What did you think of the Concorso?

[randyleepublic]

Here's my report:

Incredible collection of cars! Beautiful women! I forgot to charge the battery on my camera!

Anyway, quite a show! Only disappointment was the relatively weak showing by the Alfa faction. By that I mean weak relative to the strength of the marque. There were no pre-war cars at all. The selection of post-war cars was heavily weighted in favor of the somewhat bland models of the 80's and 90's, i.e. 164s and series four Spiders. A couple of so-so roundtails, a couple of so-so series 2 spiders, (no '72s - the best year of all U.S. Duettos IMHO). Some gorgeous GTVs including a stunning GTC . One 2600 sprint. One Alfetta. No 2600 Zagatos. One or two GTAs. Two Berlinas. A fair number of all three Giulia models. A couple of Giuliettas. One Giulietta Berlina. (Thanks for bring that little sweety!) The owners were largely not in evidence to show them off, although that was, I think, my fault for not getting there earlier.

Not to say that I did not have a great time. The Lancias were out in force. Many fascinating post-war models. Blindingly beautiful Iso-Griffos and Iso-Rivoltas. Lambos to die for. Ferraris - well, they leave me speechless. My personal favorite was not exactly Italian, although I hear it was designed by an Italian. It was this amazingly crafted Pegaso. Beautiful, very, very, high quality coachwork, a nicely finished small block V8, a stunning interior, and proportions that, what, 40 years later still seem like a practical proposition in terms of drivability.

My take-away was a renewed appreciation for the fundamental practicality of my Alfas. All those beautiful cars, but for most of them, when I applied my acid test, i.e. step back, look at it, and ask myself, Could I drive this on a regular basis?, again and again the answer was a grudging, wrenching "no". But my Alfas, Wee! No problems. Drive away! And by-and-large they are darn near as classic as all those "hanger queens" and "unafordables". Also I am now determined to get one of my Sport Sedans ready for next year. It'll easily be the best one there!! (OK, OK, the only one there )

See you next year,

[vintageveloce]

Well, after going to the concorso for about 15 years, I finally had an Italian car to bring. I was overjoyed to show my GTV.
Having a car there made all the difference, as it made it easy to bring chairs and a picnic lunch, which we set up about 30 feet from the car in the shade of a tree. My girlfriend really enjoyed this setup, where I don't think she would have enjoyed being a regular spectator (without a trunk full of picnic gear) at all. We arrived very early and thus drove right in, and then we left early and drove right out. No traffic problems either way.
Actually, I had sworn this would be my last Concorso. My thought was that it was hard to find the interesting cars amoung the rows and rows of identical common ones. It's like a needle in the haystack problem. And I think that is definitely still true as a spectator. Pebble and the Quail are much better for viewing I think. But as an exhibitor, the concorso was be fun as a picnic event... so I will reconsider my decision, maybe I will be back next year!
Also, one of our own 101/105guy received a great trophy! He should tell that story, it's a great one.
One last note, I was not thrilled at the local club's attempts to arrange the cars. I arrived early expecting my choice of spots, and was directed to "park in back". I understood the idea: to present a nice variety of cars in the main section. But I also thought it was bogus to "save" spots for someone who was late. And I noticed some Alfa's remained covered until 11AM! I knew these arrangement rules never really work or hold true (people always sneak around them) and I stuck to my guns and insisted on parking in the main area. I apologize if I offended any of the hard working club guys placing cars, I really didn't intend to do that. But I wasn't willing to leave a spot open for someone supposedly might arrive later, thats not fair either. And they really should have insisted the covers be removed by the 9:30 opening time. Otherwise it should just be 1st come, 1st serve. But my thanks and appreciation for their efforts regardless! It does take real effort to put these events on, and they have my thanks for that!
A fun event. I hope everyone enjoyed it at least as much as I did.
C

[gt601]

What??? No pictures????

[harrygibus]

I agree, what gives, picts are in order.

(Com' on, dont be selfish)

Jay

[randyleepublic]

Seriously, I forgot to charge my camera's batteries. I have two so-what shots of a Duetto's nose. That's it. That's all.

Sorry...