The 7 Best Classic Car Shows You Probably Haven't Heard Of

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We’re all pretty familiar with the high-speed land missles of the Indy 500 and the futurist concept cars of Detroit's North American International Auto Show, but every car lover can appreciate a great classic every now and then. Especially at each of these seven car shows that put on a great performance with their historic rides braving the great outdoors. Whether you’re on the hot streets of Nevada or cruising along the quaint highways of London, you’ll be in for a surprise when classics like 1898 Peugeot pass you by. Just remember to buckle up.

England: The Goodwood Festival of Speed

Where else will you be able to get up close to the ghostly figure of the Fiat S76 as it reemerges from its 100-year old grave?  Or witness the special bond between English racecar driver Brian Redman and his Porsche 917?  The Goodwood Festival of Speed  is the celebration where classic cars, their acclaimed drivers and racecar fans all come together to witness the largest cultural event in car history.

Beginning June 26, the verdant gardens of Goodwood Park turns into a star-studded three-day event resounding with the echoes of engines that will cause uproars of cheers by the obsessive spectators anxiously waiting to see these legendary hard-body beauties. And with "Addicted to Winning – The Unbeatable Champions of Motor Sport" as the theme this year, you’ll especially want to be in the midst of heavyweights like John Fitzpatrick and Andy Rouse as they put the petal to the medal once again.

San Francisco, USA: ArtCar Fest

How many times have you circled a crowded parking lot looking aimlessly for your car?  If this has happen to you on numerous occasions, you may need to take a page out of the book of the ArtCar Fest’s creative masterminds.

At this artistic show, the car is the canvas for artists to test their vivid imaginations by decorating every inch of these registered and insured vehicles with paint, drawings and objects. Known as “cartists,” these automotive artists imbue their rides with a dose of their own eccentric personalities.  

USA: Dent National Championship Demolition Derby

With $10,000 up for grabs, you’ll want to run over your opponent too, especially at the Dent Championship Demolition Derby where it’s quite acceptable to be a bad driver. The goal for these reckless drivers is to head straight for their competitors’ wheel panel and radiator while leaving dust in their trails.  And with every intent to do more damage than good, this bumper-cars-on-steroids event is one vicious show.

New locations every year means the crowd can expect hardcore performances that never cease to amaze.  There is also the opportunity to see the 1964 Chrysler Imperial, The ENFORCER, which weighs 11,000 lbs, and promises to fulfill his duty as a punisher of the sandbaggers.  Built with 400 horsepower, you'll want front row seats when this monster decides to let out its frustrations on the vehicles standing in its way.

Nevada: Hot August Nights

Classic rides and rock ‘n’ roll never looked cooler than along the streets of Reno. Justifiably named, Hot August Nights sizzles with legendary cars showing off their brightest colors and sleek styles on the first week of the month. As live rock bands create the perfect soundtrack to this eventful parade, the admiration of the crowd is matched with the excitement of the car owners who are more than thrilled to showcase their prized vehicles.  And as man and car join forces for one incredible flashback to the '50s and '60s, this unforgettable night is like dying and going to car heaven.

London to Brighton Veteran Car Run

Rare sightings of the 1898 Peugeot, 1900 De Dion Bouton as well as the 1901 Locomobile can only mean one thing, the 60-mile London to Brighton Veteran Car Run has officially arrived.

Since the late 1920s, these distinctive vehicles have become a part of history, hitting the roadways to display their historic features for the world to see every first Sunday in November. From the avid fans cheering from the sidelines to even royalty claiming their spot in the journey, every true admirer of the classics will want to feel the wind in their hair with the top down on this 14-mile per hour trip. 

Only automobiles made before 1905 are featured at the Veteran Car Run, which makes it one of most unique car-studded events to date.  In honor of the High Way Act, which increased the speed limit for locomotives from 4mph to 14 mph, a ride on one of these admired vehicles is a glorified slow trip to the past.

Monte Carlo or Bust Banger Rally Adventure

For about £250 ($422), you can experience a ride of a lifetime by trailing the highways and byways of Europe in a decked-out banger.  The Monte Carlo or Bust Banger Rally Adventure is not about reaching the finish line the fastest, but more about building relationships and becoming familiar with the European culture and landscape from in and out of your vehicle. For three days, you’ll be amid nature as it takes on a variety of forms including mountainsides, the ocean, and in some cases, snow. 

With great prizes at stake and challenges to be solved, the Monte Carlo or Bust Banger Rally Adventure guarantees it will be the ultimate road trip experience.  So bring your closest buddies (the ones you won’t mind being stuck in a car with for hours) and hop into your one-of-a-kind ride for a drive to the Black Forest Gateau and beyond.  Good Luck!

California: Southwest Unique Little Car Show

The small cars displayed at the Southwest Unique Little Car Show have made some giant leaps for travelers from all over the world. That's because every year, car aficionados gravitate towards the festival to catch an unusual view of these bright-colored miniature cruisers dotted across a parking lot giving the impression that a circus full of clowns is in close range. The lasting impression these miniscule cruisers leave on you prove that great things do come in small packages. 

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Ready to put that car to good use? Check out our guide to the 10 roadside attractions worth pulling over for. For those looking to take it a little slower, check out 10 bike tours for the pedaling pioneer.