05 Oct Last Weekend’s AutoFest Embraced by Hundreds of Car Enthusiasts

PORTSMOUTH, R.I. (October 4, 2021) – While Newport was in Concours mode this past weekend, the Newport Car Museum had its own outdoor car event on Sunday (October 3) that showcased almost 400 antique and classic cars in the massive fields and parking lot that surround the Museum’s iconic “Big Red Building” in Portsmouth, R.I. Hosted jointly with Mass Cruisers Auto Club– an organization devoted to year-round auto-related camaraderie and wholesome activities for the entire family – AutoFest 2021 drew not only hundreds of participants who entered their cars for awards but also hundreds of spectators who paid $5 to walk the fields and received discounted entry into the Museum, where six galleries (and currently a Pop-Up Porsche Exhibit) with more than 85 exotic and rare cars have made the destination a favorite for visitors to New England. (Tripadvisor recently named the Newport Car Museum among the top 10% of attractions worldwide.)

Scenes from AutoFest 2021 at the Newport Car Museum. (Newport Car Museum photos)

“It was a wonderful day for us and for all who came, especially those who did the hard work on these kinetic works of art, whether they’re originals, or redone or retro,” said Newport Car Museum Founder Gunther Buerman when he addressed the audience attending the prizegiving at the end of the event. “Our philosophy here at the Museum is to make sure everyone leaves with a smile on their face, and today there were plenty of smiles as people who love cars were able to share in this incredible tribute to ingenuity and design.”

AutoFest 2021 “Superlative Winners” and their categories:
1957 Buick Super – Best of Show
1934 Ford Cabriolet – Best of Show/Museum Owners’ Choice
1957 Allard K-2 – Mass Cruisers Memorial Trophy
1968 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 – Museum Owners’ Choice
1958 Ford Skyliner – Best Open Vehicle
1954 Chevrolet Corvette – Best Closed Vehicle
1979 Pontiac Trans Am – Best Engine
1977 Volkswagen Transporter – Kid’s Choice
1939 Ford Street Rod – representing Old Koots for Best Club Attendance

Cars from the Winner’s Circle at AutoFest 2021: (clockwise from left) ’58 Ford Skyliner, ’34 Ford Cabriolet with owners Bob and Jean Marie Aguiar, ’79 Pontiac Trans Am, ’54 Chevrolet Corvette with owner Stan Baukus, ’68 Chevrolet Camaro Z28, ’57 Allard K-2 with owner Hanko Rosenblad (in background, ’39 Street Rod and ’77 VW Transporter). (Newport Car Museum photos) 

The event also named 40 other winners and featured vendors and food trucks while utilizing the talents of deejay “Cruisin’ Bruce” Palmer, who played music from the ‘50s, ‘60s and ‘70s and served as emcee for the awards.  A favorite for kids was the Valve Cover Racing competition on short side-by-side tracks that accommodated whimsical mini race cars made from foreign and American engine valve covers. For those who did not bring their own valve cover racer, the Mass Cruisers provided a choice of several that were built by club members.

“I stayed up late last night making mine with my dad and my grandpa,” said a young George Bradley of Rhode Island. “It was really fun…and I beat my Mom!”