2023 Concorso Italiano
Published on . Event was held at Black Horse Golf Course on .
#cars #Alfa Romeo #auto show #California #classic cars #event #Ferrari #Lamborghini #Maserati #Monterey Car Week #Pebble Beach #photo gallery
Alfa Romeo, Fiat and De Tomaso
It was a very special event for me — a car festival celebrating the beauty of life, curvy body lines, Italian design, and historic cars.
I got to the golf course early and took my time exploring the exposition. I was stunned by every step of the way. Alfa Romeos came into sight first, with rows of my all-time favorite GT coupes, a few petite 4Cs, and even an 8C in a very fitting Special Competition Red color.
Alfas were followed by Fiat automobiles, featuring the wedge-shaped and modernistic X1/9 by Bertone — a very different and somewhat provoking design. De Tomaso Pantera and Pantera 90 Si developed the style with edges rounded off.
This is my first immersion into the world of Italian cars, and even though I’ve seen some before, the variety, rarity, distinct features, and elegant shapes captivated me.
I loved every brand present! From automotive giants like Fiat to limited boutique manufacturers like Bizzarrini, De Tomaso, and Iso Griffo. Latter brands had only a few models each throughout their short manufacturing runs. Surprisingly, these Italian supercar brands were stuffing elegant Italian cars with mighty American V8s manufactured by Chevrolet or Ford.
The prevailing impression was: “I can’t believe there can be something even more beautiful and unique than what I see right there, at the moment. Let’s spend some more time here, exactly where I am.”
Maserati and Bizzarini
The next lot featured Maserati with three distinct groups of cars: ’70s, ’90s, and more recent examples. Merak and Bora are absolutely stunning and so different in style from what I think of as Italian. How come they are so edgy and sharp yet look so beautiful, fresh, complete, and relevant? True masterpieces!
The Maserati Biturbo S Spyder didn’t age as well, but still looks like a statement.
Modern Maseratis are pretty, intricate, and plush inside and out, but I see no continuation in style between them and older cars.
It was the perfect time to catch a breath and grab a snack at this halfway point. I had a poke bowl and good coffee (as frequent at car shows as a Lamborghini Miura). There was a wine stand to take the edge off and have a casual chat with a Cigar Sommelier.
Adjacent to the Maserati display was the main judging field with the announcer and main spectator stand. Cars lined up in an improvised staging area and drove in one by one. This was the most lively location — with an ever-changing composition, well-dressed spectators, and a vibrant atmosphere. You don’t have to walk up to cars — they come to you. And only the best of the best, too!
Lamborghini
Moving on to the Lamborghini section. Similar to Maserati, not only are these gorgeous cars, but the design language of the brand has changed dramatically over the years. Yes, it remains true to the mid-engine layout with a low and wide stance, but the details differ a lot.
I find the simplicity of the Gallardo and Murciélago’s lines quite different from Diablo’s gentle and complex shapes. Countach and Urus strike a balance between both.
The Miuras stole the show.
Ferrari
And here it is — the unquestionable headliner and eye candy — Ferrari. With the most representative selection among all brands present here — from the 212 Vignale Coupe and Dino to Ferrari Roma and 812GTS.
I don’t remember seeing F40 or F50 — it was a blur for me at that point. I sank into the Ferrari Red Sea. Feel like the majority of cars were from the ’90s to late ’00s.
Honestly, it is too much beauty and scarcity for one not-that-spoiled photographer. I felt the same way at my first Porsche Reunion event — at Laguna Seca in 2015 — too many supposedly unique cars in one place! It takes practice and exposure not to get overwhelmed. Great problem to have!
Truly, the Ferrari lot could easily be an event by itself. With more space between cars and better separation by generation, I wouldn’t get lost as easily, and my sensations wouldn’t get overwhelmed so quickly. There is a lot to see, absorb, and appreciate there.
Ferrari has the best design continuity, it seems. There was a switch from elegant shapes to sharp edges with models like the 288, 348, and 388 and then — back to curvatures. But somehow, this evolution feels natural.
Conclusion and Bonus Pictures
The event’s atmosphere was special — it felt more like a celebration of a lifestyle rather than just an automotive gathering.
All the ingredients were there — an energetic, well-dressed crowd, unique and exquisite automobiles, live music, good food, and the sharp California sun.
The fact that it’s not a free event and that you can arrive early helps a lot. It never gets as crowded as, say, the Porsche Werks Reunion, and there is a stronger sense of community. Does feel like a holiday!
It’s certainly one of my favorites, and I would love to be back next year. Probably will start my tour with Lamborghini and Ferrari next time!