2007 Concorso Lifts its Italian Skirts For a Peek

Amid all the glitter and glamour of Pebble Beach is a concours with its own version of G&G, mixed with a large helping of Italian brio. I am, of course, talking about Concorso Italiano, probably the largest gathering of vintage Italian machinery in North America. Held on a golf course spread over the hills east of Monterey, Concorso Italiano also offers spectacular views of the ocean and beaches beyond (should you need a visual diversion from the equally spectacular cars). I attended Concorso in 2006 for the first time and left with my head spinning as I attempted to photograph the cars, the fashion show, the elegant Riva speedboats, row upon row of contemporary Ferraris and Lamborghinis, and an entire field full of sports cars and sport sedans that (gasp!) came from countries other than Italy.

When the 2007 Concorso show opened your reporter had other responsibilities and couldn't attend the Monterey classics week. However I'm delighted that the Concorso Italiano organisers e-mailed a "thank you" to those who were there (and one who was not) and included a photo gallery of the cars and events. The image that immediately caught my attention (above) is a Nash-Healey, an attempt by American automaker Nash to team with England's Donald Healey, the objective being a car that would raise Nash's profile. Where's the Italian connection? Pinin Farina was the designer and his company the bodymaker. But wait. weren't all Nash-Healeys roadsters? This is a 1953 coupe! If you can add to our knowledge, or lack of same, please use the "comments" box below. Gracie.

[Photos: Tim Scott at www.fluidimages.co.uk]. Posted by: Philip Powell    Source