From June 6 to 8, 2013, an event was held in Piešťany again, which, in addition to a beautiful display of historic vehicles, is also a demonstration of the excellent management work of the organizers.
The development of motoring in Piešťany is inextricably linked to the local spa. In 1912, the Winters bought a Dion Bouton passenger car, which they rented out to spa guests, including with a driver. In this way, rather unknowingly, they laid the foundation stone for the future emergence of car rental companies, which today, a century later, are dominated by AVIS in Slovakia.
The history of the Piešťany car show dates back to the years 1932 to 1937, when famous competitions for the most beautiful car were held in Piešťany. The events were known as the Concours d'Elégance and were the culmination of long parade drives. Interestingly, they were also attended by famous spa guests and personalities with shiny cars, such as actor Vlasta Burian, singer Richard Taubner or the famous Countess Geraldína Apponyiová of Oponice.
However, World War II stopped the tradition of the competition, which was resumed after 1980 under the name Piešťany Golden Ribbons – Concours d'Elégance, but as a show of historic vehicles. The competition program usually consists of a drive on a selected route outside Piešťany. However, the most attractive to spectators is the drive through the city and the show of cars on the Spa Island with an evaluation of the most beautiful of them. Thanks to ardent lovers of vintage cars, we can admire rare cars from different countries and their crews dressed in period clothing every year. In front of the Thermia Palace Hotel, which creates a dignified, elegant and period-appropriate environment, individual vintage cars and their crews are ceremonially presented to the public. It is an experience not only for younger generations, but also a full-fledged excursion into the past for adult admirers of motoring.
The unique parade of historic vehicles Piešťany Golden Ribbons – Concours d'Élégance 2013 began in the afternoon, when the shiny vintage cars passed through Winterova Street to Kúpeľný ostrov. Here the organizers welcomed them and introduced the individual vehicles. On Friday, June 7, the crews of their oldtimers dressed in period costumes started from Kúpeľný ostrov. They had a 120 km long route with a stop at the prestigious manor house in Oponice, from where they continued to Nitra and back to Piešťany. On Saturday, lovers of historic vehicles presented themselves in Trnava. Among the participants in the event were also the racers of this year's Dakar Rally on their racing Tatra 815. The people of Piešťany also welcomed an autograph session with motorcyclist Ivan Jakeš, who at the prestigious Rally
Dakar achieved a lifetime achievement – 4th place.
Among the interesting models were also the Rolls Royce Phantom from 1926, the Jaguar from 1952 or the Belsize Cabrio from 1903 and dozens of other rare vehicles from several European countries. The culmination of the event was the Saturday "beauty parade" in front of the Thermia Palace hotel. An international jury selected the most beautiful cars and the best period clothing of the crews in individual categories. The presentation of the crews on the red carpet was accompanied by a musical program and the event culminated with fireworks in the rhythm of period music. The Piešťany golden ribbons were a success again and, according to the organizer, Ján Horňák, they certainly surpassed the world rallies in Sweden and Berlin.