WATKINS GLEN, N.Y. (WENY) -- Vintage cars will once again line the streets of Watkins Glen for the return of the Grand Prix Festival. Friday will be the 30th year of the event.

The festival honors Watkins Glen's deep-rooted racing history. After World War II ended the Watkins Glen Grand Prix, that was initially held in 1948, was the first sports car road race in the country.

"It was a wonderful time of sports cars from all over the world racing on the streets and around the hills of Watkins Glen. And it led the way... [to] the track that we're all so familiar with now (Watkins Glen International)," said Tom Seem, one of the organizers of the Watkins Glen Grand Prix Festival.

The Grand Marshall for the event is Bill Green, the Historian for the International Motor Racing Research Organization. Green was named to replace Willy T. Ribbs, a decorated race-car driver, after health issues prevented him from traveling.

Throughout the day Friday, classic and vintage cars will be on display throughout Franklin Street. The vehicles on display will then drive around the original 1948 road course at 6:30 p.m. 

This year, the Grand Prix Festival is hosting the original LeSabre, which will be on display in front of the Watkins Glen Courthouse throughout the event. The LeSabre was built in 1951 as a concept car. It was hailed as the "car of tomorrow" and housed many modern features like heated seats and a retractable headlight. The vehicle is worth about $15 million today.

"it's just a beautiful vehicle and we're so proud to be able to have it here," said Seem.

Technical inspection starts off Friday's events at 9:30 a.m., Franklin Street reopens at 8 p.m. Friday night.

For more information on the Watkins Glen Grand Prix Festival, click here.