A stylish glimpse back: Concours d'Élégance in Brussels, 1955

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Our enthusiastic contributor Marnix Verkest has once again shared a beautiful gem from his archive. This time, we travel back to May 3rd, 1955, to the heart of Brussels, where the Concours d’Élégance et Présentation Automobile took place.

While detailed information about this particular event has largely faded with time, one thing is certain: the atmosphere, elegance, and charm captured in these photos are undeniable. We see graceful women in classic 1950s fashion posing beside gleaming cars—likely American makes such as Ford and Studebaker—embodying the glamour and refinement that defined these events.

A concours d’élégance was about more than just cars. It celebrated the harmony between automotive design and stylish presentation. Both the vehicles and their models were judged on elegance, and the audience—often dressed to the nines—enjoyed a luxurious blend of fashion and engineering. These events were frequently sponsored by car marques or local dealers eager to show their latest offerings in a high-society setting.

Surprisingly little is available online about this particular event in Brussels, which makes these photographs all the more valuable. They offer a rare glimpse into a nearly forgotten chapter of Belgian automotive and fashion history.

Do you recognise anyone in the photos? Or do you know more about this event? Let us know! We’re always eager to hear from readers who can help piece together more of this stylish story.

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