of the supercar and hypercar, the event brought together an impressive collection of performance automobiles, from the pioneering supercars of the 1960s to some of today's most technologically advanced machines.

The traditional Saturday Tour d'Elegance was another highlight of the weekend. Departing from Sachuest Beach, also known as Second Beach, the diverse collection of concours entrants traveled through the scenic roads and historic mansion neighborhoods of Newport and the surrounding communities before arriving on Bellevue Avenue, in front of the Audrain Automobile Museum and the International Tennis Hall of Fame. The tour provides an opportunity to see these remarkable automobiles doing what they were originally intended to do — being driven and enjoyed — rather than simply displayed on the concours lawn.

Appropriately, the Audrain Automobile Museum's exhibition during Motor Week celebrated Best of Show Winners, featuring automobiles that represent some of the most significant periods in motoring history. Among the exhibits were the 1901 Panhard et Levassor Type B1 (above left), associated with the pioneering Newport automobile races organized by Willie K. Vanderbilt at the beginning of the 20th century, and the magnificent 1907 Renault Type AI 35/45 HP Vanderbilt Racer (above center). Another featured automobile was the 1927 Isotta Fraschini Tipo 8AS Fleetwood Roadster (above right), created for the silent-film star Rudolph Valentino.

Best of Show honors, presented by Jay Leno, went to the spectacular 1938 Delahaye 165 Cabriolet (below), featuring the extraordinary coachwork of Figoni et Falaschi. Owned by Swiss collector Fritz Burkard, the magnificent V12-powered Delahaye had been one of the finalists for Best of Show at the recent Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, where it also received First in Class honors.

The inaugural Supercar Concours Best of Show award went to the 1993 McLaren F1 XP4 Prototype, owned by Rob Kauffman. One of the development prototypes of Gordon Murray's groundbreaking McLaren F1, the XP4 represents an important chapter in the creation of what many consider one of the greatest supercars ever produced.

The move to Fort Adams certainly gave Audrain a distinctive new identity. With its combination of traditional concours automobiles, contemporary supercars, driving tours, museum exhibitions and the historic surroundings of Newport, the event continues to broaden its appeal while maintaining its appreciation for automotive history and excellence.

Luftgekühlt 12 — A Celebration of Air-Cooled Porsche

Since its creation in Southern California in 2014, Luftgekühlt has developed a remarkable following among Porsche enthusiasts around the world, bringing together exceptional automobiles, distinctive locations and an approach to automotive presentation that is quite unlike the traditional car show.

Founded by Porsche factory driver and Le Mans winner Patrick Long, creative director Howie Idelson and photographer and award-winning filmmaker Jeff Zwart, Luftgekühlt has grown from its relatively modest beginnings into an internationally recognized celebration of Porsche's air-cooled heritage.

The name Luftgekühlt translates from German as "air-cooled," a reference to the engine configuration that defined Porsche's road and racing automobiles for decades. Although production of the last air-cooled 911 ended in 1998 with the 993 generation, enthusiasm for these automobiles has continued to grow.

From the earliest pre-A 356 models through the many generations of the 911, along with Porsche's extraordinary racing machines, Luftgekühlt brings together automobiles representing more than half a century of Porsche engineering, design and motorsport success.

Part of the event's appeal has always been its choice of unconventional venues. Early editions were staged in industrial spaces, warehouses and port facilities around Los Angeles, where the architecture and surroundings became an integral part of the display.

Subsequent events have taken the concept to San Francisco, Indianapolis, New York and Europe, with the first Luft Tokyo event earlier this year extending its international reach to Japan.

For Luftgekühlt 12, held October 10, the event traveled to the Atlanta area, home of Porsche Cars North America and within reach of the rich motorsport history of Road Atlanta.

The setting was the Town at Trilith in Fayetteville, Georgia, a European-inspired, walkable community and the adjacent Trilith Studios, the extensive film and television production complex formerly known as Pinewood Atlanta Studios. The studios have been associated with major productions including Avengers: Endgame and Black Panther.

The combination of distinctive architecture, public spaces and the surrounding studio environment provided another imaginative backdrop for the carefully curated displays of Porsche road and racing automobiles.

One of the featured attractions was a Gulf-liveried Porsche 917 associated with Steve McQueen's classic 1971 film 'Le Mans', an automobile that remains one of the most recognizable symbols of Porsche's golden era of international sports car racing.

Another important display celebrated Porsche's remarkable history at the Targa Florio, the legendary Sicilian road race first held in 1906. The event marked both the 120th anniversary of the race's beginnings and 70 years since Porsche achieved its first overall victory in 1956.

The Targa Florio was among the most demanding events in international motorsport. Its narrow public roads, mountain passes, villages and seemingly endless succession of corners rewarded agility, reliability and exceptional driving skill. Porsche's relatively lightweight and nimble racing cars proved ideally suited to these challenging conditions.

The Revs Institute in Naples, Florida, brought several significant automobiles from its collection to illustrate this history, including a 1959 Porsche 718 RSK, the Porsche RS 60 (below left) that won the 1960 Targa Florio with Jo Bonnier and Hans Herrmann, and a 1971 Porsche 908/03 (above). The lightweight 908/03 was developed specifically for demanding circuits such as the Targa Florio and Nürburgring, where its compact dimensions and exceptional handling characteristics offered advantages over the more powerful Porsche 917. The display also highlighted the Porsche 904 Carrera GTS (below right), the model that secured another important Targa Florio victory for Porsche in 1964.

What makes Luftgekühlt particularly interesting is that it is about considerably more than assembling a collection of significant Porsches. The organizers place considerable emphasis on how the cars are presented, using the surroundings, architecture and carefully considered displays to create an experience that combines automotive history with art, photography and design.

It is a formula that has clearly resonated with a new generation of enthusiasts while maintaining a strong connection with the marque's extraordinary motorsport heritage.

IMSA Hall of Fame — Honoring the Legends

The international sports car racing community gathered in October for the induction of the fourth class of the IMSA Hall of Fame, held in conjunction with the organization's Night of Champions celebrations following the season-ending Motul Petit Le Mans at Road Atlanta. The IMSA Hall of Fame recognizes the drivers, automobiles and individuals whose accomplishments have contributed to the remarkable history of sports car racing in North America.

This year's class brought together six distinguished drivers and four legendary racing car groups, representing several different eras of IMSA competition. Among the driver inductees was Bill Auberlen, IMSA's winningest driver with 65 victories, whose remarkable career has spanned decades of competition in a variety of BMW racing machinery. He was joined by Butch Leitzinger, a multiple sports car racing champion and accomplished endurance racer, and Roger Mandeville, whose career included considerable success in IMSA competition. 

Also honored were Brian Redman, one of the great international sports car racing drivers whose successes in North America included multiple championships; Lyn St. James, a pioneering and accomplished racer in sports cars and Indy Car who helped open doors for women in professional motorsport; and Hans-Joachim Stuck, whose extraordinary career included major international endurance racing victories and success in IMSA competition.

The racing cars inducted were equally representative of the championship's technical diversity and competitive history. The Audi 90 quattro GTO was among the most technologically advanced and spectacular machines to compete in IMSA, demonstrating the extraordinary performance potential of Audi's turbocharged five-cylinder engine and quattro all-wheel-drive system. The Riley Daytona Prototype represented an important era of endurance racing in North America, while the powerful and visually dramatic Greenwood Corvettes remain among the most memorable American GT racing machines of the 1970s. Completing the group was the Mazda RX-3, an important early example of Mazda's rotary-engine racing success in North America and a significant contributor to the marque's growing motorsport reputation.

Together, these inductees represent much of what has made IMSA competition so compelling over the decades: exceptional driving talent, engineering innovation, manufacturer involvement and some of the most memorable racing automobiles ever to compete on American circuits.

Automotive Awards Season

As the calendar year approaches its conclusion, the annual awards season is also gathering momentum, recognizing achievements across the automotive industry, historic motoring, motorsport and automotive media. Among the important November presentations are the SEMA Industry Awards on November 5, the International Historic Motoring Awards on November 13, and the Royal Automobile Club Historic Awards on November 19. While each recognizes different aspects of the automotive world, together they highlight the individuals, organizations, events and accomplishments that continue to shape and preserve our automotive heritage.

The International Historic Motoring Awards, presented by Lockton, will once again bring together many of the leading figures from the international historic motoring community for its annual gala dinner and awards presentation, this year taking place at The Peninsula London on November 13.

Now in its 16th year, the awards celebrate excellence across a wide range of categories, recognizing significant restorations, outstanding museums, concours and historic motorsport events, books, media, industry supporters and individuals who have made important contributions to the collector car world.

This year's awards attracted more than 400 nominations across 16 categories, demonstrating both the international reach of the awards and the extraordinary breadth of activity taking place throughout the historic motoring community. 

One particularly popular feature of the International Historic Motoring Awards is the Car of the Year, which provides enthusiasts around the world with the opportunity to participate in selecting the winner. Unlike the other categories, which are decided by specialist judging panels, Car of the Year is determined by public vote.

A shortlist of ten exceptional historic automobiles has been selected by a panel of experts, representing cars that have made a particularly significant impression during the past year. The selection reflects the remarkable diversity of the collector car world, from important concours appearances and historic racing achievements to rediscovered automobiles, exceptional restorations, recreations and significant contemporary interpretations of classic designs. Each of the ten finalists has a compelling story, and the public is invited to choose the automobile they believe most deserves the title.

To view the ten finalists and cast your vote today for Car of the Year - CLICK HERE

International Motor Film Awards

The following evening, another important celebration of automotive creativity takes place on the other side of the Atlantic. For 2026, the International Motor Film Awards will be held at the world-renowned Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles on Saturday, November 14. The awards recognize excellence in automotive filmmaking, from major film and television productions to documentaries, commercials, independent films and student projects.

Supported by leading figures and organizations from both the automotive and entertainment industries, including professionals with Oscar, Emmy and BAFTA recognition, the awards celebrate the creative talent responsible for bringing automotive stories to the screen.

Automobiles and motorsport have provided some of cinema's most memorable moments, from the early racing films to the great motorsport documentaries and contemporary productions that introduce new audiences to automotive history and culture. The International Motor Film Awards recognize not only the finished productions but also the directors, cinematographers, editors and other creative professionals whose work brings these stories to life.

Coming Soon — Maserati: The Brothers

One automotive film project to keep an eye out for is Maserati: The Brothers, a forthcoming feature film exploring the story of the Maserati family and the origins of one of Italy's most celebrated automotive marques - Maserati - celebrating its 100th Anniversary this year.

The story of the Maserati brothers, their engineering achievements, racing ambitions and the creation of a marque that became synonymous with Italian performance and elegance, certainly provides fascinating material for a feature film. For those with an appreciation of automotive history, it will be interesting to see how this important chapter in the development of the Italian sports car industry is brought to the screen.

Retromobile New York — A New Chapter in Automotive History

The countdown is well underway for the inaugural Rétromobile New York, bringing one of the world's most celebrated historic motoring events to North America for the first time. After over two years of planning and preparation, the international collector car community will gather at the Javits Center on Manhattan's West Side, November 19–22, for four days celebrating the history, artistry, engineering and passion of the automobile.

For half a century, Rétromobile Paris has been one of the most important fixtures on the international collector car calendar. Each February, collectors, dealers, restorers, historians, artists and enthusiasts from around the world gather in Paris for an event that is difficult to compare with any conventional automobile show.

Part trade exhibition, part automotive museum, part art gallery and part celebration of motoring culture, Rétromobile brings together extraordinary automobiles and the people whose enthusiasm and expertise keep automotive history alive. It is not simply a display of beautiful or valuable cars. It is an opportunity to discover remarkable stories, meet the specialists responsible for preserving important automobiles, explore the history of legendary manufacturers and racing teams, and experience the diversity of the collector car world.

The ambition for Rétromobile New York is to bring that distinctive character to America while creating an event with an identity of its own, reflecting the energy, culture and international appeal of New York City.

Having been involved with the development of the New York event, particularly in bringing together exhibitors and special automotive displays, I have had the opportunity to see the considerable work involved in introducing an established European event to an entirely new market.

The challenge is not simply to recreate Paris in New York, but to establish a new gathering that appeals to American collectors and enthusiasts while retaining the qualities that have made Rétromobile such an important international event. With the inaugural show now only weeks away, it is particularly exciting to see the range of participating exhibitors, historic automobiles, special displays and activities coming together.

One of the many very special cars that will be on display at Retromobile New York is the 1995 Chrysler Atlantic Concept Car that was first displayed at the 1996 Retromobile Show in Paris. Arguably one of the best-looking automotive designs introduced during the 1990s, the Chrysler Atlantic concept model was inspired by the Bugatti Atlantique coupe from the 1930s. The vehicle's origin was traced to a sketch drawn on a napkin by Chrysler President Bob Lutz and Chief Designer Tom Gale, who were directly involved with the model from sketch idea to design reality. The car is being displayed courtesy of the Stellantis Historical Collection.

Don Williams and his Blackhawk Collection, a long-time feature exhibitor at Retromobile Paris, and Chrysler's Tom Gale worked together to have the stunning new concept vehicle on display on the Blackhawk Collection stand at the 1996 Retromobile in Paris. Event co-founders Marc Nicolosi and Francois Melcion decided to feature a representation of the car on the event poster.

Richard Mille — Where Fine Watchmaking Meets Ferrari History

An important highlight of the inaugural Rétromobile New York will be the participation of Richard Mille, the prestigious Swiss watchmaker and presenting partner of Rétromobile in both Paris and New York.

Renowned for its extraordinary timepieces, innovative materials and technical sophistication, Richard Mille has developed a particularly close association with the world of exceptional automobiles and international motorsport. The brand's philosophy of combining advanced engineering, precision, performance and distinctive design has much in common with the qualities that define the world's most significant collector cars.

Richard Mille's longstanding involvement with Rétromobile Paris has been an important part of the event's international appeal, bringing together two worlds in which mechanical excellence, craftsmanship and innovation are held in particularly high regard.

For the inaugural New York edition, Richard Mille will present an exceptional display of historically significant Ferraris, providing visitors with an opportunity to appreciate some of the most celebrated automobiles from the Italian marque's remarkable history.

Ferrari's achievements in international motorsport, together with its tradition of creating extraordinary road and competition automobiles, have established the marque as one of the most important names in automotive history. From the pioneering years of Enzo Ferrari through the great sports racing and Grand Prix machines, the company's legacy encompasses some of the most desirable and historically important automobiles ever produced.

The Richard Mille presentation promises to be one of the outstanding attractions of Rétromobile New York, celebrating not only the beauty and engineering of these remarkable Ferraris but also the racing heritage, personalities and achievements that have made the marque legendary.

It is particularly appropriate that Richard Mille, with its own close relationship with Ferrari and motorsport, should bring such a display to New York. The presentation reflects the shared appreciation for innovation, precision, design and performance that connects the worlds of haute horlogerie and exceptional automobiles.

For collectors and enthusiasts, the opportunity to see historically important Ferraris assembled in a dedicated exhibition will undoubtedly be among the memorable experiences of the inaugural Rétromobile New York.

Gooding Christie's — An Exceptional Inaugural New York Auction

A major attraction of Rétromobile New York will be the inaugural Gooding Christie's Rétromobile New York Auctions, taking place on Friday, November 20, and Saturday, November 21, at the Javits Center.

The auction represents an important new chapter in the relationship between two internationally respected names in the collector car world. Gooding Christie's was appointed the official auction house for both Rétromobile Paris and Rétromobile New York under a multi-year agreement, bringing its specialist expertise and the international reach of Christie's to the events.

The complete New York auction catalogue has now been released, featuring more than 160 lots of collector automobiles, motorcycles and automobilia. The selection includes significant pre-war and postwar classics, important sports and racing cars, rare modern collectibles and automobiles with extraordinary individual histories.

Among the headline offerings is one of the most recognizable Ferraris ever produced, a historically important Jaguar D-Type, an exceptionally rare Mercedes-Benz Alloy Gullwing and a remarkable one-off RUF commission.

A major highlight is a 1956 Jaguar D-Type, chassis XKD 552. The Jaguar D-Type remains one of the most important sports racing designs of the 1950s, combining Malcolm Sayer's aerodynamic bodywork with innovative monocoque construction and Jaguar's highly successful XK six-cylinder engine. The model achieved three consecutive victories at the 24 Hours of Le Mans from 1955 through 1957. Importantly, the car retains its original monocoque, front subframe, brass identification tag and matching-numbers engine, characteristics that contribute significantly to its historical importance and desirability.

Among the most significant Mercedes-Benz automobiles in the sale is a 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Alloy Gullwing. While the 300 SL Gullwing is one of the most recognizable sports cars ever produced, the lightweight aluminum-bodied versions occupy an especially important place in the model's history. Only 29 aluminum-bodied Gullwings were built, primarily for customers seeking enhanced performance and competition capability. The example offered in New York is the third of these rare lightweight cars and was campaigned in period by American racer and Woolworth heir Lance Reventlow, who later established the Scarab racing program.

For enthusiasts of high-performance Porsches and the extraordinary automobiles created by Alois Ruf, another remarkable offering is the one-off RUF Project Dragon, offered without reserve. Inspired by the legendary RUF CTR2 Sport, Project Dragon represents the realization of a collector's long-held vision, developed in close collaboration with Alois Ruf and his team. Project Dragon is a fascinating example of the increasingly important relationship between historic automotive design, specialist engineering and the creation of highly individualized collector automobiles.

Adding a contemporary luxury and philanthropic dimension to the auction is a unique 2027 Mercedes-Maybach S 680, commissioned and personally specified by basketball superstar and now Philadelphia 76ers, LeBron James. One of only two specially designed examples, the car was created through Mercedes-Benz's MANUFAKTUR Made to Measure program, with James selecting an individualized combination of colors, materials and personal details.

While James is retaining the sister car for his personal collection, this example is being offered to benefit the LeBron James Family Foundation and its I PROMISE educational initiatives supporting children and families in the Akron community. The traditional craftsmanship and luxury associated with Maybach with a very contemporary connection to one of the world's most recognizable sports figures. It is an interesting example of how a collector car auction can also provide a platform for significant charitable fundraising.

New York in November — More Than an Automobile Show

For those planning to attend Rétromobile New York, there are plenty of reasons to consider extending the visit and enjoying some of the extraordinary cultural attractions and experiences that make New York one of the world's great destinations.

November is a particularly interesting time in Manhattan. The city's museums, galleries, auction houses, theaters and restaurants are in full swing, while preparations for the holiday season are beginning to transform its streets and public spaces. And with Rétromobile taking place at the Javits Center, close to Hudson Yards, Chelsea and the High Line, visitors will find themselves within easy reach of several of the city's most interesting neighborhoods.

Art, Auctions and Galleries

November is one of the important periods on New York's international art calendar, with major fall auctions at Christie's, Sotheby's and Phillips attracting collectors and art enthusiasts from around the world. The auction exhibitions themselves can be well worth visiting, providing an opportunity to see exceptional works of art before they pass into private collections. New York's Chelsea neighborhood, just south of the Javits Center, is also home to an extraordinary concentration of contemporary art galleries, many within walking distance of one another. For those arriving earlier in November, Art Week NYC and the ADAA's annual art fair at the Park Avenue Armory add further opportunities to explore the international art market.

Museums and New York Landmarks

No visit to New York would be complete without considering some of the city's remarkable museums. The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Museum of Modern Art, Guggenheim Museum, and a personal favorite The Frick Collection with its new Siena: The Art of Bronze exhibit, offer collections and exhibitions spanning centuries of artistic achievement. The Whitney, located in the Meatpacking District, is particularly convenient for combining a museum visit with a walk along the High Line, the elevated former railway that has become one of Manhattan's most popular public spaces.

Closer to the Javits Center, Hudson Yards offers contemporary architecture, restaurants, shopping and the Edge observation deck, with spectacular views across Manhattan and the Hudson River. For those interested in the city's architecture and history, landmarks such as Grand Central Terminal, the New York Public Library, Rockefeller Center and St. Patrick's Cathedral remain essential New York experiences. An immersive light-and-sound production, LUMINISCENCE, at St. Patrick's Cathedral offers another distinctive way to experience one of Manhattan's most celebrated buildings.

Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade — Celebrating Its Historic 100th Edition

For those considering extending their New York visit beyond Rétromobile, 2026 marks a particularly special milestone in the city's history, with the 100th Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade taking place on Thursday, November 26. First held in 1924, the parade has become one of America's most beloved holiday traditions, attracting millions of spectators to the streets of Manhattan. To commemorate this historic occasion, Macy's is planning an extraordinary celebration featuring a record 100 inflatable elements, including familiar favorites, new characters and tributes to the parade's remarkable history.

Join Us in New York

The arrival of Rétromobile in New York represents an exciting development for the American collector car community.

With the international reach of its Paris heritage, the participation of respected dealers, museums, motorsport organizations and specialists, and the addition of TIME ON SHOW and the Gooding Christie's auctions, the inaugural event has the potential to establish a significant new gathering on the North American automotive calendar.

Most importantly, it is an opportunity to bring together people who share an appreciation for the history, design, engineering and culture of the automobile.

I hope many of you will have the opportunity to join us at the Javits Center, November 19–22, and experience the first Rétromobile New York.

For tickets, exhibitor information and further details, visit www.retromobile.us.

ON MY BOOKSHELF

WORTH ADDING TO YOUR CALENDAR

Michael R. Argetsinger Symposium on International Motor Racing History - Nov 12–13, 2026

The International Motor Racing Research Center (IMRRC), in partnership with the Society of Automotive Historians (SAH), will present the 10th Annual Michael R. Argetsinger Symposium on International Motor Racing History, November 12–13, at the Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel in historic Watkins Glen, New York. Named in honor of Michael R. Argetsinger (1944–2015), the respected motorsports author and longtime IMRRC Governing Council member, the annual symposium brings together historians, authors, researchers and enthusiasts to explore the people, automobiles and events that have shaped international motorsport.

This year's keynote speaker is David Hobbs, the legendary British racing driver, author and broadcaster whose remarkable career included Formula One, Can-Am, NASCAR, the Indianapolis 500 and the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Following his racing career, Hobbs became one of motorsport's most recognizable television commentators, bringing his considerable knowledge, humor and firsthand experience to audiences for more than four decades.

With Watkins Glen's rich racing heritage providing an appropriate setting, the symposium offers a valuable opportunity to explore and preserve the history of international motorsport. Further information and registration: www.racingarchives.org

HSR Classic 24 Hour at Daytona – A Celebration of Endurance Racing History - Nov 11 - 15, 2026

The Historic Sportscar Racing (HSR) Classic 24 Hour at Daytona is one of the most remarkable historic racing events in North America, bringing together an extraordinary collection of competition cars from more than six decades of international motorsport. Held on the legendary Daytona International Speedway road course, the event recreates the spirit of the Rolex 24 at Daytona, with cars divided into era-based groups, each competing in four separate sessions over a 24-hour period. From Ford GT40s, Lola T70s and Porsche 962s to more contemporary Le Mans prototypes and GT machinery, it is a living museum of endurance racing history.

The accompanying Daytona Historics adds a full program of sprint and endurance races. One of the event's great attractions is the unusually open paddock, allowing enthusiasts to get close to the cars, meet their owners and drivers, and experience the sights and sounds of historic racing firsthand. And there is something particularly special about watching these legendary machines tackle Daytona's high banking under the lights in the early hours of the morning. For anyone passionate about motorsport history, this is an event well worth experiencing.

Looking Ahead

As we move into the final months of 2026, it is worth reflecting on another extraordinary year for the collector car world. From the remarkable celebrations surrounding the 75th Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance and the great historic racing gatherings of the summer to the concours events, auctions and automotive festivals on both sides of the Atlantic, there has certainly been no shortage of memorable occasions.

What continues to impress me is the enthusiasm and commitment of the people who make these events possible. Whether it is an owner sharing an important automobile, a restoration specialist preserving a piece of motoring history, or the many individuals and organizations responsible for presenting these gatherings, their collective efforts ensure that our automotive heritage remains something to be experienced and enjoyed rather than simply remembered.

For me personally, the coming weeks will be particularly exciting as we prepare to welcome exhibitors, collectors and enthusiasts from around the world to the inaugural Rétromobile New York. Bringing an event with such an established international reputation to America is an ambitious undertaking, and as part of the team I am looking forward to seeing the plans and preparations come together at the Javits Center.

While November will bring the conclusion of much of the year's automotive activities, it also provides an opportunity to look ahead to 2027, with another full calendar of events, exhibitions and celebrations already taking shape.

As always, thank you for your continued interest in the Collector Car Journal, and for the comments, photographs and stories that so many of you share throughout the year. I hope our paths cross at one of the upcoming events, and for those making the trip to New York, I look forward to welcoming you to Rétromobile.

Until next time, enjoy the cars, the people and the experiences that make this such a remarkable community.

Kind regards

Tim McGrane



Tim McGrane's Collector Car Journal

Observations, History and Commentary from Around the Automotive World

Tim McGrane

+1.602.316.6694

tmcgrane4@gmail.com

timothy@retromobile.us

Cindy McGrane

+1.818.800.7763

cindy.mcgrane@gmail.com

Museum Exhibitions

Driven: Britain’s Motoring Story - National Motor Museum, Beaulieu, Hampshire, ENGLAND

A Fast & Furious Legacy: 25 Years of Automotive Icons - Petersen Museum, Los Angeles, CA

GM Motorama Marvels (thru March 2027) - Gilmore Museum, Hickory Corners, MI

National Treasures (thru Dec 6, 2026) - Savoy Automobile Museum, Cartersville, GA

Hidden Treasures - Classics preserved in the shadows of War (thru Nov 2026), CCCA Museum, MI

Jeff Gordon (thru Feb 2027), Indy Speedway Museum, Indianpolis, IN

Defined by Design - Part 2, Gilmore Museum, Hickory Corners, MI

2026 & 2027 Shows & Events ( * added events)

Oct 26-Nov 1 ~ London Motor Week, London, ENGLAND

Oct 28-Nov 1 ~ Ft Lauderdale International Boat Show, Bahia Mar Marina, Ft Lauderdale, FL

Oct 30 ~ Ft Lauderdale Concours, Superyacht Village, Ft Lauderdale. FL

Oct 29-Nov 1 ~ Hilton Head Island Concours & Motoring Festival, Port Royal Golf Club, Hilton Head Island, FL

Oct 29-Nov 1 ~ Concours Wynn Las Vegas, Wynn Golf Club, Las Vegas, NV

Oct 30-Nov 1 ~ Formula 1 Mexico City Grand Prix, Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez, Mexico City, MEXICO 

Oct 31 ~ St. James's Motoring Spectacle - London Motor Week, Pall Mall, London, ENGLAND

Nov 1 ~ London to Brighton Veteran Car Run, St James, London to Maderia Drive, Brighton, ENGLAND

*Nov 1 ~ Best of France & Italy Car Show, Woodley park, Van Nuys, CA

Nov 3 - 6 ~ SEMA Show, Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas, NV

*Nov 5 ~ SEMA Industry Awards

Nov 6-7 ~ Royal Bahrain Concours, Royal Golf Club, Riffa Views, BAHRAIN

Nov 6-8 ~ Classic Motor Show, NEC, Birmingham, ENGLAND

Nov 6-8 ~ Epoqu'auto, Eurexpo, Lyons, FRANCE

*Nov 7 ~ Santa Barbara Invitational Concours, Santa Barbara Polo Club, Santa Barbara, CA

Nov 8 ~ NASCAR Championship, Homestead Miami Speedway, Homestead, FL

Nov 11 ~ Route 66 Established 1926

Nov 11-15 ~ HSR Classic 24 Hours & Daytona Historics, Daytona Intl Speedway, Daytona Beach, FL

Nov 12-13 ~ IMRRC & SAH Symposium on Motor Racing History, Watkins Glen, NY

Nov 13 ~ International Historic Motoring Awards, The Peninsula, London, ENGLAND

*Nov 14 ~ International Motor Film Awards, Petersen Museum, Los Angeles, CA

Nov 14-17 ~ REVS Institute Symposium, Revs Museum, Naples, FL

Nov 16-17 ~ World Motorsport Symposium, RAC Club, London, ENGLAND

Nov 17-23 ~ Ferrari Finali Mondiali, Circuit de Barcelona-Cataluyna, SPAIN

*Nov 19 ~ RAC Historic Awards, Royal Automobile Club, London, ENGLAND

Nov 19-22 ~ Retromobile New York, Javits Convention Center, NYC, New York

Nov 19-21 ~ Formula One US GP Las Vegas, The Strip, Las Vegas, NV

Nov 20-22 ~ Interclassics Classic Car Show, Brussels Expo, Brussels, BELGIUM

Nov 20-29 ~ LA Auto Show, Los Angeles Con Center, Los Angeles, CA

Nov 21-22 ~ Muscle Car & Corvette Nationals (MCACN) Show, Stephens Con Cen, Chicago, IL

Nov 30-Dec 3 ~ Race Industry Week - Epartrade

*Nov 29-Dec 3 ~ 1000 Miglia Experience UAE, Arabian Peninsula, UAE

Dec 2-6 ~ HSR Classic 12 Hours & Sebring Historics, Sebring Raceway, FL

Dec 3-6 ~ Ocean Reef Vintage Weekend, Ocean Reef Club, N. Key Lago, FL

Dec 4-6 ~ Formula One Abu Dhabi GP (Season Final), Yas Marina, ABU DHABI

Dec 4-6 ~ Cavallino Classic Middle East, Yas Island, ABU DHABI

Dec 4-6 ~ Art Basel Miami Beach, Miami Beach Con Cen, Miami Beach, FL

Dec 5 ~ Gasparilla Concours, Carrollwood Village Park, Tampa, FL

Dec 7-9 ~ WiMNA - Women with Drive VI, Westin/Indy Conf Cen, Indianapolis, IN

Dec 9 ~ Race Track Business Conference, Indianapolis Convention Center, Indianapolis, IN

Dec 10-12 ~ PRI Show, Indianapolis Convention Center, Indianapolis, IN

Dec 11-13 ~ Palm Beach Concours, Trump International GC, West Palm Beach, FL

2027

Jan 1-15 ~ Dakar Rally, King Abdullah Economic City, SAUDI ARABIA

Jan 10 ~ Elegance Palm Beach, Great Lawn, West Palm Beach, FL

Jan 11-16 ~ Chilli Bowl Midget Nationals, SageNet Center at expo Square, Tulsa, OK

Jan 14-24 ~ Detroit Auto Show, Huntington Center, Detroit, MI

Jan 14-17 ~ InterClassics, MECC Maastricht, The NETHERLANDS

*Jan 15-17 ~ Tokyo Auto Salon, Makuhari Messe, Chiba City, JAPAN

Jan 16 ~ Elferspot Events 'Porsche Celebration', Miracle Mile, Coral Gables, FL

*Jan 16-19 ~ LE JOG Rally, Land's End to John O'Groats, UNITED KINGDOM

Jan 21-24 ~ Rallye Monte-Carlo 95th, Monte Carlo, Route de la Garde/de Rabou, Gap, FRANCE

Jan 21/Feb 6 ~ King of the Hammers, Hammertown, Johnson Valley, CA

Jan 22 ~ NASCAR Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, Charlotte, NC

*Jan 22-24 ~ Brian Redman's Targa 66, Treasure Coast Motorsports Complex, Port St. Lucie, FL

Jan 24 ~ Arizona Concours, Scottsdale Civic Plaza, Scottsdale, AZ

Jan 28-31 ~ Rolex 24 Hours of Daytona, Daytona Intl Speedway, Daytona Beach, FL

Jan 29-30 ~ The International Concours St Moritz (I.C.E.), Grand Hotel/Lake St Moritz, SWITZERLAND

Feb 3-7 ~ RetroMobile Salon, Porte de Versailles, Paris, FRANCE

Feb 3-7 ~ Ultimate Supercar Garage, Porte de Versailles, Paris, FRANCE

Feb 4-6 ~ AACA Annual Convention, Valley Forge Resort, King of Prussia, PA

Feb 4-7 ~ Cars on 5th - Naples Automotive Experience, Bayshore Drive (new for 2027), Naples, FL

Feb 5-7 ~ Grand National Roadster Show, Fairplex, Pomona, CA

Feb 10-14 ~ HSR Sebring 12 Hour Classic, Sebring, FL

Feb 11-21 ~ Palm Springs Modernism Week, Palm Springs, CA

Feb 13 ~ Dr. George Charity Car Show, Tennis Center, Indian Wells, CA

*Feb 13-20 ~ Daytona Speed Week, Daytona International Speedway, Daytona Beach, FL

Feb 14 ~ Super Bowl LXI, SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles, CA

Feb 15 ~ Presidents Day

Feb 19-21 ~ Cavallino Classic & Classic Sports Sunday, The Boca Raton/Mar-a-Lago, Palm Beach, FL

Feb 19-21 ~ Miami Concours, Design District, Miami, FL

Feb 19-21 ~ Race Retro The Motorsports Show, Stoneleigh Park Expo Center, Kenilworth, ENGLAND

Feb 20 ~ Concours in the Hills, Fountain Park, Fountain Hills, AZ

*Feb 20-21 ~ Mama Tried Motorcycle Show, The rave/Eagles Club, Milwaukee, WI

Feb 21 ~ NASCAR Daytona 500, Daytona Speedway, Daytona Beach, FL

Feb 26-27 ~ F.A.T. Ice Race Big Sky, Moonlight Basin, Big Sky, MT

Feb 26-28 ~ Mode Miami, The Biltmore Hotel, Coral Gables, FL

Feb 27 ~ LA Literature & Toy Show (Grand Porsche Weekend), LAX Hilton Hotel, Los Angeles, CA

Mar 5-7 ~ Detroit Autorama - Riddler Award, Huntington Place, Detroit, MI

Mar 4-7 ~ Amelia Island Concours, Ritz Carlton, Amelia Island, FL

Mar 5 ~ Werks Reunion PCA, The Amelia River Club, Amelia Island, FL

Mar 7 - NTT IndyCar Streets of St Petersburg, St Pete, FL (Season Opener)

Mar 9-10 ~ Motorsports Hall of Fame of America Induction, Hilton Oceanfront Resort, Daytona Beach, FL

Mar 17-20 ~ Sebring 12 Hours, Sebring Raceway, Sebring, FL

Mar 20-21 ~ Goodguy's All American Get-Together, Alameda Fairgrounds, Pleasanton, CA

Mar 24/Apr 4 ~ New York International Auto Show, Javits Center, New York, NY

Mar 28 ~ Easter Sunday

Mar 29 ~ 100th Anniv. Henry Seagrave's 200mph Land Speed Record Centenary Run, Daytona Beach, FL

Mar 31/Apr 3 ~ CCCA Annual Meet, Harpeth Hotel, Nashville/Franklin, TN

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