For a car enthusiast, few experiences rival walking a well-curated concours field. The Scarsdale Concours d’Elegance – held each fall in Scarsdale, New York- consistently delivers one of the most diverse and impressive collections of classic, vintage, and exotic automobiles in the Northeast.
Board member Alex Forschner, a lifelong car enthusiast and Scarsdale community leader, has been close to the show for years. We sat down with him to talk about what makes the Scarsdale field unique, and what attendees can expect to see.
With 150+ vehicles on display, the Scarsdale Concours covers extraordinary ground. Unlike single-marque shows or events focused narrowly on one era, Scarsdale celebrates the full sweep of automotive history.
“That breadth is intentional,” says Forschner. “You might walk from a 1930s Duesenberg to a 1980s Ferrari Testarossa in the span of five minutes. The variety keeps you on your toes and makes every year feel fresh.”
Pre-War Classics American and European coachbuilt cars from the 1920s and 1930s are among the most breathtaking entries at any concours. Marques like Packard, Pierce-Arrow, Hispano-Suiza, and Bugatti represent an era of handcrafted luxury that simply cannot be replicated.
When these cars appear at Scarsdale, they tend to draw the largest crowds.
Italian Exotica Ferrari and Maserati are perennial favorites on the Scarsdale field. From early 1950s road racers to iconic 1960s and 1970s GT cars, the Italian contingent at Scarsdale is consistently strong – and enthusiastically received.
British Sports and Luxury Cars Jaguar, Aston Martin, Bentley, and Rolls-Royce regularly make appearances, often in exceptional original or restored condition. For Forschner, these entries represent some of the most underappreciated cars in any collection. ”A well-preserved E-Type or
a Silver Shadow in its original color is genuinely moving. People walk past them because they recognize them – but they’re extraordinary.”
American Muscle and Classics The show embraces American automotive heritage with equal enthusiasm. Corvettes, Mustangs, Chargers, and Camaros from the golden muscle era share the field with pre-war American luxury cars, and the contrast makes for compelling viewing.
Rare and Unexpected Entries Every year brings surprises – a one-off custom, a factory prototype, a barn-find restoration completed just in time for the show. “That’s one ofmy favorite parts,” says Forschner. “You think you know what you’re going to see, and then something completely unexpected stops you in your tracks.”
Concours d’Elegance literally means “competition of elegance” – and the Scarsdale show takes that seriously. Cars are evaluated for their originality, condition, and historical significance.
Owners take pride in their presentation, which means the level of care and detail on display is exceptional.
“We’re not a swap meet,” Forschner notes with a smile. “These owners have invested tremendous time, money, and passion. You can feel that when you walk the field.”
For Forschner, the cars on the Scarsdale field are more than beautiful objects. They’re artifacts – physical evidence of engineering ingenuity, cultural aspiration, and human craftsmanship across more than a century of automotive history.”When you understand what you’re looking at,” he says, “a great car show becomes something close to a museum visit. Except the exhibits have stories, and the owners are standing right there to tell them.”
The Scarsdale Concours d’Elegance takes place annually each fall in Scarsdale Village, New York.
Register your vehicle or plan your visit at scarsdaleconcours.org
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