Seven years ago an idea was born in Carmel to host one of the most exquisite car shows in the Midwest. Not just any ordinary shine-and-show event, but rather a celebration of automotive art and design offered in an elaborate setting. Cars were to be viewed as “art in motion,” hence, Artmobilia was born.
This year’s celebration took place Saturday in the streets of the Carmel Arts and Design District and featured more than 400 cars pre-selected from entries submitted as early as January.
Photos and entry fees were mailed to a selection committee, which made the decision on a car’s entry within 30 days. If your car was not chosen, your entry fee was returned.
John Leonard, event director, and his 13-member selection committee work tirelessly to ensure that only the finest examples of exotic and muscle cars, including European and American, and classics from the past. Only period correct originals or restored vehicles to represent that car’s heritage are featured. No replicas or kit cars can be entered.
This year’s featured marque was the Porsche, and models from the long history of the carmaker were well represented. The other unique offering from the folks at Artmobilia is the car corrals. This non-judged area allows the gathering of car clubs and their members to bring their pride and joy to the viewing public.
Some of the art in motion included Lotuses, Jaguars, Nissan Z’s, BMWs, Corvettes, Mustangs, Cobras, Mini-Coopers, Deloreans, Ferraris, Lamborghinis, Bentleys, Dusenbergs and Auburns.
An estimated 15,000 to 20,000 people viewed this eclectic collection of the world’s finest cars.
Until next time, keep on cruisin’!