“Concorso Italiano’s unique format features more than 800 – 1000 vehicles of Italian origin, and its atmosphere is on the vehicles on display, conversations between people who love and appreciate them, and elements of Italian style such as fashion, food, music and art – all of this on the beautiful grounds of the Laguna Seca Golf Ranch. The Ranch was crafted by Robert Trent Jones Senior & Junior and nestled among the oak-studded hillsides of Monterey, providing breathtaking views of gorgeous Central Coast landscapes.
Take everything ever made in Italy, from fashion to Ferraris, sprinkle it with some red wine, slather it in sunshine, and top it with elegance and fun, and you have Concorso Italiano.”
Truthfully, the description provided by the Concorso event page is pretty spot on. 2012 marked the 2nd year that NWAS was in attendance at this ever-popular event of pure automotive expression, and the 1st year of attendance for our content coordinator who couldn’t help but feel right at home on the plush grounds of Laguna Seca Golf Ranch.
We started the morning off bright and early, reaching the gates in the eG RWB with our parking pass and just enough time to spare to enjoy the early arrivals before the lawns were hustling & bustling with show goers and participants alike.
Monterey Car Weekend Concorso Italiano entrance Ford GT Gulf
We spotted a handful of exquisite machines as we waited to be permitted entry. One in particular that caught our eye was this Ford GT rep sporting the ever-popular Gulf Racing livery!
Monterey Car Weekend Concorso Italiano eG Porsche RWB
Once we were past the guards, the RWB found its place on the edge of the outcasts. Even though Concorso Italiano is “strictly Italian,” they don’t mind making a little extra room for enthusiasts and cars of all varieties & builds. In between a smattering of Porsches and right before you might reach the Japanese section, one could spot the mighty blurple monster. We found out later that the purple marking flags were intended for Japanese cars to begin with, so it really only seemed fitting that a purple German car modified by one of Japan’s most inspired builders would sport a matching marker at an Italian car show dominated by red & yellow horses and bulls. Surely the Rauh Welt felt right at home with its fellow P-cars both young and old.
Monterey Car Weekend Concorso Italiano Porsche
Monterey Car Weekend Concorso Italiano EVOSPORT Porsche
As we started to make our first pass through the rows & rows of pristine machines and automotive goodies, we spotted a new favorite – one of the few Pagani Huayras that has managed to make it stateside. The Huayra is a stunner; aside from its incredible finish work, insane level of build quality & performance, of all the vehicles on the grounds for Concorso it easily won the award for “most flawless exterior.” The paint showed unmatched depth and almost zero surface imperfections, which just goes to show how much special care goes into these high performance works of art. Keep in mind that this is the very same Huayra that has been making the rounds for press junkets and shows over the last year, as well as seeing a fair amount of street driving time in Monterey; not many other cars can receive that much attention without needing some serious care.
Monterey Car Weekend Concorso Italiano Pagani Huayra
Monterey Car Weekend Concorso Italiano Bertone Volvo 262 coupe
Moving deeper into the fray we found ourselves staring longingly at the numerous Bertone beauties strewn about the show. Bertone has developed, built & personalized automobiles from nearly every facet of the industry; from Abarth, Alfa Romeo, Citroën, Ferrari, Fiat, Iso Rivolta, Lancia, Lamborghini, Mercedes Benz, Opel and even Volvo! Always distinctive, Bertone builds tend to carry over a strong “family resemblance” even across manufactures. Granted, drawing strong cues between the Volvo 262 Coupe above and the Nuccio Concept below might be a bit of a stretch, but even still it’s easy to see how the Bertone design language finds ways of redefining its principles while staying true to the distinct Italian flare that carries so much prominence.
This year marks Bertone’s 100th anniversary since conception in 1912, and Concorso Italiano was the perfect place for a warm reception. The Nuccio Concept pulled in the kind of crowds one might find on the Concept Lawn at the Concours d’Elegance; both young and old stopped to admire and investigate every nook & cranny of the highly stylized and impeccably crafted machine.
Monterey Car Weekend Concorso Italiano Bertone Nuccio Concept
Monterey Car Weekend Concorso Italiano Cats Exotics NWAS
We ventured towards Lamborghini Hospitality and linked up with the one and only Cats Exotics. Since the gentlemen were looking dapper as usual, Blake & Johnathan took a moment to step back from the hustle & bustle of the morning to pose for a photo opportunity. If anyone ever tries to tell you that polka-dots and gingham don’t match, just look them straight in the face and say “power clashing.”
Policing outfits aside, fashion plays a big role in the atmosphere of Concorso Italiano & all the action that surrounds Monterey during the few days of events. Sure, dress codes aren’t exactly strict and style is only as personal or as adventurous as the wearer chooses, but that doesn’t stop anyone from pulling out their Sunday’s best every day of the week even if no one is looking.
For the record, we were definitely looking.
Monterey Car Weekend Concorso Italiano circle frame glasses
Of all those dressed to impress, the folks who accessorize outside of what is the norm really make Concorso’s fashion magical. The woman pictured above was one of the few at the event that happened to be wearing circular frames, which we later found out were a very limited design purchased from a boutique in Venice, Italy. Fitting, indeed!
Monterey Car Weekend Concorso Italiano old man’s hat
Around the same time we met the Queen of Frames, Blake introduced himself to an older gentleman who was taking power clashing to a new level. Between the vintage inspired print button up shirt and a gingham hat sporting more pins & adornment than most decorated officers, this guy had it going full steam. Clearly we need to take more notes for next year!
Monterey Car Weekend Concorso Italiano ferrari F50 F40 photographers
Heading away from the bulls and towards the prancing stallions, we came upon the ever-popular trio of fast Ferraris. The F50 was receiving a majority of the attention, with the 288GTO and F40 trailing close behind.
Monterey Car Weekend Concorso Italiano Ferrari Dino Pea Soup Green
Truthfully, the one car from Maranello that garnished the most looks from us had to be this very soupy pea green Dino 246 GT. We’ve detailed out a Dino in the past, and while there is always something timeless about a red car from Italy, a funky but period correct green one is really something special. All too often green cars are overlooked or overstated in tones kelly, forest, or dare we say it, verde ithaca;; this split pea Dino hit it right on the money.
We received word that Roy Cats would be doing an interview with Motor Trend Radio, so we cut across the lawns and made a bee-line for the Fiat tent.
Monterey Car Weekend Concorso Italiano Roy Cats Cats Exotics Meow Meow Interview
Our timing couldn’t have been better. Roy was already up to bat and setting the record straight on Lamborghini production history & making sure the prying public knew that Cats Exotics was truly the cats meow. Once the interview had wrapped up, we were just a few paces from the rest of the Fiat display, which just happened to also be exhibiting some very meticulously hand rolled cigars!
Monterey Car Weekend Concorso Italiano Hand rolled cigars from Fiat
Fiat definitely played their cards (and cars) right when it came to Concorso this year. They brought out a wide array of 500s spec’d out in everything from Gucci to full Abarth trim, and even had a race-ready variant sporting plenty of carbon and a full cage. It would be hard for anyone not to enjoy being surrounded by Italy’s finest city cars, listening to a DJ spin some afternoon electronic music while polishing off a couple tasty insalata caprese bites and a glass or two of cab sav in good company.
Monterey Car Weekend Concorso Italiano Fiat snacks & wine
Monterey Car Weekend Concorso Italiano Fiat fix agan license plate
The public display of Fiats was impressive too. Perhaps the manufacturers sponsorship of the event had something to do with the strong turnout, but Fiat lovers & owners had arrived in full force. Seeing the dichotomy between old and new Abarths is definitely something to behold, but the fine details found on the classics are easily overlooked for modern appeal.
Monterey Car Weekend Concorso Italiano Fiat Abarth old and new
How often do we see branded wiper bracing & 3-color Italian flag window banners, or wicker seats for that matter?
Not often enough.
Monterey Car Weekend Concorso Italiano Fiat_wicker_seats
Having seen nearly everything Fiat had to offer, we decided to do a few more laps to work off the complimentary lunch, and see if we could capture more of what makes Concorso a must-see. As with most of the events in Monterey throughout car week, it’s not just about hard parking a classic or super car on the grass and letting people ogle at it, but instead being involved with the culture and enthusiastic lifestyle that comes along with ownership of something prized & admired.
Monterey Car Weekend Concorso Italiano Nissan GTR distracted model
As you may have gathered thus far, people watching goes hand in hand with car spotting in Monterey. Sometimes being distracted by a car rolling out might lead to a great capture of people just being people. Or if luck will have it, you might walk right up on someone who looks to be handling serious business & just begging to be captioned later.
Monterey Car Weekend Concorso Italiano important call
Without a doubt though, by the end of the day one might find themselves with more pictures of photographers than automobiles. It’s nearly impossible to avoid, and thus it’s better to just seize the moment and frame them up!
Monterey Car Weekend Concorso Italiano photographers
It’s always refreshing to see younger generations finding appreciation for classics too, even in pedal car form. Battery power could never be this cool!
Monterey Car Weekend Concorso Italiano pedal car kid
We started to make our way back toward the Cats Exotics booth and walked past a few of Lamborghini’s elite. We spotted current President and CEO of Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A., Stephan Winkelmann was shaking hands and pausing for photo ops with fans, only to discover Valentino Balboni was also doing his best to please the adoring public.
Monterey Car Weekend Concorso Italiano Lamborghini Stephan Winkelmann
And when we say adoring, we mean it. One friendly lady we bumped into was excited and quite eager to show off a newly acquired autograph from the former chief test driver of Lamborghini. She told us she makes a point of getting Balboni’s signature every year that she attends the event & it’s becoming more and more of a tradition for the two of them!
Monterey Car Weekend Concorso Italiano Valentino Balboni signature
With Lamborghini greatness everywhere we looked, it was hard to pick and choose. Of all the Aventadors out at the event though, the Nero Pegaso Metallic on black wheels was a clear winner. Sure, say what you will about factory matte black being more “Batman,” outrageous colors belonging on outrageous cars, or how the internet famous chromed out Team Salamone Aventador gets infinity more looks, but the fact of the matter is the simplicity of black/black Lamborghini shining in the California sun is just hard to beat.
Monterey Car Weekend Concorso Italiano Lamborghini Aventador
We also have to give an honorable mention to the matte pink Murcielago from the Italian Stampede that was positioned in front of Lamborghini Hospitality for going so bold with their wrap. Matte pink wraps aren’t seen too often, and this one was just pink enough to not be too baby-ish, and just matte enough to really show off against all the other shiny metallic cars out that day.
Monterey Car Weekend Concorso Italiano Italian Stampede matte pink Lamborghini
Monterey Car Weekend Concorso Italiano catching shade
The event seemed to be winding down as people & animals alike started to seek a bit of shelter from the hot afternoon sun. One guy was even smart enough to pop his hood up and use the little bit of extra shady space to get off his feet for a bit. This race-ready pooch, however, looked to have already reached the finish line…
Monterey Car Weekend Concorso Italiano tired dog is tired
Monterey Car Weekend Concorso Italiano Pantera Panther
Feeling like we were reaching our own final lap we cruised back towards the RWB, weaving through a handful of Panteras and cutting through the lineup of vintage Italian autos awaiting judgement.
Monterey Car Weekend Concorso Italiano judging car line up
Monterey Car Weekend Concorso Italiano Ferrari F50 undercover
Taking the covered F50 as a cue that the show was over, we packed up our camera gear & belongings and hit the streets. With a long next day ahead of us at Mazda Laguna Seca for the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion, we wanted to be sure we would be rested and ready for anything & everything!
For more insight into our 2012 Monterey Car Week adventures, check out our en-route write up featuring tons of hi-res car spotting in Carmel!