Shiny Things in the Sand: 2012 RANCHO MIRAGE DESERT CLASSIC CONCOURS D’ELEGANCE

Fabulous Delage set the tenor for the entire event

It was my recent good fortunte to serve as an emcee for the Rancho Mirage Desert Classic concours, and in case you weren’t there, here’s a copy of the official press release along with some great photos by my pal Kirk Gerbracht. If you plan to be in or around SoCal next February, put this one your calendar. Its a really high quality regional show put on by real car people at a spectacular resort near Palm Springs and Palm Desert. In case you wondered, yes this is the event that took place at LaQuinta last year, also a wonderful desert resort, but this new location proved the perfect fit.

Here’s the entire scoop:
The 2012 Rancho Mirage Desert Classic Concours d’Elegance ended its 5th annual event on Sunday, February 26, showcasing over 250 world class rare vintage cars and motorcycles displayed on the green at the 4-star Westin Mission Hills Resort & Spa in Rancho Mirage. The event was produced in partnership with Palm Springs Life magazine.

Awards in several prestigious categories were handed out including

Super Indeed - a most worth Best of Show

Best in Show Award to Don Murray and his elegant 1963 Ferrari Super America, and the People’s Choice Award to Peter Giabobbi’s outstanding 1959 Ferrari Testa Rossa replica hand built by him from all authentic Ferrari components.

Very cool vintage warbird flyover

With an exceptional field of classic cars, race cars, and vintage motorcycles, as well as a breathtaking aerial display of international war birds by the Tiger Squadron, the 2012 Rancho Mirage Desert Classic Concours d’Elegance offered a thoroughly memorable spectator experience. The spectacular weather and stunning ambiance of the Westin Mission Hills Resort & Spa provided the perfect combination for this event which was attended by a record number of spectators.

The City of Rancho Mirage, and this Rancho Mirage Resort, were perfect hosts

‘‘The premiere of the Desert Classic Concours d’Elegance in Rancho Mirage exceeded our expectations,” commented Rancho Mirage Mayor G. Dana Hobart. “We look forward to a long and productive relationship with the event’s leadership.”

Everybody loves Ferraris, and this show packed plenty of them; newer, older, and in between

The event was attended by members of the prestigious guests from the Petersen Automotive Museum and The Checkered Flag 200 Club who were out in force mixing with the large crowds of car enthusiasts and the general public. The weekend of fabulous events included The Desert Tour Classic, The Desert Auction, and the Rancho Mirage Desert Classic Concours d’Elegance. In addition, the Classique on Saturday morning drew hundreds of people who lined the streets of the Coachella Valley to watch the Desert Tour participant’s parade past.

The Desert Classic Concours d’Elegance is a world-class exhibition of rare and vintage cars spanning the history of automotive excellence. The annual event features a week of public events including presentations, displays, car auction, and classic car races. Rated amongst the

“Top Ten Classic Car Shows in the World,” The Desert Classic Concours d’Elegance features an exciting line up of over 250 museum quality domestic and foreign cars.

The Desert Classic Concours d’Elegance is a Palm Springs Life Event

For further information visit: http://www.desertconcours.com/

Please don’t leave, many more great photos just below.

I attend a lot of car shows, and rarely see a Paige, much less one this nice.

My buddy's Jeff's Alfa Spider; see the two long legged girls in the background? The one on the left is my Linda, the one on the right is photographer Kirk's wife Cathy

A great Ferrari that nobody ever gets tires of looking at, a 275 GTB, of courseMy friend Andy Cohen's droolworthy small-block Shelby Cobra (and yes, it's a real one...)