Celebrating the Automotive Artistry at the Audrain Newport Concours

The Audrain Motor Week returned to Newport, Rhode Island, showcasing a diverse array of automotive gems, from modern exotics to pre-war treasures. The event, sponsored by A. Lange & Sohne, was a celebration of car culture across generations, featuring a "30 under 30" category to spotlight young enthusiasts and their sub-,000 vehicles. The Audrain Newport Concours and Motor Week, established in 2019, has quickly become an integral part of the Audrain's broader presence and goals, honoring Newport's rich automotive history.

Unveiling the Automotive Artistry at the Audrain Newport Concours

A Timeless Allard J2 Prototype

The Audrain Newport Concours featured a stunning 1949 Allard J2 Prototype, the second Allard J2 ever built. This car, with its coil-over-leaf-spring suspension and not-quite-independent De Dion setup, showcased Sydney Herbert Allard's decades of experience in crafting race-ready machines. The Ford flathead V8 engine, pushed back toward the driver for better weight distribution, gave this Allard a distinctive sound and presence that defied the passage of time.

The Alfa Romeo Giulietta Spider Veloce's Racing Pedigree

Capturing second place in the Race Cars Pre-1955 category, the 1955 Alfa Romeo Giulietta Spider Veloce represented a significant piece of racing history. This Franco Scaglione-designed, Pinin Farina-built car won its class at the 1957 12 Hours of Sebring, showcasing its racing prowess. The faithful restoration and preservation of the original racing number 55 on the door panels and hood added to the car's allure.

The Renault Alpine A110 Group 4: A Commanding Presence

The standout of the show was undoubtedly the 1973 Renault Alpine A110 Group 4. This faithful representation of the Group 4 specification and livery commanded attention wherever it roamed. As Renault's de facto performance branch, the Alpine brand's history is intertwined with the French manufacturer, and this type 1600VC exemplified the marque's racing pedigree.

The Bizzarrini 5300 GT Corsa Revival: A Timeless Beauty

While not an original, the Bizzarrini 5300 GT Corsa Revival that graced the Audrain Newport Concours was a captivating sight. One of only 24 examples produced by hand, this revival celebrates the 5300 GT Corsa's class victory at the 1965 24 Hours of Le Mans. Designed by the prolific Giorgetto Giugiaro, the original 5300 GT Corsa is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful race cars of its era, and this revival captures that timeless elegance.

The Iconic BMW 3.5 CSL in IMSA Livery

Competing in the Race Cars Post-1955 category, the 1976 BMW 3.5 CSL in full IMSA race livery was a sight to behold. This outrageous yet captivating Coupe Sport Leicht (CSL) design, with its dramatic rear wing and upright 3.5-liter 24-valve M49 engine, exemplified BMW's commitment to motorsport excellence.

The Graceful Ferrari 275 GTB

Awarded the Founder's Award, the 1965 Ferrari 275 GTB showcased the marque's design evolution. The short-nose variation, featuring the final development of the Colombo V12, embodied the graceful lines that would influence many of Ferrari's subsequent models. This 275 GTB's timeless beauty and pedigree made it a standout among the diverse array of vehicles on display.

The Jowett Jupiter: A British Sports Car Gem

The 1952 Jowett Jupiter Drophead Coupe, while not as well-known as its contemporaries, still had plenty to offer. This British sports car, which claimed a class victory at the 1950 24 Hours of Le Mans, showcased classic lines and a lasting impact on the country's motoring history, despite its relatively short production run.

The Lamborghini 350 GT: The Brand's First Production Model

Capturing second place in the European Grand Touring class, the 1965 Lamborghini 350 GT represented the Italian brand's first production model. With only around 130 examples built, this subtle yet evocative design language laid the foundation for the iconic Miura and subsequent Lamborghini models.

The Barris-Customized Buick Riviera: A Captivating Personality

Amidst the more traditional Concours entries, the 1963 Buick Riviera "Villa Riviera" by George Barris stood out with its unique personality. This custom creation, featured in the 1964 film "For Those Who Think Young," captivated onlookers with its cacophony of interesting details, from the TV mounted between the back seats to the overall dramatic design.

The Emory Porsche 356 Special: A Vintage-Inspired Masterpiece

The Audrain Newport Concours also featured a selection of custom Rod Emory "Outlaw" Porsche cars, showcasing the brand's unique and subtle customization style. One standout was the 1964/1998 Porsche 356 Special, created for Porsche's 50th-anniversary celebration in Monterey, California. Based on a 356C Cabriolet, this extensively modified vehicle was designed to evoke the vintage 550 look, resulting in a cohesive and beautiful interpretation of the classic Porsche.