The inaugural Concours d’Élégance at the Musée National de l’Automobile in Mulhouse has set a new benchmark for automotive elegance. Held in July 2026, this event brought together some of the world’s most iconic vehicles, from vintage masterpieces to modern supercars. The museum, home to the renowned Schlumpf Collection provided a fitting backdrop for this celebration of automotive artistry.
The event was a testament to the spirit of innovation and heritage, embodying the famous words of Mark Twain“They didn’t know it was impossible, so they did it.” Organizing a new concours in a landscape already rich with such events was a bold move, but the choice of venue added an extra layer of ambition. The Musée National de l’Automobile is not just any museum; it houses one of the most significant automotive collections in the world, setting the bar high for any event held within its walls.
The Grandeur of Automotive Diversity
The first edition of the concours faced challenging weather conditions that affected numerous events across France. Despite this, it successfully demonstrated that a new concours can still captivate and surprise. The highlight of the event was undoubtedly the sight of three Bugatti Royale models in motion on the museum’s autodrome. This rare spectacle alone justified the journey to Mulhouse for many enthusiasts.
Alongside the Bugatti Royale, the concours featured a diverse range of vehicles that spanned different eras and styles. From the Mercedes-AMG One to the latest Bugatti models, and from a rare Porsche 935 Jägermeister competition car to a Facel Vega HK500 the selection was deliberately eclectic. Vehicles like the Jaguar SS100 pre-war and modern BentleysLamborghini Miura and the Peugeot 208 Pikes Peak driven by Sébastien Loeb were also on display. This inclusive approach set the concours apart from many others that focus solely on pre-war vehicles, ensuring a broader appeal to modern enthusiasts.
International Expertise and Sustainable Innovation
The concours also emphasized the bridge between past, present, and future. Aramco a partner in the event, showcased its work on sustainable fuels suitable for historic vehicles. The jury, composed of leading figures from the automotive world, journalism, and collecting, ensured a high standard of expertise and impartiality. Among the notable guests was Yohan Poonawalla a prominent collector who won the Special Museum Prize with his 1937 Cord.
Poonawalla expressed his enthusiasm for the concours, believing it has the potential to become a staple in the international calendar. The event’s success in its first edition suggests a promising future, provided it continues to attract a growing audience and secure long-term partnerships.
A Vision for the Future
The inaugural concours was just the beginning. To grow, it will need to build on its initial success by expanding its audience and solidifying its reputation. The strength of the concours lies in its ability to blend the invaluable heritage of the Schlumpf Collection with a contemporary vision of the automobile. By placing classic cars, modern supercars, and vehicles that are already making history in the 21st century on equal footing, the concours offers a unique perspective that could carve out a distinctive space in the European concours scene.
As the automotive world continues to evolve, events like the Concours d’Élégance at Musée National de l’Automobile serve as a reminder of the enduring allure of automotive design and engineering. With its bold vision and impressive lineup, this concours is poised to become a highlight of the automotive calendar for years to come.
