Classic cars bring personality, history to Des Moines

9/2/2026

Before cars came with cameras, Bluetooth and high-tech features, they offered something else: personality. A 1958 Ford Edsel Pacer loaded with chrome, a spacious back seat and a turquoise-colored frame turned heads while scooping the loop.

For car enthusiasts who want to see the Edsel and other top-of-the line classic cars, attend the Des Moines Concours d’Elegance on Sept. 13 at the Pappajohn Sculpture Park. 

In its 26th year, the free event features more than 100 meticulously restored classic cars in various classes of vehicles, including exotics, muscle cars, space-age classics and more. This year’s featured class includes Pontiac’s 100-year anniversary vehicles and cars from Disney Pixar’s “Cars” movie.

Joseph Phillips, Des Moines Concours co-chair, says real life cars from the “Cars” movies will be on display, hoping to attract attendees of all ages. 

“Kids love Doc Hudson, and all the other characters from the ‘Cars’ movies,” he said. 

Organizers say this is “not your average” vintage car show. Car owners apply by submitting photos along with the stories behind the restorations. 

“I love the story of folks finding the cars,” Phillips said. “Often the story is just as important as the car.” 

Last year, the event averaged more than 22,000 attendees. In addition to the car show, the Concours Charity Gala kicks off the event. This year’s speaker is Kip Wasenko, a 40-year automotive designer from General Motors who also created the Cadillac EVOQ. The event raised $10,000 last year, benefitting the Children’s Cancer Connection.

 

Fund supports youth auto repair training

Part of the Des Moines Concours’ mission is to educate the public about the car-collecting hobby. Organizers recognize that younger generations may not share the same appreciation for classic cars.

In response, they established the Automotive Heritage Grant. It was developed to provide financial assistance for tools, project funding, equipment or training that supports high school automotive education in Iowa. 

Phillips is a teacher for Southeast Polk High School’s automotive program. He teaches an automotive restoration class, where high school students have restored a 1971 Dodge Power Wagon and others. 

Phillips said the older cars are easier to fix, as opposed to today’s tech-heavy vehicles.

“You can diagnose and fix old cars. Kids usually can get them running. It’s loud and hands-on. Kids love it,” he said. 

He wants to get young adults interested in trade jobs, including car repair and restoration. 

“We’ve already got some kids making $30-$40,000 a year working parttime. There’s such a demand for trade skills,” he said. 

The Iowa Automotive Heritage Foundation will distribute grants to students or teachers, based on an application, with requested restoration equipment or car project needs. The board will choose projects to fund in 2027. 

“Many of the younger generation only know old cars through their grandparents or parents,” he said. “We need kids who will be our caretakers for the historic vehicles.” 

Phillips has owned and restored various vintage cars throughout the years, fueled by his passionate for car history. 

“I like the simplicity of older cars,” he said. “I like the unique stories associated with cars and want to continue preserving history.”

For more information about the event, visit desmoinesconcours.com. ♦

Jackie Wilson has written hundreds of articles for CITYVIEW and the Iowa Living magazines. She covers ordinary people living extraordinary lives.