Celebrate Classic Cars at Concours in DSM USA

 

The Des Moines Concours is like several different car shows rolled into one. We hear comments every year like “My grandad had one of those” and “I have never seen that car up close” and “That car is in my video game.” Cars from every era are gathered together to highlight their historical, artistic and technical achievements. This year’s show will put the spotlight on the 100^th anniversary of the Nash, the 50^th anniversary of the Chevy Camaro and Pontiac Firebird, as well as the rise of British sports cars during the mid-twentieth century. You’ll be able to walk among cars from every decade from the early 1900s to today.

Preservation Class

In addition to our featured groups listed above, the show is filled with classic, collectible, antique and exotic vehicles. Our Preservation Class includes cars that are completely original and unrestored. These are often “barn finds” or family cars that are presented as-is. This year, for example, will include a 1957 Chevy Bel-Aire that was driven until 1991, then sat in an old service station until last year.

Exotics Class

The Exotics Class showcases the world’s extreme cars with names like Ferrari, Shelby, Porsche Aston Martin and Lamborghini. When the Concours wraps up at 4 p.m., the popular “Roar at Four” gives attendees the rare chance to see and hear these beautiful cars as they take off from the show. It’s a great time to get your cell phone and record your favorite supercar start up and roll out.

Awards are given to the top three cars from each class of automobile. The judging of the cars is based on “French rules” where presentation and the story behind the car is more important than technical merit.

Community Connection

The Des Moines Concours is a community event that gives back by helping Children’s Cancer Connection. Children’s Cancer Connection serves all families affected by childhood cancer who are living, treated or diagnosed in the state of Iowa. Children’s Cancer Connection does not charge families for its services, relying on donations and volunteers.

This year, Children’s Cancer Connection will be hosting kids’ activities throughout the day. These will include a bounce house, games and more.

The Midway will include food and merchandise from local food trucks and vendors

The Des Moines Concours is free to the public on Sunday, Sept. 10 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. around the John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park in Downtown Des Moines (DSM). There is ample parking throughout Downtown. An additional event — the Heartland Driving Tour — will take place Saturday, Sept. 9 at the Iowa Speedway.

Learn more about Greater Des Moines (DSM) things to do, attractions, festivals and events and giving back to the community with time, talent and charitable donations.