A pair of DeTomaso Mangustas overlook the 2013 Concorso Italiano field. Photos by Kurt Ernst.
For lovers of Italian automobiles, motorcycles, and boats, one of the highlights of Automobile Week in Monterey, California, is Concorso Italiano, a single-day event that celebrates the beauty and engineering of marques like Ferrari, Moto Guzzi, Lamborghini, Ducati, Alfa Romeo, Maserati, Bizzarini, De Tomaso and Fiat. Since 2009, the event has been held at the stunning Laguna Seca Golf Ranch, but this changes (along with the day of the week) for 2014, as the show moves back to its former home at the Bayonet Black Horse Golf Course in Seaside, California.
The exact reason for the return to Seaside isn’t clear, but may have something to do with access. The narrow and steep entry and exit road to this year’s event was challenging enough in a rented crossover, let alone an Italian supercar (except, of course, a Lamborghini LM002), and the air was frequently filled with the heady aroma of burning clutch. Given its location on Monterey Bay, Bayonet Black Horse is likely more hospitable to both those attending and those displaying vehicles, and it did serve successfully as the venue’s backdrop from 2002-2007.
Alfa Romeo Spiders on display.
Also new for 2014 is a change in the day of the show. Traditionally, Concorso Italiano had been held on the Friday of Monterey Automobile Week, but this conflicts with The Quail, presenting a hardship for both attendees and those displaying automobiles. In 2014, the 29th annual Concorso Italiano will move to Saturday, August 16, giving participants the chance to enjoy The Quail on Friday, August 15 (and, of course, the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance on Sunday, August 17). The 2014 Concorso Italiano will celebrate 100 years of Maserati and commemorate the masterpieces created by coachbuilder Zagato.
Event organizers have also announced a new concours event for those in southern California, specifically Palm Desert. Scheduled for March 30, 2014, Desert Concorso: Classic and European Sports Cars expands its horizons to include vehicles from automakers outside Italy, although the inaugural event also recognizes Maserati’s 100th birthday. As with Concorso Italiano, the show celebrates food and fashion, too, so it’s fitting that the event will be held in conjunction with Fashion Week El Paseo.
For additional details on the 2014 Concorso Italiano or on the 2014 Desert Concorso: Classic and European Sports Cars, visit Concorso.com.