If you haven’t already started, now is the time to prepare for the incredible range of summer car events 2025 has to offer, perfect for every enthusiast and collector. Like stepping out on that first sunny and warm day of the year, summer’s events are energising for the car enthusiast’s soul – an unbroken run of three or four months where you can fully enjoy the hobby that seems so far out of reach during the colder, wetter and windier parts of the year.
Below, we’ve selected eleven events that stand out in 2025’s calendar, starting with May’s Villa D’Este concours, and finishing with Hampton Court’s equivalent in early September. Along the way we have racing, both historic and new, several more concours, and an autojumble. All present a perfect opportunity to stretch legs – both yours, and your car’s.
Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este – Lake Como, Italy – 23-25 May
As far as concours backdrops go, Lake Como is difficult to beat, though given the quality of the cars that typically arrives in Villa d’Este, we’d not be surprised if some visitors have barely noticed the lake on previous visits. The class of car it attracts is really something special, and if you’ve never previously visited, perhaps 2025 is the year.
While the vintage models are always worthy of attention, Villa d’Este also has a habit of showcasing incredibly rare and often long-forgotten concept vehicles and prototypes, which are also awarded a trophy (sponsor BMW has a habit of launching a new concept at the show most years too). So if you hanker after a Stratos Zero or Alfa Romeo Carabo, there may be no better place to see one.
Location: Grand Hotel Villa d’Este, Cernobbio, Lake Como, Italy
Tickets: Available from €50 at villadeste.com
Parking: Limited on-site, arrive early or use shuttle services
London Concours – 3-5 June
[Image credit: London Concours]
It’s smaller and more intimate than some of the other concours here, but then that’s part of the London Concours’ appeal. Taking place on the grounds of the Honourable Artillery Company – just north of The Barbican, just south of Old Street station – this is a concours surrounded not by green fields but by historic and imposing buildings, one of the more unique backdrops of the season.
This year’s concours hosts around 130 cars and has several classes, from one dedicated to V8-engined Ferraris, to celebrations of 70 years of the Mercedes-Benz SL (expect some spectacular examples of the Gullwing and Pagoda models), and cars from British marque AC, best known for its Ace and Cobra. There are of course stands for luxury goods too, as well as a VIP enclosure with snacks, drinks, and food, though in such a convenient location, you’d be forgiven for popping out to visit a nearby restaurant or cafe, too.
Location: Honourable Artillery Company, City Road, London
Tickets: From £35, londonconcours.co.uk
1000 Miglia – Brescia to Rome, Italy – 17-21 June
[Image credit: 1000 Miglia]
Today’s Mille Miglia isn’t quite the epic adventure it was when the likes of Moss were setting records, but what modern motorsport event is? Today’s iteration gets closer than many though, not least in it still being an exciting and still rather brisk dash through the Italian countryside in some truly stunning cars. The list of 400 cars taking part is something to behold, with everything from Bugatti Type 37s and Cisitalia 202s, to a brace of Ferrari 195 Inter models and a quartet of Talbot-Lago T26.
It’s also still epic in size: not just the lineup in this year’s event, but also in the five days it takes to complete, retracing the pre-war route in a figure-of-eight between Brescia in the north and Rome half way down the Italian peninsula. That gives those not competing plenty of chances to catch the cars in action, be that on some of the mountain passes, or in the city stops each night.
Route highlights: Brescia, Parma, Rome, Siena, Florence, Bologna
Spectator info: 1000miglia.it
British Grand Prix – Silverstone – 3-6 July
Expect a sea of red in the grandstands at this year’s British Grand Prix at Silverstone, as the first where seven-time Formula One World Champion, Lewis Hamilton, is behind the wheel of a Ferrari rather than his previous Mercedes or McLaren. There’s renewed buzz around Lewis thanks to his move – and we cannot forget that at last year’s Grand Prix, Lewis took one of his greatest ever (and most emotional) victories.
Red will be competing with orange and silver though, as Lando Norris and George Russell both have a strong chance of victory, and as Silverstone comes at the halfway point in the season, we’ll have a better idea if either is in the running for the championship by then too – or whether Oscar Piastri in the McLaren, or Max Verstappen in the Red Bull, are fighting it out instead.
Location: Silverstone Circuit, Northamptonshire
Tickets: From £249 for weekend passes, silverstone.co.uk
Accommodation tip: Book early as local options fill quickly, or consider a day trip from London
Le Mans Classic – Circuit de la Sarthe, France – 3-6 July
[Image credit: Le Mans Classic]
If a weekend in Northamptonshire isn’t quite calling your name, then perhaps a trip to the even more historic Circuit de la Sarthe is on the cards instead. Not for the 24 Hour race (although we’d certainly not dissuade you from that, on June 11-15) but for the Le Mans Classic. While far from being a ‘hidden gem’ it’s a slightly quieter but equally compelling event playing host to several eras of cars, which each get a chance to race around the 24 Hour course over the weekend.
2025’s event has six classes, covering a spread between the very earliest entrants (from the event’s first running in 1923) to the sports cars of 1972 to 1981. The first four of these classes begin their races using the traditional herringbone running start too; a sight we’ve largely lost from the modern event. The atmosphere and the sight of car parks and campsites full of classics though is almost unmatched – you’re as likely to see a D-Type parked next to a tent as you are one screaming around the circuit.
Location: Circuit de la Sarthe, Le Mans, France
Tickets: Available from €80, lemansclassic.com
Goodwood Festival of Speed – West Sussex, UK – 10-13 July
[Image credit: Goodwood Festival of Speed]
Goodwood just keeps drawing us back in. The Festival of Speed has become enormously popular over the years and we don’t envy Lord March and his team having to find ways to keep that momentum going, but keep it going they do. Whether you go to catch the action on the hill, the rally stage, amble around the paddock or sip champagne in the hospitality areas, there’s a little something for everyone.
2025’s event has a particular focus on F1, celebrating the series’ 75th anniversary, with what it’s calling the event’s biggest ever celebration of the sport, its cars, and its drivers. More than 80 cars will be on display or in motion (think the very first 1950 Alfa Romeo 158s, to the latest hybrid-powered F1 machines) and the main paddock will be entirely dedicated to F1 this time around. There’ll be several pre-F1 Grand Prix machines from 1925 and later, too, so keep an eye out for pre-war Silver Arrows, Alfa Romeos, Delage and more.
Location: Goodwood Estate, Chichester, West Sussex
Tickets: From £79 for single day admission, goodwood.com
Nurburgring Oldtimer Grand Prix – Nurburgring, Germany – 1-3 August
[Image credit: Oldtimer Grand Prix]
There’s still nowhere quite like the Nurburgring. The Oldtimer Grand Prix is yet another way to enjoy the Eifel circuit and its environs, trading the usual modern GT3 racers for everything from historic Grand Prix cars to screaming 1990s super tourers (expect the all-conquering rear-drive BMW 320s in abundance), Group C prototypes, and vintage racers of the 1950s and 1960s. The historic Carrera Cup, for 1960s 911s, will also race its final round of the season during the weekend.
Racing takes place on the Grand Prix track, rather than the Nordschleife, which is probably wise given the value of some of the cars and the red mist of some of the racers, though we’d point out that if you want to combine some racing action with a tourist lap, the Nordschleife is also open all three days of the Oldtimer Grand Prix.
Location: Nurburgring, Nürburg, Germany
Tickets: Available from €30, nuerburgring.de
Travel advice: Frankfurt is the nearest major airport, with good motorway connections
Monterey Car Week – California, USA – 8-17 August
Some events run over a handful of days, but others are a little bigger. Monterey Car Week is one of these, with so much going on, spread across such a large area of the county, that it’s literally impossible to catch it all.
We can certainly suggest some highlights though. The big-ticket event is the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, held on the final day, August 17th. For more action, head to Laguna Seca, where the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion plays host not just to racing, but also hill climbs going up the famous Corkscrew. There are free shows down Fisherman’s Wharf in Monterey itself (which typically include parked displays and supercar parades), a Porsche classic gathering on the 11th, and Motorlux, a gathering of classics and aircraft, at Monterey Jet Center on the 13th.
Location: Various venues around Monterey County, California
Tickets: Various prices depending on event, montereycarweek.com
Salon Privé – Blenheim Palace – 27-31 August
[Image credit: Salon Privé ]
Salon Privé bills itself as the UK’s most prestigious car show, and when your backdrop is the 18th century stately home, Blenheim Palace, it’s difficult to disagree. Not that the palace itself is the focus here though, as you’ll be far too distracted by the spectacular array of machines lining up on the lawn. 2025 is their 20th Anniversary year, with themed days over the five-day event. Among brands pencilled in for this year are British stars like Lotus and Morgan (whose new Supersport is sure to be a highlight), RML Group (featuring the sensational P39), Theon Design, and design house Callum. More manufacturers and luxury brands than ever will feature in their new glass structured Gallery. The main concours judging is held on Wednesday 27th, with presentations on Thursday 28th. The Concours de Vente, where all cars in the concours are uniquely for sale from dealers and specialists is being held on the last two days – Saturday 30th (Club Trophy presented by Lockton) and Sunday 31st (Supercar Sunday & Lifestyle Club Trophy).
While the concours is central to Salon Privé, it’s far from being the only attraction. Not least as you can also visit MotorAvia, with a VIP evening launch party, a display of aircraft and automobiles side by side, while the event also has showcases from several luxury brands, high-class cuisine, and the chance of new model debuts from luxury brands. Time to break out the cravat.
Location: Blenheim Palace, Woodstock, Oxfordshire
Tickets: From £75 (entry only) to full hospitality tickets, salonpriveconcours.com
Plan your visit: Salon Privé visitors guide
Beaulieu International Autojumble – Hampshire – 6-7 September
[Beaulieu Estate, Hampshire]
A little more down to earth than some events here but no less enjoyable, not least as the world-famous International Autojumble at Beaulieu has for the last few years been bathed in the most glorious sunshine; and of course, the Beaulieu estate is worth a visit even when not strewn with every car part under the sun.
With visitors from all over Europe and even further afield, the main attraction is the enticing possibility of picking up a rare part for a project, but it’s just as easy to walk away with an obscure piece of automobilia you didn’t know existed before then. Entrance to the Autojumble also includes a ticket to the National Motor Museum, while Bonhams also hosts an auction during the event.
Location: Beaulieu Estate, New Forest, Hampshire
Tickets: From £20, beaulieu.co.uk
Hampton Court Concours of Elegance – Surrey – 7 September
[Image credit: Hampton Court Concours]
If you’ve got enough in the tank for another concours before the summer is out, then the Hampton Court Concours of Elegance is the perfect way to round out the season. This year’s event will bring together more than 60 exceedingly beautiful, rare, and valuable cars from around the world, which can be appreciated even if you’re not armed with a judging clipboard.
Such events can be seen as something more for the older generation which is why we admire the Hampton Court event’s Thirty Under 30 concours, aimed at enthusiasts under 30 years old, and the Junior Concours, for half- and three-quarter-scale pedal, petrol and electric cars best suited to those a lot younger and smaller. The Levitt Concours, a collection of 20 classics owned and driven by women (and named for the ‘Fastest Girl on Earth’, Dorothy Levitt), will be another highlight.
Location: Hampton Court Palace, East Molesey, Surrey
Tickets: From £40, concoursofelegance.co.uk
Prepare Your Car for Summer Events with Windrush
After a long winter, your vehicle deserves the best preparation before hitting the show circuit or attending these prestigious events. At Windrush Car Storage, we offer comprehensive vehicle preparation services including detailing, mechanical checks, and climate-controlled storage between events.
Our team understands the unique requirements of classic, luxury and performance vehicles. Whether you’re displaying at Villa d’Este or driving down to Goodwood, ensure your car arrives in perfect condition.
Contact us today to discuss your summer event storage and transportation needs.
Which summer car events are you planning to attend this year? Let us know in the comments below.
