PARIS, January 29, 2026 – The Fédération Internationale des Véhicules Anciens (FIVA) has announced the appointment of Donald W. Osborne, ASA, as its new Representative for North America. The news, formally unveiled at the prestigious Rétromobile Exhibition in Paris, underscores FIVA’s commitment to expanding its footprint across the continent and deepening connections with historic automobile enthusiasts, collectors, and stakeholders.
Osborne is widely recognized as one of America’s most distinguished voices in historic motoring. A historian, appraiser, consultant, and television personality, he has spent decades illuminating the artistry, engineering, and cultural significance of classic automobiles. Known for his signature bowtie and eloquent storytelling, Osborne has a unique ability to connect audiences not only to vehicles themselves but also to the dreams, innovation, and vision that brought them to life.
Long before his television presence, Osborne cultivated a profound appreciation for design and aesthetics. Trained in the arts and performance, he developed a nuanced understanding of how beauty and functionality intertwine—an insight that has informed his career as both a scholar and an advocate for historic automobiles. Combining aesthetic sensitivity with rigorous research, he has become a trusted authority on European and American cars of the 20th century.
Osborne gained broad public recognition through his regular appearances on Jay Leno’s Garage, where his expertise and wit made the intricacies of automotive history accessible to enthusiasts of all backgrounds. Beyond television, he has served as a judge at some of the world’s most prestigious concours events, including the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, and has worked as an accredited appraiser, advising collectors and institutions on the preservation and valuation of historic vehicles.
From 2020 to 2025, Osborne served as CEO of the Audrain Automobile Museum and its associated concours in Newport, Rhode Island. Under his leadership, the museum expanded its reach and evolved into a dynamic cultural hub, blending the elegance of historic automobiles with contemporary engagement. The Audrain Concours became one of the most talked-about events in the automotive calendar, reflecting Osborne’s vision for connecting car culture with a broader audience. He continues to serve as Consulting Director of the Audrain Group.
Donald W. Osborne represents a rare convergence of scholarship, performance, and passion. Whether on stage, on camera, or beneath the sunlit lawns of concours events, he embodies the elegance and articulate advocacy that FIVA celebrates. The organization is proud to welcome him to its global family and looks forward to his leadership in nurturing North America’s vibrant historic automobile community.
