Congratulations to Colin McLain and to his proud parents, Julie and Bates, on his tremendous accomplishment placing second in his class at the prestigious 2026 Audrain Newport Concours d’Elegance. Colin’s Nissan 240SX was runner-up in the “Thirty Under Thirty” class, a category thought up by Jay Leno to encourage younger adults to become active in concours. The owner has to be under thirty or the value of the car has to be under $30k.
Colin brought back to life a mouse-infested 1991 240SX which he acquired for $400 in January of 2023. He said that it took 9 months of weekends to restore the mechanicals and another 10 months to do the cosmetics. Despite the misty blue metallic over grey cloth interior being near the top in an exclusive show, Colin said that he still has remaining details to address.
While at the show Colin and Bates met Larry Chen, the well-respected automotive photographer. Colin was even interviewed by Jay Leno when he drove up to the podium to collect his trophy. This can be viewed on Audrain Museum Network’s YouTube video “2026 Audrain Newport Concours d’Elegance” at the 4:30 point.
Make sure to congratulate Colin (and Bates) on this amazing achievement. It really showcases Colin’s attention to detail and his technical prowess as well. From lil’ ol’ Madison, Virginia, to the spotlight in Newport, Rhode Island, at an internationally recognized event, what an epic story of hard work and perseverance.
