This year's glitzy Illinois Route 66 Regent Street Motor Show (Saturday, November 2, 2019) is already established as the largest free-to-the-public automotive spectacle in the country and will also serve as one of the preeminent events commemorating Regent Street's 200th anniversary. The show reinforces this excitement by partnering with Illinois Route 66 for the third year in a row.
Prince Regent as namesake
It was in 1819 that Regent Street was given its name by Prince Regent, who commissioned the celebrated architect John Nash to build London's first purpose-built shopping street. This very street is world famous today.
Several stylish celebrations planned
To celebrate this momentous milestone, several stylish celebrations are planned along Nash's iconic curve over the coming months, including, of course, the Regent Street Motor Show. As tradition dictates, the popular attraction will be staged on the eve of the Bonhams London to Brighton Veteran Car Run, offering a uniquely magical blend of past, present and future. Although Regent Street predates the launch of Karl Benz's ground-breaking 1885 Motorwagen, its hallowed façades have witnessed the full evolution of motoring from the early days of self-propelled, horseshoeless carriages to the latest city-friendly electric cars - an amazing journey through time whose echoes will be reflected in the 2019 show.
As always, the formative early days will be beautifully represented by more than a hundred extraordinary pre-1905 pioneers taking part in the annual Veteran Car Concours d'Elegance, before setting off on their route from London to Brighton at first light the following morning (November 3, 2019). The unique Concours is always a major attraction - especially as many of the intrepid time travelers who come from all over the world to take part in the event are dressed in eye-catching period costumes.
A journey from the past to the future
At the other end of the spectrum, the Motor Show, as usual, offers a glimpse into the next 200 years of motorized passenger transport with thought-provoking displays of futuristic vehicles, some powered by the latest innovative generation of low-carbon resources. The collections of evocative classic and desirable contemporary cars bridge the decades between the dawn and imminent eras of the motor car and take on even greater significance this year as Regent Street celebrates its full history as both a major thoroughfare and an internationally renowned shopping destination.
Ben Cussons, Chairman of the Royal Automobile Club, said: "Focusing on the history of the motor car, the Regent Street Motor Show is one of the most popular events in the country. This captivating journey through the history of the automobile never fails to capture the public's imagination; part of its charm is its universal appeal, appealing to both the lifelong car enthusiast and the interested passer-by. We are delighted to welcome Illinois Route 66 back as a headline partner. And with Regent Street itself celebrating its 200th anniversary in 2019, this year's show will take on added significance."
Title partnership with Route 66
The title partnership with Illinois Route 66 - one of the most historic and famous highways in the world - grows in strength year after year. The city of Chicago, Illinois' most popular gateway, is home to the beginning of what is known as the "Main Street of America" or the "Mother Road."
Jan Kemmerling, assistant director of the Illionois Tourist Bureau, said, "We are very excited to be partnering with the Regent Street Motor Show for the third year in a row. We know that a significant number of British visitors enjoy traveling to Chicago each year to experience Route 66 in Illinois, where the journey officially begins. This premier motoring event is the perfect opportunity to inspire new travelers to visit Illinois and travel back in time along the "Mother Road" - taking in world-famous historic sites from Chicago to Springfield to Alton, with plenty of stops along the way. We look forward to promoting Illinois Route 66 road trips for car enthusiasts attending this year's Regent Street Motor Show." The first 100 miles of the epic 2,448-mile journey to the West Coast lies between Lake Michigan and the Illinois River, a region filled with miles of trails and waterways stretching from suburban Chicago to Starved Rock State Park.
Further information
Whether it's a road trip on Route 66 or a visit to 200-year-old Regent Street, there's plenty to enjoy in 2019. More details on the not-to-be-missed show will be announced in the coming months.
Click here to visit the organizer's website.
