There’s no sugarcoating it – the COVID-19 pandemic has made 2020 a royal mess so far. Roads are empty, top automakers are halting production to support frontline healthcare workers, and car shows across the board are being postponed or cancelled entirely for this year. But, in the wake of all this, auto-enthusiasts still have something to look forward to this summer. In true American fashion, automakers and enthusiasts alike are doing their best to roll with the punches and adapt to our new socially-distanced landscape. Yep, that means virtual car shows.
Alongside all the museums and national parks that are creating virtual tours and experiences, the auto world is stepping up to offer car lovers a chance to connect with the wider auto community and experience a great car show from the comfort of their homes. Let’s take a quick look at some of the top virtual car shows you won’t want to miss this season.
1. Ford Performance Virtual Car Show
Looking for a virtual car show to enter your ride in? Look no further. Ford Performance is accepting entries right now for its first virtual show. Although the show doesn’t have a specified date as of yet, interested participants can submit four or more high-res pics or videos of their Ford vehicle (no Chevies allowed) to submissions@campbellmarketing.com. Just be sure to include the year, make, model, engine, color, and other production stats, along with your name, age, location, and car story.
The actual show itself will be hosted live on the Ford Performance YouTube channel, and will be hosted by Ford Performance enthusiast communications manager, John Clor.
2. Fox News Autos Virtual Car Shows
Throughout the summer season, Fox Autos will be holding virtual car shows that are open to participants across the country. Focusing on a new theme each week, like “American Muscle”, participants will be invited to share their favorite rides in hopes of being featured.
Interested auto-enthusiasts are asked to follow Fox News Autos on Twitter and send photos of their vehicles via direct message, along with “50 words or less [on] what makes it special”. The top 10 standouts from each week will be featured on FoxNews.com.
3. Shining Bright Virtual Exhibition at Audrain Automobile Museum
Rhode Island’s Audrain Automobile Museum launched its latest exhibition, “Shining Bright: Advances in Automotive Lighting” virtually on May 1st, but will remain live for the public until August 2nd!
Hosted by Donald Osborne, the YouTube livestream tells the fascinating story behind the history of automotive lighting, from the first horseless carriages to the latest models we know today.
4. The Petersen Museum’s Global Cars & Coffee
Every month for the past 8 years, Petersen has been offering car lovers a chance to get together and talk about their favorite cars over free coffee and bagels. And quarantine isn’t stopping them. On May 10th, join the Petersen for its second Global Cars and Coffee event online.
The first event which was held on April 26 featured over 140 entries from car-enthusiasts all around the world, so this upcoming show should be a treat for sure.
5. Holley Has Virtual Car Shows
Since April 6th, Holley has been hosting weekly virtual car shows, featuring a new theme each week. If your favorite ride happens to fit a week’s theme, you can enter for a chance to be featured on their website!
While we hope we can get back to attending our favorite car shows as normal in the near future, it’s incredible to see just how committed automakers and enthusiasts are to bringing the fun and prestige of auto shows to people – wherever they are. Which of the virtual car shows we highlighted are you the most interested in entering?