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If you’re a “car guy” or know someone who is, Churchill Downs better be on your hit list this weekend. They aren’t prepping for races in the paddock, but there are plenty of fancy…and expensive cars on display this Sunday at Churchill Downs [3].
French for “competition of elegance,” the 4th annual Concours d’Elegance [4]features rare autos at the height of restoration—in fact, some say better than mint condition—from the antiques of 1916 to the muscle cars of the 1970’s. Also included in the display are “Super Cars,” a special 100 Years of Indy exhibit, and an exhibit of military vehicles. Last year, collectors from 24 states brought vehicles to the event.
Through special arrangement with the Ian Fleming Foundation [5], an exhibit entitled, A License to Thrill, the vehicles of James Bond will be on hand (though you’d best keep your hands off).
Included in the special exhibit: the green Jaguar from Die Another Day [6], the Q Boat and flying Parahawk from The World is not Enough, and the 1964 Aston Martin DB5 [7] known as the “Goldfinger Car.”
The event is not just for car fiends, however. A fashion show, kids activities and entertainment will all be on tap, and the show is for a good cause. The Louisville Concours d’Elegance [4] is a fundraiser for Louisville’s Brooklawn [8], a non-profit psychiatric treatment center for children.
The gates open at 11:00 on Sunday; the awards ceremony is at 4:00. Tickets ($15 in advance or $20 on Sunday) can be purchased at the Summit [9] guest services office, via phone at (502) 515-0471 or online on the Concours website [10]. Children 12 and under are free.
Photo: Courtesy of Louisville Concours d'Elegance