Concorso Italiano 2010

Recovering from the miserable airport facility a couple years ago, Friday August 13th, 2010 was the second year at the Laguna Seca Golf Ranch in Monterey, CA. As always, there’s a little bit of magic in the air when you have so many exotic cars in one location. Throw in some sunshine, food, excellent vendors and a sprinkling of celebrities and it makes you want to lay down on grass and wiggle a little just like a dog. Okay, maybe that’s just me.

Always a recommendation is to go ahead and enter your car in the corral, assuming it’s not an Italian make. There are usually two reasons for this and this year now four reasons. First, it’s a bargain. It covers the cost of two people for the price of one. Second, you can’t beat the parking. Anytime you can picnic at your car in the middle of a car show on a golf course, do it. The more important reasons became apparent this weekend.

The traffic back-up from eastbound Highway 68 was nearly five miles long and it took an hour. Make sure you have gas, food, drink, air conditioning, satellite radio, my Lovely Navigator (go find your own), etc. Some fellow enthusiasts started later than us and arrived earlier because they registered their car.
The corral participation was particularly lacking.

Reason number four is they need more cars in the non-Italian section. So what if the Audi and BMWs look like an earth-tone parking lot at the mall. Pop the hoods and roll down the windows. Those two marquees along with Porsche and Corvette had much better participation at the hot, dusty, loud and fun American LeMans races at Laguna Seca. Go figure.

The Alpha Romeo section is finally highlighted by the 8C, a gorgeous car from any angle. Pantera never changes but the drivetrains can sure look intimidating. Shame on any owners that hide them.

Ferrari featured a gathering of F-40s which look particularly mean and full-race ready. Two F-50s were highlights, along with a black Enzo. Obviously missing was a red 458 Italia but there was a black one with oversized 22”wheels and opinions vary on that… An SP1 – the first from the Ferrari Portfolio Program, based on an F430 was present too. There was a yellow Ferrari under a car cover, possibly 550-based. What's up with that?

Separated by some excellent vendor offerings such as clothes, accessories, fan collectibles, etc was Lamborghini. Exotic car personified, it was a treat to see at least two LP670 SVs, LP640s, Murcielagos, Gallardos, Diablos, Countachs and a Miura or two. A race-prepped Gallardo was started and revved for a bit, adding the required soundtrack to the day.

The grandstand area offered a wonderful assortment of live entertainment a fashion show and fascinating commentary on the various vehicles driven to the stage and presented. Celebrities sighted include Paul Mitchell and Adam Corolla. As mentioned, once in a while a car starts up, starts tossing revs, and it’s a glorious sound.

Overall it’s a great show and hopefully will recover to be what it once was. If you love Italian sports and exotic cars, this show is a must-see no matter what. Meet the owners, see the cars and love it all.

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Pebble Beach Concours D'elegance 2010: Stunning Again

It never fails; the 3rd weekend in August is special for a reason and Sunday in particular. Its one thing to see incredible factory production cars, quite another to see examples of greatness from decades or even a century ago that will never be produced again. Cars you've never heard of, never knew existed, and now never can afford. Just to see them up close is a special treat. This year is the 60th annual event and it has raised over 14 million dollars for local, national and international charities.

Buy tickets before the show to avoid the same-day mark-up and lines. When you arrive, be sure to park near the posted bus stops and not in a location where there just happens to be cars. Otherwise, it's a long walk to the next stop. Traffic management is pretty good, even arriving late works out well. Be sure to wear walking shoes and even when overcast you can get a sunburn.

The paintwork is flawless, the curves R-rated, the bright work perfectly reflective…you get the point. This year featured Alfa Romeo, Pierce-Arrow, Jaguar and the designs of Ghia. Additionally the Lakesters, Bonneville racers, past Indy cars and antique motorcycles added additional variety.

Even if the overall shape of the car looks identical, take a look at the multiple details inside and out. Rolling sculpture and jewelry before true mass production and aerodynamically perfect details took over. Read the signs in front of them, sometimes their history is also fascinating it's a story you can see in your mind's eye.

The artwork in the tent on the grounds is breathtaking although this year had fewer exhibitors than a few years ago. The food is good, service is excellent and the clothing/memorabilia items are top quality.

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger attended again and Jay Leno is always bitingly funny announcing the raffle. Edward Herrmann always does a great job announcing the show. Being a fan, I thanked him Thursday night for his contributions and film work at the Credit Suisse cocktail reception.

Other celebrity attendees were seen as well. A new Orange County Housewife and Brittny Gastineau (Mark's daughter) were spotted by my Lovely Navigator. Yes, the cars were that good. But who is really important is the panel of judges.

The judging panel is a who's who in the automotive world. It is an honor and privilege to attend an event where they gather to assess the rolling artwork.

The automobiles that are not entered in the show are stunning as well stay tuned for an upcoming article on the cars outside the Concours, especially if you're an enthusiast of the latest generation of exotics.

The Pebble Beach Concours D'elegance is a must-see for any auto enthusiast. Even if your tastes don't towards the pre-war classics, the variety, ambiance, presentation, people watching and overall experience should be on your must-do automotive wish list.

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