FOR MORE THAN a century, Saratoga has been New York’s summertime capital for thoroughbred horse racing. Beginning in autumn 2017, the city capped off track season with a multi-day event, celebrating horsepower of the automotive variety: the Saratoga Motorcar Auction. The annual sale is a fundraiser for one of Saratoga’s leading attractions, the Saratoga Automobile Museum, in historic Saratoga Spa State Park. The museum occupies a former spring-water bottling plant, built in 1935, and first threw open its doors to the car-adoring public in 2002. It’s grown and developed steadily ever since, offering interesting exhibits, educational programs and more, all aimed at boosting interest in vintage vehicles around the region.
The 2023 Saratoga Motorcar Auction was held September 22-23 on the grounds of the Saratoga Casino and Hotel, on Jefferson Street, about 2.5 miles from the museum. The event boasted three well-stocked preview tents, a tent for the auction with seating for about 300-350, as well as vehicles on display around the grounds. There were also a few vendors, food options and more — all within strolling distance of each other. Approximately 158 vehicles went up for bid along with 35 pieces of petroliana
