The Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum has honored William K. Vanderbilt II’s automotive legacy by hosting classic-car shows on its grounds for more than three decades. The season begins on Sunday, October 12, with the Jaguar Drivers of Long Island (rain date: Saturday, October 18).
On the Great Lawn next to the Vanderbilt Mansion, visitors can examine beautifully restored examples of great automotive design. All shows: 11:00 am to 4:00 pm.
Visitors pay only general admission – adults $14; seniors (62 plus) $10; students (with ID) $10; children 12 and under $8; military and children under 2 are free.
Saturday, October 25 – Metro NY Porsche Club (rain date: Sunday, October 26)
Sunday, November 2 – Mustang-Shelby Car Club of Long Island
Sunday, November 9 – Cadillac-LaSalle Car Club of Long Island
Vanderbilt, a pioneer race driver who competed in Europe, brought auto racing to the United States. He inaugurated the famous Vanderbilt Cup Races in 1904. That same year, he set a new land-speed record of 92.3 miles per hour in a Mercedes on a course in Florida. He also spurred the development of the American auto industry and built the prototype for the first toll road, the Vanderbilt Motor Parkway on Long Island.