2026 Collector Car Classes
Get ready to experience one of the largest and most eclectic concours-style automotive events in the Midwest.
Artomobilia brings together an extraordinary range of vehicles across judged Collector Car Classes, Enthusiast Car Corrals (display only), marque-specific Paloozas for marques, including Porsche, BMW, and Lotus, and Mercedes.
Interested exhibitors may register online to have their vehicle considered for participation. Registration will remain open through Friday, July 24, 2026, though early registration is strongly encouraged. Due to the continued growth and popularity of the event, registration has closed earlier each year, and early registrants will be given preference during the review process.
Upon registration, you will receive immediate confirmation that your entry has been received and submitted for review by the Artomobilia Judging Team. Final class placement and acceptance notifications will be sent during the first week of August, along with detailed load-in instructions and event logistics.
Final vehicle groupings at Artomobilia are shaped by the cars that ultimately register. While we publish preferred classes, corrals, and Palooza categories to guide participants, the final presentation is determined by the vehicles entered and accepted. After registration closes in late July, organizers may expand, combine, or adjust groups to create the strongest possible display and best showcase the cars participating in the even
2026 Collector Car Classes
Artomobilia’s judged Collector Car Classes are organized into a series of curated themes designed to tell a broader story of automotive art and design. While vehicles are judged within their specific classes, these themes help guests and participants understand how each car fits into the larger narrative of automotive history, culture, and innovation.
Feature: Japanese Performance & Precision
Engineering excellence, innovation, and cultural influence from Japan’s most iconic performance machines. This featured area celebrates Japan’s outsized impact on global automotive performance, from landmark engineering achievements to enthusiast-driven tuning culture. Together, the Featured Marque and JDM Showcase highlight how precision, reliability, and thoughtful design reshaped what high-performance cars could be.
Featured Marque: Acura NSX: This class celebrates the Acura NSX, from the original 1990s supercar that redefined Japanese performance to the modern hybrid-powered evolution. Lightweight engineering, precision handling, and everyday usability make the NSX a defining milestone in global automotive design.
JDM Showcase: This class highlights vehicles born from Japan’s performance and tuning culture, including iconic models that shaped a global enthusiast movement. Factory originals, lightly modified examples, and period-correct builds showcase the engineering, creativity, and cultural impact of JDM performance cars.
Origins & Elegance
Where the automobile evolved from invention into art, craftsmanship, and refined design.
Antique: Pre-1924: This class features original or restored, period-correct automobiles produced prior to 1924, representing the earliest foundations of the automotive industry. These pioneering machines showcase the innovation and experimentation that led to mass-produced motoring.
Classic Cars: 1925–1948: This class features original or restored, period-correct automobiles produced between 1925 and 1948, representing a formative era of automotive design. These vehicles capture the elegance, craftsmanship, and lifestyle of a bygone age that laid the groundwork for modern motoring.
American Cars: 1925–1954: This class features original or restored, period-correct American convertibles, coupes, and sedans produced between 1925 and 1954. Vehicles from this era reflect the transition from early experimentation to recognizable modern automotive design.
European Cars: 1925–1973: This class features original or restored, period-correct European convertibles, coupes, and sedans produced between 1925 and 1973. These vehicles reflect European design, engineering, and driving sensibilities distinct from their American counterparts.
American Design & Power
The rise of bold styling, performance, and identity on American roads.
American Cars: 1955–1973: This class features original or restored, period-correct American convertibles, coupes, and sedans produced between 1955 and 1973. Bold styling, increased comfort, and growing scale defined an era that shaped American automotive identity.
American Sports Cars: The Classic Corvette Era | 1953–1982: (Corvette C1–C3): This class represents the formative and most expressive decades of the American sports car, defined by the early generations of the Corvette. From the original fiberglass C1 through the sculpted Sting Ray and the dramatic long-running C3, these cars established America’s credibility in sports car design and performance. This era is marked by bold styling, evolving engineering, and the transition from European influence to a distinctly American performance identity. Eligible vehicles include original or restored, period-correct Corvettes produced between 1953 and 1982.
American Sports Cars: The Modern Corvette Era | 1984–Present: (Corvette C4–C8): This class captures the Corvette’s evolution into a modern, world-class performance machine. Beginning with the clean-sheet C4 and continuing through today’s mid-engine C8, these cars reflect major advances in chassis technology, aerodynamics, materials, and electronics. Performance, precision, and usability define this era, positioning the Corvette as a legitimate global competitor while remaining accessible and distinctly American. Eligible vehicles include original or restored Corvettes produced from 1984 to present, including C4, C5, C6, C7, and C8 generations.
Muscle Cars: 1960s: This class features original or restored, period-correct American muscle and pony cars produced during the 1960s, when factory performance first defined the category. Big engines, lightweight platforms, and bold design established a lasting performance formula.
Muscle Cars: 1970s: This class features original or restored, period-correct American muscle and pony cars produced during the early 1970s, representing both the peak and the turning point of the era. Aggressive styling and changing regulations shaped this influential chapter.
Global Performance Icons
Sports cars and performance machines that defined their eras worldwide.
European Sports Cars: 1925–1960: This class features original or restored, period-correct European sports cars produced between 1925 and 1960. Lightweight construction and nimble handling defined these early performance machines.
European Sports Cars: 1961–1973: This class features original or restored, period-correct European sports cars produced between 1961 and 1973. These vehicles represent a high-risk, high-reward era of racing-inspired design and driver-focused performance.
European Sports Cars: 1974–Present: This class features original or restored, period-correct European sports cars produced from 1974 to the present. Advancements in technology and performance created an unmatched diversity of modern sports cars.
Modern Performance & Innovation
Technology, precision, and power defining the modern automotive era.
Exotic Cars: 1974–1995: This class features original or restored, low-production or rare exotic sports cars produced between 1974 and 1995. Dramatic design, advanced engineering, and exclusivity define these automotive icons.
Super Cars: 1974–Present: This class features original or restored, high-performance supercars produced from 1974 to the present. Advanced engineering and striking design define the pinnacle of automotive performance.
Grand Touring: 1974–Present: This class features original or restored, period-correct grand touring coupes produced from 1974 to the present. These vehicles balance high-speed performance with comfort and long-distance capability.
Muscle Cars: New Century: This class features modern American muscle cars produced in the 21st century that draw clear lineage from classic muscle nameplates. Contemporary engineering, high horsepower, and everyday drivability define these reborn icons.
Culture, Craft & Personal Expression
Automotive enthusiasm shaped by creativity, individuality, and cultural movements.
Carroll Shelby Inspired Cars: This class features original or period-correct Ford-based vehicles built by or inspired by Carroll Shelby from the 1950s to the present. These cars embody Shelby’s philosophy of pairing lightweight design with uncompromising performance.
RestoMod: This class features classic cars and trucks from all eras that retain original styling while incorporating modern performance, comfort, and safety upgrades. These builds blend heritage design with contemporary technology.
Vintage Hot Rods: 1940–1960: This class features original or restored, period-correct hot rods built between 1940 and 1960. Rooted in speed, ingenuity, and individuality, these cars defined early American performance culture.
Trucks: All Years: This class features trucks from all eras, celebrating their durability, versatility, and cultural significance. From early workhorses to modern performance trucks, these vehicles reflect an enduring automotive tradition.
Legacy & The Next Generation
Honoring excellence while investing in the future of automotive enthusiasm.
Emeritus: This class features previous Artomobilia First in Class or Best in Show winners, presented for display but not judged. Emeritus vehicles honor past excellence while allowing new entries the opportunity to compete.
25 Under 25: This class features cars at least 25 years old owned by enthusiasts who are 25 years old or younger, highlighting the next generation of collectors. These vehicles reflect preservation, restoration, and personalization through the lens of young owners shaping the future of automotive culture.
Register your car when ARTOMOBILIA returns to the Carmel Arts & Design District and Carmel Midtown on Saturday, August 29th.
