2026 Concours d'Elegance at Copshaholm to Feature Concours d'Lemons July 10
SOUTH BEND, IN — Celebrate the Un-Best of the Automotive World.
Terrible cars, worse trophies, lots of fun.
The Concours d’Lemons, a tongue in cheek show celebrating the Very Un-Best of the automotive world clatters into South Bend, Indiana, on July 10, 2026, as part of this year’s eighth annual Concours d’Elegance at Copshaholm. Held on the grounds of the Museum Campus, participants will share their affection of their less than loved autos with spectators and capricious, bribery-prone judges who award thrift store sources prizes in hilarious categories such as “Rust Belt American Junk,” “Most Dangerous,” and “Best Back Seat.” The whole debacle culminates in the presentation of the coveted “Worst of Show” trophy that sees the owner and hooptie showered in silly string.
“Ferraris and Duesenbergs are fine cars,” states Concours d’Lemons ‘Head Gasket’ Alan Galbraith, “but Pintos and Pacers need love too. We’ve found that owners of these cars are just as passionate about their rides and spectators love them even more. It is all about how much fun you can have and share with others and not how much you spent.”
The Concours d’Lemons is free for spectators while admission is charged to the Museums on Friday. There is a small fee to register your hooptie for the show and registered Concours d’Lemons exhibitors will get Friday-Saturday passes that includes the museums and Concours.
Those wanting to show their wonderful wrecks at the event can register their hooptie here:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/concours-dlemons-south-bend-2026-tickets-1987550654511?aff=oddtdtcreator
The Concours d’Lemons is sponsored by these otherwise respectable companies:
Griot’s Garage
Classic Motorsports Magazine
The Concours d’Lemons South Bend takes place on Friday, July 10, 2026, from Noon to 5pm on the grounds of the Studebaker National Museum at 897 Thomas Street, South Bend, IN 46601
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Concours at Copshahom in the News
The Concours d’Elegance at Copshaholm has recently been featured in these publications:
2026 CONCOURS D’ELEGANCE AT COPSHAHOLM EXPANDS TO A FULL WEEKEND CELEBRATION: JULY 10-11
The Studebaker National Museum is turning up the excitement for 2026 by announcing that the eighth annual Concours d’Elegance at Copshaholm will expand into a dynamic, two-day celebration of automotive excellence and culture, beginning on Friday, July 10, 2026, with two new programmatic offerings and culminating with the Concours d'Elegance at Copshaholm on Saturday, July 11, 2026.
SOUTH BEND, IN — The Studebaker National Museum is turning up the excitement for 2026 by announcing that the eighth annual Concours d’Elegance at Copshaholm will expand into a dynamic, two-day celebration of automotive excellence and culture, beginning on Friday, July 10, 2026, with two new programmatic offerings and culminating with the Concours d'Elegance at Copshaholm on Saturday, July 11, 2026. Set against the elegant historic grounds of Copshaholm, this year’s events invite enthusiasts, collectors, and families alike to experience more cars, more stories, and more ways to engage than ever before. All events will be held at the Museum Campus at 897 Thomas Street, South Bend, IN 46601.
Two Days. One Unforgettable Experience:
New for 2026, the Concours weekend transforms into a multi-day automotive festival, offering something for every kind of enthusiast!
NEW on Friday:
Concours d’Lemons South Bend — A crowd-favorite, this tongue-in-cheek event celebrates the weird, the flawed, and the un-best of the automotive world.
Automotive History Live: A Lecture Forum — Lectures from world-renowned automotive historians and speakers will delight automotive hobbyists and collectors alike.
Collectors Celebration Dinner — An elegant evening event bringing together collectors, exhibitors, and special guests for fine dining and conversation.
Saturday:
Concours d’Elegance at Copshaholm — The main event, this Concours showcases world-class automobiles in the historic gardens of the Copshaholm mansion. Throughout the day, guests will enjoy a lively atmosphere with local food trucks, a specialty ice cream vendor, and plenty of opportunities to relax, explore, and connect. The Concours will open to the public Saturday at 10:00 a.m. and conclude at 4:00 p.m., with the highly anticipated Pass-In-Review and Awards Ceremony beginning at 2:30 p.m.
A Centennial Celebration of Pontiac and Automotive Icons
The 2026 event will spotlight the 100th anniversary of Pontiac, featuring a dedicated class spanning the brand’s full legacy. Joining the celebration are the legendary Indiana makes of Auburn, Cord, and Duesenberg—names synonymous with innovation and style.
From the sculpted elegance of Coachbuilt Classics to the muscle and mystique of the Pontiac GTO, and the jet-age flair of Fabulous Fins, this year’s show field promises a visually stunning journey through automotive history. Additional classes include:
Motorcars of the Lincoln Highway (1913–1926)
European Economy
New Deal Motoring (1933–1942)
Vintage Motorcycles
Hail to the Chief: Studebaker Presidents
Expert Judging & Awards
The Concours’ Chief Judge will be noted automotive historian Matt Short, with judging conducted in the French Traditional style. The Awards Ceremony will be narrated by renowned automotive author and expert, Bill Rothermel.
Awards will be presented across all classes, culminating in the prestigious Best of Show.
Tickets & Packages
A variety of ticketing options are available. Make sure to buy your tickets in advance to take advantage of special early-bird discounts.
Concours Weekend Pass - All Friday and Saturday Events
Concours d'Elegance at Copshaholm Only - Just the Saturday Event
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2023 Concours d'Elegance at Copshaholm To Feature 1932 Peerless V16 Sedan Prototype
SOUTH BEND, IN – The 2023 Concours d’Elegance at Copshaholm is proud to feature a 1932 Peerless V16 Sedan Prototype as part of its Multi-Cylinder Motoring: The Twelves & Sixteens class. The car is exhibited courtesy of the Crawford Auto-Aviation Museum in Cleveland, Ohio. Peerless was once one of the world’s pre-eminent luxury automobile manufacturers and began exploring V16 power in the early 1930s. Just the single prototype was completed, featuring coachwork by the Murphy Body Company.
The 2023 Concours d’Elegance at Copshaholm will showcase over 80 exquisite vehicles across ten classes. Other highlights include programs by nationally-renowned historians Ken Gross and Brian Baker as well as a documentary on pioneering race car driver Paula Murphy, which will be hosted by documentary producer Cindy Sisson.
The Concours at Copshaholm’s Chief Judge is renowned automotive scholar and historian Matt Short. Judging will be French Traditional. The awards ceremony will be narrated by noted automotive raconteur, Bill Rothermel. The Concours d’Elegance at Copshaholm will be held Saturday, July 8, 2023, at the Studebaker National Museum in South Bend, Indiana. The show field opens to the public at 10am and closes at 4pm. The Pass In Review and Awards ceremony begins at 2:30pm. For more information, visit www.concoursatcopshaholm.org.
2023 Concours d'Elegance at Copshaholm To Celebrate Corvette’s 70th anniversary
SOUTH BEND, IN – The 2023 Concours d’Elegance at Copshaholm celebrates the Corvette’s 70th anniversary with a special class devoted to “America’s Sports Car.” The class will feature Corvettes from each of the car’s 8 generations. Additionally, National Corvette Museum Curator and former General Motors designer Brian Baker will be on hand to present a special program, “Seventy Years of America’s Sports Car,” at 1pm in the Wiekamp Auditorium. Admission is included with a Concours ticket.
Other programs at the 2023 Concours d’Elegance at Copshaholm include “Rolling Sculpture: Streamlined and Art Deco Cars and Motorcycles 1930-1941,” presented by automotive author and historian Ken Gross, in the Wiekamp Auditorium at 11am. At noon, the Concours will screen “Paula Murphy: Undaunted,” a documentary on pioneering race car driver Paula Murphy, hosted by Producer Cindy Sisson.
The Concours at Copshaholm’s Chief Judge is renowned automotive scholar and historian Matt Short. Judging will be French Traditional. The awards ceremony will be narrated by noted automotive raconteur, Bill Rothermel. The Concours d’Elegance at Copshaholm will be held Saturday, July 8, 2023, at the Studebaker National Museum in South Bend, Indiana. The show field opens to the public at 10am and closes at 4pm. The Pass In Review and Awards ceremony begins at 2:30pm. For more information, visit www.concoursatcopshaholm.org.
2023 Concours d'Elegance at Copshaholm To Welcome Automotive Author & Historian Ken Gross
SOUTH BEND, IN – The 2023 Concours d’Elegance at Copshaholm is delighted to welcome automotive author and historian Ken Gross as its featured guest. Ken has been around automobiles his entire life and most recently has been Guest Curator for fourteen highly-acclaimed exhibitions of extraordinary automobiles and motorcycles in fine art museums. Mr. Gross previously served as Executive Director of the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles and has been a Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance Chief Class Judge for 31 years. He also serves on the Pebble Beach Selection Committee and is the Chief Judge for the Greenwich (CT) Concours d’Elegance. He is the Concours Director for the Chattanooga MotorCar Festival and he serves on the Advisory Boards of the American Hot Rod Foundation and T.R.O.G. (The Race of Gentlemen).
Ken will be presenting the a program titled “Rolling Sculpture: Streamlined and Art Deco Cars and Motorcycles 1930-1941” in the Wiekamp Auditorium at 11am. Admission to the program is included with your Concours ticket. Additionally, Ken will serve as a guest judge and select and present the “Ken Gross Digs this Car” award at the Pass In Review and Awards Ceremony, beginning at 2:30pm.
The Concours at Copshaholm’s Chief Judge is renowned automotive scholar and historian Matt Short. Judging will be French Traditional. The awards ceremony will be narrated by noted automotive raconteur, Bill Rothermel. The Concours d’Elegance at Copshaholm will be held Saturday, July 8, 2023, at the Studebaker National Museum in South Bend, Indiana. The show field opens to the public at 10am and closes at 4pm. The Pass In Review and Awards ceremony begins at 2:30pm. For more information, visit www.concoursatcopshaholm.org.
Screening of Women in Motor Sports Documentary "Paula Murphy: Undaunted" at 2023 Concours d'Elegance at Copshaholm
SOUTH BEND, IN – The Studebaker National Museum announces the screening of the new Paula Murphy documentary, “Paula Murphy: Undaunted,” underwritten by Women in Motorsports North America (WIMNA*), at the 2023 Concours d’Elegance at Copshaholm, at Noon in the Wiekamp Auditorium. Ms. Murphy drove for Studebaker in its record-setting Bonneville Salt Flats campaign in the fall of 1963. She drove the #9 Studebaker Avanti to over 170 mph in addition to her other record-setting runs. The #9 Avanti will be on featured display during the Concours.
The screening is included with admission to the Concours at Copshaholm.
Paula Murphy defied odds and stereotypes as she carved her way to becoming the Andy Granatelli-sponsored "Miss STP" by setting speed records and competing in various race categories. While gaining fans, she also drew ire from the NHRA in 1967 when they rescinded her license. A die-hard supporter of her career, Granatelli fought for her place in the sport and was soon reinstated. Despite setbacks and wrecks, Paula did not stop moving and lived on to be known as "the fastest woman on wheels" as she broke records, and barriers, for future women in motorsports.
*WIMNA is a community of professionals devoted to supporting opportunities for women across all motorsport disciplines by creating an inclusive, resourceful environment to foster mentorship, advocacy, education, and growth, ensuring our sport's continued strength and successful future. For more information, https://womeninmotorsportsna.com/
Awards will be presented in all classes, as well as Best of Show and other special awards of distinction. The Concours at Copshaholm’s Chief Judge is renowned automotive scholar and historian Matt Short. Judging will be French Traditional. The awards ceremony will be narrated by noted automotive historian, Bill Rothermel. Special guest at this year’s Concours will be author, historian, and journalist Ken Gross.
For more information, visit: www.concoursatcopshaholm.org.
The Concours d’Elegance at Copshaholm To Showcase Amelia Earhart’s 1937 Cord and Charlie Chaplin’s 1936 Packard
The Concours d’Elegance at Copshaholm will showcase Amelia Earhart’s 1937 Cord and Charlie Chaplin’s 1936 Packard.
SOUTH BEND, IN – The Concours d’Elegance at Copshaholm will showcase Amelia Earhart’s 1937 Cord and Charlie Chaplin’s 1936 Packard. The Cord’s introduction at the New York Auto Show in 1935 was revelatory, as luxury and performance were reimagined in the shadow of the Great Depression. Trailblazing aviatrix Amelia Earhart recognized a kindred spirit in the Cord’s lines and ambition and ordered a 1937 Cord 812 Phaeton Convertible for her daily transportation. With its louvered, wraparound “coffin nose” grille and low-slung bearing, the Cord was a styling masterpiece. The Cord also featured innovative engineering via its pioneering front-wheel drive. The Cord also featured retractable headlights, raised and lowered with cranks located on either side of that streamlined dashboard. Earhart’s affinity for the Cord may be attributed in part to its aviation-inspired styling. The instrument panel’s uninterrupted surface of machine-turned aluminum conjured a cockpit’s interior.
Charlie Chaplin’s 1936 Packard Twelve All Weather Cabriolet is only one of two known to exist. It appeared in 1972’sThe Godfather, and later appeared in The Betsy and also an episode of Remington Steele, featuring Pierce Brosnan. The Packard Motor Car Company produced only 682 Twelves produced in 1936. This particular All-Weather Cabriolet was bodied by legendary coachbuilder LeBaron Incorporated.
The Concours at Copshaholm’s Chief Judge is renowned automotive scholar and historian Matt Short. Judging will be French Traditional. The awards ceremony will be narrated by noted automotive raconteur, Bill Rothermel. Special guest at this year’s Concours will be renowned automotive author and historian, Ken Gross. Mr. Gross is a 32-year Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance Chief Class Judge and a member of the Pebble Beach Concours Selection committee. He has authored over 25 books and has curated 14 critically acclaimed automobile exhibitions at major fine art museums. Mr. Gross will be presenting a lecture on Art Deco Automotive Design at 11am during the Concours in the Wiekamp Auditorium. He will also be selecting and presenting the 2023 Concours at Copshaholm’s “Ken Gross Digs This Car” award.
The Concours d’Elegance at Copshaholm is co-presented by LaVine Restorations & The JBS Collection and will be held Saturday, July 8, 2023, at the Studebaker National Museum in South Bend, Indiana. The show field opens to the public at 10am and closes at 4pm. The Pass In Review and Awards ceremony begins at 2:30pm. To purchase tickets, visit concoursatcopshaholm.org/tickets.
Concours at Copshaholm featured in "The Concours Year 2022" by Magento
We are delighted to be one of the featured Concours in The Concours Year 2022 published by Magneto. The book features Special Awards, Best in Class, and Best in Show results from more than fifty Concours from around the world. It is truly an honor to be listed alongside so many fabulous events.
Vehicle Application Opens for the fifth annual Concours d'Elegance at Copshaholm
SOUTH BEND, IN – The Studebaker National Museum announces vehicle applications are now open for the fifth annual Concours d’Elegance at Copshaholm, co-presented by LaVine Restorations & The JBS Collection. This exclusive gathering celebrates automotive design, engineering and culture and will be held Saturday, July 8, 2023, in South Bend, Indiana. The Concours will open to the public at 10am and will close at 4pm. The Pass In Review and Awards ceremony will begin at 2:30pm.
The 2023 featured marques are Oldsmobile and Jaguar. Full Classic® Indianapolis-built automobiles will be showcased as will twelve- and sixteen-cylinder Full Classic® motorcars. The Concours at Copshaholm will celebrate the 70th anniversary of the Corvette as well as vehicles over 100 years old in the “Centennial Club” class. Other class highlights include American station wagons, Harley-Davidson motorcycles, pick-up trucks, as well as Raymond Loewy-era Studebakers. Rounding out the show field will be “New Deal Motoring” featuring popular-priced cars built between 1933 and 1942.
Awards will be presented in all classes, as well as Best of Show and other special awards of distinction. The Concours at Copshaholm’s Chief Judge is renowned automotive scholar and historian Matt Short. Judging will be French Traditional. The awards ceremony will be narrated by automotive historian and raconteur, Bill Rothermel.
To submit your car for application, visit: www.concoursatcopshaholm.org/vehicleapplication. The full class list is shown below. The submission deadline is March 17, 2023, and owners will be notified of the Selection Committee’s decision by April 7, 2023.
The American Station Wagon - An open class for American-built station wagons
The Best Thing on Wheels: Oldsmobile - A class for Oldsmobile-branded automobiles
The Centennial Club: Pre-1923 Automobiles - An open class for all automobiles built in 1923 or prior
The Corvette at 70 - Corvettes of all years (35-year rule waived for this class)
Grace, Space and Pace: Jaguar - SS and Jaguar automobiles
Harley-Davidson Motorcycles - Harley-Davidson bikes made prior to 1987
Haul of Fame: Pickup Trucks - An open class for pickup trucks
Indianapolis Classics: Cole, Duesenberg, Marmon, National, Stutz - A class for all Indianapolis-built Full Classic® automobiles
Multi-cylinder Motoring: The Twelves and Sixteens - An open class for automobiles with twelve or sixteen cylinder engines
New Deal Motoring: 1933-1942 - An open class for 1933-1942 “affordable” automobiles
Studebaker’s Finest: The Raymond Loewy Era - A class for 1938-1955 Studebakers, 1956 Hawks, and the Studebaker Avanti
For more information, visit: www.concoursatcopshaholm.org.
2022 Concours d’Elegance at Copshaholm Announces Winners
SOUTH BEND, IN – The 2022 Concours d’Elegance at Copshaholm is pleased to announce this year’s award winners. Competition was extremely tight, drawing entrants from more than thirteen states. Capturing Best Of Show was a 1936 Packard Super Eight, owned by Allen & Nancy Strong, from Urbana, IL. It was selected from over 80 vehicles. Renowned automotive historian, Matt Short, served as Chief Judge for the event. His professional experience includes The Henry Ford, The R.E. Olds Museum, the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Automobile Museum, and America’s Packard Museum. He has also served on the boards of the Society of Automotive Historians, the National Association of Automobile Museums, and the Packard Motor Car Foundation.
Other Premier Awards include:
J.M. Studebaker Award, presented to the Most Outstanding Studebaker
1930 Studebaker Dictator – Virgil & Margaret Studebaker, Troy, MO
The Standardized Quality Award: Most Outstanding Chrysler
1932 Chrysler Imperial – Ted & Mary Stahl, Chesterfield, MI
Raymond Loewy Award: Exemplary Exterior Design
1934 Packard Twelve Sport Phaeton – Pete Todo, Hobart, IN
Helen Dryden Award: Exemplary Interior Design
1920 Packard Twin Six Runabout – Timothy Heywood, Frankfort, IL
Fred & Augie Duesenberg Award: Engineering Excellence
1935 Chrysler Airflow – Raymond Jackson, Alsip, IL
Mayor’s Choice
1966 AMC Ambassador 880 – Mark Lemon, South Bend, IN
President’s Choice
1934 Studebaker Commander – John Kircher, Columbus, OH
Dave Kinney Digs This Car Award
1972 Ford Mustang Sprint – Robert Thomas, Indianapolis, IN
The Master of Ceremonies Award
1970 AMC Javelin Mark Donohue – Douglas Gehrke, Plymouth, IN
Chairman’s Choice Award
1970 AMC Javelin Trans-Am – Fritz Helmuth, Topeka, IN
Vivian & Eric LaVine/LaVine Restorations Award: Spirit of the Hobby
1951 Hudson Hornet – Larry Kennedy, Indianapolis, IN
BEST OF CLASS AWARDS:
Class A: Ultimate Luxury: Packard & Pierce-Arrow, 1920-1933
1931 Packard Deluxe Eight – Tom & Donna Tuls, Holland, MI
Class B: Ultimate Luxury: Packard & Pierce Arrow, 1934-1940
1937 Packard Twelve – Gene & Sally Perkins, Greenwood, IN
Class C: Commanders & Dictators
1936 Studebaker Dictator – Terry & Marcia Frye, Verona, WI
Class D: Walter’s Chryslers
1930 Chrysler 70 – Tim & Julia Wolfe, Sidney, OH
Class E: The American Motors Corporation
1970 AMC Rebel Machine – Terry Weiner, Buffalo Grove, IL
Class F: Only In a Jeep
1964 Jeep Station Wagon – Tom & Trish Bishop, Westerville, OH
Class G: Stablemates: The American Pony Car
1970 Ford Shelby Mustang GT 500 – Chuck & Theresa Shelby, Lafayette, IN
Class H: Independent Thinking: Hudson & Nash
1927 Hudson Series O Roadster – Jeff & Karen Ozan, Metamora, MI
Class J: Personal Luxury
1955 Kaiser Manhattan – Gilbert & Rosemary Chestney, Chelsea, MI
Class K: Teutonic Transportation
1958 Mercedes-Benz 190 SL – Timothy Stronger, Leesburg, IN
Class L: The Avanti at 60
1963 Studebaker Avanti – Fred Mazur, Sarver, PA
PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARD:
1956 Cadillac Coupe DeVille – Dr. Joseph D’Avanzo, Northville, MI
JUNIOR JUDGING AWARD:
1966 Studebaker Commander – Doug & Katie Hodak, Darien, IL
Next year’s Concours d’Elegance at Copshaholm is scheduled for Saturday, July 8, 2023. For more information, visit: www.concoursatcopshaholm.org.
The Concours d’Elegance at Copshaholm To Showcase a Stainless Steel-bodied 1936 Ford
Photo Credit: Hagerty
SOUTH BEND, IN – The Concours d’Elegance at Copshaholm will showcase a stainless steel-bodied 1936 Ford Deluxe Tudor Touring Sedan, courtesy of the Early Ford V-8 Museum in Auburn, Indiana. This car is one of six stainless steel-bodied 1936 Fords built by Allegheny Steel to promote the many uses of stainless steel. The six stainless Fords were distributed to Ford sales executives in each of its six U.S. regions. Of the six, just four are known to survive today.
The Concours at Copshaholm’s Chief Judge is renowned automotive scholar and historian Matt Short. Judging will be French Traditional. The awards ceremony will be narrated by noted automotive raconteur, Bill Rothermel. Special guest at this year’s Concours will be automotive journalist and historian Dave Kinney. Kinney is the founder and publisher of the Hagerty Price Guide as well as a senior member of the American Society of Appraisers. The Concours d’Elegance at Copshaholm is co-presented by The JBS Collection & LaVine Restorations and will be held Saturday, July 9, 2022, at the Studebaker National Museum in South Bend, Indiana. The show field opens to the public at 10am and closes at 4pm. The Pass In Review and Awards ceremony begins at 2:30pm. For more information, visit www.concoursatcopshaholm.org.
The Concours d’Elegance at Copshaholm To Feature First & Last Studebaker Avantis
The first and last Studebaker Avantis produced will be on display at the 2022 Concours d’Elegance at Copshaholm to celebrate the sixtieth anniversary of the Studebaker Avanti’s debut.
SOUTH BEND, IN – The first and last Studebaker Avantis produced will be on display at the 2022 Concours d’Elegance at Copshaholm to celebrate the sixtieth anniversary of the Studebaker Avanti’s debut. Avanti chassis #1001 is will be exhibited by LeMay – America’s Car Museum in Tacoma, Washington. The last Studebaker Avanti chassis #5643 will be exhibited courtesy of the Crawford Auto-Aviation Museum of Cleveland, Ohio. This will be the first time these two cars have ever been displayed together. Both cars were sold into private hands when new, before becoming part of the Museums’ respective collections.
Avanti #1001’s original owner, Mr. Goldfarb, will also be on hand at the Concours at Copshaholm.
About the Concours
The Concours at Copshaholm’s Chief Judge is renowned automotive scholar and historian Matt Short. Judging will be French Traditional. The awards ceremony will be narrated by noted automotive raconteur, Bill Rothermel. Special guest at this year’s Concours will be automotive journalist and historian Dave Kinney. Kinney is the founder and publisher of the Hagerty Price Guide as well as a senior member of the American Society of Appraisers. The Concours d’Elegance at Copshaholm is co-presented by The JBS Collection & LaVine Restorations and will be held Saturday, July 9, 2022, at the Studebaker National Museum in South Bend, Indiana. The show field opens to the public at 10am and closes at 4pm. The Pass In Review and Awards ceremony begins at 2:30pm. For more information, visit www.concoursatcopshaholm.org.