Concorso Italiano 2009

quote:

Originally posted by MBLotus:
... We will be attending the Concorso with our newly restored 74L ... Steve & Kim Griffin

quote:

Originally posted by Joules5:
... I plan to attend with the GT5, keep a special spot for her ... Julian

Steve, Julian, great news, you know I always enjoy spending time & chatting with both of you.

Absolutely Julian....
She will always have a special spot in my heart, and at Concorso as well.

quote:

Originally posted by Joules5:
Coz,
I plan to attend with the GT5, keep a special spot for her
Julian

Coz,

I plan on attending with my 72 Euro-spec GTS.

Thanks,
Tony

Dear Enthusiast,

I would personally like to invite you to join us at this year's Concorso Italiano presented on the beautiful fairways of the Laguna Seca Golf Ranch, Friday, August 14th.

We have been diligently working to restore Concorso to what you remember it to be. Over the past several weeks we have been providing updates about our special programs, honored guests, and car club support. We want to keep you informed so that you can see the progress that is being made. Frank and Janet Mandarano, as advisers, have been instrumental in building this 24th edition of the Concorso to include the following features and guests:
• The Ferrari 288 GTO 25th anniversary reunion inspired by Joe and Margaret Sackey. We are anticipating over 15 of these supercars.
• The 50th anniversary celebration of the founding of DeTomaso.
• Matteo and Luca Fioravanti, whose father Leonardo managed the designs of the Ferrari 288 GTO and many other Ferraris and Alfa Romeos.
• Tom Tjaarda, the designer of the Pantera will introduce his impressive Tjaarda PSV. (Personal Security Vehicle)
• Valentino Balboni, test-driver for Lamborghini.
• Lilli Bertone (wife of Giuseppe "Nuccio" Bertone) and Michael Robinson, Brand Manager and Design Director of Bertone Cento. We will have a small display of selected Bertone cars including some Alfas and Fiats designed by Bertone.

Keith Martin, long-time publisher of Sports Car Market and collector-car personality has returned as MC, to share his wit and knowledge with you. Concorso favorite Alan Richmond joins him as MC.

Concorso Founders Frank and Janet Mandarano are back, providing their vision and extensive contacts in the Italian automotive community to bring very special people to Concorso, just as they used to. FYI, Frank's very successful Car Guy Tour gets underway on Sept 27th to Oct.7th. The Tour visits places you only dreamed of: contact Frank at (206) 310-8380 or visit www.carguytour.com.

Most importantly, as the new owner of Concorso, you have my pledge that Concorso will be the absolute best all-Italian car event on the peninsula, just as it used to be. I guarantee there will be lots of complimentary hot coffee in the morning for exhibitors, and that exhibitors will enjoy the comfort of their respective hospitality tent and the camaraderie of their fellow enthusiasts.

If you're coming as a spectator, you'll be able to park on-site on the fairway and won't have to deal with bussing, which can be a time-wasting nightmare under the best of circumstances.

In short, when you make your plans for Friday, August 14th, I urge you to put Concorso Italiano at the top of your list. It will be the best Concorso ever.

Here are some of the clubs that have officially endorsed the new Concorso, and that will have an official presence:

Ferrari Club of America-Pacific Region
Pantera International
Ferrari Owners Club
Lamborghini Club America
FIAT America
Iso-Bizzarrini Club
Allanté Club of America
American Lancia Club

For more information about Concorso, see our website at www.concorso.com. To purchase tickets and/or register your vehicle, click here www.concorso.com/tickets.htm. Don't delay; best pricing is still available. I look forward to seeing you at Concorso.

Sincerely,
Tom McDowell
Owner, Concorso Italiano
(425) 742-0632

Now that The FCA and LCA have "officially" endorsed Concorso, who does that leave at La Dolce Vita? Are we going to have half of our cars at one event and half at another? A bunch of us from Canada are seriously considering making the trip with our cars, but it will be a shame if we are split into two camps. Has POCA offically endorsed one over the other? I gather that PI has made Concorso its official choice.

I have been watching both Concourse sites and haven't seen much evolution at La Dolce, so I am hoping the critical mass is with Concorso and there will be one GREAT event and not two marginal ones. Can any of you guys going to the "other" even post your thoughts and intentions, especially if you have changed your minds from earlier posts.

Thanks!
Mark

POCA will provide information about both events on the POCA website and in the POCA Newsletter as well as in the forums but will take no "official" stand.

quote:

POCA will provide information about both events ... but will take no "official" stand.

Why?

Tom from Concorso told me tonight that there are 9 Pantera's signed up so far.

More news from Concorso on what going on...

1. 50th Anniversary of DeTomaso
2. 25th Anniversary reunion of the Ferrari 288GTO
3. Tom Tjaarda
4. Lilli Bertone and Michael Robinson
5. Valentino Balboni
6. Matteo and Luca Fioravanti
7. Hospitality is provided for all Exhibitors which includes hot coffee, pastries in the AM, fruit, bar snacks, and bottled water all day.
8. A separate entrance for Exhibitors. Spectators will have free on-site parking.
9. A broad selection of food and beverage choices.
10. A special guest who will be receiving the La Bella Macchina award
11. A broad selection of vendors (with profiles of selected vendors to
be announced in the coming days.
12. The Elvis Presley Pantera, on loan courtesy of the Peterson Museum

Early Bird Pricing to Close June 30th

This is a quick reminder that the last day for Concorso Italiano’s early bird pricing is Tuesday, June 30th. We urge you to visit www.concorso.com to take advantage of the special prices before they change.
The following features are only a portion of the special experience that awaits you on the lovely lawns of Laguna Seca Golf Ranch on Friday, August 14th:

• DeTomaso, the 50th Anniversary
• Ferrari 288GTO, the 25th Anniversary and the largest ever gathering of this Ferrari
supercar
• Tom Tjaarda, the legendary designer and his latest concepts
• Valentino Balboni, renowned Lamborghini test driver
• Lilli Bertone and Michael Robinson of Bertone Cento
• Matteo and Luca Fioravanti of Fioravanti SRL, creator of the 288GTO
• Many exciting cars in the Concorso Centerpiece Display including:
o Elvis Presley’s famous Pantera, with the bullet hole intact
o The Tjaarda special Pantera
o The famous Bertone-designed BAT 11
o The 1955 Ghia Gilda Coupe Concept
o As mentioned, the largest ever gathering of the 288GTO
• A cornucopia of culinary delights
• Sun, heat, and the summer weather you expect
• On site parking, with NO BUSING
• Fashion, music, and the full restoration of a legendary event
• A special award ceremony to honor Jay Leno, car collector and entertainer
If you are looking for raw energy, and a sea of bright colors join us at Concorso Italiano for the annual celebration of Italian style. If you want solitude, there are probably a few city parks where you can convene.
The party is at Laguna Seca Golf Ranch on Friday, dont miss it.

Admission Tickets
• $85 through June 30
• $100 July 1 - August 14
• Children 12 and under are free
when accompanied by a paying adult.
Includes:
• One Admission Ticket
• Complimentary On-site Parking
• Event Goody Bag
• Collector's Magazine
(while supplies last)
Food will be available
throughout the event!


Italian Vehicle
•$100 through June 30
•$150 July 1 - August 13
• Children 12 and under are free
when accompanied by a paying adult.
Includes:
• Entrance for your registered vehicle
• Entry for two vehicle occupants as the vehicle enters the event
• Two Vouchers for the Italian Vehicle Hospitality Pavilion
• Event Goody Bag per person
• Collector's Magazine per person (while supplies last)
*all other guests or handlers in your party must purchase an additional admission ticket


Italian Motorcycles
• $75 through August 13
• Children 12 and under are free
when accompanied by a paying adult.
Includes:
• Entrance for your registered
motorcycle and yourself into the event
• One voucher for the Ducati Hospitality Pavilion
• One Event Goodie Bag
• Collector's Magazine (while supplies last)
• An additional ticket is available at a discounted rate of $25 for Motorcycle passengers (limit 1)

*all other guests or handlers in your party must purchase an additional admission
ticket at full price.

Non-Italian Vehicle
•$150 through June 30
•$200 July 1 - August 13
• Children 12 and under are free
when accompanied by a paying adult.
Includes:
• Entrance for your registered vehicle
• Entry for two vehicle occupants as the vehicle enters the event
• Two Vouchers for the Non-Italian Vehicle Hospitality Pavilion
• Event Goody Bag per person
• Collector's Magazine per person (while supplies last)
*all other guests or handlers in your party must purchase an additional admission ticket.

So far there are 25 signed up at last count.