28 best classic car events of 2024 | Classic & Sports Car (2024)

What to do in 2024

Whether concours-condition Ferraris take your fancy, racing MGs are your cup of tea, or a patinated Jeep is more up your street, there’s a classic car event for you.

Each year, we’re blown away by the variety of brilliant small- and large-scale events that take place across the globe.

So, grab your diary and check out Classic & Sports Car’s guide to some of the best classic car events coming up in 2024, given in chronological order.

If you need further inspiration, don’t forget to check out our regularly updated events calendar, too.

1. New Year’s Day Classic Gathering

When: 1 January 2024

Where: Brooklands Museum, Surrey, UK

Wrap up warm and kick off 2024 with Brooklands’ popular New Year’s Day Classic Gathering.

More than 1000 pre-1994 classic cars will be on display around the site from 9am, and the museum will be open from 10am, too.

If that’s not enough to coax you outside on a chilly January morning, there will also be a winter barbecue.

For full details, click here

2. January Scramble

When: 7 January 2024

Where: Bicester Heritage, Oxfordshire, UK

Scramble is one of the few car shows where a 1920s Bentley 4½ Litre can rub shoulders with a ’90s Fiat Multipla and nobody will bat an eyelid.

The restored RAF site will be filled with a fantastic variety of vehicles, and don’t forget to check out the curated display behind the Bicester Motion HQ.

Bicester Heritage is also home to 50-plus classic-car specialists, many of whom will swing open their workshop doors for January’s Scramble.

For full details, click here

3. Rétromobile

When: 31 January-4 February 2024

Where: Paris, France

Rétromobile returns to Parc des Expositions in Porte de Versailles in the French capital for its 48th edition in 2024.

A treasure trove of weird and wonderful classic cars, a Citroën 2CV-inspired chariot, an AMX-30 Saguay tank and a half-track Porsche 356 were among the highlights at last year’s event.

In 2024, look out for the 100 years of MG celebration featuring Phil Hill’s MG EX181 land-speed-record car.

For full details, click here

4. Bremen Classic Motorshow

When: 2-4 February 2024

Where: Bremen, Germany

Covering eight exhibition halls and welcoming more than 100 car clubs, the Bremen Classic Motorshow has something for everyone.

Check out the classic car and ’bike displays, live restorations and the big autojumble.

And don’t miss the display of 10 classic Lancias that will include a 1923 Lambda, 1950 Aurelia and a 1957 Flaminia.

For full details, click here

5. Race Retro

When: 23-25 February 2024

Where: Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire, UK

If historic motorsport is your thing, then look no further than Race Retro.

This annual show welcomes a fantastic variety of classic racers, from ’70s Formula One cars to legendary tin-tops – and much more.

Once you’ve covered the expansive indoor area, step outside and check out the rally cars tearing up the outdoor stages.

For full details, click here

6. Techno-Classica Essen

When: 3-7 April 2024

Where: Essen, Germany

Techno-Classica Essen is another huge classic car show that’s well worth a visit.

Helpfully, it is divided into separate exhibition areas, and the 12 halls are organised so that the motorsport display, car club stands and restoration demonstrations are easy to find.

Expect more than 190,000 visitors, 200 car clubs and 1250 exhibitors.

For full details, click here

7. Ford Mustang 60th Anniversary

When: 13 April 2024

Where: British Motor Museum, Warwickshire, UK

Ford fans will celebrate the Mustang’s 60th anniversary with a laid-back gathering at the British Motor Museum.

At the time of writing, details are thin on the ground, but Ford UK will likely put on a good show to mark this motoring milestone.

We’ll update our event listing when we know more, so keep an eye out for further announcements.

For full details, click here

8. Goodwood Members’ Meeting

When: 13-14 April 2024

Where: Goodwood Motor Circuit, West Sussex, UK

In 2024, Goodwood will mark 10 years since the Members’ Meeting returned to its motorsport calendar.

Visitors can expect the usual mix of action-packed racing and noisy demonstration runs, this year courtesy of a Can-Am celebration.

The sound of Ford V8s will also ring around the West Sussex circuit as a 30-strong grid of Mustangs battle in a 45-minute race to mark 60 years of the legendary pony car.

For full details, click here

9. Drive It Day

When: 21 April 2024

Where: various locations, UK

When winter is well and truly behind us, it’ll be time to get out and enjoy our classic cars.

The Federation of British Historic Vehicle Clubs (FBHVC) created Drive It Day to encourage people to get behind the wheel of old vehicles, and to showcase our hobby.

Whether you’re heading out for a solo drive, an adventure with family and friends, or a run with a local car club, don’t forget to order your commemorative Drive It Day plate, here, and raise funds for charity at the same time.

We say at the top of this slide that this is a British event, but classic car owners from across the world can get involved!

For full details, click here

10. Donington Historic Festival

When: 4-5 May 2024

Where: Donington Park, Leicestershire, UK

The fast and flowing Donington Park is a challenging circuit, for cars and drivers alike.

During the Donington Historic Festival, there will be action from pre-’56 sports cars in the Woodcote Trophy, ’70s and ’80s touring cars in the Tony Dron Trophy, pre-war machines in the ‘Mad Jack’ race and much more.

There will be plenty of classic cars on display around the circuit, too.

For full details, click here

11. Retro Rides Weekender

When: 11-12 May 2024

Where: Goodwood Motor Circuit, West Sussex, UK

Retro Rides Weekender returns to Goodwood in May, offering a relaxed atmosphere in which to celebrate the pre-2000 machinery on show.

Expect classic cars, custom cars, restomods, hot rods, drift machines, historic racers and more.

You can display your classic car for free, simply show up on the day in your pre-2000 car and you’ll be directed into the circuit.

For full details, click here

12. Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este

When: 24-26 May 2024

Where: Cernobbio, Italy

Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este welcomes 50 cars built between 1920 and 1980 to the beautiful shores of Lake Como.

The 2024 event will include a special display to celebrate 120 years of Rolls-Royce plus a new ‘Need for Speed’ class for star cars from iconic video games.

What’s more, the impressive gardens of the 19th-century Villa Erba will be open for the public to explore on Sunday.

For full details, click here

13. Madeira Classic Car Revival

When: 24-26 May 2024

Where: Madeira, Portugal

The Madeira Classic Car Revivalis a three-day event organised by Clube de Automóveis Clássicos da Madeira that brings hundreds of classic cars to the islandʼs capital city, Funchal.

On Sunday, around 70 cars participate in the XIX Rampa dos Barreiros, a regularity rally from the city centre towards the Paz E Liberdade monument.

For full details, click here

14. Classic Stony

When: 2 June 2024

Where: Stony Stratford, Buckinghamshire, UK

Stony Stratford’s Market Square will be filled with classic cars for Classic Stony, the Buckinghamshire town’s second classic event of the year after New Year’s Day’s Vintage Stony.

From Bond Bugs and Jaguar E-types to American hot rods and classic ’bikes, this event attracts a brilliant selection of historic machines.

It costs £5 to display your pre-1978 vehicle and visitor entry is free. In 2023, the event raised £7850 for a local charity.

For full details, click here

15. London Concours

When: 4-6 June 2024

Where: Honourable Artillery Company Headquarters, London, UK

London Concours takes over the Honourable Artillery Company’s garden and creates a motoring oasis in the City of London.

This midweek event features around 100 cars split into curated concours classes.

Topics for the classes at the 2024 edition will include V12s, Chevrolet Corvettes, the colour purple and London’s Carnaby Street.

And with Classic & Sports Car’s exclusive offer, you can save 20% on London Concours tickets when you click here to book and use the code‘24CLASSIC’.

For full details, click here

16. Heveningham Concours

When: 28-30 June 2024

Where: Heveningham Hall, Suffolk, UK

Established in 2016,Heveningham Concours has become one of the go-to events for aviation and motoring enthusiasts.

Set inside a country show, expect around 50 concours cars, split into pre- and post-war divisions, arranged on the terraced gardens around the striking Grade I-listed Heveningham Hall, plus about 12 historic aircraft.

Classic and modern supercars can be seen in action on the estate’s ⅛-mile ‘Horsepower Hill’, too.

For full details, click here

17. Goodwood Festival of Speed

When: 11-14 July 2024

Where: Goodwood Estate, West Sussex, UK

After a rather soggy 2023 edition, Goodwood will be hoping for brighter weather for this year’s Festival of Speed.

Old and new machines will take on the 1.16-mile hillclimb across the weekend, while rally fans can head to the forest stage at the top of the hill.

Don’t miss the curated Cartier Style et Luxe, which epitomises the event’s full-access ethos.

For full details, click here

18. Classic Nostalgia

When: 20-21 July 2024

Where: Shelsley Walsh Hill Climb, Worcestershire, UK

The picture-perfect Shelsley Walsh Hill Climb is the world’s oldest motorsport venue, andClassic Nostalgia takes visitors back to the venue’s heyday.

Competitive runs up the 1000-yard hillclimb, a dedicated pre-1985 car park and the Classic & Sports Car-supported concours are among the highlights.

For full details, click here

19. Festival of the Unexceptional

When: 27 July 2024

Where: Grimsthorpe Castle, Lincolnshire, UK

Shining a spotlight on once-unloved classic cars,Festival of the Unexceptional celebrates its 10th anniversary in 2024.

For younger guests, the cars on show represent an accessible entry point to the world of classic cars, while older enthusiasts can wander around the rows of pre-1999 vehicles muttering, “I remember those,” every five minutes.

The 2023 winner was a restored 1991 Daihatsu Applause.

For full details, click here

20. The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering

When: 16 August 2024

Where: Quail Lodge & Golf Club, California, USA

Antithetical to the Festival of the Unexceptional, The Quail is a display of the world’s finest, and most expensive, classic cars and ’bikes.

The event’s traditional categories, including Custom Coachwork and Post-War Racing, are set to return in 2024 alongside some new featured classes yet to be announced.

The coveted Best of Show trophy went to a Ferrari 410 Superamerica in 2023.

For full details, click here

21. Silverstone Festival

When: 23-25 August 2024

Where: Silverstone Circuit, Northamptonshire, UK

A month after Formula One’s annual visit to the Northamptonshire circuit, Silverstone Festival welcomes classic cars and ’bikes for a three-day celebration of historic motorsport on August bank-holiday weekend.

Grids include classic F1 racers, pre-’66 Touring Cars, pre-war machines and much more.

There’s plenty of off-track entertainment, too, including concerts, car club displays and even a food festival.

For full details, click here

22. Concours of Elegance

When: 30 August-1 September 2024

Where: Hampton Court Palace, Surrey, UK

Concours of Elegance takes over Hampton Court Palace’s Great Fountain Garden for a three-day celebration of some of the finest vehicles in the world.

Almost 1000 stunning classic cars will be on display across the weekend, with around 70 entered into the concours itself.

The cars are split into classes that include the Club Trophy, Levitt Concours and Junior Concours, while one vehicle is crowned Best of Show.

And with Classic & Sports Car’s exclusive offer, you can save 20% on Concours of Elegance tickets when you click here to book and use the code‘24CSC’.

For full details, click here

23. Goodwood Revival

When: 6-8 September 2024

Where: Goodwood Motor Circuit, West Sussex, UK

One of the premier historic-racing events on the planet, Goodwood Revival relives pre-1966 motorsport through fantastic on-track action, period-inspired set dressing and, of course, visitors’ vintage attire.

If you own a classic car, you can book a space in the huge classic car park, too. It’s one of our favourite parts of the meeting!

Goodwood has announced that every car competing at the 2024 Revival will run on sustainable fuels, making it the first historic-motorsport event in the world to do this.

For full details, click here

24. Beaulieu International Autojumble

When: 14-15 September 2024

Where: National Motor Museum, Beaulieu, Hampshire, UK

Following Beaulieu’s Spring Autojumble on 18-19 May, the International Autojumble – the largest of its kind this side of the Atlantic – returns in September.

With sellers from across the Continent and beyond, it presents a fantastic opportunity to hunt down elusive spare parts and speak to knowledgeable enthusiasts.

Check out the hundreds of stands selling books, model cars, posters and much more, too.

For full details, click here

25. Autumn Classic

When: 21-22 September 2024

Where: Castle Combe Circuit, Wiltshire, UK

The Autumn Classic becomes a two-day event in 2024, reflecting the growing popularity of this fantastic historic-motorsport meeting.

If watching skilled drivers navigate the high-speed Castle Combe circuit isn’t enough reason to go, there will also be busy car club displays, a trade village, demonstrations and more.

This year’s theme was yet to be announced at the time of writing, but expect action-packed grids across the weekend.

For full details, click here

26. London to Brighton Veteran Car Run

When: 3 November 2024

Where: from Hyde Park in London to Brighton seafront, UK

Established in 1896, the London to Brighton run is the world’s oldest motoring event and will return in 2024.

Early birds can catch the 300-plus vintage cars, plus bicycles from the same era, leave the start at London’s Hyde Park, or you can line the roads to cheer on the hardy participants, or greet them as they arrive on the seafront.

Cars built before January 1905 are eligible for the run, which celebrates the abolition of the law restricting motor vehicles to 4mph, preceded by a person on foot with a red flag.

For full details, click here

27. Classic Motor Show

When: 8-10 November 2024

Where: The NEC, Birmingham, UK

The Classic Motor Show is the UK’s biggest indoor classic car show.

About 300 car clubs, 600 exhibitors and more than 3000 classic vehicles fill eight massive halls of the NEC in Birmingham.

It’s a fantastic chance to chat with like-minded enthusiasts and grab some friendly advice about your classic project.

What’s more, the Classic & Sports Car team will be there, too, so be sure to swing by our stand.

For full details, click here

28. HSR Classic Sebring 12 Hour

When: 4-8 December 2024

Where: Sebring International Raceway, Florida, USA

The HSR Classic Sebring 12 Hour is the final event on the Historic Sportscar Racing calendar, and it’s a five-day spectacle for historic motorsport fans.

Featuring exciting GT and prototype contests on the 3.74-mile road course, 2024 will be the ninth running of this popular event.

Aviation fans are well-catered for, too – vintage aircraft gather at the circuit during Friday’s ‘fly-in’, and there are more displays throughout the weekend.

For full details, click here