A Rolling Piece of American History Comes to Lewes
A rolling piece of American history is making its way to Coastal Delaware this September as the Antique Auto Revival Glidden Tour arrives in Lewes for two unforgettable days of vintage automobiles, local history, and waterfront charm.
This nationally recognized tour brings approximately 150 beautifully preserved pre–World War II vehicles through the region as part of a 5-day, 500-mile journey celebrating the evolution of the American automobile and the spirit of early American travel.
Event Details
September 21 & 24, 2026
All Day
Locations Across Lewes:
Lightship Overfalls
Historic Lewes Complex
Fort Miles
What to Expect
Over the course of both event days, antique automobiles will travel from Dover into Lewes before dividing into rotating groups throughout town.
Visitors can expect:
Approximately 150 pre-WWII vintage automobiles
Rotating vehicle displays at multiple historic Lewes locations
Ferry crossings between Lewes and Cape May
Opportunities to experience different collections of vehicles throughout the day
A rare chance to see automotive history actively touring Coastal Delaware
Once the vehicles arrive in Lewes around 10 AM, the tour groups will split. Half of the participants will board the ferry to Cape May, while the remaining vehicles divide between Fort Miles and the Historic Lewes Campus and Lightship Overfalls.
After lunch, the Lewes groups will rotate locations, giving visitors multiple chances to experience different vehicles and displays throughout the day before the tour continues onward later that afternoon.
A Tour with History
The Glidden Tour dates back to 1903, originally created to prove the reliability and practicality of early automobiles.
It was revived in 1946 and continues today as a celebration of automotive history, preservation, and craftsmanship.
The event is hosted in partnership with the Antique Automobile Club of America (AACA), a nonprofit organization with over 55,000 members dedicated to preserving and showcasing vehicles more than 25 years old.
Plan Your Visit
Free to attend
With multiple locations and rotating vehicle groups, we recommend exploring more than one stop to experience the full tour.
Whether you’re a lifelong car enthusiast or just love a unique local event, this is a rare chance to see history in motion—right here in Lewes.
For more information on the tour and organization:
AACA – Antique Automobile Club of America – AACA – Antique Automobile Club of America