More than just Italian cars: Concorso Italiano organizers expand to Desert Concorso

Concorso Italiano photos by David LaChance.

Concorso Italiano is one of the cornerstones of the world-famous Monterey Weekend every August. This gathering of Italian cars – heavy on the exotics, with a dash of production cars for balanced flavor – is a celebration of Italy’s speed, style and culture. The organizers of that show have finalized details on their new event, Desert Concorso, which debuts next month.

Desert Concorso will continue to embrace Italian food, fashion, art and music, but it will expand its focus to welcome special vehicles from other nations, as well. Expect to find some of the finest British, German and French classics, and even unique American hot rods, on the manicured lawns of the Shadow Mountain Resort. A special display of European classics will come from the Petersen Automotive Museum, and to celebrate Maserati’s centennial, the Riverside International Automotive Museum will show some of its classic Maseratis.

This is the second time the organizers of Concorso Italiano have tried branching out. The Concorso Atlantico was their 2012 effort at creating an East Coast counterpart to the show.

The event will take place between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Sunday, March 30, at the Shadow Mountain Resort in Palm Desert, California, and spectator adult admission costs $70. Children under age 14 are admitted free with a paid adult. For more information, visit DesertConcorso.com.