29 best classic car events of 2023 | Classic & Sports Car (2024)

There’s plenty to look forward to in 2023

Brilliant small- and large-scale events can be found in every corner of the globe, and 2023 is shaping up to be another fantastic year for classic car enthusiasts.

The variety of events out there never fails to amaze and inspire us, catering for all automotive tastes, and it was hard for us to whittle it down to this list, presented in chronological order.

We hope there’s something here that takes your fancy – and check out our regularly updated events calendar if you want further inspiration.

1. New Year’s Day Classic Gathering

When: 1 January 2023

Where: Brooklands Museum, Surrey, UK

Brooklands’ popular New Year’s Day meet will make a welcome return in 2023, after last year’s event was postponed.

The gates open at 9am and there will be more than 1000 classic cars and ’bikes on display, plus a winter barbecue to fight off the January chill – Brooklands Museum will be open from 10am, too.

2022’s replacement event, the Easter Classic Gathering, is also being retained for 2023 – following a similar format to January’s meet, it will take place at Brooklands on 8 April.

For full details, click here

2. January Scramble

When: 8 January 2023

Where: Bicester Heritage, Oxfordshire, UK

From classic Fiat Panda 4x4s to celebrated Le Mans racers,Bicester Heritage’s Scrambleshave become renowned for their fantastic displays of interestingand varied machinery.

The former RAF base’sfirst 2023 event,on 8 January, is sure to kick off its busy calendar in style.

Scrambles have a relaxedatmosphere, welcome 7000 guests, and are dog- and family-friendly. Plus many of Bicester Heritage’s 50specialist workshops will open their doors so visitors can take a look inside, too.

For full details, click here

3. Rétromobile

When: 1-5 February 2023

Where: Paris, France

The fabulous Rétromobile will return to Parc des Expositions in Porte de Versailles, Paris,in February.

There’s plenty to see and do, with manufacturers, clubs, dealers, auction houses, restorers and more all contributing to the show’s fantastic array of machinery.

On top of the usual eclectic mix, Rétromobile will also kick off 2023’s Le Mans centenary celebrations with an exhibition featuring some of the most legendary French racers to tackle the formidable 24-hour race.

For full details, click here

4. Bremen Classic Motorshow

When: 3-5 February 2023

Where: Bremen, Germany

Following two virtual editions in 2020 and ’21, visitors will be pleased to return in-person for 2023’s Bremen Classic Motorshow on 3-5 February.

This huge event is spread over eight exhibition halls and features more than 100 car club stands.

There is also a large autojumble which presents a prime opportunity to hunt down those elusive spare parts for your classic project.

For full details, click here

5. Techno-Classica Essen

When: 12-16 April 2023

Where: Essen, Germany

Techno-Classica Essen boasts big numbers: 12 halls, 1250 exhibitors and 200 car clubs.

To keep things simple, it’s organised into separate exhibition areas, such as automobilia, restorations, car clubs and motorsport – but we’d still recommend comfortable footwear, because there is loads to take in.

Whether you’re on the hunt to purchase your first classic car or going simply to browse the exhibits, you’re sure to have a great time.

For full details, click here

6. Goodwood Members’ Meeting

When: 15-16 April 2023

Where: Goodwood Motor Circuit, West Sussex, UK

The 80th Members’ Meeting will kick off Goodwood’s 2023 racing calendar in style.

Visitors can expect plenty of exciting races courtesy of Group 1 Touring Cars, pre-war specials, Formula Junior and more.

For 2023, there will also be a one-off race to celebrate 60 years of the Lotus Cortina and an ear-splitting demonstration featuring 2000-era GT1 race cars.

Tickets are only available for GRRC or Fellowship members.

For full details, click here

7. Drive It Day

When: 23 April 2023

Where: various locations, UK

Created by the Federation of British Historic Vehicle Clubs (FBHVC), Drive It Day is a simple initiative to get people behind the wheel, enjoying classic vehicles.

Whether you’re celebrating with family, friends or your local car club, there will be plenty of special events taking place across the country to get involved with. Or just head out for a drive on your own.

Make sure you get your hands on a commemorative Drive It Day plate to mark your participation, with proceeds going to the charity NSPCC Childline.

We say at the top of this slide that this is a British event, but there’s no reason why classic car owners across the world can’t get involved!

For full details, click here

8. Donington Historic Festival

When: 29-30 April 2023

Where: Donington Park, Leicestershire, UK

Take a step back in time at the Donington Historic Festival, with classic racers from the 1920s through to the early 2000s hitting the track.

The Woodcote Trophy for pre-’56 sports cars, HRDC Gerry Marshall Trophy for pre-’83 Touring Cars, and the three-hour-long Pall Mall Cup for pre-’66 GT, Sports Racing and Touring Cars are among the contests already announced.

Early-bird tickets are available from the website, available until 31 January.

For full details, click here

9. Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este

When: 19-21 May 2023

Where: Cernobbio, Italy

Classic cars have their work cut out at Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este. Not only must they stand out among their peers, but they also have the beautiful backdrop of Lake Como to compete with for visitors’ attention.

Established in 1929, this world-class concours never disappoints – expect plenty of sunshine and a diverse selection of the very best classic cars.

You need to book tickets, but note that entry is free on the Saturday.

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

For full details, click here

10. Retro Rides Weekender

When: 20-21 May 2023

Where: Goodwood Motor Circuit, West Sussex, UK

Retro Rides Weekender returns to Goodwood in May, offering a pleasingly laid-back atmosphere in which to celebrate pre-2000 machinery.

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

Displays already announced for 2023 include an ‘Aircooled paddock’, for everything from VWs to Trabants, ‘The White Room’, for any classic painted white and ‘Deadline’, a special display for freshly completed projects.

Pre-sale weekend and day tickets are available now.

For full details, click here

11. MG Centenary

When: 27 May 2023

Where: British Motor Museum, Warwickshire, UK

MG turns 100 in 2023, and the British Motor Museum is celebrating with a special centenary celebration.

A joint effort between some top MG car clubs, the event will include a curated timeline display featuring 100 MGs, specialist MG trade stands, live music and more.

Tickets also include entry to the museum, which has Old Number One, regarded as the first MG sports car, on display.

For full details, click here

12. InterClassics Days of Elegance

When: 3-4 June 2023

Where: Valkenburg, The Netherlands

Days of Elegance made its debut in 2022and we’re already looking forward to 2023’s instalment.

Held in the impressive grounds of Château St Gerlach, 2022’s concours classes included Elegant Tourers, Racing Legends, and Future Classics & Supercars – and they featured some real treats such as a coachbuilt Delage D6 and a stunning Lancia Astura Roadster.

Visitors can expect a gala evening, classic rally, daytime picnics and plenty of charming classics.

For full details, click here

13. Classic Stony

When: 4 June 2023

Where: Stony Stratford, Buckinghamshire, UK

Stony Stratford will once again be filled with classic cars and historic vehiclesfor Classic Stony, the Buckinghamshire town’s second classic event of the year afterNew Year’s Day’s Vintage Stony.

You can display your pre-1978 vehicle from £5 – classic cars, ’bikes, military and commercial vehicles are encouraged. There is always a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.

It is free to attend, but visitors are invited to make a donation to Classic Stony’s chosen charity, the Willen Hospice.

For full details, click here

14. London Concours

When: 6-8 June 2023

Where: Honourable Artillery Company Headquarters, London, UK

An intimate, automotive garden party in the heart of the City of London, the midweekLondon Concours packs a lot into a relatively small space – it really is pleasingly compact.

From 11am each day, expect a mouth-watering line-up of classic cars. The concours class themes in 2023 will include 60 years of Lamborghini, a category for French classics and one for green cars, while the final day is dedicated to supercars.

Plus, as a Classic & Sports Car reader, you can enjoy our exclusive 2-for-1 London Concours ticket offer by using the code CSCLC.

For full details, click here

15. Bicester Heritage’s 10th anniversary

When: June 2023

Where: Bicester Heritage, Oxfordshire, UK

At the time of writing, little is known about Bicester Heritage’s 10-year anniversary event in June, but if Sunday Scrambles are anything to go by, we’re sure it’ll be a corker.

Expect to see top-quality curated displays and some exciting track action at this two-day meeting.

Keep an eye on the Bicester Heritage website for further announcements.

For full details, click here

16. Le Mans Classic

When: 29 June-2 July 2023

Where:Circuit de la Sarthe, Le Mans, France

Usually a biennial celebration, theLe Mans Classic will make a special return in 2023 to celebrate 100 years of the legendary 24-hour race.

The 2022 event welcomed 200,850 spectators and more than 800 racing cars – and 2023’s centenary celebrations will surely see this meeting be bigger and better than ever.

Racing is reserved for models which competed in the Le Mans 24 Hours between 1923-’81, and many famous drivers usually attend to pilot these incredible machines.

Plus, you could join the C&SC team on our Reader Run road trip.

For full details, click here

17. Goodwood Festival of Speed

When: 13-16 July 2023

Where: Goodwood Estate, West Sussex, UK

Although there is a large modern-car element to this event, theGoodwood Festival of Speed still has plenty for classic car enthusiasts to get excited about.

Older machines will take to the hillclimb and forest rally stage alongside their younger counterparts – plus this year marks 30 years of Festival and Speed and 75 years of motorsport at Goodwood, so expect even more classic machinery.

And there are always some jaw-dropping classics in the Cartier Style et Luxe concours.

But don’t discount the modern exhibits, many of the displays and demonstrations are very impressive, too.

For full details, click here

18. Classic Nostalgia

When: 22-23 July 2023

Where: Shelsley Walsh Hill Climb, Worcestershire, UK

Nestled in the beautiful Worcestershire countryside, the world’s oldest motorsport venue hosts some brilliant events, and Classic Nostalgia is one of our favourites.

It perfectly captures the glory days of motorsport with competitive runs up the 1000-yard hillclimb, as well as demonstrations.

A dedicated pre-1985 car park makes for a great display of classic vehicles, and the C&SC-supported concours is set to return for 2023, too – and these are just the start of the off-track entertainment.

For full details, click here

19. Festival of the Unexceptional

When: 29 July 2023

Where: Grimsthorpe Castle, Lincolnshire, UK

The fantastically differentFestival of the Unexceptional returns to the grounds of Grimsthorpe Castle in July for a celebration of truly unexceptional cars built between 1968 and 1998.

This Concours de l’Ordinaire honours the best of everyday classics, and is sure to trigger plenty of “I remember those” moments.

Previous winners include a Morris Marina Estate, Chrysler Alpine, Vauxhall Astra Merit and a Proton 1.5 GL Black Knight Edition.

For full details, click here

20. The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering

When: 18 August 2023

Where: Quail Lodge & Golf Club, California, USA

At the other end of the concours spectrum, The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering will return to Carmel, California, in 2023.

This extravagant celebration of the world’s finest classic cars and ’bikes is one of the highlights of Monterey Car Week.

We don’t know much about the 2023 event yet, but last year’s themes included celebrations for 50 years of BMW M and 70 years since Jaguar's first Le Mans win, and a 1956 Jaguar D-type was crowned Best of Show.

For full details, click here

21. Silverstone Festival

When: 25-27 August 2023

Where: Silverstone Circuit, Northamptonshire, UK

Originally known as the Silverstone Classic, then The Classic, and now Silverstone Festival, this huge event remains a highlight on the classic car calendar.

Taking place across the August bank-holiday weekend, you can expect an action-packed schedule of historic motorsport,plus plenty of off-track entertainment, including massive car clubdisplays, trade stands, live music and more.

Tickets are on sale now and camping is available, too.

For full details, click here

22. Concours of Elegance

When: 1-3 September 2023

Where: Hampton Court Palace, Surrey, UK

Concours of Elegance is an annual automotive garden party held in the impressive grounds of Hampton Court Palace, on the outskirts of London.

Almost 1000 stunning classics will be on show across the three days, including 60 concours cars competing for Best in Show – last year’s winner was a mighty Delage D8-120 ‘de Villars’ from 1938.

The 2023 edition will also host a special display of Le Mans racers to celebrate the centenary of the famous 24-hour race, including some of the rarest cars to have competed at the Circuit de la Sarthe.

Plus, as a Classic & Sports Car reader, you can enjoy our exclusive 2-for-1 Concours of Elegance ticket offer by using the code CSC23.

For full details, click here

23. Beaulieu International Autojumble

When: 2-3 September 2023

Where: National Motor Museum, Beaulieu, Hampshire, UK

If you’re unable to attend Beaulieu’s Spring Autojumble on 13-14 May, fear not, September’s International Autojumble provides another great opportunity to hunt for spare parts and mingle with like-minded enthusiasts.

Indeed, it bills itself as ‘the biggest outdoor sale of motoring items this side of the Atlantic’.

It’s not just hard-to-find bits for your classic car, either, with hundreds of stands selling books, model cars, posters and much more.

For full details, click here

24. Goodwood Revival

When: 8-10 September 2023

Where: Goodwood Motor Circuit, West Sussex, UK

The year 2023 is a big one for the Revival. Not only is Goodwood celebrating 75 years of motorsport at the Sussex circuit, it’s also the 25th anniversary of this much-loved event.

Expect a world-class mix of historic Grand Prix, GT and saloon-based racing cars, with wheel-to-wheel action, while away from the track you can get close to your racing heroes in the paddock, enjoy live music and a fairground, check out the Bonhams auction, browse the many stalls in the trade area and so much more.

Have a classic car? Be sure to bring it and join the huge classic car park that is an attraction in itself.

And, of course, don your vintage attire and soak up the unique atmosphere of this special event.

For full details, click here

25. Autumn Classic

When: 23 September 2023

Where: Castle Combe Circuit, Wiltshire, UK

Another fantastic event on the historic-racing calendar, the Autumn Classic will return to Castle Combe’s high-speed circuit in September.

This year’s theme was yet to be announced at the time of writing, but expect action-packed grids, including Ecurie Classic Racing, the HSCC Griffiths Haig Trophy and the GTSCC Touring Car Trophy, plus busy car club displays.

For full details, click here

26. London to Brighton Veteran Car Run

When: 5 November 2023

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

Vintage cars are given the chance to stretch their legs during the annual London to Brighton Veteran Car Run – and it’s a treat for spectators, too.

The event celebratesthe abolition of the requirement for cars to be preceded by a person on foot with a red flag, which happened in 1896, the first Run, from Whitehall Place to Sheen House Club in London, taking place in 1897. Today, it is the longest-running motoring event in the world.

To be eligible, cars must have been built before January 1905.

Join the spectators which line the roads to cheer on the hardy participants.

For full details, click here

27. NEC Classic Motor Show

When: 10-12 November 2023

Where: The NEC, Birmingham, UK

The Classic Motor Show is one of the UK’s biggest classic car celebrations.

How big? How about 300-plus car clubs, 600 exhibitors, and more than 3000 classic cars, ’bikes and historic vehicles?

The abundance of passionate car clubs makes this a great show for meeting fellow enthusiasts and even getting some friendly advice about your classic.

The Classic & Sports Car team will be there, too. And, once again, we’ll be celebrating your car club heroes with our Club Awards.

For full details, click here

28. HSR Classic Sebring 12 Hour

When: 29 November-3 December 2023

Where: Sebring International Raceway, Florida, USA

The Classic Sebring 12 Hour is a five-day celebration of historic racing, featuring exciting GT and prototype contests at this world-famous track.

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

For full details, click here

29. Le Jog

When: 2-5 December 2023

Where: from Land’s End to John O’Groats, UK

Le Jog is a tough,1300-mile classic rally run by HERO-ERA, that goes from Land’s End in Cornwall to John O’Groats at the tip of Scotland – a serious test of endurance for cars and crews alike.

The organisers will always welcome marshals if you can’t compete and want to get involved.

The often cold winter weather doesn’t put spectators off and many line parts of the route to cheer the competitors on, so why not dig out your bobble hat and join in.

For full details, click here