History, Luxury, Sport: Automobiles in Newport

Since the turn of the 20th Century, Newport has been a hub for car enthusiasts. William K. Vanderbilt II, also known as “Willie K," started the Newport Automobile Races at the Aquidneck horse track in 1901, which grew to become the international Vanderbilt Cup Races in 1904. A test of new and novel technology, any automobile of this early period - minus the fenders, running boards, and head lamps, was ready to race. Willie K’s 1901 Panhard, a 1902 Mors Type Z, and other vehicles tell the story of the early years of racing in Newport and New England.  

Interest in the antique and classic automobile has again become a big part of Newport with the annual autumn Audrain Newport Concours & Motor Week. On view are some of the past Best of Show and Best in Class winners. A grand variety of cars that have been seen driving down Bellevue Avenue -  a 1927 Isotta-Fraschini, 1953 Abarth coupe, a 1961 Pontiac Ventura, 1964 Lamborghini 350GT, and 1980 BMW M1.