Today’s world of the concours grew out of the French tradition of displaying the most up to date coach-built automobiles built in the early 20th century. Manufacturers and wealthy owners would present their cars as expressions of fashion, technology and status.

A Concours d’Elegance today is a celebration of exceptional automobiles, where beautifully preserved, restored, and historically significant cars are presented and compete for awards. Cars are displayed in carefully curated classes and judges evaluate them according to criteria such as design & beauty, styling, authenticity, provenance and historical significance.

As the Audrain’s mission statement conveys ─ “Preserving, Celebrating, & Sharing Automotive History”. The most important automobiles from around the world come together not merely to be admired, but to have their beauty and place in history celebrated. In today’s concours world, the goal isn't just to preserve old cars, it is to make their stories relevant to the next generation.