After a ten-year hiatus, the 24th SB Concours comes back stronger than ever. Our man Jim Palam was on the field.
The Santa Barbara Concours weekend kicked off with a wine country tour: A Salute to the Mille Miglia. Beginning last Friday morning, the tour was open to all cars participating in Saturday and Sunday show events. An outstanding scenic drive weaved through the Santa Ynez vineyards, traversed over sun-drenched mountains and valleys, taking participants through charming towns along the way. In addition to wonderful roads and breathtaking scenery, there was a catered gourmet lunch at a boutique winery, a champagne celebration at the finish, and commemorative gifts.
On Saturday the Concours hosted the 5th Concours d’Italiano, bringing the spirit of Italy to the Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club. A wide variety of vintage and modern models from Ferrari, Lamborghini, Alfa Romeo, Abarth, Fiat, Iso, Bizzarrini, De Tomaso, La Forza and Lancia were display.
Local resident Patrick McCoy’s ‘58 Ferrari 250GT S1 Pinin Farina Cabriolet, above, was one of the most outstanding entries from the marque of the Prancing Horse. It had been literally rescued from the ashes of a devastating wildfire, below, -- and fully restored. It’s a breathtaking machine. Guests also enjoyed authentic Italian food and music.
American car enthusiasts also had something to cheer about on Saturday. The 5th Tribute to American Classics brought a touch of Main Street, USA to the Polo & Racquet Club. A huge selection of vintage Detroit Iron, oldies music and the aroma of hot dog and hamburger grilling greeted domestic car buffs.
The main event on Sunday reminded participants, spectators and judges of the glory days of this spectacular event that started in 1986. One of the most popular cars on the 200-plus-car field was a bright yellow ’14 Pope Hartford Portola Roadster, right, owned by Bill & Lee Gularte, Soledad, CA.
It had been raced in Baja by its first restorer, Elan Taliaferro in the 1950s, and has since taken Firsts in 2006 at the Hillsborough and Palo Alto Concours and a Best of Show at the Ritz Carlton Half Moon Bay Concours.
Judging by the quality of this year’s show, I don’t expect another hiatus anytime soon!
For video coverage of the Santa Barbara Concours, please visit,
http://wn.com/Santa_Barbara_Concours_d%27_Elegance_2010