CONCOURS APPLICATION
Concours Applications for 2026 will open December 5th, 2025
The Expo takes place May 22-24, 2026, with the Concours in the Village featured on Sunday, May 24, 2026.
Criteria
Your application entry must meet the following criteria in order to be reviewed:
- Your vehicle must be in full, operable working condition under its own power
- Your vehicle has been submitted within the application deadline
- Acceptance of the rules and parameters set forth to all Concours entrants
Application
Please use the class list for your reference only, vehicles, upon acceptance will be placed in their most appropriate class by the Selection Committee. Applications will be reviewed by the Selection Committee and an application does not guarantee entry. If your car is approved, staff will contact you directly with registration information. Approvals do take time for our committee to review, please be patient as we review your entry. Welcome letters will commence in February.
Selection
All applications will be reviewed by the Selection Committee. If your entry is selected for the Concours, you will receive a welcome letter and additional information about the Concours and your participation. Entry into the Concours does not include automatic entry into other Events, registration is required for all other events.
Due to the volume of applications, please allow time for your application to be reviewed thoroughly, our Committee takes special care with each potential entrant.
Upon application approval, you will receive a welcome email with additional Concours information, along with a link to pay for your entry fee, which includes lunch for two on Sunday from our Expo Lunch Vendor/Sponsor.
Rules
- Please do not raise the hood on the car at the Concours unless you are asked to do so by a Judge. Cars are meant to be driven with the hood down/closed.
- Please do not bring any awards, presentations, or signs/posters outlining details of your car. If you have such, please leave them at home. Anyone displaying such items will be asked to take them down, refusal will result in removal of the vehicle from the show field and immediate disqualification.
- Present your vehicle in clean and proper order, your vehicle should not appear on the show field with dirt.
- Please ensure that your vehicle is in working order as you will be asked to perform an engine start as part of the Judging.
- Please be courteous and professional when interviewing with our Judges.
- Be prepared; the Judges will ask you direct questions about your vehicle, its features, history, and other specifications.
Judging
Second, as another point of calibration, the term “Concours d’ Elegance” is French, which roughly translates to “competition of elegance.” As such, the first events of this sort were held in France in the early 1900s as transportation began to transition from horses to horsepower. Those early events were largely about the overall impression of the vehicle, and that led to the use of the term ‘French judging’ throughout the Concours world. This, of course, is not the only type of Concours judging, but it is the one that is most relevant to the Sandhills Motoring Expo. In short, our judging will not check every nut and bolt for authenticity.
What will be considered for judging at the Sandhills Motoring Expo?
Impression:
- What’s the overall impression of the car?
- How appealing is it?
- How well is the car presented?
- Exterior
- Paint & Finish
- Interior
- Engine Compartment
- Storage Compartments
- Accessories
- What’s the car’s story?
- How did the owner acquire the car?
- How has it been used?
- What does the owner like about it?
Please verify your entry information prior to clicking submit. You will receive an email confirmation after clicking submit. If you have not received the email confirmation, please check your spam/junk folder. If you have not received it, that means we did not either, please re-submit your application.
For all Applicants – please be on the lookout for emails from concours@sandhillsmotoring.com and info@sandhillsmotoring and add those email addresses as a contact so you receive our notifications.
All applications are reviewed by the Concours Committee and you will placed in the appropriate Concours Class upon acceptance.
2026 Concours in the Village
Premier :: Classes 1-10
The Premier Classes represent the ever-evolving heart of the Expo’s Concours in the Village, showcasing a curated selection of vehicles that highlight unique themes, genres, and automotive milestones each year. These categories are thoughtfully chosen to spotlight diverse automotive styles, engineering achievements, and cultural icons, ensuring every Expo offers something new and exciting for enthusiasts and collectors alike. From timeless classics to groundbreaking modern designs, the Premier Classes celebrate the rich tapestry of automotive history and innovation.
Foundation :: Classes 11-17
The Foundation Classes serve as the cornerstone of the Expo’s Concours in the Village, featuring perennial categories that embody the essence of Expo excellence and tradition. These classes focus on enduring appeal, celebrating the craftsmanship, heritage, and favorites that define the automotive world. The Foundation Classes provide a steadfast connection to the Concours’ legacy, offering a familiar yet awe-inspiring experience for participants and spectators alike.
Premier Classes
Pre-War Pioneers – Celebrating the groundbreaking automobiles built before World War II that shaped the foundation of motoring history, open to American and European marques.
Italian Legends – Honoring the artistry and performance of Italy’s most iconic marque – Ferrari. (Spotlight Class)
Autobahn Engineering – Mercedes – Showcasing the precision, innovation, and speed of German engineering excellence with Mercedes SL Class cars.
Autobahn Engineering – Porsche – Showcasing the precision, innovation, and speed of German engineering excellence with air-cooled Porsche 911s.
American Muscle – Featuring the raw power and bold style of modern American performance cars.
JDM – Highlighting the creativity and culture of Japanese Domestic Market cars known for style, speed, and innovation.
Chrysler Classics (100th Anniversary) – Marking a century of Chrysler heritage with standout models from across the decades.
Jaguar – Vintage – Paying tribute to the elegance and craftsmanship of Jaguar’s early masterpiece through 1979. (Featured Marque)
Jaguar – Modern – Celebrating the contemporary design and performance of Jaguar’s latest innovations from 1980 to present. (Featured Marque)
Bronco Vintage (60th Anniversary) – Commemorating six decades of Ford Bronco’s rugged spirit and adventurous legacy.
Foundation Classes
Supercars
An impressive collection of high-performance supercars known for speed, style, and cutting-edge innovation.
Pinehurst Countryside Classics
Whether vintage or modern, Countryside Classics celebrate the charm and spirit of motoring in and around Pinehurst, NC.
Radwood
A throwback to the automotive style and culture of the ’80s and ’90s, this class brings nostalgia and captures the era’s unique flair.
American Sports Classic
Showcasing classic American sports cars up to 1979, this class highlights the golden age of American performance vehicles.
European Sports Classic
Featuring European sports cars through 1979, this class celebrates European craftsmanship, style, and driving dynamics.
Motorsports
This class celebrates the thrill of competition on the track with vintage racers and modern track stars, embodying the passion and ingenuity that fuel the world of motorsports.
Blue Ribbon Winners
A prestigious lineup of vehicles that have won at prior Concours in the Village events, showcasing the best of the best in Sandhills Motoring excellence. Invite Only.
