The first-ever virtual model car competition, with judging by top-tier concours judges, invites automotive enthusiasts of all ages to showcase their favorite models with creative photography
CANTON, Conn. (May 12, 2020) – With car shows and events cancelled during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the Isolation Island Concours d’Elegance is providing new opportunities for automotive enthusiasts to showcase their favorite cars and creative photography. The virtual event series not only provides a safe way to keep the collector car community connected, it has raised more than $30,000 for local food banks and charities that support first responders.
Created by respected concours judge and automotive journalist Andy Reid, the virtual competition for 1/43-, 1/24- and 1/18-scale diecast/model cars takes place every two weeks on Facebook. “My goal was to give all of my friends, whether concours judges, exhibitors or collectors, a way to enjoy their cars, no matter what the scale,” said Reid. “We’ve all been forced into isolation and our hobby has been put on hold, so I wanted something fun to share with others and to raise money for good causes.”
Reid has assembled a group of more than 30 esteemed judges, with McKeel Hagerty, CEO of Hagerty, serving as Chief Judge. Other judges include Gordon McCall (founder of McCall Events and a former judge for the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance), Bill Warner (founder and chairman of the Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance), Ralph Gilles (Global Head of Design for Fiat Chrysler Automobiles) and Thomas Plucinsky (Head of BMW Group Product Communications), as well as well-known photographers, journalists and racing drivers.
To make the Isolation Island Concours d’Elegance an inclusive event, there is a price limit of $350 on models submitted for competition. Entrants submit 4-6 pictures of their car, and they are encouraged to be creative with their photography. Entrants are encouraged to make small donations to a community food bank or first responders’ charity in their area. More than $40,000 has been raised so far, and entrants are asked to mention the charity when they post their car on the event’s Facebook page. Like other concours events, the Isolation Concours d’Elegance has rules for entries and judging, winners receive actual trophies and there is an awards presentation, it just happens virtually.
Sponsors of the Isolation Island Concours d’Elegance include Hayden Wood Insurance, Sports Car Market, Motorology.com, Hagerty, Carlisle Events, McCall Events and Magneto magazine. Awards have been provided by Motorology.com, Hayden Wood, ClassicCars.com, Sports Car Market and Porsche Club of America.
Rounds 1 and 2 of the Isolation Island Concours d’Elegance were held in April, and Round 3 took place in early May. Round 4 of the competition is now open and accepting entries until May 19, 2020, at 12 p.m. Eastern. To learn more, visit IsolationIslandConcours.com. To participate and enter your model, visit the Isolation Island Concours d’Elegance Facebook page.
