Concorso Italiano is a big celebration of all the best cars from Italy. While it got a little too big for a while there, it has had a new corner of the Blackhorse Golf Course on Fort Ord for a couple years now and it seems to have settled in nicely. The car count went from over 1000 (mostly F355s) to right around 550 or 560 cars. That may still sound like a lot, but remember that any one of these cars would make you stop on the street of Your Town USA and gawk.
“I like it better,” said Concorso capo Tom McDowell. “It’s easier to manage the size, much easier to manage at a smaller size. We’re always striving to get the best cars there and have some engaging celebrations.”
"Seems like a fun show every time, but I might just like Italian cars so maybe I'm biased in that regard," said Concorso MC and author Matt Stone. "Concorso ranks high on the week's list of events now. Large single theme shows (Luftgekuhlt, Rennsport Reunion, Werks, Autobahn Legends, etc) have become popular, and with Concorso drawing so many great cars and marques together under the Italian flag it accomplishes and celebrates a lot. Plus the vibe is lovely, people are relaxed, and everyone seems to really enjoy it. Its never going to knock Pebble Beach or the vintage races off the calendar, but belongs in the top tier now."
This year there were anniversaries for the Countach, Bora, and Pantera, all 50 years young, as well as the 31st anniversary (there was no show last year, remember) of the Diablo. Next year will be even better, McDowell promises.
“We’re going to be celebrating an Italian designer,” he said.
It's too soon to announce which Italian designer, but we have a year to guess. Now get going on that project car!