Cars of the Stars to be seen at the 2nd Annual Desert Classic Concours d'Elegance
By Shawn Tamon Bennett-Natoli
Cars & Parts magazine dated March 1979
Great classic cars will again be seen in the beautiful winter resort setting of Palm Springs, California on March 1, 2009 at the historic O'Donnell Golf Club. Palm Springs has long been the winter escape for stars of the entertainment world and many of the early celebrities drove their expensive automobiles to the desert resort cities. These “cars of the stars” will be on display at the Desert Concours along with more than 100 of the finest examples of classic design, engineering and performance. Judges will award trophies to the best of each class.
A few of the early entries include:
1927 Pierce Arrow Cabriolet: Purchased new by Louis B. Mayer and used by Humphrey Bogart, Lana Turner, Jean Harlow and Norma Shearer.
1955 Austin Healey 100 "S": Owned and raced in the early 1950's by actor Jackie Cooper.
1958 Cadillac El Dorado Brougham: Only 704 of these expensive, hand made cars were built. First owners included Bob Hope, Frank Sinatra and John Wayne. GM lost over $10,000 per car on these prestige pieces.
Again this year, another of the very early Ferrari will be shown. This one, a classic "Barn Find" long thought lost forever. Alfa Romeo is the featured marque and a display of important and historic Alfa Romeo’s will be seen along with cars of the Alfa Romeo Owners Club. Other significant classic cars included: Ferrari, Maserati, Bissarani, Aston Martin, Jaguar, Pegaso, Bugatti, Delahaye, Packard, Lincoln, Cadillac, Rolls Royce, Bentley and more.
A tribute to the history of the Riverside International Raceway will feature a class for the Gurney Eagle racecars built and raced by Dan Gurney. Famous race drivers and designers of the 50's, 60' and 70's will be among the judges and officials at this event.
Refer to www.DesertConcours.com, or call 760-766-2824, for entry forms and ticket information.
In conjunction with the Desert Concours, the Riverside International Automotive Museum will feature a display of cars and personalities as a preview of the Legends of Riverside event to be held at the Museum, March 27-29, 2009. Additional information is available at www. LegendsofRiverside.com.
The Desert Classic Concours d'Elegance is a 501(c)(3) organization. Net proceeds will benefit Palm Springs area charities including, Animal Samaritans, the Palm Springs Mounted Enforcement Unit and Desert Samaritans for the Elderly.
CONTACT INFORMATION:
www.DesertConcours.com info@DesertConcours.com
760-766-2824
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