Arizona Auction Week isn’t the only big event early in 2021 that’s already being moved because of the coronavirus pandemic. Retromobile, the huge collector car showcase held each February in Paris, has been postponed from early February until June 2-6, 2021.
But while the show has been moved, most of the auctions held in conjunction with the event at the Porte de Versailles exhibition halls are still being planned for their original dates. Thus, the Parisienne 2021 sale February 5 for Artcurial Motors, Les Grandes Marques du Monde a Paris on February 4 for Bonhams, and RM Sotheby’s Paris auction, but now a live and online event scheduled for February 13.
“Faced with regulatory and restriction measures and more generally the level of uncertainty during this challenging pandemic time, we regret to inform you that the Retromobile show, which was initially planned from 3rd to 7th February 2021, has now been postponed from 2nd to 6th June 2021 at the Porte de Versailles in Paris,” show director Jean-Sebastien Guichaous is quoted in the postponement announcement.
“The anticipation surrounding the 46th edition is very important, which is why we are adapting and looking forward to seeing you in June 2021 for an exceptional spring edition. Our objective remains the same: support the market’s recovery and continue to make mature, keen and curious classic car enthusiasts dream.”
Retromobile organizers expect to showcase more than 1,000 vehicles on display, 620 exhibitors, 120 car clubs and 60 automotive artists at the 2021 event.
Greenwich concours pushed to October
Hagerty hasn’t had the best success with the concours d’elegance it purchased late in 2019. The 25th annual celebration of the Greenwich, Connecticut, concours was canceled by the virus in 2020 and already the 2021 event has been pushed from its late-spring date to October 22-24.
“This was a difficult decision, but we felt that moving to fall 2021 gives us the best chance to safely host a truly spectacular event without fear or massive restrictions for staff, volunteers, owners, judges, sponsors and attendees,” said concours director Tabetha Hammer.
“The fall is a very busy time for car events on the East Coast, even in normal years,” she added. “We know enthusiasts will have a lot of options to choose from, with great car events planned almost every weekend from August through October. We’re excited to be a part of that lineup.”
In addition to a Bonhams auction, the Grand Tour and Waterfront Party, Hagerty will update the concours with ride and drive events putting showgoers behind the wheel of some vintage vehicles and offering those aged 15-25 lessons in driving classics with manual transmissions.
Featured marques for the concours include Ford vs. GM, Lancia, the Duesenberg centennial, 70 years of Allard, “Right Coast” hot rods, vintage SUVs, 120 years of Indiana motorcycles and 100 years of Moto Guzzi.
Amelia Island issues covid protocols
“As March 4-7, 2021, approaches, even with the exciting news about the coming vaccine, expectations are that the global pandemic will persist well into 2021,” comes word from the Amelia Island concours d’elegance. In response, the concours has published its “Covid-19 safety protocols” to be followed at the concours.
“Countless hours have gone into the development of each bullet point,” organizers noted. “Every change triggers another, the reality of putting together a safe event in response to the continued threat of the virus. This document will continue to evolve as the event draws closer, reflecting the most current information, recommendations and mandates.”
Concours organizers also announced that the various seminars staged during the event will be moved out of doors.
Carlisle cancels Winter AutoFest in Florida
Because of the continuing pandemic, Carlisle Events has canceled its Winter AutoFest scheduled for February 19-21, 2021 at the Sun n’ Fun Expo campus in Lakeland, Florida. Pennsylvania-based Carlisle Events has been staging the event annually since 2013 and in 2021 it again was to include three days of car shows, automotive flea markets and a two-day collector car auction.
While the car shows and flea market will not take place, Carlisle Auctions plans to go ahead with its sale, set within three aircraft hangers on the Florida campus, and a “Air & Coach Concours” for luxury motorhomes also is scheduled for the auction dates.
For information, visit the Carlisle Auctions website.
Pebble Beach tickets available
The Pebble Beach concours d’elegance has opened ticket sales for its 70th anniversary event, scheduled for August 15, 2021. Tickets are $400 each (until August 1, 2021, when the cost goes to $500) and include access to the show field, parking and shuttle service and an event program. Children under the age of 12 are admitted free with a paying adult.
The respective ticket fees for 2020 were $375 and $450.
London concours expands to 3 days
For its fifth anniversary, the London Concours plans to expand to a three-day event, June 8-10, 2021, at the Honourable Artillery Company facilities, with a different theme for each of those days.
