A New Chapter in a Storied Tradition: Best of France & Italy '25

There’s a certain kind of magic that only Woodley Park can hold on an autumn morning. The air feels different, light and fragrant, alive with the hum of anticipation. The scent of espresso mingles with the sweetness of pastries, and somewhere between the rows of polished chrome and quiet conversation, the day begins. The Best of France & Italy isn’t just another car show; it’s a tradition that has brought together dreamers, artists, and collectors for over thirty years.

This year, as the gates opened and sunlight crept across the fairway, we could feel that history in every corner. Rows of Ferraris caught the morning light, their reflections painting red streaks across the dew. Nearby, Citroëns stood like sculptures—elegant, eccentric, impossibly French. Alfa Romeos, Lancias, Peugeots, and Fiats lined the pathways like an open-air museum of design and innovation. Each car carried its own rhythm, its own story, its own reason for being.

For decades, this event has been a gathering place for passion. A meeting ground for people who see cars not as possessions, but as expressions of culture and craftsmanship. To take the reins of something with such deep roots was both humbling and energizing. When we stepped into the role of guiding the Best of France & Italy forward, we understood that we weren’t just organizing an event. We were becoming caretakers of a living tradition—one that needed to be honored, preserved, and gently evolved.

Our vision was simple: to celebrate the heritage that made BOFI special while improving the experience in ways that respected its character. This year was our first opportunity to bring that philosophy to life. We focused on the details. The quiet touches that make an event feel thoughtful and connected. Goodie bags were redesigned, boasting a variety of keepsakes; signage was clearer, wayfinding was smoother, and volunteers were easier to spot thanks to bright flags guiding guests through the park. Each adjustment was small but meaningful, helping the day flow naturally.

And in the middle of it all, as if to bless the new chapter, Jay Leno arrived in his black Talbot-Lago. It’s become something of a tradition. Every year, he brings something remarkable, and every year, it becomes a centerpiece of conversation. The Talbot-Lago sat under the trees like a work of art from another world. Its long fenders caught the light in waves, its cabin radiating craftsmanship that felt almost sacred. Watching Jay walk the rows, chatting with owners and laughing with spectators, you couldn’t help but see how much this event means to him, too. His presence isn’t about celebrity; it’s about shared enthusiasm. His cars remind us why we gather here in the first place: because this passion is timeless.

As the day unfolded, the park came alive. Families strolled hand in hand. Photographers crouched low to capture reflections in curved bodywork. Two friends debated over the lines of a Citroën DS while a young couple stood quietly beside an Alfa Spider, imagining what it might feel like to drive one down the coast. Every direction held a story. Every smile told the same truth: this show is more than a display of machines. It’s a celebration of people who keep beauty in motion.

Standing amid it all, it was impossible not to feel the weight of what this event represents. Thirty years of continuity, of rain and sunshine, of familiar faces and new ones. The Best of France & Italy has always been a bridge between generations, a gathering where history and humanity meet. And this year, we began the work of carrying that spirit forward—not to change it, but to ensure it thrives.

Looking to the future, we’re introducing changes that will bring the event closer to the community. Digital ticketing through our own website will make registration smoother and help us connect directly with attendees. We’re exploring new locations that offer better access and space while maintaining the welcoming, park-like feel that everyone loves. Each year, we’ll continue refining the layout, improving flow, and building on what works, always guided by the same belief: that great events grow through care, not through reinvention.

As the sun dipped lower and the shadows stretched across the grass, we paused to take in the view. The Ferraris still glowed deep red, the Citroëns shimmered like brushed silver, and Jay’s Talbot-Lago stood quietly by the trees, still drawing a small crowd of admirers who didn’t want the day to end. That moment, more than anything, captured what this event means. It’s not about speed or rarity. It’s about emotion—the connection between design, memory, and human experience.

When the last car rolled out of the park and the laughter faded into the evening air, we felt proud—not of what we changed, but of what we continued. The Best of France & Italy has always been a love letter to European motoring culture, written by those who live and breathe it. This year, we simply added our own chapter to that story. One of gratitude, optimism, and respect for everything that came before.