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The Summer Circuit: 5 Car Shows Worth the Trip

From the storied curves of Le Mans to the polished lawns of Lake Como, these automotive showcases are less about horsepower and more about heritage, design and the art of the automobile.

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Pre-war racing legends thunder down the Mulsanne Straight as Plateau 1 competitors—featuring automotive icons from 1923 to 1939—battle for glory at the 2023 Le Mans Classic. Photo by Kristof Vermeulen.

Every summer, car enthusiasts, collectors, designers, and daydreamers descend upon some of the most scenic locales in the world—not just to ogle beautiful machines, but to celebrate the cultures that created them. These shows are more than petrol-fueled pageants; they’re roving salons of history, craftsmanship and style. Whether set against a castle moat in Germany or the shores of Lake Como, the summer circuit is where car culture meets couture, where vintage Ferraris and futuristic prototypes are admired like sculpture. Here, we round up six of the most refined stops for your summer calendar.

Sidecars take to the hillclimb at the 2024 Festival of Speed. Photo by PA Media.

Goodwood Festival of Speed

Where: Goodwood House, West Sussex, England

When: July 11–14, 2025

What: A motorsport event like no other, the Goodwood Festival of Speed is a high-octane garden party held on the sprawling grounds of the Duke of Richmond’s estate. The event centers around a 1.16-mile hill climb that sees everything from 1920s Grand Prix racers to today’s hypercars roar past cheering crowds. Expect iconic marques, legendary drivers, and dynamic design showcases—not to mention the sleek Future Lab exhibit, which explores the bleeding edge of mobility.

Bejnafied's Racing Club Le Mans Classic in 2023. Photo by BRUNO VANDEVELDE / MPSA @.

Le Mans Classic

Where: Circuit de la Sarthe, Le Mans, France

When: July 4–6, 2025 (held every two years)

What: Every other summer, the famous Le Mans circuit winds back the clock. The Le Mans Classic revives the spirit of endurance racing with historic cars from 1923 to 1981—each era grouped into its own grid. The event is known for its authenticity: period-correct pit crews, vintage gear, and original cars that once competed in the 24 Hours of Le Mans. It’s part time machine, part racetrack, and entirely unforgettable.

Classic Days

Where: Schloss Dyck, Jüchen, Germany

When: August 2–4, 2025

What: Set in the romantic grounds of a 17th-century castle, Classic Days is Germany’s answer to Goodwood Revival—minus the crowds and with a touch more charm. Picture concours-ready pre-war Bugattis and post-war touring cars nestled among rose gardens and topiary. Picnics, jazz bands, and a strong vintage dress code make this a delightfully immersive celebration of automotive nostalgia.

Sidecars take to the hillclimb at the 2024 Festival of Speed. Photo by PA Media.

Silverstone Festival

Where: Silverstone Circuit, Northamptonshire, England

When: August 22–24, 2025

What: Formerly known as the Silverstone Classic, this three-day extravaganza combines the speed of historic motorsport with the ease of a British summer fair. Held at the home of Formula 1’s British Grand Prix, the event features vintage race cars in full action, live music, and interactive paddocks. It’s one of the largest classic racing festivals in the world—and among the most family-friendly.

Autobau Erlebniswelt Classics

Where: Romanshorn, Switzerland

When: Select summer weekends (check listings)

What: Tucked away in a former tank warehouse on Lake Constance, this Swiss treasure is part museum, part collector’s playground. The Autobau Erlebniswelt showcases everything from classic Ferraris and modern Porsches to one-off concept cars—all curated with an eye toward artistry and engineering. The summertime “Classics” weekends often include tastings, design talks, and immersive displays that blend the worlds of cars, culture, and cuisine.

The World of Cars

The Ultimate Collection Rare Cars: The World's Most Exclusive Rides
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The Classics Collection Iconic: Art, Design, Advertising, and the Automobile
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