On August 9 and 10, under sunny skies, the 68th Annual New Hope Automobile Show roared back to life on the campus of New Hope-Solebury High School, drawing nearly 5,000 spectators and showcasing over 500 antique and classic cars over the weekend. But while the chrome and horsepower dazzled, the deeper drive behind the show, community giving, remained the real engine keeping this beloved event moving forward.
Organized by New Hope Helping, a nonprofit celebrating 75 years of community service, the New Hope Automobile Show is more than just a vintage car lover’s dream. It's a fundraising powerhouse, with proceeds supporting scholarships, food banks, first responders, and relief programs for families in need. Since the first show in 1957, the organization has raised over $1.6 million for local causes.
Carl Glassman, a long-time board member who’s been involved for over two decades, shared the heart behind the event “It started with a horse and carriage competition,” Glassman said. “Back in the day, we needed money to build a gym for the New Hope High School. We raised money from these car shows to build that gym, now called the New Hope Helping Gym. We also donated the community soccer fields to the Solebury Parks and Recreation Department. Everything we raise goes right back to this community.”
This year alone, New Hope Helping awarded six scholarships to local high school seniors and donated an additional $35,000 to food banks, including Fisherman’s Mark and Delaware Valley Food Bank, serving both sides of the river.
Unlike casual cruise-ins, the New Hope Automobile Show is a seriously judged competition. Each car must be over 25 years old, in stock, unmodified condition, and is evaluated for authenticity, originality, and cleanliness. The level of scrutiny makes winning a ribbon here a true badge of honor.
The format of the show is part of what makes it unique. Saturday is dedicated to domestic vehicles, while Sunday features foreign and exotic cars, offering enthusiasts a full weekend of variety and craftsmanship.
Steve Williams, who has been involved with the show since 1996 and now leads its production, emphasized what sets this car show apart. “What makes this show special is that we take the judging seriously,” Williams explained. “Automobiles that show here are restored to original stock factory specifications. If your car has modifications, points will be deducted from your score. In recent years we’ve added modified classes that include Hot Rods, Replicars, and Tuners. In addition to cleanliness, these cars are judged for their creativity and craftsmanship.”
This focus on originality draws a discerning group of car owners and spectators alike, those who appreciate vehicles as rolling pieces of history rather than just showpieces.
Williams, a graphic designer by trade, has also been instrumental in rebranding the event. Over the years, he brought on world-renowned automotive photographer Michael Furman to create the automobile photos that grace the show’s promotional materials, elevating its visual identity and prestige. “People now recognize our show posters because of Michael’s unmistakable photography,” Williams said. “It’s become part of our brand, part of our story.”
Drivers come from as far away as other states and as close as just across the street in New Hope, each with a unique connection to their vehicles and to the event itself.
Just ask Ginger Garbarini, who drove her 1984 Rolls Royce all the way from Virginia. “I come every other year,” she said while sitting in the shade near her elegant touring car. “It’s so well organized, and I love the variety. Yesterday I walked all the way to the entrance just to see an original 1963 Studebaker Avanti. That was my big thrill!”
Garbarini’s car isn’t just for show; it's a driver, with nearly 88,000 miles on it. Her focus? Keeping it safe and running smoothly, not necessarily winning ribbons.
Meanwhile, local resident James Staats Jr. brought something truly special: a 1903 Oldsmobile Curved Dash Runabout with a deep family history. “My father bought it in the ‘40s. I was born in 1957, and this car has been in my life ever since,” Staats said. “The restoration was done in 1952, and it hasn’t been touched since.”
The Oldsmobile, displayed alongside a photo of Staats’ parents driving it in the 1960s, is more than a car; it’s a rolling family heirloom. Without conventional brakes, the car is stopped by carefully shifting gears, “but you can’t do it too fast, or it’ll throw you out,” he added with a chuckle.
Over the decades, the cars, and the crowd, have changed. While early shows often featured pristine concours-level classics from the early 20th century, many of those collectors have aged out of the scene. Today’s show features more vehicles from the 1970s through the early 2000s, a natural shift in the collector market as new generations bring their childhood dream cars to life.
“The antique car today is anything built before 2000,” explained Williams. “When I first came in the 1970s, you wouldn’t see anything remotely modern. Now, younger families are here with strollers and kids. It’s really become a multi-generational event.”
The future may even include electric vehicles and autonomous cars, something the organizers are beginning to consider.
Beyond the charity and nostalgia, the event brings a significant economic boost to the New Hope community. Local businesses thrive during show weekend, with thousands of visitors shopping, dining, and exploring the scenic riverside town.
“I heard from a lot of business owners that this is their favorite weekend of the year,” Williams said. “It brings so much foot traffic to town. Everyone benefits.”
That’s exactly the point, said Glassman: “We build community while raising money. And we have fun doing it.”
As another successful show wraps up, plans for 2026 are already on the horizon. Whether you’re a car enthusiast, a charitable donor, or just someone who loves a good story on wheels, this annual event continues to prove that old cars, and old traditions, still have plenty of miles left to go.
