Here's a report about the 1995 Concours Italiana
which took place on the Monterey peninsula, located about 200 kilomteres
south of San Francisco along the U.S. Pacific coast. The Concours Italian is part of the
late August weekend which includes the Monterey Historic Car Races and the world
famous Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance as well.
The Concours Italiana is the brainchild of Francis Mandarano and his wife,
Janet. The Mandaranos founded the Maserati Club International in 1976. The
club is the largest Maserati club in the world, with more than 3500 members
from 39 countries. Its first concours was held in 1981 at the Quail Lodge
resort as an informal get-together of Italian car owners who were gathering on the
Monterey Peninsula for the other famous events that weekend. This event soon became
very popular in its own right and the size of the participation has increased enormously. In the
last four or five years the Concours Italiana has become a destination on its own during
the car packed "Monterey Historics Weekend". In 1987 the club called on
Lamborghini, Bizzarrini and Ferrari clubs to participate in a concours, and now the event
features all Italian cars and motorcycles. 1995 marked the CI's ninth year.
But the Mandarano family wasn't totally satisfied so since 1991 the concours
features a certain manufacturer, engineer or designer each year. In 1995,
Giugiaro and Italdesign were featured. Plus a great number of European and
American classic, sports and racing vehicles appeared as guests.
The CI is a "celebration of Italian style" with the aim of squeezing out as
much fun of the event as its possible. As the keyword is fun, there you
will not found judges which is quite a difference from other similar events.
Italian food and Italian music is also provided.
In 1995, over 400 old and new Italian cars and motrcycles were displayed. The
special guest was Giorgetto Giugiaro. Thirty-five Giugiaro cars were
exhibited. One of the reasons that space was provided for non-Italian cars
for the first time this year is probably that Giugiaro has clients all over
the worlds.
Next year's CI is scheduled to feature Nuccio Bertone as special guest.
Photos are courtesy of Dave Sisson
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Copyright January, 1996.
Paul Negyesi