Every spring, participants drive roughly 1,000 miles over four days on scenic Arizona roads full of deserts, mountains, and everything in between in one of the premier vintage road rallies in the United States. It’s called the Copperstate 1000 and, on April 12, 2026, about 90 classics kicked off the 36th edition of this event.  Â
The invitation-only driving tour is hosted by The Men’s Arts Council of the Phoenix Art Museum. Many of the cars are sports, racing, and grand touring cars mostly built before, but you’ll also find vehicles that are outside those categories, such as a 1970 Buick GS 455 convertible and a 1963 BMW 3200 S.
Like other classic car rallies, the Copperstate 100 is not a timed competition — it is a touring event focused on driving, presentation, appreciation, and camaraderie.
But let’s not forget that art is a part of the reason everyone has been brought together. A group of 20 high school art scholars (representing four high schools) were on hand for the Artists on the Field event, where they captured the beauty of a car of their choosing on canvas. Each student received $100 for participation and an additional $100 upon completion of his/her artwork, plus there were cash prizes awarded by a judging panel.
Emceed by local automotive impresario Darin Roberge, the Copperstate 1000 kickoff offered enthusiasts an opportunity to get up close with some truly significant vehicles with owners who understand there’s more to appreciate than just looking at them. To learn more, visit https://mensartscouncil.com/copperstate-1000.
To read about Tyson Hugie’s story on the car show held in the stadium parking lot, click here!
