The historic Mille Miglia Storica is more of a parade these days, but it still attracts exquisite classic cars of many makes. (iStock)
The sight of dozens of lovingly restored vehicles parked against the backdrop of a palace or cobblestoned city square can bring on a sense of nostalgia for times one never had the chance to experience. Rallies, motorsport festivals and other types of meet-ups give fans of classic automobiles ample opportunity to admire fascinating machinery in top condition.
Wiesbaden, Germany: U.S. Air Force pilots had a hand in the founding of the Hesse Motor Sports Club, established in Wiesbaden in 1954 and quickly embraced by local motorsport enthusiasts. The club is the organizing force behind the HMSC Oldtimer Rally Wiesbaden, set to unfold May 31-June 1 in 2025. When the participants aren’t driving through the lush green hills of the Taunus, their cars will be parked in front of the city’s Kurhaus, where they can be admired up-close. On Saturday, the cars should begin arriving from 2:30 p.m. The presentation of the participating autos, known as the Concours d’Elegance, begins at 10 a.m. on the Sunday. Admission is free. Online: hmsc.de/oldtimer-rallye-wiesbaden
Brescia, Italy: Today’s Mille Miglia Storica, a renowned rally for classic vehicles, traces its history to 1927, when it was first held as an endurance road race. The event was discontinued in 1957, in part due to a great number of fatalities of both drivers and spectators over the years. Since 1977, the event has been revived in the form of a mobile auto parade exclusively for cars built prior to 1957. The Mille Miglia route follows a figure-eight pattern, starting and finishing in Brescia while passing through Rome and other historic cities. Iconic manufacturers including Aston Martin, Ferrari, Maserati, Jaguar, Mercedes-Benz and Alfa Romeo are typically well represented. The race’s 2025 edition will take place from June 17-21. The more than 400 cars admitted to the race will pass through cities and towns including Desenzano, Sirmione, Verona, Bovolone, Ferrara, Bologna, Prato, Sienna, Rome, Orvieto, Foiano della Chiana, Arezzo, San Sepolcro, San Marino, Cervia-Milano Marittima, Forlì Empoli, Pontedera, Livorno; Viareggio and Parma. In Brescia itself, Viale Venezia serves as the start and finish line; visitors can also soak in the atmosphere of the Mille Miglia Villaggio, a space offering exhibitions, shops and stalls, food stands and activities related to the event. Online: 1000miglia.it/en
Baden-Baden, Germany: The International Classic Car Meeting transforms the gardens of a stunning spa town into an open-air museum for vintage vehicles. From July 11-13, visitors can get up close and personal with some 350 vintage cars representing more than 100 years of automotive history. A highlight of this year’s edition is an Audi exhibition celebrating 100 years of the brand’s presence in Baden-Baden. The Concours d’Élégance sees trophies awarded to the most stunning autos, alongside those accompanied by drivers in faithful period costume or bedecked with flowers. The awards ceremony following the parade on Sunday afternoon marks the conclusion and climax of the vintage car gathering. Adult entry costs 9 euros on July 11 and 14 euros on July 12-13. Children up to the age of 7 enter free. Online: oldtimer-meeting.de
Tegernsee, Germany: Some of the world’s most prominent vintage auto collectors turn out to display their beloved vehicles against the backdrop of a lake surrounded by alpine peaks. The restaurant complex Gut Kaltenbrunn plays host to the Concours of Elegance Germany July 25-26, where some 50 of the world’s finest classic and luxury cars will be on display. Beyond the cars, guests can peruse market stalls and take in exhibitions. Adult admission costs 98 euros on July 25 and 75 euros on July 26. Online: concoursofelegancegermany.com
Ely, England: The annual Classic Car Rally is set to take place at the Old Palace Green, directly opposite the west door of Ely’s historic cathedral, on Aug. 2. From 10 a.m.-4 p.m., visitors can check out dozens of vehicles from both British and international makers and spans 80 years of automotive history. The cost of entry is free; donations support local charities. Online: cdccc.org.uk/ely-show
Schwetzingen, Germany: One of the country’s most prestigious events for classic autos, The International Concours d’Elegance Automobile takes place against the backdrop of the gardens of the Schwetzingen Palace. More than 180 of some of the world’s rarest and most beautiful automobiles, built between 1890 and 1990, will be on display Sept. 5-7. Many car owners turn out dressed in vintage clothing appropriate to the era of their vehicles. In addition to admiring the vehicles, visitors can check out market stalls, an art exhibition, fashion show, live music and more. This year’s Concours of U.S. classic cars shines a spotlight on Ford Thunderbirds. Normal admission fees to the grounds of the Palace apply. Adult tickets cost from 11.10 euros when booked online in advance. Online: concours-delegance.de
Chichester, West Sussex, England: The Goodwood Revival is a three-day motoring festival held annually at the Goodwood Circuit for the types of racing cars and motorcycles that would have competed during the circuit’s heyday— 1948-1966. In addition to the racing action, visitors can enjoy a best-dressed competition, track parades, an exhibition of old airplanes, meet and greets with famous drivers and more. While there’s no dress code per se, many visitors choose to dress in era-appropriate attire. This year’s event is slated for Sept. 12-14. Adult admission to the site goes for 80 UK pounds; access to the grandstands costs an additional 57 pounds and up. Online: goodwood.com/motorsport/goodwood-revival