Luhačovice came back to life with the splendor of the First Republic. The renewed Concours d'Elegance attracted thousands of spectators and the world's automotive elite

Luhačovice, June 8, 2026 – Picturesque backdrops of Jurkovič architecture, the omnipresent sound of swing melodies, ladies in period dresses and, above all, dozens of automotive gems that have never been seen in such a concentration in the Czech Republic. Last weekend, after almost a hundred years, the legendary competition of elegance of vintage vehicles returned in full force to the Moravian Lázeňské náměstí Square. Concours d'Elegance Luhačovice, which successfully continued its famous pre-war tradition founded by Tomáš Baťa and his Czechoslovak Automobile Club for Moravia and Silesia.

The event, organized by the Czechoslovak Automobile Club for Moravia and Silesia (ČAMS), revived a tradition that began in 1928 during the era of the then spa director Dr. František Hohaus. This year's edition offered spectators and collectors a unique experience that perfectly connected automotive history with the unique genius loci of the largest Moravian spa.

Rare compressor cars and challenging stage rides

The Saturday summit on the packed Lázeňské náměstí was preceded by a demanding program for the crews themselves, which lasted several days. During the stage rides, they discovered the beauties of the Zlín region and the historical monuments of Moravia, where they tested the reliability of their machines in hilly terrain. Collectors from all over Europe came to Luhačovice - from Germany, the Netherlands and Belgium to Great Britain and Switzerland.

„"Our goal was to create a world-class event in a representative environment, to connect the highest level of historical technology with a historical legacy. And we succeeded. Thanks to the prominent restorers of exceptional cars, František and Robert Kudel, we were able to invite personalities from all over the world. The Kudels actively participate in world shows of elegance and over the years have gained the best contacts there. The cars were evaluated by judges from the most prestigious competitions, such as Ben Erickson, Christoph Grohe, Jean Van der Elst and Peter M. Larsen. The audience has never had the opportunity to see such a concentration of rare vehicles. We can be proud of what we have achieved, and the question is whether it will ever be surpassed,"“ Karel Kupka, the current chairman of ČAMS, proudly evaluated the renewed premiere on behalf of the organizers.

The main trophy for Ferdinand Porsche's masterpiece

The absolute highlight of the entire weekend was the awarding of the main prize. The Best of Show. The president of the Mercedes compressor club, Anke Rückwarth, drove her from Luhačovice with an absolutely exceptional car Mercedes-Benz 26/120/180 Modell S from 1927, which boasts a very rare original Rennsport Sindelfingen factory body.

This particular car has a strong historical legacy – it was created shortly after the merger of Daimler and Benz, at a time when the legendary Ferdinand Porsche was the chief designer. He built a mechanically perfect, powerful and versatile car that was at home on the racetrack and in hillclimbs, and on ordinary roads provided drivers of the time with an exciting driving experience. Spectators and experts were also fascinated by the car’s characteristic technical element: the Roots-type compressor operating „on demand“, which was activated only when the accelerator pedal was fully depressed and was able to briefly increase engine power from the standard 120 to an impressive 180 hp for a few seconds.

French charm, Italian exuberance and the legends of Le Mans

The exhibited vehicles were divided into six categories and the judges did not have an easy task, as all the cars met the most demanding criteria. Category French charm controlled the car Avions Voisin C23/24 "Charquatre"„ from 1932 from the Hispano Suiza Classic Club collection. This car with a three-liter engine and extravagant Art Deco bodywork, designed by the famous architect Le Corbusier, served as the prototype chassis for the C24 model and belonged to Gabriel Voisin himself, who owned it until his death. The car, which had only three owners since 1931, had never before been exhibited at any Concours d'Elegance and was presented in Luhačovice in its completely authentic, original condition.

Main prize in the category Italian unbridledness acquired Alfa Romeo 6C 2300 Pescara Worblaufen (1938) by Dutch collector Jaap Braam Ruben. This is a rare 95 hp sports model, produced in just 60 units to commemorate the brand’s triumph in the Pescara 24 Hours. This particular dark blue example with its original red leather upholstery and characteristic „Monza“ radiator grille is one of only two cars produced with the elegant bodywork by the Swiss-German coachbuilder Worblaufen. Also on display in this category were three rare Alfa Romeo 8C 2300 racing cars – one of the factory machines that competed in the 1932 Le Mans 24 Hours with Fernando Minoia and Carlo Canaves, and the other that raced in the colours of the Scuderia Ferrari team and took podium places in the Spa and Messina Cup races.

Return to the times of the First Republic

The main program for the general public took place in the very heart of the spa. In addition to the competition of elegance and the commented presentation of the cars on the ramp, the most emotional event was the traditional flower parade - a procession of cars decorated with flowers, which was the most popular part of the entire automobile tournament in the interwar period and which has been faithfully reconstructed after many decades.

The authentic atmosphere of the 1920s and 1930s was enhanced throughout the day by moderated fashion shows of period clothing, concerts by the spa orchestra and encounters with history. The event culminated in the award ceremony in individual categories and the announcement of a spectator competition for the most beautiful car. This prize was won by a beautiful beige Tickford convertible. Aston Martin DB2/4 Mk II (1956) by Mr. Robert Sulma, which premiered at the Luhačovice colonnade after a demanding and recently completed renovation.

The successful year took place in close cooperation with the company Lázně Luhačovice, as and under the auspices of the Governor of the Zlín Region. „"I wanted to organize one more significant event, and I think I succeeded,"“ co-organizer František Kudela stated with satisfaction. „"It wasn't easy to arrange and arrange everything - the preparation took almost a year, but I have to say that I met with great support from all my friends, whether it was the general director of Lázně Luhačovice Jiří Dědek, the governor of the Zlín region Radim Holiš, the mayor of Luhačovice Marian Ležák and many others. The competition received a very positive response from friends from abroad, so I hope that we have once again moved the veteran movement in the Czech Republic one step higher."“