[johnei]

Maserati is the featured marque for the inaugural Desert Classic Concours d'Elegance. There is a tour on Friday the 29th. The concours will be at the O’Donnell Golf Course. I'm going because it is a lot warmer down there than it is up here.

http://www.desertconcours.com/

 

[xraygun]

I spoke with Keith McCormick last night and it sounds like it's going to be a great event.
He says he has the first Ferrari race car ever built entered as well as many excellent vintage Maseratis.
I live out here full time and it's gorgeous out!
Don't miss it!

 

[johnei]

Yes should be a great show. Especially the weather. I remember even other parts of California are usually inundated with rain this time of year (maybe just up north).

Also, italiaspeed has a story about the show and a photo of that Ferrari s/n 01C this morning.

http://www.italiaspeed.com/2008/cars/ferrari/02/palm_springs_desert_classic/0202.html

 

[Bcube]

The wife and I are planning on going. Corral parking and clubhouse access. Looks like I will be taking Friday off to detail the car. Weather looking to be excellent for Saturday.

 

[AttAkker]

Ah, really looks like a great event. I have a training course in Riverside on Sat. bummer

 

[Ron Avery]

Palm Springs

Well just got home from Palm Springs, Nice weather at the event but on the way home, wind and rain!! The event it self was very unorganized.
1. They did not have my name at the gate.
2. The Maserati Corral was in two locations.
3. Every thing started late.
4. Ect.
5. The turn out was very small.

Now for the good news, I meet some nice people and saw some great cars. The location was very pretty, and the Hotel was great. We will go back just to stay there again.
I will up load some photos early next week.

 

[johnei]

Yes I think there were a number of areas that needed better organization but it was the first time they've done a show and everything came together in 4 to 5 months. Next year should be a lot better. Otherwise I agree, weather was great (especially coming from Chicago), a number of the cars were great and I met a number of interesting people.

I have some photos of the Maseratis up.

http://www.flickr.com/gp/[email protected]/r366cg

 

[Ron Avery]

Palm Springs

Yes all of that is true, I did not mean to sound like it was awful at all.
As promised attached are the photos. My 2003 Coupe Gt in in the middle of the other 4200's.
Ron

 

[johnei]

Great photos, I like your 4200 GT. That motor is absolutely sensational.

Otherwise I don't mean to come across as defensive. The organizers definitely want to improve things for next year so if you or anyone else who attended have suggestions please post them. I will pass them along, I've already brought their attention to your suggestions.

 

[Bcube]

So what was up with the red, blue, silver maser owners. Too good to park with us?

We were parked first and had the better hand. Three of a kind and with a '67 Mistral as a high card.

 

[johnei]

Almost time again, although Alfa Romeo will be featured this year. It would be great (for me especially) to see a few Maseratis out as well. The information I have is the following, but it is a from a few months ago so it could have changed. Also, don't let those other owners clubs show up the Trident.

The featured marque of the 2009 Desert Classic Concours d’Elegance is Alfa Romeo, with early participants from the Alfa Romeo Owners’ Club, Ferrari Owners’ Club and Porsche Owners’ Club. In addition, as a special tribute to the late Robert Pond, co-founder of the Palm Springs Air Museum, noted aviator and car collector, an array of his most noteworthy automobiles will join this year’s Concours, some on public display for the very first time. Also planned for this year’s Concours, which will again focus greatly on premier racing cars, is a selection of Dan Gurney’s winning Eagles.

The tour is on Saturday February 28th and the show will be Sunday the 1st.
http://www.desertconcours.com/visitors.html

 

[johnei]

The route map for the Saturday tour is online. Looks like it should be a good open road route.

http://www.desertconcours.com/images/Tour-Classique-Map.gif

 

[BigFoot]

Post some pics after the event johnei!

 

[Bcube]

We can't make Saturday's drive, but plan on having the Spyder in the Display Corral on Sunday.

(Oh dear, another whole day of detailing)

 

[johnei]

Don't spend a whole day detailing if you don't want to. I always think it is better to have a car that doesn't have the trailer queen look.

I have seen the entry list and there are several interesting Maseratis. Both pre-war and post-war. A number of other unusual Italian cars.

 

[johnei]

Just got back to the snow.

Here are the photos I took. I hope everyone enjoyed the show.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/[email protected]/sets/72157614736599886/

 

[Bcube]

Nice shots. Here a few from my cell phone. (remembered to charge the battery on the Nikon...and then forgot to bring it.)

 

[BigFoot]

The 8C is amazing! Thanks for the photos Bcube

 

[johnei]

If anybody has any suggestions or ideas about ways to improve the event let me know, either by posting a response or PM. I will pass it along to the organizers.


Thank you