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10 classic car events not to be missed in 2017

Another new year means another raft of events to look forward to. We’ve compiled a shortlist of events you’d be foolish to miss in 2017, from beautiful automotive beauty pageants to the highest-octane historic motorsport meets…

Rétromobile, 8-12 February 2017

The classic car world’s traditional season opener, Rétromobile in Paris has deservedly established itself as a ‘must-go’ event, and the perfect place to get your automotive fix after the agonising winter lull. As ever, there will be a plethora of fascinating exhibitions, in addition to a great number of Classic Driver dealers exhibiting their wares. 

Goodwood 75th Members' Meeting, 18-19 March 2017

With a roster of cars arguably unrivalled by any other historic motorsport event in the world, a unique atmosphere that could only be found at Goodwood and unrestricted access to almost all areas, the revived Members’ Meetings have already become as unmissable as the Revival. 

Tour Auto Optic 2000, 24-30 April 2017

A rare chance to witness some of motorsport history’s most legendary cars out ‘in the wild’ on a weeklong rally from Paris to Biarritz, the Tour Auto Optic 2000 always delivers a heady and intoxicating cocktail of wailing engines, stunning French scenery and evocative racing cars. 

Mille Miglia, 18-21 May 2017

A bucket-list event for many, the Mille Miglia retrospective offers its entrants the chance to trace the 1,000-mile route driven by so many motorsport legends in the original arduous and immensely dangerous endurance event. 

Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este, 26-28 May 2017

With Lake Como providing a backdrop every bit as beautiful as the rare automotive gems displayed on its glimmering shoreline, the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este is always a sensory overload. Sip on an Aperol Spritz and stroll nonchalantly among some of the world’s most sensational classic cars. 

Classic Days Schloss Dyck, 4-6 August 2017

Held in the grounds of a grand moated German castle, the Classic Days Schloss Dyck serves up an interesting mix of concours competition and historic motorsport. It might be a relatively new event, but it’s already made big waves in Germany and beyond.

The AvD Oldtimer Grand Prix, 11 - 13 August 2017

The Nürburgring is one of those circuits that emits a tangible sense of history unlike no other. As such, it’s one of the most appropriate places to hold a historic motorsport event. Hundreds of snarling racers pound around the technical circuit during the Oldtimer Grand Prix weekend, from 1950s single seaters to Group 5 sports cars.

Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, 20 August 2017

The jewel in Monterey Car Week’s crown, Pebble Beach is the standard by which all other concours competitions are judged. It’s preceded by the traditional Tour d’Elegance, which offers competitors in Sunday’s concours the unique chance to see the world’s finest selection of classic cars driving along the stunning Californian coastline. 

Concours of Elegance, 1-3 September 2017

Returning for its sixth year, the Royal Concours of Elegance is set to be another quintessentially British affair in 2017 when it heads back to Hampton Court Palace. Inevitably, the selection of cars poised to be displayed in the palace’s regal gardens will be suitably grand.

Goodwood Revival, 8-10 September 2017

Simply an event unlike any other, the Goodwood Revival is the ultimate way of rounding out the events season. Enthusiasts from around the world descend on the picturesque corner of West Sussex to revel in Lord March’s perfect period production and thrilling racing action. Tickets sell fast, so don’t miss out. 

Photos: Rémi Dargegen, Frederik DulayS. Sieger / Agentur R65 / F. Becker / P. Singhof / S. Müller, Drew Phillips, Tom Shaxson.

You can find classic cars eligible for all these events in the Classic Driver Market.