NEWSLETTER
Clayton, NY – The Antique Boat Museum (ABM) invites you to experience the 2025 1000 Islands Concours d’Elegance, a celebration of automotive excellence and riverfront charm, on Saturday, June 28, at ABM’s picturesque campus in Clayton, New York.
This year’s Concours honors two legendary British marques—Aston Martin and Austin-Healey—with the theme “Road Royals.” Attendees can admire a stunning display of classic cars, including European and British Sports, Touring, and Grand Touring models from the 1950s to the 1970s. American and Japanese sports cars from the same era, including the Corvette, Mustang, Datsun 240Z, and Mazda RX-7, will also be featured, along with select earlier vehicles and later European exotics.
ABM is pleased to welcome Mark Hill, Owner of 4th Coast Fours and a leading expert on the iconic mahogany speedboat Pardon Me, for a featured presentation: “Horsepower & Hullspeed: The Engine Behind Pardon Me.” Hill will delve into the fascinating history of Pardon Me and explore the power and mechanics behind her legendary performance. Join us in the Robert O. Cox Auditorium at 1pm for his exciting lecture about the “World’s Largest Runabout.”
Now in its fourth year, Cars & Coffee offers a casual, open-format gathering from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m on the south lawn. No registration required—just arrive, show off your car, and enjoy conversations with fellow enthusiasts. It’s an ideal opportunity for guests who want to participate and enjoy the River without committing to a full day.
Returning this year is the Youth Judging Program, generously sponsored by Hagerty. Designed for young enthusiasts ages 8–14, this interactive experience gives participants a hands-on introduction to the world of classic cars. Guided by Concours co-chairs and judges, youth participants will explore a curated group of vehicles, meet their owners, and vote on their favorites. The program encourages curiosity, conversation, and a deeper appreciation of automotive design and history. There are a couple of spaces still available—register by contacting Molly Voth at mvoth@abm.org or 315.686.4104 x225.
In addition to the Youth Awards, several judged honors will be awarded, each celebrating a unique legacy:
The Fred Petroske Award is presented to the best British car on the field. A pioneer in British car restoration and transatlantic import/export starting in the 1970s, Fred Petroske was a respected local figure with a lasting impact on the collector car community.
The Brock Yates Award recognizes excellence in sports and race cars. Yates, the legendary automotive journalist and creator of the Cannonball Run, had strong ties to the Thousand Islands and helped inspire the early vision of a car show at the Antique Boat Museum.
NEW - The Elliott Hillback Award, known as the Spirit of the River award, honors Elliott Hillback, our immediate past co-chair, a passionate car enthusiast and longtime seasonal resident who first proposed the idea of holding a concours at ABM more than 15 years ago. His vision and energy helped launch the event as it exists today.
Visitors also have a say in the awards! Be sure to cast your vote for the People’s Choice Awards, which include:
- Marque of the Year
- Non-Marque of the Year
- Most Likely to Drive Home
- Ladies’ Choice
Admission and Visitor Info:
- Open 9-5pm, General Admission: $15 (Free for ABM Members)
- Cars & Coffee Participants: $13
- Pardon Me Lecture at 1:00pm in the Cox Auditorium
- Award Ceremony at 3:30pm
- Admission includes access to all Museum exhibits and George Boldt’s 1903 houseboat, La Duchesse
- Speedboat rides on the St. Lawrence River will be available for an additional fee. Inquire at the Admissions Desk.
ABM extends its sincere thanks to our event sponsors, Driver’s Village, Barclay Damon, RBC Wealth Management, and Greg & Kate Couch, for their generous support.
Don’t miss your chance to celebrate the golden age of motoring at the 1000 Islands Concours d’Elegance—an unforgettable day of design, history, and horsepower in a one-of-a-kind setting along the St. Lawrence River.
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Contact:
Jess Gould, Events and Communications Coordinator
315.686.4104 x236