Can the Desert Concorso Become a Top-Tier Concours?

Photography by Afshin Behnia and Yoav Gilad for Petrolicious

The inaugural Desert Concorso was held this past weekend in Palm Desert, California, about two hours drive east from Los Angeles. There was an interesting mix of cars, and lovers of Italian machinery couldn’t have been disappointed. It was a gorgeous, sunny day in the desert and walking on to the green you were immediately greeted by a fleet of Ferraris. Most of the Ferraris were from the 1980s or later, but there were a few especially noteworthy cars including an F40 (check out the Speedline rims!) and a Dino.

Maserati was well represented as was Alfa Romeo, but with the exception of one Scorpion, there were no Lancias. Classic Fiats and Lamborghinis were also in short supply. Perhaps next year. The Desert Concorso is thrown by the same folks who organize the Concorso Italiano (that coincides with the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance), but this event still has a while to go before it commands the same attention. Interestingly, many newer cars were in attendance including several Lamborghini Gallardos. Having said that, the classics that were there were spectacular, including a Maserati 250 and MC12, Ghia-bodied Plymouth Explorer, Toyota 2000GT and Lamborghini 350gt. We’re already looking forward to next year, a bigger Concorso, and an even larger roster of classics. Enjoy the photos and let us know what you think!